Tired of complicated side dishes that add an hour to your already packed weeknight? Between getting dinner on the table, helping with homework, and managing the general chaos of family life, who has time for fussy recipes that dirty every pot in the kitchen?
We get it. The struggle to find healthy, delicious, and fast sides for busy family dinners is real. You want something that actually tastes good, doesn’t take forever, and won’t have your kids turning up their noses at yet another boring vegetable.
That’s why our One-Pan Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon recipe is about to become your new favorite secret weapon. It’s unbelievably simple, packed with incredible flavor (hello, bacon!), and requires just one pan and minimal cleanup. The Brussels sprouts get beautifully caramelized with crispy edges, the bacon renders to perfection, and everything comes together in one harmonious, delicious side dish.
Perfect for those chaotic evenings when you need something impressive but absolutely refuse to spend hours in the kitchen!
Why This Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe Will Become a Family Staple
As a parent constantly juggling school pickups, homework supervision, after-school activities, and dinner prep, I’ve had more than my share of “what’s for dinner?!” moments. You know the ones—standing in front of the refrigerator at 5:30 PM, completely blank, while hungry kids circle the kitchen asking when they can eat.
One particularly hectic evening, I was staring at a bag of Brussels sprouts and some leftover bacon, desperately trying to come up with something that would work as a side dish for the chicken I’d already started. With no mental energy left for creativity, I simply tossed them both on a sheet pan with some olive oil, salt, and pepper, and hoped for the best.
What emerged from that oven was absolutely magical. The Brussels sprouts had transformed into something completely different from the mushy, sulfurous vegetables of my childhood. They were caramelized and slightly sweet with perfectly crispy edges, the bacon had rendered its smoky deliciousness into every bite, and my kids—who I was sure would protest—actually asked for seconds.
A star was born that night, and this recipe has been in our regular rotation ever since.
What makes this recipe so special isn’t just that it’s easy (though it absolutely is). It’s that it’s reliably delicious every single time. The one-pan method means the Brussels sprouts roast in the rendered bacon fat, absorbing all that smoky, savory flavor while developing beautiful caramelization. No fancy techniques, no complicated timing—just vegetables, bacon, and a hot oven doing what they do best.
And here’s the best part: this recipe has converted multiple self-proclaimed Brussels sprouts haters in our house. If it can work on picky kids, it can work on anyone!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients for maximum flavor!
For the Brussels Sprouts:
- 1½ lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 6-8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped into ½-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or use reserved bacon fat for extra flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Additions:
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced (add during last 10 minutes)
- Drizzle of balsamic glaze (for serving)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (for sweet-savory flavor)
Equipment Needed
Basic tools you already own!
- Large rimmed baking sheet (a half sheet pan, about 13×18 inches)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Large mixing bowl (optional—you can toss everything right on the pan)
- Spatula or tongs
That’s it! One pan, minimal tools, maximum deliciousness.
Ingredient Notes and Easy Substitutions
Brussels Sprouts: Fresh Brussels sprouts will give you the best results—look for firm, bright green sprouts with tight leaves. Smaller sprouts tend to be sweeter and less bitter than larger ones. If you can only find frozen, they’ll work in a pinch (see FAQ section for tips), but fresh really does make a difference here.
Bacon: Any bacon will work, but thick-cut bacon is ideal. It renders beautifully without getting too crispy too fast, and the larger pieces add great texture to the final dish. Turkey bacon can be substituted for a leaner option, but understand that the flavor and fat rendering will be different.
Olive Oil: This helps everything get crispy and prevents sticking. You can substitute avocado oil if preferred. For maximum flavor, use the rendered bacon fat instead of (or in addition to) olive oil—just start the bacon first and use the drippings.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts in about 30 minutes!
Step 1: Prep Everything
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, prepare your ingredients.
Wash and trim the Brussels sprouts: cut off the tough stem ends and remove any yellowed or loose outer leaves. Cut each sprout in half through the stem (this creates a flat surface that will caramelize beautifully against the hot pan).
Chop your bacon into roughly ½-inch pieces.
Pro Tip: For the absolute crispiest bacon, you can give it a head start by cooking it briefly in a cold skillet over medium heat on the stovetop for 3-4 minutes before adding it to the sheet pan. This isn’t necessary, but it does result in extra-crispy bacon bits!
Step 2: Combine and Season
In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts and chopped bacon pieces. Drizzle generously with olive oil, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything together until the sprouts are evenly coated with oil and the bacon is distributed throughout.
Alternatively, you can skip the bowl entirely and combine everything directly on your baking sheet—one less thing to wash!
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan! This is crucial for achieving crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts rather than soggy, steamed ones. If everything is piled on top of each other, the moisture can’t escape and you’ll end up with soft, pale sprouts. If your pan looks too crowded, use two pans—crispy results are worth it!
Step 3: Roast to Perfection
Spread the Brussels sprouts and bacon mixture in a single layer on your baking sheet, making sure to place most sprouts cut-side down when possible (this maximizes the caramelized surface area).
Roast for 20-25 minutes total. About halfway through (around the 12-minute mark), use a spatula or tongs to stir and flip everything, ensuring even browning on all sides.
The Brussels sprouts are done when they’re tender when pierced with a fork, beautifully caramelized with golden-brown edges, and the bacon is perfectly crispy.
Pro Tip: For extra crispy, almost charred edges on your sprouts (the best part!), flip them cut-side down for the last 5-7 minutes of roasting and move the pan to a higher oven rack. Watch carefully during this stage to prevent burning—there’s a fine line between perfectly caramelized and overdone!
Step 4: Add Final Touches and Serve
Remove the pan from the oven. If using any optional additions like balsamic glaze, maple syrup, or Parmesan cheese, add them now while everything is hot.
Serve immediately while the Brussels sprouts are at their crispiest and most flavorful!
Pro Tip: A drizzle of good balsamic glaze just before serving adds a touch of sweetness that complements the smoky bacon beautifully. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese takes this side dish from everyday to dinner-party worthy with zero extra effort!
Expert Tips for the Best Results
Temperature Matters: 400°F is the sweet spot for roasting Brussels sprouts. Lower temperatures result in soft, steamed sprouts; higher temperatures risk burning the edges before the centers are tender.
Size Consistency: Try to cut your Brussels sprouts into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Very large sprouts can be quartered instead of just halved.
Give Them Space: We can’t emphasize this enough—a single layer with space between pieces is essential for proper roasting. Crowded vegetables steam instead of roast.
Use the Bacon Fat: As the bacon renders, it releases delicious fat that the Brussels sprouts absorb. This is flavor gold! Make sure to toss everything during that halfway-point stir so all the sprouts get some of that bacon goodness.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftovers: Let the Brussels sprouts cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: For the best results (and to maintain some crispiness), reheat in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat in a 400°F oven for about 8-10 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch but will result in softer textures—the crispiness won’t survive.
Meal Prep Note: While these are definitely best fresh, they make decent meal prep. Just accept that reheated Brussels sprouts won’t be quite as crispy as fresh from the oven.
Delicious Variations to Try
Make It a Complete Meal: Turn this side dish into a full one-pan dinner! Add pre-cooked chicken sausage or chickpeas during the last 10 minutes of roasting for added protein. Serve over rice or quinoa for a complete, balanced meal.
Garlic Lover’s Version: Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic during the last 10 minutes of roasting (adding it earlier risks burning and bitterness). The garlic becomes soft and slightly sweet while infusing everything with its aroma.
Sweet and Savory: Drizzle 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or honey over the Brussels sprouts and bacon about halfway through roasting. The sugars caramelize and create an incredible sticky-sweet glaze that balances the smoky bacon perfectly.
Spicy Kick: Add a generous pinch of red pepper flakes before roasting for subtle warmth throughout, or sprinkle them on after for more pronounced heat.
Holiday Upgrade: Add ½ cup of dried cranberries and ¼ cup of chopped pecans during the last 5 minutes of roasting for a festive version that’s perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
Balsamic Glazed: Drizzle with high-quality balsamic glaze just before serving for a restaurant-quality finish that adds tangy sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my Brussels sprouts crispy and not soggy?
The keys to crispy Brussels sprouts are: don’t overcrowd the pan (use two if needed), roast at high heat (400°F), make sure your sprouts are dry before seasoning, and place them cut-side down for maximum contact with the hot pan. Tossing them halfway through cooking ensures even browning on all sides. If your sprouts are coming out soggy, overcrowding is almost always the culprit!
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts, though fresh will give you better results. If using frozen, thaw them completely first, then pat them very dry with paper towels to remove as much excess moisture as possible. They may take a few minutes longer to cook and probably won’t get quite as crispy as fresh ones, but they’ll still be delicious!
My family says Brussels sprouts are bitter. How can I make them more appealing?
Roasting naturally brings out the sweetness in Brussels sprouts and mellows any bitterness. The bacon fat also helps balance bitter flavors. For extra sweetness, add a drizzle of maple syrup or balsamic glaze. Using fresh, smaller Brussels sprouts (which tend to be sweeter) and ensuring they get nice and caramelized will win over even the most skeptical family members!
What main dishes pair well with One-Pan Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon?
This versatile side dish pairs wonderfully with almost any protein! It’s excellent alongside roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, seared steak, baked salmon, or simple grilled fish. It’s also a fantastic addition to holiday meals—perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinner. The savory-smoky-slightly sweet flavor profile complements nearly everything.
How long does it take to roast Brussels sprouts at 400°F?
At 400°F, Brussels sprouts typically take 20-25 minutes to reach perfect doneness, with one stir halfway through. The exact time depends on the size of your sprouts and how crowded your pan is. You’ll know they’re done when they’re tender when pierced with a fork and have beautiful caramelized edges.
Is this recipe low-carb/keto friendly?
Yes! Brussels sprouts are relatively low in carbohydrates, and bacon is keto-approved. A serving of this dish fits well within low-carb and ketogenic eating plans. Just skip the optional maple syrup if you’re strictly counting carbs.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is everything a busy family needs in a side dish—quick to prep, hands-off while cooking, minimal cleanup, and absolutely delicious. The combination of caramelized, slightly sweet Brussels sprouts with smoky, crispy bacon is irresistible, even to those who claim to hate Brussels sprouts.
What makes this recipe a true weeknight winner is its reliability. Once you’ve made it a few times, you’ll be able to throw it together on autopilot while handling homework questions and setting the table. It pairs with virtually any main dish, scales easily for larger crowds, and can be customized with endless variations.
So the next time you need a vegetable side that doesn’t feel like a chore—for a busy Tuesday night or a holiday gathering—remember this recipe. One pan, simple ingredients, incredible flavor. That’s the kind of cooking that makes weeknight dinners actually enjoyable.
Happy roasting!
Love easy vegetable sides? Check out our collection of quick sheet pan recipes and family-friendly vegetable dishes that even picky eaters will enjoy!
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