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 about the sizzle of bacon mingling with caramelized Brussels sprouts that truly delights the senses. This Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe brings that irresistible crunch and deep flavor together, making it one of my go-to dishes to impress or just enjoy as a comforting side.

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 has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen because it’s the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and just a hint of spicy heat. The sprouts get that beautiful crisp edge without losing their tender center, thanks to baking with diced bacon.

Perfectly Crispy Texture: The baking method lets the Brussels sprouts get crisp on the outside while staying tender inside, and the bacon turns gorgeously crunchy.
Balanced Flavor Profile: The hint of balsamic vinegar and honey creates a subtle sweetness that complements the smoky bacon and earthy sprouts perfectly.
Simple, Minimal Prep: You only need a handful of ingredients and one baking sheet—easy for a weekday or holiday side!
Customizable: Whether you want to add heat with sriracha or swap flavors for lemon, Parmesan, or maple, it’s flexible to your taste buds.

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 ingredients here may seem simple, but each one plays a vital role in creating the magic of this Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe. Fresh sprouts and thick, diced bacon give the needed contrast in texture, while the glaze pulls everything together with zing and sweetness.

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

Fresh Brussels Sprouts: Look for bigger sprouts (around an inch in diameter) so they crisp up nicely without overcooking. Trimming and halving helps them roast evenly.
Bacon: Diced bacon infuses fat and flavor throughout, helping the sprouts crisp up while adding that rich smokiness.
Olive Oil: A little goes a long way in helping the Brussels sprouts roast to perfection without sticking.
Kosher Salt: Enhances the natural flavors and balances the sweetness of the glaze.
Garlic Powder & Pepper: Add warm, aromatic notes without overpowering the dish.
Balsamic Vinegar: Brings acidity and a subtle tang that cuts through the richness of bacon.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness to create a delicious glaze that complements both sprouts and bacon.
Sriracha: Just a touch for a gentle spicy kick, but totally optional if you prefer mild 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 this Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe — it’s so versatile that you can easily tweak it to fit your mood or what you have on hand. You can keep it simple or dress it up with fun twists that transform the flavor.

Variation: My personal favorite is the Lemon Parmesan twist. Adding fresh lemon juice and zest after roasting with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese brightens the dish and gives it an elegant pop. It’s perfect when serving guests.
Spicy Kick: If you like things hotter, I sometimes toss in a bit more sriracha or even red pepper flakes before roasting for an extra punch.
Nutty Sweet: Feel like something festive? Adding cranberries and walnuts right on the baking sheet with the sprouts and bacon adds wonderful texture and unexpected sweetness — it’s a crowd-pleaser around the holidays.
Dietary Mods: You can swap bacon for turkey bacon or shiitake bacon strips if you want to lighten up while maintaining that smoky essence.

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

Step 1: Prep and Trim Your Brussels Sprouts

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with foil — trust me, cleanup is so much easier this way! While the oven heats, trim off the very bottom of the Brussels sprouts and peel away any dry or damaged outer leaves. Cut the larger sprouts lengthwise, but if you have smaller ones (under an inch), leave them whole to keep things consistent when roasting.

Step 2: Season and Arrange

Place the sprouts on your foil-lined sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle on kosher salt, garlic powder, and pepper, then toss everything together with your hands or a spoon to coat evenly. Spread them cut-side down in a single layer—making sure they’re not crowded helps them crisp up nicely.

Next, evenly scatter your diced bacon pieces in between the sprouts. This little trick lets the bacon fat render directly onto the Brussels, making both perfectly crispy without additional fuss.

Step 3: Bake Until Tender and Crispy

Bake for about 18 to 25 minutes, checking around 18 minutes so you don’t overcook. The sprouts should be tender when pierced with a fork but still hold some bite. If you’re like me, you want that just-right crispiness, especially on the cut sides. If the sprouts are done but your bacon needs more crisp, remove the sprouts and keep cooking the bacon pieces a few minutes longer—smaller pieces crisp faster.

Step 4: Whisk and Drizzle the Glaze

While the bacon and sprouts finish roasting, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, and sriracha in a small bowl. Once everything’s out of the oven, drizzle this glaze over the sprouts and bacon, then toss gently to combine. Serve immediately for the freshest, crispiest bite.

Top Tip

After making this Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe countless times, I’ve learned a few things that really help nail the crunch and flavor every time. These little pointers turn a good dish into an unforgettable one.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give each sprout enough space cut-side down for even roasting and maximum crispiness. Crowded pans steam instead of roast.
Trim Well: Removing the dry outer leaves not only improves texture but also helps eliminate any bitterness.
Use Thick-Cut Bacon: Thicker bacon pieces hold their shape better during roasting and render perfect crispy bits.
Glaze at the End: Adding the balsamic-honey-sriracha glaze right after baking keeps the flavors bright and fresh, preventing sogginess.

How to Serve Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe

crispy Brussels sprouts - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often finish this dish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a few twists of freshly ground black pepper. If I’m feeling fancy, freshly grated Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon brings a nice brightness. Toasted walnuts or pecans add wonderful crunch and visual appeal too.

Side Dishes

These bacon Brussels sprouts are the perfect partner to roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a cozy bowl of mashed potatoes. I especially like pairing them with creamy polenta or a simple quinoa salad for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve laid these sprouts on a nice wooden board with scattered toasted nuts, drizzled extra glaze artistically, and added fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to brighten the look. They’re always a hit and disappear fast!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to cool leftover Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts before transferring them to an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days, though I recommend reheating them within that timeframe to enjoy the best texture.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t my top choice for this recipe because Brussels sprouts tend to lose their crispness after freezing, but if necessary, you can freeze in a sealed container for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back that crisp finish, reheat leftovers in a hot oven or toaster oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes instead of the microwave. I’ve found this keeps the sprouts nicely crisp without turning them mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe without bacon?

Absolutely! If you want to skip bacon, roast the Brussels sprouts with olive oil and seasonings, then finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or lemon juice for flavor. You can also add toasted nuts for extra texture.

How do I get the Brussels sprouts very crispy?

Make sure to cut sprouts evenly and spread them out on the pan so they’re not touching. Baking cut-side down and using a high oven temperature (400°F) helps develop that crispy, caramelized exterior. Tossing with olive oil and using bacon fat also adds crispiness.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep by trimming and cutting the Brussels sprouts in advance and storing them in the fridge. It’s best to bake and glaze just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor. Leftovers reheat well in the oven.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for the bacon?

Yes! You can substitute smoked tempeh, coconut bacon, or even add extra crispy roasted nuts for a smoky, crunchy bite without meat. Adding smoked paprika to the seasoning also helps replicate that smoky flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe holds a special place on my table because it proves how humble ingredients can be transformed into something spectacular with just a bit of care and technique. It’s easy enough for an everyday dinner yet impressive enough for company. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) it as much as I do—trust me, it’s a total winner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.