Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon (Easy Oven Recipe)

If you’ve ever ended up with soggy or bitter Brussels sprouts, you’re not alone. This easy roasted brussels sprouts with bacon recipe gives you tender centers with lightly crisp edges and lots of savory flavor—without complicated steps.

The key is a simple roasting method that helps the sprouts brown properly while the bacon adds richness and crunch. Whether you’re making these for a holiday meal or a quick weeknight side, they’re a reliable way to get brussels sprouts that actually taste good.

Below you’ll find the exact method, plus tips to help you get better browning and avoid soggy sprouts every time.

Roasted Brussels sprouts aren't just for holidays! Why not serve these any time of year? They are, of course, perfect for chilly fall and winter nights, but you'll enjoy them so much that you will want to serve them anytime.

How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

This method gives you tender brussels sprouts with lightly crisp edges and better browning—no soggy sprouts.

1. Preheat the oven
   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment if desired.
2. Prep the brussels sprouts
   Trim the ends and cut the sprouts in half. If some leaves fall off, keep them—they get extra crispy.
3. Toss with oil and seasoning
   In a bowl, toss the sprouts with oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
4. Arrange cut side down
   Spread the sprouts out in a single layer on the baking sheet, placing them cut side down for better browning.
5. Add the bacon
   Scatter chopped bacon pieces evenly around the sprouts.
6. Roast without stirring
   Roast for 10–15 minutes without stirring to allow the sprouts to brown properly.
7. Finish roasting
   Stir once, then continue roasting for another 10–15 minutes, or until tender with lightly crisp edges and the bacon is cooked.
8. Serve immediately
   For best texture, serve right away.

How to Get Crispy Brussels Sprouts (Not Soggy)

Here are simple tips to help you get better browning and avoid soggy brussels sprouts.

• Use high heat (at least 425°F)
• Don’t overcrowd the pan
• Place the sprouts cut side down
• Don’t stir for the first 10–15 minutes
• Use enough oil—but not too much
• Add bacon at the right time (so it crisps, not steams)

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Can You Roast Frozen Brussels Sprouts?

We often buy frozen brussels sprouts since they are almost always cheaper and more readily on hand at the store. However, you will for sure get much nicer results roasting the fresh brussels sprouts over frozen. You can roast them from frozen, but they are already blanched so the results will be a bit different.

If you want to try this, first toss the frozen brussels sprouts with the ingredients in this recipe, then pop them in the oven frozen and roast for approximately 40 minutes. You might want to broil them for a few minutes at the end to give them a bit more of a roasted appearance.

Recipe Notes

Sourcing Bacon: The sourcing of any meat is important, but when we're talking pork, it is even moreso. If possible, you want a bacon with no nitrates, and getting bacon from pigs that aren't factory farmed is a great idea.

Oil Choice: It's important to choose an oil that has a high smoke point when roasting this or any other food. Extra Light Olive Oil and Avocado Oil are both good choices.

Important Roasting Tip: It's hard to keep from peeking but it's important not to peek at these roasted brussels sprouts for the first 10 minutes of roasting time. This is the best way to get that delicious caramelly golden crust. You can do it!

What to Do With the Leaves: You can either peel the small leaves off the sprouts before roasting and make Brussels sprout chips or if they fall of when prepping, simply place them on the baking sheet and you'll have a smattering of deliciousness in with your roasted sprouts.

Keep Watch!: Pay close attention towards the end of the roasting time. When the bacon starts to turn, things will move quickly and you don't want charred sprouts and bacon.

Extra Flavor: Toss the Brussels sprouts in a dressing and marinate for a few hours, or overnight, and then roast for a simple flavorful side dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you make brussels sprouts crispy in the oven?

Yes, roasting at a high temperature (around 425°F) and placing the sprouts cut side down helps them develop browned, lightly crisp edges. Avoid overcrowding the pan and don’t stir too early.

Why are my roasted brussels sprouts soggy?

Brussels sprouts can turn soggy if the pan is overcrowded, the oven temperature is too low, or there is too much moisture. Giving them space and roasting at high heat helps them brown instead of steam.

Should you boil brussels sprouts before roasting?

No, boiling isn’t necessary and can actually make them softer and more prone to sogginess. Roasting them when raw gives better texture and flavor.

Can you use frozen brussels sprouts?

Yes, but the texture will be softer. Roast them straight from frozen at a high temperature and expect less browning compared to fresh sprouts.

When should you add bacon to roasted brussels sprouts?

Add the bacon at the beginning so it cooks alongside the sprouts. If you prefer extra crispy bacon, you can partially cook it first and add it halfway through roasting period.

How to Serve This Dish

Seasonings: You can of course add in other seasonings or toppings as desired. How about some garlic and onion? A drizzle of this Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette or Moroccan Vinaigrette after roasting is lovely as well. This Chaat Masala goes fantastic with just about any dish and would taste just simply amazing on these.

Cold or Warm: While the instructions for this recipe state to serve these brussels sprouts immediately, they can also be served cold and are lovely on a salad.

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Special Diet Notes

• Whole30: Choose a bacon without added sugar to make this whole30 compliant.
• AIP: Choose a bacon without any added berry spices to make this dish AIP.
• Paleo: Choose a bacon without added sugar if you want to keep this recipe strictly Paleo.

That's all. I'm sure these Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon will be a great side dish not just for your Holiday table, but also for every day meals.

Do you love brussels sprouts or no?
What is your favorite way to eat them?