Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Mandy Applegate
I love making Brussels Sprouts with Bacon when I need a healthy side dish to win over picky eaters and impress guests. The sprouts get irresistibly crispy with caramelized edges while bacon pieces are scattered on top, adding smoky richness to every forkful. A drizzle of balsamic creates a glossy, sweet-tangy finish that makes this dish a total crowd-pleaser. I make them for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Friendsgiving, and Sunday dinners because they work for both special occasions and casual weeknights. They keep in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 207 kcal
- 1 pound frozen Brussels sprouts thawed and halved
- 4 slices of bacon chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
Set the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
1 pound frozen Brussels sprouts, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, Salt and black pepper
Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet and sprinkle the chopped bacon evenly on top.
4 slices of bacon
Bake for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the sprouts are tender, caramelized on the edges, and bacon is crispy.
Remove from the oven and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
Serve warm as a side dish.
Here are my best tips for perfect Brussels Sprouts with Bacon every time:
- Thaw completely: Make sure the Brussels sprouts are fully thawed and patted dry with paper towels so they roast rather than steam.
- Cut them in half: Halving the sprouts creates more surface area for caramelization and helps them cook evenly.
- Don't crowd the pan: Spread the sprouts in a single layer, leaving space between them so they get crispy edges instead of soft, soggy ones.
- Stir halfway through: This ensures even browning on all sides and prevents the bacon from burning in spots.
- Add balsamic at the end: Drizzling the vinegar after roasting keeps it from burning and lets the sweet-tangy flavor shine.
- Storage trick: Store leftover sprouts and bacon separately if possible so you can recrisp the bacon in a skillet before serving.
Calories: 207kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 7gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 175mgPotassium: 496mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 863IUVitamin C: 96mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Brussels Sprouts with Bacon