There's something utterly irresistible about these Brussels sprouts when they come out golden, tender, and studded with crispy bacon bites. This Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe is the perfect combo of savory, sweet, and a little bit spicy — trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become a side dish staple in your kitchen.

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 can’t get enough of this Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe because it hits all those flavor notes I crave: crispy, sweet, tangy, and just a little kick at the end. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make but feels so special on the plate.

Effortless crispiness: The bacon cooks alongside the sprouts, infusing everything with smoky goodness and crunch.
Balanced flavors: The balsamic-honey glaze perfectly complements the earthy sprouts and salty bacon.
Versatile and customizable: You can easily tweak spices or add extras like Parmesan or walnuts to mix things up.
Great for anytime: Whether a weeknight dinner or holiday side, it impresses every time.

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

With only a handful of ingredients, this recipe keeps things simple but packs in flavor. The combination of fresh Brussels sprouts and fatty bacon creates a fantastic texture contrast, while the glaze rounds it all out with just the right tang 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 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 ones so they roast evenly and have enough surface area to crisp up alongside the bacon.
Bacon: Diced bacon releases flavorful fat that crisps the sprouts and adds irresistible smoky notes.
Olive oil: Helps everything roast beautifully without sticking or drying out.
Kosher salt: Enhances natural flavors and balances the sweetness of the glaze.
Garlic powder and pepper: Simple seasonings that bring warmth and depth.
Balsamic vinegar: Adds rich acidity that brightens the dish and complements the bacon’s richness.
Honey: A touch of sweetness to perfect the glaze and caramelize the sprouts.
Sriracha: Adds a mild heat for a slightly spicy finish without overpowering the rest.

📝

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 like to switch up the glaze or add fun toppings depending on the season or mood — give it a try yourself! This Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe is such a solid base you can play with little extras without losing that crispy, flavorful magic.

Variation: For a lemon-parmesan twist, I toss in some lemon zest and fresh Parmesan cheese at the end — trust me, it’s surprisingly fresh and bright with the bacon.
Spicy kick: Add a bit more sriracha or even red pepper flakes if you like things hotter.
Nutty option: Try roasting with walnuts and dried cranberries mixed in for a festive, sweet-savory combo.
Vegan twist: Swap bacon for smoky coconut flakes or tempeh bacon to keep that umami flavor while skipping meat.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Brussels Sprouts Like a Pro

I start by trimming off the dry ends of the sprouts and peeling away any yellowed outer leaves. Cutting them lengthwise helps them cook evenly and get that lovely caramelized cut side, but I leave small ones whole so they don’t dry out. This little prep step makes a big difference in texture.

Step 2: Season and Arrange with Care

Drizzle olive oil over the sprouts and sprinkle kosher salt, garlic powder, and pepper for a simple but flavorful seasoning. The key here is to arrange the sprouts cut side down on foil-lined baking sheet, giving them a little room so they crisp up instead of steaming. Nestle the diced bacon pieces between the sprouts to let that smoky goodness render into every bite.

Step 3: Roast Till Perfect

Bake everything at 400°F for about 18-25 minutes. I check around 18 minutes because overcooked sprouts get mushy fast, and I want them tender but still holding their shape. If the bacon isn’t crispy when the sprouts are done, I take the sprouts out and keep roasting the bacon for a few more minutes – that extra crisp is worth it!

Step 4: Whisk and Glaze for the Finish

While the sprouts are roasting, I whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, and sriracha for a simple glaze that’s tangy, sweet, and just a little spicy. Toss it all together after roasting, and serve immediately so you get that perfect balance of crispiness and sticky glaze.

Top Tip

From my experience, a few focused tricks make all the difference with this Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe. I’ve learned the hard way how to get maximum crispness and flavor without turning the sprouts into a soggy mess.

Let the sprouts breathe: Space them out on the baking sheet so they roast rather than steam, which is key for the crispy edges.
Cut side down: Placing Brussels sprouts cut side down gives you those wonderful golden, caramelized bottoms.
Don’t rush the bacon crisp: If you want extra crispy bacon, finish it separately—but keep the fat rendered into the sprouts by roasting together initially.
Use foil: Lining your pan with foil makes cleanup a breeze and helps prevent sticking without adding extra oil.

How to Serve Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Crispy Brussels Sprouts - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper right before serving to amp up the flavors. Sometimes I add thinly shaved Parmesan or chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh taste.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steaks, or even alongside a creamy risotto for a more indulgent meal. For casual dinners, I serve it with a hearty grain salad or mashed potatoes to round everything out.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I sometimes serve these sprouts in a shallow bowl drizzled with the glaze alongside caramelized shallots and toasted pecans — it instantly feels elevated and pretty on the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After they cool, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sprouts will soften a bit but still taste great when reheated properly.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing these Brussels sprouts with bacon because the texture tends to suffer once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days refrigerated.

Reheating

To bring back the crispness, I reheat leftovers in a hot skillet or air fryer for a few minutes — this restores the texture far better than the microwave, which can make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses fresh ingredients and simple seasonings. Just be sure your bacon and any glaze components are labeled gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.

How do I get the Brussels sprouts extra crispy?

Spacing them out on the baking sheet so the steam can escape and roasting them cut side down really help. Also, making sure the oven is hot enough (around 400°F) for caramelization is key. Lastly, toss them in enough olive oil before roasting for that golden finish.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the Brussels sprouts by trimming and cutting them a few hours ahead and keep them cold. However, roasting and glazing are best done right before serving to keep the texture crisp and the glaze fresh.

What can I substitute for bacon to make this vegetarian?

Smoky tempeh bacon or coconut bacon are great vegetarian substitutes to keep the smoky flavor and texture. You can also roast the Brussels sprouts with smoked paprika to add that hint of smokiness.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe is one of those dishes that effortlessly brings something special to the table without fuss. I love how the smoky bacon and sweet balsamic glaze turn humble Brussels sprouts into a crowd-pleaser. Once you try it, I bet it’ll become your go-to side too — so give it a shot, and savor those crispy, flavorful bites!