Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
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!
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!
Notes
Feel free to use pancetta or turkey bacon for a leaner option, or smoked tofu/tempeh bacon for a vegan twist. Avocado or coconut oil can be substituted for olive oil. Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming the sprouts; preheat the pan for crispy edges. This recipe is naturally gluten-free!