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 (look for larger so the bacon can get crispy); 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 crunch of perfectly cooked Brussels sprouts paired with crispy, savory bacon — that’s exactly why this Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe stands out. It transforms a humble veggie into a showstopper side dish you’ll want to make again and again.

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 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’ve made Brussels sprouts a ton of ways, but this Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe always wins me over every time. It’s so simple yet packed with big flavor, and the texture combination is irresistible.

Crispy Perfection: The bacon crisps right up while the sprouts get tender with golden edges you’ll want to pick right off the baking sheet.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have all these pantry staples on hand, making it a quick weekday side or an easy dish for guests.
Flavor Balance: Sweet, savory, with just a touch of heat from sriracha — this recipe hits every note without overwhelming the sprouts themselves.
Flexible & Customizable: I’ll share some of my favorite tweaks below, so you can tailor it to your cravings or dietary needs.

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 here has a purpose beyond just flavor — they work together to bring out the best in Brussels sprouts while making every bite pop. Here’s a quick rundown of what’s going on.

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

Brussels sprouts: Choose larger, firm sprouts — they hold up better in the oven and pair beautifully with crispy bacon.
Bacon: It’s the star that adds smoky crunch; diced to crisp evenly between the sprouts.
Olive oil: Helps the sprouts brown nicely and keeps everything from sticking to the pan.
Kosher salt: Enhances natural flavors — I always prefer kosher for its texture and clean taste.
Garlic powder and pepper: Classic seasonings that add warmth and a little kick.
Balsamic vinegar: The tangy glaze brightens the whole dish with a subtle acidity.
Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the savory bacon and brassica bitterness.
Sriracha: Kick it up a notch with just a small amount of heat for depth.

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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 making this recipe as my go-to side, but I often switch up the glaze or add mix-ins depending on the season. Don’t be shy about experimenting — that’s how I discovered some of my favorite twists.

Variation: One of my favorite swaps is to leave out the honey and sriracha, just using balsamic vinegar for a simple, tangy finish when I want something lighter.
Lemon Parmesan twist: Adding lemon zest and Parmesan after roasting adds a bright and savory upgrade perfect for spring dinners.
Nutty crunch: Toss walnuts or pecans on the pan for the last 5 minutes of roasting to add texture and warmth.
Spice level: I adjust the sriracha from mild to fiery depending on who I’m serving; making it kid-friendly is easy by skipping the heat.

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

Step 1: Prep and Slice for Even Cooking

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (that high heat is key for crispiness) and lining a baking sheet with foil — trust me, less cleanup means more cooking joy. Trim off the very bottoms of the Brussels sprouts and peel away any dry outer leaves. Slice them lengthwise for even roasting; smaller sprouts under an inch can stay whole so they don’t overcook and turn mushy.

Step 2: Season and Arrange

Drizzle olive oil over the sprouts in your pan, then sprinkle kosher salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss everything gently to coat evenly. A tip from my kitchen: spread the sprouts cut-side down in a single layer — this makes those edges beautifully caramelized and crispy. Next, scatter your diced bacon evenly between the sprouts so each bite has that smoky surprise.

Step 3: Roast and Crisp

Bake for 18 to 25 minutes, keeping an eye on them around the 18-minute mark so your sprouts stay tender, not mushy. The bacon will crisp right alongside them, but if it’s not quite there when the sprouts are done, pull those out and let the bacon hang for a few more minutes until it’s perfectly crisp. Smaller sprouts can finish cooking faster, so checking early is a handy tip I learned the hard way!

Step 4: Glaze with Sweet Heat

In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, and sriracha to create a glossy glaze. Drizzle it over your roasted Brussels sprouts and bacon while still warm, then toss everything to coat evenly. Serve immediately to enjoy that perfect balance of crispy, sweet, and tangy goodness.

Top Tip

Getting the bacon and Brussels sprouts both crispy without overcooking can be tricky, but these tricks have saved me more than once — and I’m sure they’ll help you nail it, too!

Cut Side Down: This allows the sprouts to caramelize nicely and develop a crunchy edge that pairs perfectly with crispy bacon.
Space Them Out: Overcrowding the pan traps steam and leads to soggy sprouts — give them room to roast properly.
Finish Bacon Separately, If Needed: If the sprouts are tender but bacon isn't crispy enough, take the sprouts out and let the bacon crisp a bit more on its own.
Use Foil-Lined Pan: Makes cleanup quick, especially since bacon fat can get messy!

How to Serve Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe

crispy bacon Brussels sprouts - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle a little freshly chopped parsley or thyme on top for a pop of green and freshness. Sometimes, I add a handful of toasted walnuts or pomegranate seeds for crunch and a juicy burst — it’s a little fancy but easy to assemble.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, baked salmon, or even a cozy pasta dinner. On busy nights, I serve it alongside mashed potatoes and a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or gatherings, I like to serve the sprouts in a big, rustic wooden bowl with extra glaze drizzled on top and a sprinkle of Parmesan shavings. It makes the dish feel special without adding work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sprouts stay surprisingly good, though the bacon can lose some crispiness. Reheating helps bring back a bit of that crunch.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t my favorite with this recipe because the texture of sprouts changes, and bacon can get a bit rubbery. If you want to freeze, I recommend separating the bacon and Brussels sprouts and reheating gently to avoid sogginess.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the leftovers on a baking sheet and warm them in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes, which revives the crispiness better than the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! You can skip the bacon and roast the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and your favorite spices. For added flavor, try adding toasted nuts or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

What’s the secret to getting the bacon crispy?

Make sure to cut the bacon into small, even pieces and spread them out between the sprouts so they have plenty of space to crisp up in the oven. If needed, finish cooking the bacon alone after the sprouts are done to get maximum crispiness.

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

Fresh Brussels sprouts work best for this recipe because they roast up beautifully without getting soggy. Frozen sprouts usually have more moisture and don’t crisp up as nicely. If you must use frozen, make sure to thaw and dry them thoroughly before roasting.

How do I make this recipe less spicy?

Simply reduce or omit the sriracha in the glaze. The recipe still tastes delicious with just the balsamic and honey for sweetness and tang. You can always add a pinch of smoked paprika if you want gentle warmth without much heat.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe has genuinely earned a permanent spot on my table because it’s so easy to make and always impresses. I hope you enjoy it with as much enthusiasm as I do — it might just change your mind about Brussels sprouts forever!