Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: The Ultimate Thanksgiving Side Dish
Looking for that perfect side dish to elevate your Thanksgiving feast? These Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are a total game-changer! Crispy, savory, and surprisingly addictive, they’re the perfect blend of textures and flavors that even picky eaters will love. Ditch the bland veggies this year and bring a dish that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll make them year-round!
Why You’ll Love This Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- Easy to Make: Minimal prep time and simple ingredients make this a stress-free Thanksgiving recipe.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of smoky bacon and caramelized Brussels sprouts is pure deliciousness.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Even Brussels sprouts skeptics will be converted by this recipe.
- Perfectly Versatile: A fantastic side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any weeknight meal.
- Healthy-ish: While the bacon adds some indulgence, Brussels sprouts are packed with nutrients. A win-win!
- Elevates Your Thanksgiving Dinner: Move over plain sides, this dish will become a Thanksgiving staple.
Ingredients for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- 1.5 lbs Brussels Sprouts, trimmed and halved (or quartered if large)
- 6 oz Bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon Balsamic Glaze (for drizzling after roasting)
Substitutions:
- Bacon: Use pancetta or turkey bacon for a leaner option. For a vegan version, try smoked tofu or tempeh bacon.
- Olive Oil: Avocado oil or coconut oil work well too.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Omit if you don’t like spice.
How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly. Trim off the ends and remove any yellow or wilted outer leaves. Halve or quarter them, depending on their size, ensuring they’re roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron works great!), cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the Brussels sprouts to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Toss to coat well. If there isn’t enough grease, add the olive oil.
- Season: Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper over the Brussels sprouts. Toss again until everything is evenly distributed.
- Roast: Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the skillet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and nicely browned, flipping halfway through for even cooking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Add Bacon Back In: During the last 5 minutes of roasting, add the cooked bacon back to the skillet, tossing to combine with the Brussels sprouts. This will warm the bacon and infuse even more flavor.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and drizzle with balsamic glaze (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy these phenomenal Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon!
Pro Tips & Variations
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will steam the Brussels sprouts instead of roasting them. Use a large skillet or two smaller ones.
- Preheat your pan: Heating the pan in the oven while it preheats helps to get those lovely crispy edges.
- Taste as you go: Adjust seasoning to your liking.
- Vegan Variation: Use smoked tofu or tempeh bacon and your favorite vegan bacon alternative. Ensure its crispy!
- Gluten-Free Variation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free!
Serving Suggestions
These Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are a perfect addition to any meal, but they especially shine as part of your Thanksgiving dinner.
Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Alongside a juicy Thanksgiving turkey or turkey breast.
- With creamy mashed potatoes and gravy.
- Added to a Thanksgiving salad with cranberries and pecans.
- As a component of your Thanksgiving menu, complementing other Thanksgiving sides dishes.
- Part of a beautiful Thanksgiving feast spread.
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store leftover Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Microwaving is an option, but it may make them less crispy.
FAQ about Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time for my Thanksgiving dinner?
A: Yes, you can roast the Brussels sprouts and bacon a day ahead. Store them separately. Then, before serving, reheat them in the oven and combine, this will help you with your Thanksgiving dinner ideas and planning process.
Q: What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
A: No problem! Cook the bacon in a regular skillet on the stovetop, then transfer the Brussels sprouts and bacon to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for roasting. Your thanksgiving sides dishes will be ready in no time!
Q: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Consider adding chopped butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or onions for a colorful and flavorful twist. You’ll have a delicious Thanksgiving casserole!
Q: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A: Add a pinch more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce after roasting. Serve with a thanksgiving punch to cool things down.
Q: This looks delicious, but what about healthy thanksgiving recipes?
A: While the bacon adds some indulgence, using turkey bacon or reducing the amount of bacon makes this a much healthier side choice that doesn’t skimp on flavor!
Final Thoughts on Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! These Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are more than just a side dish, it’s a flavor explosion that will have your family raving. It’s perfect for thanksgiving entertaining ideas and makes preparing an impressive thanksgiving spread a breeze.
Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for future reference, leave a comment below letting me know how it turned out, and subscribe to my blog for more delicious and easy-to-make recipes! Happy cooking and Happy Thanksgiving!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Equipment
- Oven-safe skillet
- skillet,
- oven
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Brussels Sprouts trimmed and halved (or quartered if large)
- 6 oz Bacon cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes optional, for a little kick
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon Balsamic Glaze optional, for drizzling after roasting
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly. Trim off the ends and remove any yellow or wilted outer leaves. Halve or quarter them, depending on their size, ensuring they’re roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron works great!), cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the bacon grease in the skillet.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the Brussels sprouts to the skillet with the reserved bacon grease. Toss to coat well. If there isn’t enough grease, add the olive oil.
- Season: Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper over the Brussels sprouts. Toss again until everything is evenly distributed.
- Roast: Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the skillet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and nicely browned, flipping halfway through for even cooking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Add Bacon Back In: During the last 5 minutes of roasting, add the cooked bacon back to the skillet, tossing to combine with the Brussels sprouts. This will warm the bacon and infuse even more flavor.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and drizzle with balsamic glaze (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy these phenomenal Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon!
