She has also had 16 wellness books published by major publishers including the bestselling Easy GI Diet, The Macro Method, Quit Alcohol (For a Month) and Eat 5. Her books have sold over one million copies.
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If you liked the idea of roasting Brussels Sprouts and Bacon from our piece on learning to love veggies but aren’t sure how to make it. Here’s a simple recipe.
Brussels sprouts are a tricky vegetable. The bitter compounds that make them really good for us also mean that many people don’t like them, but as we said in our article on tips to make vegetables more tasty the salt in bacon can dilute some of the bitterness.
Serve it with a creamy sauce or dip, and you’ll negate things even further – just watch the fat content, or you’ll tip your meal from healthy to high fat!
Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Recipe
Ingredients
Serves 4 as a side dish – or 2 as a main course
- 1 lb (450 g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4-6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Prepare Brussels Sprouts
Wash and trim the Brussels sprouts, then cut them in half lengthwise. - Mix Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the chopped bacon and mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated. - Arrange on a Baking Sheet
Spread the Brussels sprouts and bacon in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Ensure the sprouts are cut-side down for maximum caramelization. - Roast
Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the Brussels sprouts are golden brown and crispy and the bacon is cooked. - Serve
Remove from the oven and serve hot. Enjoy your savory and crispy side dish!
Alternative Suggestions
If you don’t have any bacon or don’t eat it for some reason, that’s okay, you can roast the sprouts solo, or, try these other additions
Here are some tasty alternatives to replace the bacon in roasted Brussels sprouts:
Try Pancetta
Small cubes of pancetta offer a similar salty, rich flavor. Cook the pancetta in the same way as bacon for a classic, meaty option.
Use Chorizo
Sliced smoked sausage (such as kielbasa or chorizo) adds a hearty, smoky element. Cut into small pieces and roast alongside the Brussels sprouts.
Swap to Turkey Bacon
It will work just as well if you prefer not to eat pork. It is a little less fatty though, so, cut it a little thicker.
Prosciutto
Thinly sliced prosciutto crisps beautifully when roasted. To avoid burning, tear it into small pieces and add it during the last 5-10 minutes of roasting.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Add these in the last few minutes, or toss them in after cooking.
Smoked Paprika or Liquid Smoke
Sprinkle 1-2 teaspoons of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke over the Brussels sprouts before roasting for a vegetarian-friendly smoky flavor.
Toasted Nuts
Use chopped toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Add them during the last 5 minutes of roasting to prevent burning.
So there you have it. If you liked this, you might also like our Collard Greens and Bacon recipe.