While I’ve previously shared delightful recipes like Balsamic Brussels Sprouts, which offers a lovely sweet and savory profile with pomegranate arils, today we’re diving deeper into the savory realm. This Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon recipe highlights the rich, robust flavors that truly shine during the colder months and festive holiday season. It’s a staple on our Thanksgiving and Christmas tables, and I’m confident it will become a cherished part of your family’s traditions too.

If you’re a devoted fan of both crispy bacon and perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts, then look no further. This recipe relies on just a few simple, yet powerful, ingredients to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor: fresh Brussels sprouts, savory bacon, a touch of olive oil, aromatic garlic, and a hint of Italian seasoning. The simplicity of this combination ensures that even novice cooks can achieve a restaurant-quality side dish with minimal effort. Your holiday table, or even your everyday meal, will thank you!

And if your love for Brussels sprouts runs as deep as mine, you’ll be thrilled to explore more of my creations. Be sure to check out Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries, Lemon Roasted Brussels Sprouts, and Lemon Garlic Brussels Sprouts.  For a lighter, fresher take, don’t miss my exceptional shredded Brussels sprout salads, including the vibrant Brussels Sprout Salad with Apple Goat Cheese Salad, Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Apple and Pomegranate or the classic Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad. There’s a Brussels sprout recipe for every palate and occasion!

Why You’ll Adore These Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

This simple yet profoundly flavorful dish has earned a permanent spot in our recipe rotation, and for good reason. Here’s why we, and soon you, will utterly love these bacon Brussels sprouts:

• Effortlessly Easy Recipe: When it comes to side dishes, simplicity is often king, especially during busy times. This Brussels sprout recipe is remarkably straightforward, requiring minimal hands-on time. Most of the magic happens in your oven, transforming humble ingredients into a gourmet-tasting side. It’s perfect for new cooks or those hectic evenings when you need a delicious dish without the fuss, making it an ideal companion for demanding holiday meal preparations.
• Unforgettable Savory Flavor: The star of this dish, beyond the Brussels sprouts themselves, is the crispy bacon. As it roasts, the bacon renders its fat, infusing the sprouts with a deep, smoky, and salty umami flavor that is truly addictive. The combination of the bacon’s irresistible crunch and the tender, slightly sweet caramelization of the Brussels sprouts creates a symphony of textures and tastes. For an extra layer of decadence, consider sprinkling some grated Parmesan cheese or drizzling a balsamic glaze over the finished dish – these additions elevate the flavor profile even further, creating what I consider the absolute best way to enjoy Brussels sprouts.
• The Ultimate Holiday Side: Crafting a holiday menu that pleases everyone can be a challenge, but this dish makes it easy. Its comforting, rich flavors make it a natural fit alongside your main courses, elaborate salads, and other festive sides. It’s consistently one of the most popular dishes at our holiday dinners, disappearing quickly from the table. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion, these roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon are guaranteed to be a hit.
• Nutritious and Wholesome: Beyond its incredible taste, this dish also boasts nutritional benefits. Brussels sprouts are packed with vitamins (especially C and K), fiber, and antioxidants, supporting a healthy diet. While bacon adds a delicious indulgence, when enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced meal, it contributes essential protein and healthy fats, making this a satisfying and nourishing side.

Essential Ingredients for Your Savory Side

This truly is one of my favorite recipes, not just for its incredible flavor but also for its minimal and accessible ingredient list. You’ll be amazed at the depth of taste you can achieve with so few components!

• Brussels Sprouts: Found in the produce section of your local grocery store, Brussels sprouts are typically available loose or pre-packaged. When selecting, look for firm, bright green sprouts with tightly packed leaves. Before roasting, it’s crucial to trim the woody ends of the stems and remove any loose, yellowed, or wilted outer leaves. For optimal roasting and even caramelization, slice larger sprouts in half. This increases their surface area, allowing them to get wonderfully crispy and brown.
• Bacon: The hero of savory pairings! Bacon adds an unparalleled smoky, salty depth and a fantastic crispy texture that perfectly complements the mild bitterness of Brussels sprouts. You can use regular pork bacon, thick-cut bacon for more substantial pieces, or even turkey bacon for a lighter alternative. However, I highly recommend not skipping this ingredient, as the rendered bacon fat not only crisps the sprouts but also infuses them with an incredible flavor that transforms the entire dish.
• Garlic: A staple in savory cooking, fresh minced garlic brings a pungent, aromatic warmth that elevates the flavor profile of the sprouts. I’m a firm believer that garlic makes everything better, and this dish is no exception. Feel free to adjust the amount to your personal preference – add more for a stronger garlic punch, or less if you prefer a subtle hint.
• Olive Oil: Essential for coating the Brussels sprouts and bacon, olive oil helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven and prevents sticking. It also contributes a subtle fruity note that rounds out the savory flavors.
• Italian Seasoning: While not explicitly mentioned in the initial summary, a touch of Italian seasoning adds an aromatic blend of herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, deepening the overall savory complexity of the dish without overpowering the core flavors.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that enhance all other flavors. Adjusting these to taste after roasting is key to achieving perfect balance.

Mastering the Perfect Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Bacon: A Step-by-Step Guide

Achieving perfectly crispy, tender, and flavorful roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon is simpler than you might think. Follow these straightforward steps to create a show-stopping side dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Preheat Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to a high temperature of 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). This high heat is crucial for achieving that desirable crispy exterior on both the Brussels sprouts and the bacon. While the oven heats, ensure your Brussels sprouts are thoroughly rinsed, trimmed of their woody ends, and cut in half. If any outer leaves are loose or discolored, peel them away. Chop your bacon into bite-sized pieces and mince your garlic cloves. These small prep steps make a big difference in the final texture and even cooking.

Step 2: Combine and Season. In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts, chopped bacon, olive oil, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Toss everything together vigorously to ensure all the sprouts and bacon pieces are evenly coated. This even coating is vital for uniform crispiness and flavor. Once mixed, spread the ingredients out in a single layer on a large, non-stick baking sheet or a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. A single layer is key – overcrowding the pan will steam the vegetables instead of roasting them, resulting in a less crispy outcome. Finally, sprinkle generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection. Place your baking sheet on the center rack of the preheated oven. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally (about halfway through) to ensure even cooking and browning. Keep a close eye on the Brussels sprouts – you’re looking for them to be golden brown, with beautifully caramelized edges, and tender on the inside. The bacon should be wonderfully crispy. Achieving these crispy textures is paramount for the best flavor experience.

Step 4: Season and Serve. Once roasted to your desired crispiness, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Taste a piece of Brussels sprout and a piece of bacon, then adjust the salt and pepper to your preference. Sometimes a little extra seasoning can make all the difference! Serve immediately while warm, allowing the aromas and textures to be fully enjoyed. This dish is at its absolute best fresh from the oven.