Roasted Brussels Sprouts Beef Bacon

The smell of bacon fat hitting a hot skillet used to stop me in my tracks every Sunday morning when I was growing up. My grandmother would be at the stove, and Id hover nearby, waiting for that first crispy piece. So when I discovered beef bacon years later, it felt like uncovering a secret treasure. The smokiness runs deeper somehow, and it transforms ordinary roasted vegetables into something extraordinary.

I first made these for a dinner party where half the guests swore they hated Brussels sprouts. The kitchen filled with that incredible roasted aroma, and I watched skeptics turn into converts after one bite. Now its the one side dish I can bring to any gathering and watch it disappear completely.

Ingredients

• 500 g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved: Choose tight, bright green heads without yellowing leaves for the sweetest flavor
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced: The onion caramelizes alongside the sprouts, adding natural sweetness and beautiful color
• 120 g beef bacon, sliced into 2 cm pieces: This renders differently than pork bacon and gives the dish its signature smoky depth
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps everything roast evenly and develop those crispy edges we all love
• 1/2 tsp sea salt: Enhances the natural flavors without overpowering the vegetables
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper: Adds just enough warmth to complement the smoky notes
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional): If you love extra smokiness, this ingredient takes the dish to another level entirely
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional): These garnishes add brightness and a savory finish that pulls everything together

Instructions

Heat things up:

Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later

Toss everything together:

In a large bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts and sliced red onion with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if you are using it

Arrange for success:

Spread the seasoned vegetables evenly across your prepared baking sheet, then scatter the beef bacon pieces over the top

Let the oven work its magic:

Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, giving the pan a good stir halfway through, until the sprouts are golden with crispy edges and the bacon is perfectly crisp

Finish with flair:

Transfer everything to a serving dish and sprinkle with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan if you like, then serve immediately while hot

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My friend Sarah texted me at midnight once after making these, demanding the recipe because her husband had eaten three servings. Something about the combination of crispy sprouts and smoky beef bacon just hits different. Its become my go-to dish when I need to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Getting The Perfect Roast

The difference between good and great roasted Brussels sprouts comes down to surface area and heat distribution. Halving them exposes more flat surfaces to the hot pan, creating those irresistible crispy bits. I learned this after years of wondering why restaurant sprouts tasted so much better than mine.

Understanding Beef Bacon

Beef bacon brings a different kind of richness to dishes compared to traditional pork bacon. It tends to be slightly leaner with a more intense smoky flavor that stands up beautifully to the bitterness of Brussels sprouts. Once you try it, you might find yourself reaching for it more often than you expected.

Make Ahead Secrets

You can trim and halve the Brussels sprouts up to two days in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The bacon can also be sliced ahead and kept ready to go. This means you can have everything prepped and ready to pop in the oven whenever you need a quick side.

• The dish reheats surprisingly well in a hot skillet for about 5 minutes
• Add a splash of water when reheating to prevent sticking
• Leftovers make an excellent breakfast hash the next morning

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Theres something deeply satisfying about a dish that looks impressive but comes together with minimal effort. Enjoy these crispy sprouts with the people you love.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you achieve crispy Brussels sprouts?

Roasting at a high temperature (220°C/425°F) allows the outer leaves of Brussels sprouts to caramelize and crisp, especially when tossed with olive oil and spices.

→ Can I substitute beef bacon for other meats?

Yes, turkey bacon or other smoked meats can be used to adjust flavor and dietary preferences without compromising texture.

→ What are good garnishes to enhance this dish?

Chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese add freshness and a savory finish to complement the roasted flavors.

→ Is smoked paprika necessary for this dish?

Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth but can be omitted or replaced to suit personal taste without losing the dish's essence.

→ How can I add some heat to the dish?

A pinch of chili flakes before roasting introduces a gentle spicy kick that elevates the overall flavor profile.