Name: Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds fresh Brussels sprouts; 4 ounces bacon, diced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1 1/2 teaspoons honey; 1/2 - 1 teaspoon sriracha

There’s something irresistibly delicious about the combination of smoky, crispy bacon and caramelized Brussels sprouts. This Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe brings that perfect balance of textures and flavors that always impresses at the dinner table.

The image shows roasted Brussels sprouts with a golden brown and slightly crispy outer layer mixed with small pieces of red bacon scattered around. A thick amber-colored syrup is being poured over the top, falling down in a smooth stream that glistens under the light. The Brussels sprouts have a mix of green and caramelized dark brown spots, giving a textured and shiny look. Near the top right, a wooden spoon is partially visible, lifting some sprouts. The scene is set on a surface with white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I really love this recipe because it takes simple ingredients and turns them into something special that even Brussels sprouts skeptics will devour. Crispy bacon adds crunch and savoriness, while the roasting brings out a deep, nutty flavor in the Brussels sprouts.

Perfectly Crispy: The bacon crisps up beautifully alongside the sprouts, creating a mouth-watering contrast.
Simple Ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples make this an easy weeknight winner.
Flexible Flavors: From balsamic sweetness to a spicy kick, this recipe adapts nicely to your taste.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep ahead or reheat leftovers without losing that crave-worthy crispiness.

A close-up of a bowl filled with halved Brussels sprouts that are browned and caramelized on the cut sides, showing a mix of light green outer leaves and darker green inner leaves. The Brussels sprouts are layered closely together, each with a crispy texture. Scattered on top and around the sprouts are small, bright red cubes of cooked bacon, adding a pop of color and a glossy appearance from the rendered fat. The bowl is white with a rustic brown rim, and the background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe plays a key role—especially how the bacon fat helps caramelize the sprouts. When shopping, look for firm, bright green Brussels sprouts and good quality bacon for the best results.

Flat lay of fresh large Brussels sprouts, diced raw bacon pieces, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of coarse kosher salt, a small white bowl each of garlic powder and black pepper, a small white bowl of dark balsamic vinegar, a small white bowl of amber honey, and a small white bowl of deep red sriracha sauce, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Brussels sprouts: Larger sprouts work best here to get a tender inside and crispy edges without burning.
Bacon: Use diced bacon so it crisps evenly and mingles around the sprouts perfectly.
Olive oil: Just enough to coat the sprouts and help with roasting.
Kosher salt: To season and bring out all those natural flavors.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory depth without overpowering.
Black pepper: For a gentle warmth that complements the bacon.
Balsamic vinegar: Balances richness with tangy sweetness.
Honey: Brings a gentle sweetness to the glaze.
Sriracha: Just a touch to wake up the flavor with a mild heat.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love mixing things up depending on the season or what I have on hand. This Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe is a great base for experimentation, so tweak the seasoning or add-ins to suit your cravings.

Variation: One of my favorite twists is adding a sprinkle of Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon after roasting for a bright, cheesy finish that pairs beautifully with the bacon.
Vegetarian swap: Leave out the bacon and increase olive oil, then toss in toasted nuts for crunch.
Spicy kick: Adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your heat preference—or swap it for smoked paprika for a smoky vibe.
Sweet swap: Try substituting maple syrup for honey in the glaze for a richer, autumnal touch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Step 1: Prep your ingredients carefully

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with foil — it makes cleanup way easier. Then trim the Brussels sprouts by slicing off the bottom stem and peeling away any dry outer leaves. Cut larger sprouts in half lengthwise, leaving small ones whole so they roast evenly.

Step 2: Season and arrange with care

Drizzle the sprouts with olive oil in the foil-lined pan, then sprinkle on kosher salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Toss everything so each sprout is nicely coated. Arrange them cut side down on the pan with a little space between for crispiness. Scatter the diced bacon pieces evenly in the gaps.

Step 3: Roast and watch closely

Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 18 to 25 minutes, checking at the 18-minute mark. The sprouts should be tender but still have some bite, and the bacon should be crispy. If the sprouts are done but the bacon isn’t quite crisp, you can take out the pan and bake the bacon alone for a few minutes.

Step 4: Whisk your glaze and toss

While your sprouts and bacon roast, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, and sriracha in a small bowl. When the veggies come out of the oven, drizzle this glaze all over them and gently toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Top Tip

Through many batches, I found a few tricks that made every Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe I make turn out just right. These little pointers will help you avoid common pitfalls and get that perfect balance of crispy and tender.

Size Matters: Choosing larger sprouts helps prevent them from drying out or burning before the bacon crisps up.
Cut Side Down: Roasting sprouts cut side down encourages a beautifully caramelized surface that you’ll love.
Don’t Overcrowd: Give each sprout some breathing room on the pan so they roast evenly and crisp instead of steam.
Glaze Off the Heat: Add your balsamic-honey-sriracha glaze right after you take them out of the oven to keep the bacon crispy.

How to Serve Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe

crispy bacon Brussels sprouts - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and crunch. A little lemon zest gives a lovely fresh aroma that brightens the rich flavors without overpowering.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs perfectly with roasted chicken, pork chops, or even a hearty grain bowl. I love serving it next to creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter noodles for a comforting meal everyone enjoys.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I like arranging the Brussels sprouts and bacon on a large platter with fresh rosemary sprigs and pomegranate seeds scattered around. It looks festive and makes the dish feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It’s best to let the sprouts cool completely before sealing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

I usually don’t freeze this recipe because the bacon loses some of its crispiness after thawing, but if you must, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag to minimize clumping.

Reheating

To keep the crisp texture, I reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes on a foil-lined tray. Microwaving makes the bacon soggy, so I avoid that whenever possible.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts in this Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe?

Frozen Brussels sprouts tend to release more moisture when roasting, which can make it harder to get that signature crispiness. If you use frozen, be sure to thaw and pat them very dry before roasting, and expect a slightly softer texture.

How do I make the bacon extra crispy?

To get crispy bacon, make sure the bacon pieces are evenly sized and spaced out on the baking sheet, so they cook evenly. If after roasting the sprouts the bacon isn’t quite crisp, remove the sprouts and cook the bacon a few more minutes on its own under the broiler while watching closely.

Can I use turkey bacon or another substitute?

Yes, turkey bacon or tempeh bacon can work as substitutes, but the flavor and texture will differ from traditional bacon. If using alternatives, be mindful of their cooking times since they may cook faster or slower than regular bacon. Adjust seasoning to maintain the savory balance.

What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, use your oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes to bring back crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the bacon soggy and the sprouts mushy.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s just so darn satisfying. It’s a simple way to turn humble veggies into something packed with flavor and texture that everyone raves about. Give it a try—you might find yourself making it again and again just like I do!