Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon Recipe

Brussels sprouts: These small, leafy green vegetables are part of the cabbage family and offer a slightly nutty flavor when roasted.

Bacon: A cured meat that adds a smoky, savory taste and crispy texture to the dish.

Olive oil: A healthy fat used to coat the brussels sprouts for roasting, enhancing their flavor and helping them crisp up.

Salt: A basic seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the dish, balancing the flavors.

To achieve perfectly crispy bacon and evenly roasted brussels sprouts, make sure to spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming rather than roasting, which will prevent the brussels sprouts from developing that desirable golden-brown exterior. If necessary, use two baking sheets to ensure everything has enough space to roast properly.

• brussels sprouts - Substitute with broccoli florets: Broccoli florets provide a similar texture and can be roasted to achieve a comparable flavor profile.

• bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon offers a similar smoky flavor with less fat and is a leaner alternative.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a great alternative for roasting.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different mineral content.

• freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a milder heat and can be used to maintain the peppery flavor without altering the dish's appearance.

• Allow the roasted brussels sprouts with bacon to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make them soggy.

• Transfer the cooled brussels sprouts and bacon into an airtight container. If you have a lot, consider using multiple containers to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven reheating.

• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This keeps the brussels sprouts fresh and the bacon crispy.

• For freezing, place the cooled brussels sprouts and bacon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure they are in a single layer to prevent sticking together.

• Freeze the baking sheet for about 1-2 hours, or until the brussels sprouts and bacon are solid. This flash-freezing method helps maintain their texture.

• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn, which can affect taste and texture.

• Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.

• When ready to enjoy, reheat the brussels sprouts and bacon in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps retain their crispiness.

• Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed. This adds a delightful, fresh-from-the-oven taste.

• Avoid microwaving, as it can make the brussels sprouts soggy and the bacon chewy.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the leftover brussels sprouts with bacon on a baking sheet in a single layer. Cover them loosely with foil to prevent over-crisping. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until they're warmed through and the bacon is sizzling again.

• Stovetop Sauté: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover brussels sprouts and bacon to the pan, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are heated through and the bacon regains its crispiness.

• Microwave Method: Place the brussels sprouts and bacon in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the brussels sprouts and bacon in the basket in a single layer. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating and crispiness.

• Toaster Oven: If you have a toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the brussels sprouts and bacon on a small baking tray. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until they are warmed through and the bacon is crispy.

• Oven: Used to roast the Brussels sprouts and bacon to achieve a tender and crispy texture.

• Mixing bowl: Utilized for tossing the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper to ensure even coating.

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to spread the Brussels sprouts and bacon in a single layer for even roasting.

• Knife: Essential for chopping the bacon into pieces and trimming the Brussels sprouts if needed.

• Cutting board: A stable surface to safely chop the bacon and prepare the Brussels sprouts.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the olive oil, salt, and pepper accurately.

• Tongs: Handy for tossing the Brussels sprouts in the mixing bowl and for serving the finished dish.

Prep in advance: Trim and halve the brussels sprouts and chop the bacon the night before to save time on busy days.

Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and store leftovers in the fridge for a quick side dish later in the week.

Preheat efficiently: Start preheating the oven while prepping ingredients to ensure it's ready when you are.

Uniform size: Cut brussels sprouts to similar sizes for even cooking and to avoid burning.