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 irresistibly delicious about the perfect crunch of caramelized Brussels sprouts mixed with crispy, smoky bacon. This Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe is an absolute game-changer — it turns a humble veggie into the star of your dinner table with a killer balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.

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 my fair share of Brussels sprouts recipes, but this one always jumps out because it nails that perfect crispy, slightly caramelized texture that everyone loves — bacon just takes it to another level. Trust me; once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Irresistible Flavor Combo: The salty bacon paired with sweet balsamic and a little heat from sriracha creates a mouthwatering harmony.
Crispy Texture: Roasting Brussels sprouts cut lengthwise ensures they get that perfect golden, crispy edge that contrasts beautifully with tender insides.
Simple & Quick: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes — perfect for weeknights or last-minute guests.
Customizable: You can easily tweak the glaze or spices to suit your taste and what you have on hand.

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 plays a key role in making this recipe shine. A good balance of fresh sprouts, quality bacon, and a tangy-sweet glaze really makes this Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe special. Here’s a quick breakdown with tips you’ll find handy when shopping.

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 ones about an inch wide; they roast better and hold up nicely with the bacon.
Bacon: Regular cut diced bacon works best—it crisps up beautifully among the sprouts and flavors everything.
Olive oil: Helps the sprouts crisp and prevents sticking without overwhelming the flavors.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out natural flavors.
Garlic powder and pepper: Simple aromatics that build depth in the dish.
Balsamic vinegar: Adds tang and a bit of sweetness in the glaze that complements the bacon.
Honey: Balances the balsamic’s acidity with a gentle sweetness.
Sriracha: Adds a subtle kick to the glaze without overpowering the other flavors. Adjust based on your heat tolerance!

📝

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 tweaking this Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe according to the season or mood. The basic combo is amazing, but a little personalization can make it feel like a brand-new dish every time.

Balsamic Only: Sometimes I skip the honey and sriracha and toss the sprouts with just balsamic vinegar at the end — it’s super simple and still delicious.
Lemon Parmesan Twist: Adding a sprinkle of lemon zest and Parmesan cheese after roasting brightens the dish and gives it a lovely savory finish—one of my favorites for spring dinners.
Maple Dijon Variation: Mixing a bit of Dijon mustard and maple syrup with the balsamic glaze creates a tangy-sweet combo that’s a real crowd-pleaser during chilly months.
Cranberry Walnut Upgrade: For holiday gatherings, I toss in dried cranberries and toasted walnuts for a festive touch with extra crunch and sweetness.

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

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

First things first — preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil; it will make cleanup a breeze and help the sprouts crisp up nicely. While the oven heats, get your sprouts ready for roasting.

Step 2: Trim and Slice the Brussels Sprouts

Trim off the tough stem ends and peel away any dry, wilted outer leaves. Slice the sprouts lengthwise in half—this exposes more surface area for caramelization. For any little sprouts under an inch in size, leave them whole so they don’t dry out during roasting.

Step 3: Season and Arrange

Drizzle the olive oil over the sprouts on the lined pan, sprinkle generously with salt, garlic powder, and pepper, then toss everything so each piece is well coated. Spread the sprouts cut side down in a single layer with a bit of space between them. Scatter the diced bacon pieces evenly between the sprouts.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Pop the tray into the oven and roast for about 18 to 25 minutes. The sprouts should be tender but still have a little bite—not mushy. Keep an eye on the bacon; if the sprouts are ready but the bacon isn’t crisp yet, use tongs to pull out the sprouts and let the bacon keep cooking a few minutes longer.

Step 5: Whisk the Glaze and Toss

While the sprouts roast, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, and sriracha in a small bowl. Once your sprouts and bacon are golden and crispy, transfer them to a mixing bowl. Drizzle the glaze and toss gently until everything is evenly coated and glossy. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a handful of tricks that really make this Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe pop. These simple tweaks help you get crispy edges, perfect caramelization, and a nicely balanced finish every single time.

Cut Side Down: Placing the sprout halves cut side down on the baking sheet ensures they brown beautifully and crisp up.
Don’t Overcrowd: Give the sprouts room to breathe on the pan; overcrowding creates steam and prevents crispiness.
Use Thick-Cut Bacon: Thick-cut or regular diced bacon crisps more reliably and adds the best smoky punch.
Glaze at the End: Wait to toss with the balsamic-honey sriracha glaze until after roasting so you keep that satisfying crisp texture.

How to Serve Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe

crispy Brussels sprouts - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

My favorite garnishes are a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts to add a nutty crunch and a few grates of fresh Parmesan cheese for a savory finish. Occasionally, I toss on some fresh thyme or chopped parsley for a burst of color and herbal brightness — it really livens up the plate.

Side Dishes

This dish goes perfectly with roasted chicken, pork chops, or alongside a creamy risotto. I also enjoy it as a hearty side for a casual weeknight pasta or served with smashed potatoes for a comforting weekend meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I’ve served these Brussels sprouts in a beautiful shallow dish garnished with fresh pomegranate seeds and toasted pecans — the jewel-like seeds add pops of vibrant color and a sweet surprise. On casual occasions, I keep it rustic and family-style, letting everyone help themselves right from the tray.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Brussels sprouts and bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to let them cool completely before sealing to keep the texture intact. When you reheat, you’ll still get good flavor, but the crispiness softens a bit.

Freezing

Freezing roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon is doable but not my favorite — the texture changes slightly and can get mushy after thawing. If you decide to freeze, cool completely, place in a freezer-safe container, and eat within 1 month for best quality.

Reheating

I like reheating leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to revive as much crispiness as possible. Avoid microwaving if you want crunch, because it tends to make the sprouts soggy. Just toss occasionally until warmed through and crispy again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

While fresh Brussels sprouts give you the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen if needed. Just thaw and pat dry them thoroughly before roasting to reduce moisture and avoid sogginess.

How do I make the bacon extra crispy?

Start with room temperature bacon pieces so they cook evenly. During roasting, if the bacon isn’t crispy when the sprouts are done, give the bacon extra time on the baking sheet on its own until it crisps up to your liking.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

You can easily make a vegan version by swapping bacon with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon and using maple syrup instead of honey for the glaze. The flavors won’t be exactly the same but still deliciously satisfying.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheating in a hot skillet or oven helps restore crispy texture better than the microwave. Use medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally just until warmed through.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe has become one of my favorite ways to enjoy Brussels sprouts—and I’m sure once you try it, you’ll feel the same. It’s quick, reliable, and always delivers that crave-worthy balance of crisp, savory, and sweet. So go ahead, give it a whirl in your kitchen—it’s the kind of recipe your friends and family will be asking you to make over and over. Happy cooking!