Name: Bacon Brussels Sprouts Roast 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 magic about the way crispy bacon marries with tender-roasted Brussels sprouts. This Bacon Brussels Sprouts Roast Recipe brings that perfect combo to your kitchen – getting a little sweet, a little spicy, and totally crave-worthy all at once.

The image shows a close-up of roasted Brussels sprouts with small pieces of reddish-brown bacon scattered on top. The Brussels sprouts are cut in half, showing a mix of bright green and crispy dark brown charred edges, with a glossy texture from roasting. A thick amber honey-like sauce is being poured over the center Brussels sprout, shining warmly in the light. A wooden spoon is partially visible on the right side, appearing weathered and textured. The background is a white marbled texture that softly contrasts with the vibrant colors of the food. 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 Bacon Brussels Sprouts Roast Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Bacon Brussels Sprouts Roast Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Bacon Brussels Sprouts Roast Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made this Bacon Brussels Sprouts Roast Recipe more times than I can count — it never fails to impress at weeknight dinners or unexpected guests. The balance of crispy bacon and caramelized sprouts gets everyone at the table excited to eat their greens.

Simple Yet Flavorful: Minimal ingredients but maximum taste, which makes it easy to whip up anytime.
Crisp-Tender Texture: You get sprouts that aren’t soggy with just the right crunch, paired with perfectly crispy bacon bits.
Customizable Glaze: The sweet and spicy balsamic drizzle can be adjusted to your own taste buds.
Great as a Side or Main: Works wonderfully as a veggie side or paired with a grain for a light main dish.

A close-up of a bowl filled with several layers of roasted brussels sprouts, each halved to show a golden-brown, crispy surface inside with green leaves curling around the edges. Scattered on top and mixed in are small, bright red cubes of cooked meat, adding a contrast in color and texture. The bowl is white with a slightly speckled rim, and the whole scene sits on a white marbled surface, making the green and red colors stand out. The brussels sprouts have a shiny, slightly oily look, and the meat pieces are glossy, showing they are cooked and juicy. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Bacon Brussels Sprouts Roast Recipe has its role in making the flavors sing together beautifully. Here’s why these are the essentials you want on hand — and a tip or two on picking the best stuff for your roast.

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 cracked black pepper, a small white bowl of dark glossy balsamic vinegar, a small white bowl of amber honey, a small white bowl of bright red sriracha sauce, all arranged symmetrically with perfect proportions 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 larger sprouts to maximize crispiness and texture contrast when roasted.
Bacon: Using diced bacon ensures little pockets of smoky flavor throughout your dish.
Olive oil: Helps get that golden roast without weighing the sprouts down.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
Garlic powder: Adds subtle depth that pairs perfectly with bacon.
Black pepper: Freshly ground if possible for a little kick and aroma.
Balsamic vinegar: The star of the glaze, adding tangy sweetness to finish.
Honey: Balances the vinegar’s acidity with smooth natural sweetness.
Sriracha: Just enough heat to wake up your palate without being overwhelming.

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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 to switch up the glaze depending on the mood or season — it really lets you make this Bacon Brussels Sprouts Roast Recipe feel like your own. Feel free to play around and find your perfect combo.

Variation: Once, I swapped out the sriracha for a smoky chipotle powder, adding a warm smoky heat that was out of this world.
Dietary Mod: If you’re avoiding honey, maple syrup makes a fantastic substitute for sweetness.
Seasonal Twist: Adding chopped walnuts and dried cranberries right on the baking sheet adds an unexpected sweet-nutty crunch.

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

Step 1: Prep and Trim Those Sprouts

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with foil — trust me, foil makes cleanup so simple. Trim the ends off your Brussels sprouts, peel away any tough outer leaves, then slice them lengthwise. If you come across any tiny sprouts (under an inch), leave those whole for variety in texture.

Step 2: Season and Arrange Like a Pro

Drizzle your trimmed sprouts with olive oil, sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then toss everything well in the pan. Now here’s a trick I learned: spread out the sprouts cut side down and make sure they don’t touch each other. This arrangement encourages caramelization. Add the diced bacon evenly in the spaces between the sprouts so it crisps up beautifully as it cooks.

Step 3: Bake Until Crisp and Tender

Pop the pan in the oven and roast for 18-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them starting around 18 minutes — the sprouts should be tender but still have some bite, and the bacon should be crispy. If the sprouts are done but you want crispier bacon, pull the sprouts out and let the bacon cook a little longer alone.

Step 4: Drizzle On That Glaze and Serve

Whisk balsamic vinegar, honey, and sriracha together, then drizzle over your hot roasted sprouts and bacon. Toss gently to coat everything in that tangy-sweet-spicy glaze. Serve it immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Top Tip

From my experience roasting this dish, a few small things make a big difference. These tips can save you from common pitfalls and elevate your results every time.

Even Cutting: Try to slice your Brussels sprouts into similar sizes for even cooking and crispiness.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Giving sprouts enough space allows them to caramelize instead of steam.
Quality Bacon Matters: Use a good-quality bacon for the best flavor and crisp texture.
Glaze Adjustment: Taste your balsamic glaze before drizzling — add more honey or sriracha to suit your heat and sweetness preferences.

How to Serve Bacon Brussels Sprouts Roast Recipe

Bacon Brussels Sprouts - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some toasted sliced almonds or walnuts on top for that extra crunch and nuttiness—it complements the bacon perfectly. A little fresh parsley or thyme chopped on top adds a bright note and beautiful color, too.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs like a dream with roasted chicken or grilled pork chops. If you want to keep it vegetarian, toss it with a warm quinoa or farro salad and maybe some crumbled feta cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I like to pile these Brussels sprouts high on a large festive platter with a drizzle of extra glaze and a scattering of pomegranate seeds. It feels vibrant and special — a real showstopper for your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover roasted Brussels sprouts and bacon store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. I usually add the glaze just before serving leftovers to keep the sprouts from getting soggy overnight.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, I’ve noticed the texture can change a bit on reheating. If you want to freeze, flash freeze the roasted sprouts and bacon spread on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat upfront and enjoy within a month for best results.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftovers is in a hot skillet or oven — this helps crisp the bacon back up and warms the sprouts without steaming them. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that delightful texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

You can use frozen Brussels sprouts in a pinch, but fresh ones roast better and develop a nicer crispy texture in this Bacon Brussels Sprouts Roast Recipe. If using frozen, thaw and dry them thoroughly to avoid sogginess.

What if I don’t like spicy food—can I skip the sriracha?

Absolutely—feel free to omit the sriracha or reduce it to a pinch. The glaze will still taste fantastic with the balance of honey and balsamic vinegar.

How do I know when the Brussels sprouts are perfectly roasted?

Look for sprouts that are tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape, with some caramelized, golden-brown edges. Avoid roasting too long to prevent mushiness.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, omit the bacon, and try roasting the Brussels sprouts with a bit more olive oil and adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that smoky flavor. You can finish with a balsamic and maple glaze instead of honey.

Final Thoughts

This Bacon Brussels Sprouts Roast Recipe is one of those dishes that turns even Brussels sprouts skeptics into fans. It’s straightforward, packed with flavor, and fits perfectly into any meal. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and that it becomes a favorite recipe you reach for over and over in your kitchen.