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 teaspoon sriracha

There’s something incredibly satisfying about the perfect bite of roasted Brussels sprouts, especially when you elevate them with crispy bits of bacon. This Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe brings together that irresistible crunch and a tangy-sweet glaze that turns a simple veggie side into a flavor bomb worth making again and again.

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’m honestly pretty picky about Brussels sprouts because they can get soggy or bitter if not cooked right, but this Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe solves those problems beautifully. The bacon adds this perfect crunch and smoky depth that pairs perfectly with the roasted sprouts, and the glaze ties everything together in a way that makes your taste buds sing.

Crisp Texture: Roasting at a high temp and using bacon ensures that each sprout has a perfect sear and crunch without turning mushy.
Bacon & Balsamic Harmony: The sweet and tangy glaze cuts through the smoky richness of the bacon and brightens the dish.
Simple & Quick: You can have this delight on your plate in about 30 minutes with minimal hands-on time.
Flexible Flavors: There are plenty of variations to match whatever mood you're in, from lemony zest to a maple Dijon twist.

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

This collection of ingredients is straightforward but carefully balanced to give you that perfect combo of crisp, savory, and a little sweet zing. Choosing the right Brussels sprouts and bacon type can really elevate the result, and a good-quality balsamic vinegar makes all the difference in the glaze.

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 sprouts if you can—they hold up better during roasting and provide a nice contrast next to the crispy bacon.
Bacon: Use a good-quality sliced bacon so it crisps nicely but still stays tender where it mingles with the sprouts.
Olive oil: Helps the sprouts brown and crisp up without burning and boosts the flavor.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out moisture for the best roast.
Garlic powder & Pepper: Classic seasonings that deepen the savory notes without overpowering the sprouts.
Balsamic vinegar: Adds tang and sweet complexity, especially in the glaze.
Honey: Gives just the right touch of sweetness to balance the bitter sprouts and smoky bacon.
Sriracha: Adds a subtle kick that wakes up the flavors—but is totally optional if you prefer mild.

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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 how versatile this Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe is. I sometimes switch up the glaze or add nuts and fruits for texture, depending on the season. Don’t be shy about making tweaks that suit your taste buds or what you have on hand.

Lemon Parmesan Variation: I once added lemon zest and Parmesan for a fresh, cheesy twist—it made these perfect as a holiday side.
Maple Dijon: If you're after something a little less sweet but still rich, mixing Dijon mustard and maple syrup in the glaze gives a beautiful depth.
Spicy Kick: Adjust the sriracha to your spice level or swap it for smoked paprika for a smoky heat.
Nuts & Fruits: Adding toasted walnuts and dried cranberries before roasting creates an amazing sweet-nutty contrast that I swear elevates the dish to restaurant level.

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

Step 1: Prep and Preheat for Perfect Crisp

Always start by preheating your oven to 400°F. I line a baking sheet with foil because it makes cleanup so much easier—an absolute must when cooking bacon. While that’s heating, trim the bottoms off your Brussels sprouts and peel off any dry layers. I slice mine lengthwise to get more surface area crispy, but if some are very small (under an inch), I leave them whole so they don’t dry out.

Step 2: Season and Arrange

Toss the trimmed Brussels sprouts in olive oil, kosher salt, garlic powder, and pepper until every piece is glistening. Spread them cut side down on the foil-lined pan so they get a gorgeous caramelized sear. Scatter diced bacon evenly between the sprouts—that way everything roasts together and the bacon fat flavors the veggies.

Step 3: Roast Until Tender and Crisp

Bake for between 18 to 25 minutes—start checking at about 18 minutes. The sprouts should be tender inside but still firm, and the bacon should be crispy. If your sprouts are done but the bacon needs more time, just pop it back in the oven for a bit longer. That extra crispiness is worth it, trust me.

Step 4: Glaze and Serve

While everything’s hot, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, and sriracha in a small bowl. Drizzle over the roasted sprouts and bacon, then toss quickly so each piece is coated in that sticky, tasty glaze. Serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few key tricks to make sure this Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe shines every time. You might think roasting veggies is straightforward, but it’s those little details that turn good into unforgettable.

Cut Side Down: Always arrange your sprouts with the cut side down on the pan. This direct contact caramelizes the sugars for amazing flavor and texture.
Space ‘Em Out: Don’t overcrowd the pan; letting air circulate means crispier results. This took me a few tries to get right, but it’s so worth it.
Don’t Skip the Glaze: The balsamic-honey-sriracha drizzle isn’t optional in my book. It adds just the right pop that makes you want to scoop up every last bite.
Use Foil or Parchment: Trust me—this saves you from scrubbing stuck-on bits of bacon grease and charred veggies afterward.

How to Serve Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe

crispy bacon Brussels sprouts - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love adding a sprinkle of toasted walnuts or pecans for crunch and some dried cranberries for a sweet contrast. Sometimes I throw a quick handful of chopped fresh parsley on top just to brighten the plate and color. A little shaved Parmesan cheese works wonders if I’m aiming for extra richness.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with everything from roasted chicken to grilled steak. I often serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a simple quinoa bowl to balance the savory richness with something smooth and mild.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or dinner parties, I sometimes lay the crispy bacon Brussels sprouts on a large serving platter, drizzle the glaze generously, and add some pomegranate seeds for a festive look. Another time, I served them in individual ramekins topped with a lemon-Parmesan zest garnish to impress guests—it was a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sprouts keep their flavor well, but they do soften a bit. I usually re-crisp them in a hot skillet before reheating to bring back some texture.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but not my favorite because the texture tends to get mushy after thawing. If you must freeze, flash-freeze the roasted sprouts on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in a hot oven or skillet directly from frozen.

Reheating

To keep the bacon crispy and Brussels sprouts from turning soggy, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with just a splash of olive oil. Avoid microwaving unless you’re in a hurry, as that tends to make them rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe without an oven?

Absolutely! Instead of roasting, you can cook the Brussels sprouts and bacon in a large skillet on the stove. Start by frying the bacon until crispy, remove it, then sauté the sprouts in the bacon fat until tender and caramelized. Toss everything together with the glaze afterwards. While roasting gets more even caramelization, stovetop cooking is a great alternative.

How do I ensure the Brussels sprouts stay crispy and not mushy?

The key is to roast at a high temperature (around 400°F) and space the sprouts out on the pan so they’re not crowded. Placing them cut side down also helps them caramelize better. Avoid overcooking—check them starting around 18 minutes to catch just the right tenderness.

Can I substitute turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon alternatives?

You can! Just keep an eye on cooking times because turkey bacon often cooks faster and may not crisp exactly like pork bacon. Vegetarian bacon flavors and textures vary widely, so adjust seasoning and cooking method accordingly. Sometimes adding a bit of smoked paprika helps boost the smoky flavor in vegetarian versions.

What can I do if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?

A good substitute for balsamic vinegar is a combination of red wine vinegar mixed with a touch of honey or maple syrup to mimic the sweetness and acidity. Apple cider vinegar also works in a pinch, just add a bit of sweetener to balance the tartness.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want to impress guests or just enjoy something hearty and delicious at home. The balance of crispy, savory bacon with tender, caramelized sprouts paired with that tangy-sweet glaze is genuinely addictive. I can’t wait for you to try it—trust me, once you do, it’ll be a regular feature on your dinner table too.