I’ll be honest—Brussels sprouts weren’t always my favorite vegetable. I used to think they were one of those foods you either loved or avoided completely. But roasting them changed everything for me!

These Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon are one of my favorite ways to prepare them. The Brussels sprouts become beautifully browned and crispy around the edges while staying tender inside. Add salty, smoky bacon and a little garlic, and suddenly Brussels sprouts become something everyone at the table wants more of.

I usually make this recipe when I need a quick side dish for dinner, but it’s also fantastic for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering. Honestly, the caramelized edges are the best part!

Ingredients

For the Brussels Sprouts

1½ lbs (680 g) fresh Brussels sprouts
6 slices bacon, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

Optional Flavor Additions

1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Step-by-Step Method

1. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Wash the Brussels sprouts and trim off the tough bottom ends.

Cut larger Brussels sprouts in half. If they’re very small, you can leave them whole.

Pat them thoroughly dry. This is important because excess moisture can prevent them from getting crispy.

2. Prepare the Bacon

Chop the bacon into small pieces.

I usually cut it fairly small so that the bacon becomes crispy and distributes evenly throughout the Brussels sprouts.

3. Season Everything

Place the Brussels sprouts and chopped bacon on a large baking sheet.

Add olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.

Toss everything together until the Brussels sprouts are evenly coated.

Make sure the Brussels sprouts are arranged mostly in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan.

4. Roast

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.

Roast for approximately 25–30 minutes, tossing everything once halfway through.

The Brussels sprouts should be browned and caramelized on the outside, with crispy edges and tender centers.

The bacon should also be nicely crisp.

5. Add Extra Flavor

Once the Brussels sprouts are out of the oven, taste them.

For a slightly sweet and savory version, drizzle over a little maple syrup or honey.

For a tangy finish, add a small splash of balsamic vinegar.

If you love cheese, sprinkle Parmesan over the hot Brussels sprouts.

6. Serve Immediately

Transfer the roasted Brussels sprouts to a serving dish.

Garnish with fresh parsley and a little freshly cracked black pepper.

Serve while they’re hot and crispy.

Cooking Tips

Dry the Brussels sprouts well

This is one of the easiest ways to improve the texture. Wet Brussels sprouts tend to steam instead of roast.

Don’t overcrowd the pan

Give the sprouts plenty of space. If they’re packed too closely together, they won’t develop those delicious crispy edges.

Cut them evenly

Try to keep the Brussels sprouts similar in size so they cook at roughly the same rate.

Put the cut side down

For halved Brussels sprouts, placing the cut side directly against the baking sheet helps create a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Use high heat

Roasting at around 425°F (220°C) helps caramelize the outside while keeping the centers tender.

Watch the bacon

Bacon can cook quickly, so if your pieces are very small, start checking the tray a little earlier.

Serving Suggestions

These Brussels sprouts pair beautifully with so many main dishes.

I usually serve them alongside:

Roast chicken
Turkey
Steak
Grilled chicken
Pork chops
Roast beef
Baked salmon
Mashed potatoes
Mac and cheese

They’re especially good as part of a holiday dinner alongside turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy.

Easy Variations

Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Drizzle 1 tablespoon of maple syrup over the roasted sprouts just before serving.

Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Add 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar after roasting for a sweet and tangy finish.

Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the hot vegetables and let it melt slightly.

Spicy Brussels Sprouts

Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne before roasting.

Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts

After roasting, toss the sprouts with 1 tablespoon of melted butter and extra minced garlic.

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 6 servings:

Calories: 190 kcal
Protein: 7 g
Carbohydrates: 13 g
Fat: 13 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Fiber: 5 g
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 430 mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the bacon, oil, and portion size.

Conclusion

If you think you don’t like Brussels sprouts, I honestly recommend trying them roasted with bacon before giving up on them.

These Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon are smoky, savory, caramelized, and wonderfully crispy around the edges. The bacon adds so much flavor, while the high-temperature roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the Brussels sprouts.

I usually make a big batch because somehow they disappear much faster than I expect!

They’re simple enough for a weeknight dinner but delicious enough for a holiday table. Once you try them this way, Brussels sprouts might just become one of your favorite vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I make Brussels sprouts crispy?

Make sure they are completely dry before roasting, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet, and roast them at a high temperature around 425°F (220°C).

2. Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

Yes, but fresh Brussels sprouts generally give the best crispy texture. If using frozen, roast them directly from frozen and give them plenty of space on the baking sheet.

3. Can I make this recipe without bacon?

Absolutely. Simply leave out the bacon and add a little extra olive oil. You can also add Parmesan, nuts, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for additional flavor.

4. Can I prepare Brussels sprouts ahead of time?

Yes. You can trim and halve the Brussels sprouts several hours ahead. Store them covered in the refrigerator, then season and roast when you’re ready.

5. How should I store leftovers?

Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3–4 days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer to help bring back some of their crispiness.