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 sprouts 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 - 1 teaspoon sriracha

There’s something magical about the combo of crispy bacon and caramelized Brussels sprouts that gets everyone at my table asking for seconds. This Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe hits that perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and just a little spicy with a glossy balsamic glaze – it’s a side dish you won't want to skip.

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

Honestly, this Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe is my go-to when I want something that feels indulgent yet healthy. The way the sprouts roast up crispy on the edges while the bacon adds that irresistible crunch makes it so memorable every time.

Perfect Crispy Texture: The method ensures both the bacon and sprouts get just the right amount of crisp without drying out.
Flavor Harmony: Balsamic vinegar, honey, and a touch of sriracha create a beautiful glaze that brings out the best in both ingredients.
Minimal Fuss: One pan, a handful of ingredients, and about 30 minutes later, you’re eating well.
Customizable: You can easily switch up the glaze or spices to match your mood or occasion.

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 plays a key role to make this Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe sing. From the hearty Brussels sprouts that crisp up beautifully to the salty bacon pieces that add burst of flavor, everything works in perfect harmony. Let’s break down why these ingredients shine together.

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: Go for larger ones if you can, they crisp better and avoid getting lost in the skillet with the bacon.
Bacon: Diced bacon cooks alongside the sprouts, rendering its fat to flavor them naturally while crisping up.
Olive oil: Helps everything roast evenly and keeps the sprouts from drying out.
Kosher salt: Brings out the natural sweetness in the Brussels sprouts and balances the richness of bacon.
Garlic powder: Adds subtle depth without overpowering the dish.
Black pepper: Light heat that complements the slight bitterness of the sprouts.
Balsamic vinegar: Gives a tangy, slightly sweet lift for a mouthwatering finish.
Honey: Balances the acidity with a gentle sweetness and helps the glaze coat evenly.
Sriracha: A small kick of heat that livens up the glaze without overwhelming the flavors.

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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 the glaze, which lets you tailor this Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe to your taste buds or dietary needs. Play around with the flavors and find what works best for you—it only makes the dish more fun and personal!

Balsamic Simplicity: Sometimes I just skip the honey and sriracha and drizzle a little straight balsamic vinegar after roasting for an easy, tangy punch.
Lemon Parmesan Twist: Adding fresh lemon zest and parmesan cheese after roasting gives a fresh, bright spin that’s super satisfying.
Sweet & Spicy Maple Dijon: Tossing the sprouts with a maple-Dijon-balsamic combo brings a gorgeous sweetness balanced by tangy mustard kick—one of my favorites for cooler months.
Cranberry Walnut Boost: When hosting, I toss in some cranberries and walnuts to add a festive, nutty crunch and color pop.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F—this temperature is key to getting that perfect crispness. I always line my baking sheet with foil, making cleanup a breeze. Trust me, this small step saves so much hassle later.

Step 2: Trim and Slice the Sprouts

Remove the very bottom of each sprout and peel off any dry outer leaves. I like slicing mine lengthwise, but I leave the tiny ones whole—they cook evenly and add nice variety. Paying attention here makes a big difference in texture.

Step 3: Season and Arrange on the Sheet

Drizzle the Brussels sprouts with olive oil and sprinkle on kosher salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss everything together to coat evenly. Then spread them cut side down on the pan, making sure they don’t crowd each other. This helps each sprout caramelize perfectly. Scatter diced bacon between the sprouts—those little pockets of bacon get wonderfully crisp.

Step 4: Roast Until Tender and Crispy

Bake the pan for 18 to 25 minutes, checking around 18 minutes for tenderness. The Brussels sprouts should be tender but still hold their shape. If the bacon isn’t crispy yet, remove the sprouts and let the bacon finish cooking a few extra minutes. This tip keeps everything perfectly textured without burning.

Step 5: Whisk Glaze and Toss to Finish

While the sprouts roast, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, and sriracha for a beautifully balanced glaze. As soon as the sprouts and bacon come out of the oven, drizzle the glaze over and toss it all gently to coat. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture—you’ll notice how that glaze adds shine and depth.

Top Tip

From my experience roasting Brussels sprouts with bacon, a few simple adjustments make all the difference between good and unforgettable. These tips have saved me from soggy or burnt batches.

Cut Side Down: Arranging the sprouts cut side down helps maximize caramelization and gives you those irresistible crispy edges.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Crowding traps steam and results in soggy sprouts. Give every piece its own breathing room.
Finish Bacon Separately If Needed: If your bacon isn’t crisp when the sprouts are cooked, remove the sprouts and keep cooking the bacon alone—this stops the sprouts from overcooking.
Mix Glaze While Hot: Tossing the glaze on right out of the oven lets it coat the ingredients beautifully and meld flavors perfectly.

How to Serve Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe

crispy bacon Brussels sprouts - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a handful of toasted slivered almonds or chopped fresh parsley on top just before serving. The nuts add a nice crunch and the green pop gives a fresh look. Sometimes, a little extra drizzle of balsamic glaze finishes the dish perfectly.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs like a dream with roasted chicken or pork tenderloin. I love serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or even a simple quinoa salad for a full but balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays, try arranging the roasted sprouts and bacon on a festive platter garnished with pomegranate seeds and fresh thyme sprigs. It instantly elevates the dish for special occasions and gets everyone excited to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay good for about 3 days, and I recommend reheating gently to keep the sprouts from getting mushy.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t my favorite with this recipe because the texture of Brussels sprouts and bacon changes after thawing. But if you must, freeze in a tight container and reheat straight from frozen in a hot pan to regain some crispness.

Reheating

I find reheating in a skillet over medium heat with a touch of olive oil works wonders for restoring crisp edges. Avoid the microwave unless you don’t mind softer sprouts.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and roast the sprouts with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, perhaps adding toasted nuts for crunch and smoky paprika for depth.

How do I prevent the Brussels sprouts from getting mushy?

To avoid mushiness, make sure to spread the sprouts in a single layer without overcrowding the pan and roast at a high temperature (400°F). Cutting the sprouts larger also helps maintain texture.

What can I substitute for sriracha in the glaze?

If you don’t have sriracha, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce works just fine to add mild heat without overwhelming the flavors.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the Brussels sprouts and bacon in advance by trimming and slicing the sprouts and dicing the bacon. However, for best crispness and flavor, roast and glaze just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Every time I make this Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe, it feels like a little celebration of simple ingredients done really well. It’s a dish that gets compliments, disappears fast, and makes me smile because of its warm, familiar flavors. I hope you give it a try and find it as comforting and delicious as I do—it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make a new favorite in your kitchen!