Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

These Roasted Brussels Sprouts are tossed in extra-virgin olive oil and spices and cooked until soft on the inside and crispy on the outside then drizzled with real maple syrup and served with crispy bacon and crunchy pomegranates. The perfect Fall and holiday side dish recipe.

Brussels Sprouts get a bad wrap.

They may quite possibly be the most underrated vegetable. That’s a bold statement but sometimes veggies don’t have the most stellar reputation of being anything more than an “I am going to suck it up and eat it because it’s good for me” kind of thing.

If you’re looking to elevate your vegetable game, look no further than roasted Brussels sprouts. These miniature cabbages, once notorious for their unappetizing reputation, have undergone a renaissance in recent years.

Roasting Brussels sprouts is a simple yet transformative process that turns this humble vegetable into one delicious vegetable. Let me introduce Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Maple Syrup, and Pomegranates. You may have a new favorite veggie.

I am a huge fan of roasting vegetables. Roasting vegetables in the oven at a high heat transforms vegetables. We all know that steaming is ultra healthy for you but roasting takes vegetables to another level.

Ingredients:

• Brussels Sprouts
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
• Salt and Pepper
• Bacon
• Real Maple Syrup
• Pomegranates
• Hazelnuts or Pine Nuts (optional)

The Benefits of Roasting Brussels Sprouts:

1. Enhanced Flavor: Roasting Brussels sprouts intensifies their natural flavors. The heat caramelizes the outer leaves, giving them a delightful crispy texture and a subtly sweet, nutty taste.
2. Improved Texture: Roasting also creates a satisfying contrast between the crispy outer leaves and the tender, juicy centers. This texture combination is a significant part of what makes roasted Brussels sprouts so addictive.
3. Easy Preparation: Roasting Brussels sprouts is a breeze. All you need are a few basic ingredients, an oven, and some seasonings to create a fantastic side dish.
4. Versatility: Roasted Brussels sprouts are incredibly versatile. You can experiment with various seasonings and accompaniments to suit your taste.

Start with brussels sprouts and drizzle them with extra virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, then top them with crispy bacon, sweet pomegranate arils, and crunchy hazelnuts. 

After eating these Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts, you may be surprised when you discover that you actually LOVE brussels sprouts. It did for me. Who knew they could be so good?

Once you’ve mastered the basic roasted brussels sprouts, it’s time to get creative with your roasted Brussels sprouts. Here are a few flavor-enhancing ideas:

1. Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the roasted Brussels sprouts just before serving for a sweet and tangy kick.
2. Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on the brussels sprouts while they’re still hot, fresh out of the oven. The cheese will melt and create a savory crust.
3. Garlic and Lemon: Roast the sprouts with thinly sliced garlic and lemon zest for a burst of citrusy freshness. I would suggest adding the garlic with 10 minutes left of baking time so it doesn’t burn.
4. Honey and Sriracha Sauce: Toss the Brussels sprouts with a mixture of honey and Sriracha before roasting for a sweet and spicy flavor combination.
5. Pomegranate Seeds: Sprinkle pomegranate seeds over the roasted Brussels sprouts to add a burst of juicy sweetness and vibrant color.

Roasted Brussels sprouts are a culinary gem that showcases how a simple cooking technique can transform an underrated vegetable into a star side dish. Whether you prefer them with classic seasonings or enjoy experimenting with unique flavors, roasted Brussels sprouts are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Their irresistible combination of crispy outer leaves and tender centers, enhanced by various seasonings, will have you coming back for seconds. So, the next time you’re seeking a delicious and nutritious addition to your meal, give roasted Brussels sprouts a try, and experience the magic of this culinary transformation.

Popular Side Dish Recipes:

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Oven Roasted Potatoes

Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Pecans and Cranberries

Honey Butter Glazed Carrots

Another delicious roasted vegetable is my Indian Roasted Cauliflower Recipe.

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5 from 4 votes

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

By: Melissa Stadler, Modern Honey

These Roasted Brussels Sprouts are tossed in extra-virgin olive oil and spices and cooked until soft on the inside and crispy on the outside then drizzled with real maple syrup and served with crispy bacon and crunchy pomegranates. The perfect Fall and holiday side dish recipe.

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 1 1/2 lbs Brussel Sprouts rinsed
• ▢ 3 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• ▢ 1 teaspoon Salt
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
• ▢ 6 Slices Bacon high quality center cut
• ▢ 2 Tablespoons Real Maple Syrup
• ▢ 1 Pomegranate or 3/4 cup Pomegranate Arils
• ▢ 1/4 cup Hazelnuts (optional) peeled and sliced in half

Instructions 

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
• Cut off the brown ends of the Brussels sprouts and pull off any yellow outer leaves. I usually slice some in half and keep others whole.
• Mix them in a bowl with the olive oil, salt and pepper. Pour them on a sheet pan and roast for 25-32 minutes, until crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Shake the pan from time to time to cook them evenly.
• While roasting, cook bacon until nice and crispy and cut into pieces.
• Toss brussels sprouts with maple syrup. Sprinkle brussels sprouts with bacon, pomegranate arils, and hazelnuts. Sprinkle with extra salt, as needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

I suggest using 100% real maple syrup. 

Nutrition

Calories: 176kcal, Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 8g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 11mg, Sodium: 421mg, Potassium: 391mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 649IU, Vitamin C: 73mg, Calcium: 42mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Side Dish, Vegetable Side Dish, Vegetables

Cuisine: American

Servings: 8

Calories: 176

Keyword: brussels sprouts, roasted brussels sprouts

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I hope that you love these Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranates as much as we do!

Happy Cooking! xo