When you think of comfort food, what comes to mind? For me, it’s the crispy, savory delight of brussels sprouts with bacon. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen, a blend of earthy greens and smoky, salty goodness—it’s enough to make anyone weak in the knees. The moment you take a bite, the crunch gives way to tender sprouts, and that bacon? Pure heaven.
This dish doesn’t just taste amazing; it also holds special memories for me. I remember a family gathering where I nervously brought these brussels sprouts with bacon as my contribution. To my surprise, they vanished quicker than you could say “vegetable.” Seeing everyone devour them with joy made my heart swell. Perfect for holiday dinners or a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and family alike.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dish combines ease of preparation with vibrant flavor profiles that will leave you craving more
- The visual appeal of crispy bacon entwined with perfectly roasted brussels sprouts is simply irresistible
- Versatile enough for any occasion, it pairs beautifully with various mains or stands alone as a delightful side
I can still hear the chorus of approval from my family as they dug into those brussels sprouts with bacon—priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Brussels Sprouts: Look for bright green sprouts that feel firm to the touch; avoid any yellowing leaves.
Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for a hearty flavor; the crispy bits add texture to every bite.
Olive Oil: A drizzle helps crisp up the brussels sprouts while enhancing their natural flavors.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste preferences.
Garlic Powder: This adds a lovely depth of flavor; use fresh garlic if you prefer a more robust taste.
Parmesan Cheese (optional): For an extra touch of decadence, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make brussels sprouts with bacon
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect crispiness on your sprouts.
Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Trim the ends off each sprout and slice them in half. This allows them to cook evenly and absorb all that delicious flavor.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine halved brussels sprouts and chopped bacon. Drizzle olive oil over them and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss thoroughly until everything is coated.
Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier—thank me later!
Bake Until Crispy: Roast in the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the brussels sprouts are golden brown and caramelized. Stir halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.
Add Finishing Touches: If desired, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the hot brussels sprouts right after removing them from the oven. Let it melt slightly before serving.
And there you have it! Crispy, savory brussels sprouts with bacon to elevate any meal. Enjoy!
You Must Know
- Brussels sprouts with bacon are a match made in culinary heaven, combining the earthy flavor of the sprouts with crispy, savory bacon
- Don’t skip the caramelization step; it adds a delightful sweetness and depth to the dish
- You can serve this side dish at any gathering, and it’s sure to impress!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by roasting the Brussels sprouts until they’re golden brown. While they roast, crisp up your bacon in a skillet. Combine them right before serving for maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add garlic or balsamic vinegar for an extra layer of flavor. You can also swap out bacon for pancetta if you’re feeling fancy—who doesn’t love a little Italian twist?
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 10 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly crispy Brussels sprouts, make sure they are spread out on the baking sheet without crowding them
- Tossing them halfway through cooking ensures even browning
- Always use fresh bacon for that unbeatable crispiness and flavor
Cooking Brussels sprouts with bacon brings back memories of family gatherings where everyone fought over the last piece. The combination was always a hit, leading to many requests for seconds!
FAQ
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Yes, but fresh Brussels sprouts yield a better texture and flavor.
What type of bacon works best?
Thick-cut bacon is ideal for achieving maximum crispiness and flavor.
How do I know when the Brussels sprouts are done?
They should be tender and caramelized on the outside when finished cooking.
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Brussels sprouts with bacon is the ultimate comfort food, combining crispy, savory bacon with tender, caramelized Brussels sprouts. The irresistible aroma fills your kitchen, while each bite delivers a delightful crunch and rich flavor. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Side
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 6 oz thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine halved Brussels sprouts and chopped bacon. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss until well-coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and crispy, stirring halfway through.
- If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan over the hot mixture right after removing from the oven.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, consider drizzling balsamic vinegar before serving. - Swap bacon for pancetta for an Italian twist. - Ensure sprouts are spaced out on the baking sheet to achieve maximum crispiness.
