Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Creamy Mustard Sauce

The Ultimate Crispy Brussels Sprouts Bacon Recipe

Welcome to the only recipe you’ll ever need for perfectly crispy, savory, and utterly addictive Brussels sprouts. Forget soggy, bitter sprouts from your childhood! We’re talking deeply caramelized Brussels sprouts edges, tender interiors, and salty pops of bacon in every bite. This dish isn’t just a side; it’s a star, perfect for a holiday feast, a weeknight dinner, or even as a hearty appetizer. We’ll unlock the secrets to achieving that crave-worthy crispiness every single time, plus a bonus creamy mustard sauce for vegetables that takes our Crispy Brussels Sprouts Bacon over the top.

Why This Recipe is a Game-Changer

• Unbeatable Texture: We guarantee shatteringly crispy leaves and perfectly tender centers, making this the best crispy brussels sprouts recipe you’ll ever try.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of earthy sprouts, smoky bacon, and tangy mustard creates a culinary masterpiece that will delight your taste buds.
• Incredibly Easy: Made on a single sheet pan, this recipe for Crispy Brussels Sprouts Bacon is simple enough for beginners with minimal cleanup, making it an easy brussels sprouts side dish.
• Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a proven hit at holiday dinners (like a perfect Thanksgiving side dish or a festive holiday brussels sprouts recipe), but easy enough for a Tuesday night.
• Healthy-ish & Adaptable: Naturally low-carb, keto Brussels sprouts with bacon-friendly, and gluten-free. We’ll also offer delicious variations like maple bacon brussels sprouts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down the simple components that create this magical dish. Quality ingredients are key to the best Crispy Brussels Sprouts Bacon!

For the Brussels Sprouts and Bacon

• Brussels Sprouts: Fresh is best. Look for tight, vibrant green heads without yellowing leaves or soft spots. The smaller they are, the sweeter and less bitter they tend to be. We’ll show you how to cut brussels sprouts for optimal crispiness.
• Bacon: Thick-cut bacon works best for this recipe as it renders slowly and won’t burn before the sprouts are cooked. Its smoky flavor is integral to our Crispy Brussels Sprouts Bacon.
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra-virgin olive oil helps coat the sprouts, facilitating beautiful browning and aiding in the crisping process.
• Seasonings: Kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder form the perfect savory base that complements the natural flavors of the sprouts and bacon.

For the Creamy Mustard Sauce (Optional but Recommended)

• Mayonnaise or Greek Yogurt: The creamy base. Mayonnaise offers richness, while Greek yogurt provides a lighter, tangier alternative.
• Dijon Mustard: For that classic, sharp tang that elevates the entire dish. Essential for a robust dijon mustard sauce recipe.
• Whole Grain Mustard: Adds texture and a milder, slightly sweeter mustard flavor, complementing the Dijon beautifully.
• Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice is crucial for acidity, brightening the sauce and cutting through the richness of the bacon.
• Maple Syrup or Honey: A touch of sweetness (optional) to balance the flavors, especially if you prefer a slightly milder mustard profile.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Bacon: Pancetta is a fantastic substitute for bacon, offering a slightly milder but still rich pork flavor. If using thin-cut bacon, you may want to add it halfway through the cooking time to prevent it from burning.
• Oil: Avocado oil is another great high-heat option for roasting. For extra flavor, you can also use some of the rendered bacon fat to toss with the sprouts.
• Sprouts: You can use frozen Brussels sprouts, but they won’t get quite as crispy as fresh. If using frozen, thaw them completely and pat them extremely dry before proceeding with the recipe. This is crucial for achieving any level of crispiness.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Crispy Brussels Sprouts Bacon

Follow these detailed steps for foolproof results. The secret to the best Crispy Brussels Sprouts Bacon is in the prep and the high heat!

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven is non-negotiable for crispiness. Place a large, rimmed baking sheet in the oven while it preheats. This helps to sear the sprouts as soon as they hit the pan, kickstarting the caramelization process for truly caramelized Brussels sprouts. While the oven heats, prepare your ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts and Bacon

Wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly. Pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels – moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Trim off the tough bottom stem and peel away any yellow or damaged outer leaves. To how to cut brussels sprouts properly, cut each sprout in half lengthwise. For very large sprouts, cut them into quarters. This ensures even cooking and more surface area for crisping. Chop your bacon into 1-inch pieces (lardons).

Step 3: Seasoning and Roasting

In a large bowl, toss the prepared Brussels sprouts and bacon pieces with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder. Mix well until everything is evenly coated. Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven. Spread the sprouts mixture in a single, even layer. Do not overcrowd the pan! Use two pans if necessary to ensure every piece has enough space to roast, not steam. Roast for 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the sprouts are deeply browned, beautifully caramelized Brussels sprouts, and the bacon is perfectly crispy.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Mustard Sauce & Serve

While the sprouts are roasting, whisk together all the ingredients for the creamy mustard sauce in a small bowl: 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and an optional teaspoon of maple syrup or honey. Taste and adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, lemon juice, sweetness) as needed. Once the Crispy Brussels Sprouts Bacon are perfectly crispy, remove them from the oven. You can serve them as is, or drizzle generously with the creamy mustard sauce. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Alternative Cooking Methods

Don’t want to turn on the oven? Here are two other fantastic methods for making delicious Crispy Brussels Sprouts Bacon.

Air Fryer Crispy Brussels Sprouts Bacon

This method is fantastic for a smaller batch and truly delivers on crispiness! Season the sprouts and bacon as directed in Step 3. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Place the mixture in the air fryer basket in a single layer (cook in batches if needed – remember, no overcrowding!). Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the sprouts are tender-crisp and the bacon is golden brown and crunchy. The air fryer Brussels sprouts bacon method is incredibly fast and yields super crispy results, often comparable to oven roasted brussels sprouts and bacon.

Pan-Fried / Skillet Method

For an amazing sear and deeply caramelized Brussels sprouts, use a large cast-iron skillet. Start by cooking the bacon pieces over medium heat until some fat has rendered and the bacon is partially crispy. Remove the bacon pieces, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet. Add the Brussels sprouts to the hot skillet, cut-side down. Cook for 5-7 minutes without moving them to get a deep, dark sear and create truly pan fried brussels sprouts with bacon. Then, begin to stir and cook for another 5-8 minutes until tender-crisp. Return the bacon to the skillet, toss, and serve. This method provides fantastic flavor and texture.

Pro Tips for Maximum Crispiness

Achieving truly crispy Brussels sprouts can be a challenge, but with these expert tips, you’ll master how to make brussels sprouts crispy every single time:

• High Heat is Essential: Don’t be afraid to crank up the oven to 425°F or even 450°F. High heat quickly evaporates moisture from the sprouts, leading to a crispy, golden exterior rather than a steamed, soggy one. This is key for oven roasted brussels sprouts and bacon.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: This is the most common mistake! Give your sprouts and bacon plenty of space on the baking sheet. When they’re too close together, they release moisture and steam each other instead of roasting and caramelizing. Use two sheet pans if you have to!
• Get Them Bone Dry: After washing, use a salad spinner and then pat them meticulously dry with a clean kitchen towel. Any lingering water creates steam in the hot oven, which is the direct enemy of a crispy texture.
• Cut-Side Down: Place your halved sprouts cut-side down on the baking sheet. This flat surface will have maximum contact with the hot pan, creating a deep, dark, delicious caramelization and an incredibly satisfying crunch.
• Embrace the Bacon Fat: Bacon fat is liquid gold! As it renders, it coats the sprouts, adding immense flavor and helping them to crisp up beautifully. Don’t drain it until after roasting.

Delicious Variations & Add-Ins

Take this base recipe for Crispy Brussels Sprouts Bacon to the next level with these delicious additions:

• Sweet & Tangy: After roasting, toss the sprouts and bacon with 1-2 tablespoons of high-quality balsamic glaze (or reduced balsamic vinegar) or real maple syrup for maple bacon brussels sprouts.
• Add Some Cheese: For a savory boost, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese during the last 5 minutes of roasting, creating delightful brussels sprouts with bacon and parmesan.
• Nutty Crunch: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the baking sheet during the last 10 minutes of cooking for an extra layer of texture and earthy flavor.
• A Touch of Heat: Toss the sprouts with 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes before roasting for a subtle spicy kick.
• Add Aromatics: Include thinly sliced shallots or red onion with the sprouts for another layer of caramelized flavor and sweetness.
• Shaved Sprouts: For a different texture, try shaved brussels sprouts with bacon. This is great for a quicker cook time and a lighter, crispier result.

What to Serve With Crispy Brussels Sprouts Bacon

This versatile side dish pairs wonderfully with a wide range of main courses, making it a perfect easy brussels sprouts side dish.

• Holiday Mains: The ideal companion for a show-stopping Roasted Turkey, a savory Honey-Glazed Ham, or an impressive Prime Rib Roast. It’s truly a standout Thanksgiving side dish or a festive holiday brussels sprouts recipe.
• Weeknight Dinners: Elevate your everyday meals! Serve alongside a simple Roasted Chicken, perfectly Pan-Seared Steak, juicy Pork Chops, or flaky Salmon.
• As an Appetizer: Serve a big platter of these Crispy Brussels Sprouts Bacon with the creamy mustard dipping sauce on the side for a party appetizer that will disappear in minutes.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, leftovers can still be delicious if handled correctly. Knowing reheating brussels sprouts properly is key to maintaining texture.

• Storage: Store any leftover Crispy Brussels Sprouts Bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store the creamy mustard sauce separately.
• Reheating: The key is to avoid the microwave, which will make them soggy. For best results, reheat them in an oven or toaster oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes, or in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes, until heated through and re-crisped. This method will help revive that desired crisp texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why are my Brussels sprouts not getting crispy?

This is usually due to one of three common issues: too much moisture on the sprouts, an overcrowded pan preventing proper roasting, or an oven that’s not hot enough. To get truly crispy Brussels Sprouts Bacon, ensure your sprouts are completely dry, spread them in a single layer with space between them, and always roast at a high temperature (425°F / 220°C or higher).

Should I boil or blanch Brussels sprouts before roasting?

No, absolutely not for this recipe if you’re aiming for crispiness! Boiling or blanching adds moisture to the sprouts, which is the exact opposite of what you want for a crispy result. Roasting from raw is the best and only way to achieve a tender inside and a crispy, beautifully caramelized Brussels sprouts outside.

How do you get the bitterness out of Brussels sprouts?

Roasting at high heat is the best way to get bitterness out of brussels sprouts! The caramelization process, where their natural sugars brown, brings out their inherent sweetness, which directly counteracts any bitterness. The savory saltiness from the bacon also helps to balance the flavor profile. Additionally, smaller, fresh sprouts tend to be naturally less bitter than larger, older ones.

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

While fresh is highly recommended for the best texture and maximum crispiness, you can use frozen sprouts in a pinch. Do not thaw them first; instead, toss the frozen sprouts directly with the oil and seasonings. You will need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. Keep in mind, they won’t achieve the same level of crispiness as fresh sprouts but will still be delicious.

Can I make crispy Brussels sprouts with bacon ahead of time?

It’s best to serve Crispy Brussels Sprouts Bacon immediately for maximum crispiness. However, you can do all the prep work ahead of time: wash, trim, and cut the sprouts, and chop the bacon. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge, then toss with seasonings and roast just before serving to ensure the freshest, crispiest result.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, this recipe for Crispy Brussels Sprouts Bacon is wonderfully keto Brussels sprouts with bacon-friendly! Brussels sprouts are a low-carb vegetable, and bacon is a staple of the keto diet. To keep it strictly keto, ensure the creamy mustard sauce you prepare doesn’t have added sugar (or simply omit the optional maple syrup or honey).

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