The Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Hands down this is the absolute best Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe that I have ever made. Perfectly roasted sprouts that are slightly crunchy on the outside yet creamy on the inside.

What makes them so delicious is that they are cooked with maple flavored bacon and seasoned with a little brown sugar. This allows both sweet and smoky flavors to absorb into the leafy vegetables as they cook, making them extra delicious.

The brown sugar caramelizes on top of the leaves so that they literally melt in your mouth. Add in the slight crunch of cooked bacon and the maple flavor that they expel and you have yourself a delicious side dish worthy of any occasion!

Although many people like to serve Brussels sprouts on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, I make them at least once a week. They are a hearty side dish that will help you feel full for hours.

In addition, they are a very versatile vegetable that can be eaten in many ways. They are often cut or shaven to be served in soups and salads.

And you will often find them in stir fry recipes to add both flavor and texture. However, the one thing that you don’t want to do with this vegetable is to boil it.

Overcooking the sprouts leads to them tasting bitter. Therefore, when it comes to cooking, stick with roasting them.

A Healthy Side Dish

Although we are adding a little brown sugar and bits of bacon to the roasted Brussels sprouts, this is still considered a healthy side dish recipe. With such great flavor you will be surprised that one serving is still under 200 calories.

Not to mention that there are a ton of vitamins provided by this cruciferous vegetable. Studies have shown that eating them can help lower risks of cancer, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease and diabetes.

However before consuming a high amount of cruciferous vegetables, it is best to consult with your Physician. That is because they are high in Vitamin K which helps your blood clot.

Therefore, for those who take a blood thinner, it may interfere with the effectiveness of the medication when consuming large amounts of these type of vegetables.

Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 3/4 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and cut in half lengthwise
• 3 strips thick-cut maple flavored bacon
• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Then line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or a silicone baking mat. Set aside.

Cut off the bottom portion of the stem of the Brussels Sprouts and remove any loose or damaged leaves. Slice each one in half lengthwise from top to bottom. Place the sprouts on the baking sheet.

Cut the bacon into small bits. Place them on the baking sheet with the Brussels sprouts.

Drizzle the top of the Brussels sprouts with the olive oil and toss to coat. Sprinkle the top with brown sugar and then season with salt and pepper.

Spread the Brussels sprouts in an even layer, face side down. Spread the bacon pieces over the sprouts as much as you can.

Bake Time Required For Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, flipping one time during the baking process for even browning.

When the Brussel sprouts are fork tender remove the pan from the oven. Toss one last time.

Serve warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. I can’t find maple flavored bacon, what else can I use?

Although the maple flavor that the bacon provides adds another layer of flavor, if you can’t find it at your local grocery store there are other options. The best substitute is to use standard, thick cut bacon and drizzle real maple syrup over top of the Brussels sprouts before they get roasted.

However, you could also use other flavors of bacon as well. Hickory smoked bacon will give you a nice smoky taste. And peppered bacon will give you that classic peppery flavor.

However feel free to get creative when it comes to flavoring your own bacon. Sprinkle your favorite seasoning on the bacon as a dry rub.

One of my favorite seasonings to use is chipotle powder. Simply sprinkle the powder on the slices of bacon and your bacon will take on a whole new flavor!

2. Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?

If you want to make this recipe in a shorter amount of time, you can definitely use your air fryer. Just be sure to spray the basket or tray with non-stick spray so that they don’t stick.

Cook at 390°F (198°C) for 12 minutes, shaking the basket half way through the cooking time. Cook for another 3-5 minutes or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and the bacon is slightly crispy.

3. How do I convert roasting time to a convection oven?

As a general rule for converting conventional oven recipes to convection oven decrease the heat level by 25°F. Then decrease the cook time by 25%.

However, since all ovens cook at different rates, it is best to keep a close eye on your roasted Brussels sprouts during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

4. How do I reheat leftovers?

To keep the sprouts crispy it is best to reheat them in the oven. Heat at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or until heated through.

You can also reheat them in an Air Fryer set at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to get them extra crispy. And if you don’t mind them a little on the softer side, place them in the microwave for 60-90 seconds.

What To Serve With Brussels Sprouts

Now that you know how to make the best roasted Brussels sprouts, you may be wondering what you can serve them with. Here are some of my favorite foods that pair well with this delicious side dish recipe.

• Parmesan Crusted Pork Chops
• Baked Chicken Leg Quarters
• Meatloaf Muffins
• Honey Mustard Chicken Thighs
• Cinnamon Apple Pork Chops
• Bacon Wrapped Barbecue Chicken
• Mushroom Pork Chops
• Marry Me Chicken

But don’t just limit yourself to serving them for dinner. They also make for a delicious breakfast when you are looking for something different to eat than the standard breakfast foods.

Enjoy! Mary

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