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 (larger size preferred for crispier bacon); 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 to 1 teaspoon sriracha

There’s nothing quite like the crunch and savory punch you get from a Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe. This dish turns humble Brussels sprouts into a caramelized, crispy, flavor-packed side that even the pickiest eaters will thank you for. Let’s dive into making a recipe that became a fast favorite in my kitchen!

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

This Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe is the kind of dish that turns a vegetable side into the star of the show. What I love most is how the crispy bacon bits enhance the sprouts with a smoky, salty crunch that pairs beautifully with a touch of sweetness and a little heat.

Perfect Crispy Texture: The oven roasting method ensures Brussels sprouts get tender inside while the bacon crisps up deliciously around them.
Balanced Flavors: A tangy-sweet balsamic glaze with a hint of sriracha adds layers of flavor you wouldn’t expect but will crave again.
Easy Cleanup: Roasting everything on a foil-lined sheet pan means less mess and more time enjoying your meal.
Highly Adaptable: You can tweak the glaze or spices to suit your taste or dietary needs effortlessly.

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

The magic in this recipe comes from just a few simple ingredients that complement each other so well. Look for fresh, firm Brussels sprouts with larger heads—they hold up better and make it easier to get that perfect caramelization with the bacon.

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: Choose ones with tight leaves and a firm feel to avoid bitterness and sogginess.
Bacon: Diced bacon crisps up nicely and adds that smoky, savory goodness that really elevates the dish.
Olive oil: Helps the sprouts roast evenly and develop that lovely golden color.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle warmth and depth.
Pepper: Brings a gentle kick and rounds out the seasoning.
Balsamic vinegar: Provides a tangy, slightly sweet balance that cuts through the richness.
Honey: A little sweetness to marry the flavors and add a sticky glaze.
Sriracha: Just a touch for heat—optional but I highly recommend it!

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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 experimenting with this Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe by swapping out the glaze or adding extra mix-ins. It’s a flexible canvas that adapts beautifully to whatever idea you want to try.

Variation: I once tried the lemon Parmesan version with thyme and it added a bright, fresh twist that was incredible, especially in springtime.
Dairy-Free: Skip the Parmesan and substitute maple syrup for honey in the glaze for a warmer flavor without dairy.
Spice Level: Adjust the sriracha to suit your heat tolerance—or swap it for smoked paprika for a smoky punch without the burn.
Nutty Add-Ins: Toss chopped walnuts or pecans in the last five minutes of roasting to add crunch and richness.

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

Step 1: Prep & Trim for the Best Bite

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with foil—it really saves on cleanup. Trim the Brussels sprouts by slicing off the tough bottom stem and peeling away any yellow or floppy outer leaves. Then slice them lengthwise, except for smaller sprouts under an inch, which I leave whole for variety and visual interest.

Step 2: Season and Arrange Perfectly

Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, kosher salt, garlic powder, and pepper in the foil-lined pan. Here’s my trick: spread them cut side down in a single layer so they caramelize nicely instead of steaming. Scatter the diced bacon all around—not on top—so it crisps evenly between the sprouts. This little spacing hack makes all the difference.

Step 3: Roast to Crispy Perfection

Roast them in the oven for 18 to 25 minutes. I start checking around 18 minutes because every oven varies and you want tenderness without mushiness. If the sprouts are tender but the bacon isn't crispy yet, remove the sprouts and keep cooking the bacon alone—you want those little bites crunchy and irresistible.

Step 4: Drizzle the Glaze and Serve Hot

Whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, and sriracha in a small bowl while the sprouts roast. Once out, drizzle this glaze over the hot Brussels sprouts and bacon, then toss gently. Serve immediately so everyone can enjoy that sweet, spicy, tangy finish while it’s still warm and glossy.

Top Tip

After making this Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe multiple times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really level up the texture and flavor. The difference between just okay and outstanding is in the details.

Cut Side Down: Always roast your Brussels sprouts cut side down for maximum caramelization and flavor.
Bacon Placement: Scatter bacon pieces so they touch the pan and air to crisp up—not just piled on top of the sprouts.
Glaze Timing: Add the glaze last to keep that sticky, shiny finish fresh rather than soggy.
Check Early: Ovens differ, so peek before the timer and avoid overcooked, mushy sprouts.

How to Serve Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe

crispy bacon brussels sprouts - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling some toasted pecans or walnuts on top for texture plus a bit of fresh parsley for color and brightness. A little squeeze of lemon juice right before serving also adds an uplifting zing that balances the richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, pork chops, or even grilled steak. For a vegetarian option, serve with hearty grains like quinoa or farro for a satisfying, balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or special occasions, I sometimes arrange the Brussels sprouts and bacon on a festive platter and drizzle with a little extra glaze at the table. Adding pomegranate seeds or dried cranberries gives a pop of color and sweetness that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find that the sprouts are best reheated gently to keep their texture intact.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but not ideal because Brussels sprouts can get mushy. If you must, freeze on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a bag to preserve shape. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to revive crispiness, or use a toaster oven instead of a microwave, which can make sprouts soggy. A quick toss in a hot pan brings back the flavors and texture nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I get the Brussels sprouts crispy and not mushy?

The key is trimming and halving the sprouts appropriately, roasting them cut side down, and avoiding overcrowding the pan. Also, check early to prevent overcooking—tender but firm is the goal.

Can I make this recipe without bacon?

Absolutely! You can omit the bacon and add a smoky spice like smoked paprika or liquid smoke for flavor. Roasting with olive oil and spices still gives delicious crispiness.

What’s the best way to customize the glaze?

The glaze is flexible: swap honey for maple syrup or omit the sriracha if you don’t want heat. Try lemon juice and zest with Parmesan for a fresh twist, or add Dijon for tangy complexity.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prep Brussels sprouts ahead by trimming and slicing, then refrigerating them in a sealed container until ready to roast. However, for best crispiness, cook just before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen when I want something that pleases a crowd without hours of fuss. The balance of crispy bacon and caramelized sprouts is surprisingly addictive. Give it a try for your next dinner—you’ll be amazed how many compliments you get on a veggie side dish!