Save This dish features caramelized Brussels sprouts tossed with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional smoked paprika, roasted alongside savory pieces of beef bacon. The roasting process creates a crispy texture and deep flavors, perfectly complemented by garnishes like fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. Ideal as a hearty side or light main, it comes together quickly and easily in just over half an hour, balancing rich, smoky meat with tender, flavorful vegetables.
The aroma of beef bacon hitting a hot pan used to stop me in my tracks every time my grandmother started cooking. I never understood how she could make Brussels sprouts taste so incredible until she finally let me in on her roasting secret. Now this combination is my go-to for turning sprout skeptics into believers. Something magical happens when all that smoky rendered bacon fat coats every single leaf.
Last Christmas I made three pans of these because my brother kept sneaking pieces straight from the baking sheet. My sister-in-law finally asked if I could just make a double batch instead of pretending to save any for the actual dinner table. Now I always plan extra whenever we have guests.
Ingredients
- Brussels sprouts: Look for tight, bright green heads and trim the stem end just enough to remove any dried bits
- Red onion: Thinly sliced pieces become sweet and caramelized in the oven
- Beef bacon: Adds a smoky richness that pairs beautifully with the sprouts natural bitterness
- Olive oil: Helps everything roast evenly and develop those gorgeous crispy edges
- Sea salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that let the ingredients shine
- Smoked paprika: Optional but adds another layer of smoky depth
- Fresh parsley and Parmesan: Fresh garnishes that brighten up the final dish
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup
- Coat the vegetables:
- In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts and sliced red onion with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika until every piece is glistening
- Arrange everything:
- Spread the vegetables evenly across your prepared baking sheet and scatter the beef bacon pieces over the top
- Roast to perfection:
- Cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the sprouts are golden brown and the bacon is crispy and rendered
- Finish and serve:
- Transfer to your serving dish and sprinkle with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan if you like
Save My friend requested this recipe after having it at dinner three months ago. She texted me yesterday saying her family refuses to eat Brussels sprouts any other way now.
Making It Your Own
The base recipe is fantastic but do not be afraid to play around. A pinch of chili flakes before roasting adds a gentle heat that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I toss in some halved cherry tomatoes during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This dish works beautifully alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak. It holds its own as a light main with a poached egg on top. During the holidays it is the perfect companion to ham or turkey.
Perfecting the Roast
The difference between good and great roasted vegetables comes down to heat distribution and timing. Make sure your Brussels sprouts are cut in uniform sizes so they all finish cooking at the same time. If some pieces are browning too quickly, tuck them under other vegetables.
- Let the pan sit in the hot oven for at least 10 minutes before adding your ingredients
- Do not skip the parchment paper unless you enjoy scrubbing baked-on bacon grease
- Serve immediately while everything is still hot and crispy
Save These roasted Brussels sprouts have become my reliable side dish for everything from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. Hope they find a permanent spot in your kitchen rotation too.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I get the Brussels sprouts crispy?
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Toss the sprouts with olive oil and roast at high heat, turning halfway through to ensure even caramelization and crispiness.
- → Can I use turkey bacon instead of beef bacon?
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Yes, turkey bacon works well and provides a lighter flavor while still adding a savory element to the dish.
- → Is smoked paprika necessary for flavor?
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Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth but is optional; you can omit it or substitute with a pinch of chili flakes for heat.
- → Should I prepare the Brussels sprouts in any special way?
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Trim the ends and halve the sprouts to promote even cooking and maximize the caramelized surface area.
- → What garnishes complement this dish best?
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Chopped fresh parsley adds brightness, while grated Parmesan lends a creamy, salty finish that's optional but recommended.
