Smoky, savory Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon—the best side for cozy dinners with your favorite people.
Essentially a tiny, adorable cabbage, the Brussels sprout has at times been misunderstood. I can’t forget the flavorless, flaccid green bulbs I sequestered to the edge of my plate as a child. However, I’m happy to say that sometime between then and now, this glorious member of the Brassica family has undergone a sort of rebranding.
In the spring of 2019, I sat down at a buzzy little restaurant in New York City’s East Village and ordered their famous Brussels sprouts. I couldn’t tell you anything else about what I ate because those dreamy sprouts stole the show. They were roasted to caramelized, crispy perfection. That’s why I love this recipe—much like Brussels sprouts from the East Village, they showcase everything that’s great about my favorite Brassica.
By roasting Brussels sprouts in the oven, the dry heat brings them to a delightful crispiness while the bacon enhances the caramelization process. So, even if you think you don’t like Brussels sprouts, you ought to still give this recipe a shot. It’s totally likely you just haven’t had them prepared in the right way before. And trust me—this is the right way!
Are Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon Healthy?
Brussels sprouts are low in carbohydrates and extremely rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, making them easily fit into any healthy diet. However, the (delicious) addition of bacon makes this dish somewhat higher in saturated fat. To modify this recipe to suit a vegetarian diet, add a smoky flavor to the dish without bacon. All you need is smoked salt to taste and a couple of dashes of liquid aminos! If desired, you could also use turkey bacon, which is a bit lower in fat.
How To Reduce That Bitterness
Brussels sprouts contain thiocyanates, which tend to cause their bitter taste. The thiocyanates are more concentrated at the center of the sprout, which is why the bitterness is significantly reduced when the sprout is cut in half and then exposed to high heat and acid, usually in the form of lemon or vinegar. Thank you, food scientists!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store, make sure the Brussels sprouts have cooled completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
To keep things simple, these Brussels sprouts pair remarkably well with Air-Fryer Gnocchi, which takes less than half an hour to make. If looking for ideas for a full meal, serve the sprouts with a Roasted Chicken and some Quick Baked Potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts washed and dried
- 4 ounces bacon diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Prepare a large baking sheet with a light coating of oil or nonstick spray.
- Trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and slice each one in half lengthwise.
- Place the Brussels sprouts, bacon, and minced garlic on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together to coat and spread out in an even layer.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning the sprouts halfway through until they are tender and the edges are caramelized. The bacon should be crispy.
- Remove from the oven and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Toss to coat evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately.
- DEVOUR!
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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