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A close-up shot of a serving of crispy, roasted Bacon Brussels Sprouts in a rustic bowl.

Crispy Roasted Bacon Brussels Sprouts

This classic side dish features tender-crisp Brussels sprouts roasted to perfection with savory, crispy bacon bits, creating an irresistible combination of flavors and textures.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs Brussels sprouts trimmed and halved
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon diced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil if needed
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 tbsp balsamic glaze optional, for finishing

Equipment

  • Large Skillet (cast iron preferred)
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife
  • Slotted Spoon or Tongs
  • Paper Towels

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Wash and trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts, removing any loose outer leaves. Cut each sprout in half through the stem. Dice the thick-cut bacon into small, even pieces (about 1/2 inch).
Cook Bacon
  1. In a large skillet (cast iron works great) over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until it's crispy and golden brown. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Reserve about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet. Discard any excess fat or save for other uses.
Sauté Brussels Sprouts
  1. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat. If there isn't enough bacon fat (at least 1 tablespoon), add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the Brussels sprouts are tender-crisp and nicely browned, about 10-12 minutes.
Season and Combine
  1. During the last 2-3 minutes of cooking the sprouts, add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir constantly until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Season the sprouts with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Return the crispy bacon bits to the skillet with the Brussels sprouts. Toss everything together to combine.
Serve
  1. Transfer the Bacon Brussels Sprouts to a serving dish. If desired, drizzle lightly with balsamic glaze before serving warm.

Notes

For extra crispy sprouts, ensure they are in a single layer in the skillet or baking sheet. If roasting, toss them with bacon fat on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, then add bacon and garlic towards the end. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or air fryer for best results.