Amazing Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Okay, so you’re looking for *that* side dish, right? The one that steals the show, makes everyone ask for the recipe, and just screams “special occasion”? Well, you’ve found it! My Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is the answer to all your culinary prayers. Honestly, I first whipped this up on a whim during a crazy holiday season, and boy, did it save the day! It’s become my go-to festive idea because it’s so ridiculously easy yet tastes like you spent hours slaving away. Plus, who can resist that salty, crispy bacon hugging tender, slightly sweet roasted Brussels sprouts? It’s a seasonal dish that just works, no matter what’s on the main menu.

Why You’ll Love This Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe

This dish is an absolute winner for so many reasons:

• So Easy! Seriously, you just toss and roast. Perfect for busy cooks.
• Taste Sensation: Crispy bacon? Tender sprouts? It’s a flavor bomb you won’t forget.
• Party Perfect: It looks fancy, but it’s so simple to make for holidays or any get-together.
• Versatile Veggie: It goes with pretty much anything – roast chicken, steak, you name it!

Ingredients for Perfect Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This is where the magic starts, and honestly, it’s pretty straightforward. You want the freshest Brussels sprouts you can find for the best flavor and texture.

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (make sure to get those little tough ends off!)
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped up into bite-sized pieces (I like a nice thick cut for this)
• 2 tablespoons of good quality olive oil (don’t skimp here!)
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt (just to enhance all that yummy flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper (you can always add more later if you like a kick!)

That’s it! See? Told you it was easy. These simple things come together to make something truly special, I promise.

Essential Equipment for Roasting Brussels Sprouts

To get these gorgeous roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon just right, you don’t need a whole lot. A good large baking sheet is probably your most important tool here – you want enough space so everything roasts instead of steams. I also like to have a sharp knife handy for prepping the sprouts and chopping the bacon, and a big bowl for tossing everything together before it hits the pan. Oh, and maybe a nice wooden spoon for mixing!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Alright, let’s get cooking! Making these roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon is honestly the easiest part, but doing it right makes all the difference. I swear, you’ll be amazed at how something so simple can turn out so darn delicious. Just follow these steps and you’ll have a showstopper side dish in no time!

Prepping Your Brussels Sprouts for Roasting

First things first, we need to get our sprouts ready. You want to trim off those tough little ends – they just get stringy. Then, give them a good rinse and cut them in half. Trust me, cutting them in half is key because it gives you more surface area for those delicious crispy edges and helps them cook more evenly. Getting your Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon started right means prepping your veggies!

Achieving Crispy Bacon with Your Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Now for the best part: bacon! After your sprouts have had a good head start roasting, it’s time to add that glorious bacon to the pan. Scatter the chopped bacon all over the sprouts. Make sure there’s a little space between the pieces if you can – this helps the bacon get super crispy instead of steamy. Toss it all together right on the baking sheet. Then, back into the oven they go! You’ll want to keep an eye on them for another 10-15 minutes. You’re looking for beautifully tender sprouts, maybe with a few lovely charred edges, and bacon that’s perfectly golden brown and wonderfully crispy. This is how you get that amazing crispy bacon texture with your Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon.

Tips for the Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Okay, so you’ve got the basic steps down, but here are a few of my favorite little tricks to make your Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon totally unforgettable. First off, don’t overcrowd your baking sheet! Seriously, give those sprouts and bacon some breathing room. If they’re all squished together, they’ll steam instead of roast, and nobody wants soggy sprouts, right? I learned that the hard way! Also, using good quality bacon makes a huge difference in flavor. For an extra spark, a little drizzle of balsamic glaze right before serving is absolutely divine, but that’s optional. For more simple, delicious ideas like this seasonal dish, check out my easy recipes!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Festive Idea

So, let’s chat about these ingredients for our festive idea, the Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon! The stars are really Brussels sprouts and bacon, but sometimes you might not have exactly what the recipe calls for, or maybe you have some dietary needs. No worries! If you can’t find fresh Brussels sprouts, frozen ones can work in a pinch, just make sure to thaw and pat them *really* dry. And if bacon isn’t your jam, try pancetta for a similar salty crunch, or for a vegetarian version, some crumbled tempeh or even extra crispy roasted chickpeas can add a nice texture. Olive oil is pretty standard, but avocado oil would work just fine too!

Serving Suggestions for this Seasonal Dish

Alright, now that you’ve got these amazing Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon ready to go, what should you serve ’em with? They are honestly so versatile! They’re fantastic alongside a juicy roasted chicken or a perfectly cooked steak. If you’re planning a big holiday meal, they’d be a brilliant addition to the table – think turkey, ham, or even a nice pork loin. For a simpler weeknight dinner, pair them with some of my favorite dinner recipes, like baked salmon or even some hearty pasta. They just make everything feel a little more special, don’t they?

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! These Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon actually reheat pretty well. Just pop them into an airtight container and tuck them into the fridge. They’ll keep nicely for about 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, I find the best way is to gently reheat them in a skillet over medium heat. This really helps bring back that crispy texture on the sprouts and bacon. If you’re in a pinch, pop them back on a baking sheet in a moderate oven (around 350°F or 175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. Try to avoid the microwave if you can – it can make them a bit soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Got questions about whipping up these fantastic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon? I’ve got you covered! Here are a few things people often ask:

Can I make Roasted Brussels Sprouts without bacon?

Absolutely! While the bacon adds that amazing salty crunch, you can totally make these without it. For a vegetarian option, try adding some toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even some crumbled feta cheese right after they come out of the oven. Some crispy roasted chickpeas are also a delicious addition for texture!

How do I prevent soggy Brussels sprouts?

Oh, sogginess is the enemy! The biggest things to remember are to preheat your oven properly – you want it nice and hot! – and don’t overcrowd the pan. Give those sprouts and bacon some room to breathe so they can roast instead of steam. Patting your sprouts dry after washing them also helps a ton. That little bit of extra effort makes all the difference for that perfect crispy texture in your seasonal dish.

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely first. Then, and this is super important, pat them as dry as humanly possible with paper towels. You want to get out as much moisture as you can before tossing them with oil and seasonings. They might take a few extra minutes to roast compared to fresh ones, so keep an eye on ’em!

What can I serve with Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon?

These babies are so versatile! They make a perfect side for holiday meals – think turkey, ham, or roast beef. They’re also great with grilled chicken, pork chops, or even a nice salmon fillet. Honestly, they’re so good you might just want to eat them as a main course with a big salad! If you’re ever stuck for main dish ideas, don’t hesitate to reach out via my contact page!

Nutritional Information

Just a heads-up, the nutritional info below is an estimate – what you get can change depending on the exact brands you use and how much bacon you pile on! But generally, a serving of these Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon will give you around:

Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Protein: 10g

Share Your Culinary Creations!

Alright, now that you’ve got the lowdown on making the most amazing Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, I’d just love to hear how yours turned out! Did you try any of my little tricks? Did your family gobble them up? Drop a comment below and tell me all about it – I’m always so excited to hear from you! And if you shared a pic on social media, tag me! Happy cooking!

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