Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Hot Bacon Dressing – A Crispy, Smoky, and Tangy Side Dish

If you’re searching for a show-stopping side dish that brings crispy roasted Brussels sprouts to the next level, this recipe for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Hot Bacon Dressing is for you! The caramelized sprouts are perfectly roasted, and then they’re tossed in a sweet, tangy, and smoky bacon dressing that will have everyone reaching for seconds. This dish is the perfect addition to any holiday feast, family dinner, or when you simply want a delicious, hearty side to brighten up your plate.

Scroll down for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Hot Bacon Dressing

Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness, giving them crispy edges and a tender center. When paired with the rich, savory flavor of bacon and a tangy dressing made with apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard, these sprouts become absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re trying to convince a Brussels sprout skeptic or impressing die-hard veggie lovers, this dish is bound to be a winner.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavors: crispy roasted Brussels sprouts, smoky bacon, and a hot dressing that’s equal parts tangy and sweet. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for entertaining. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite seasonings or toppings!

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 7g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 8g

These Brussels sprouts are filling yet light enough to enjoy alongside a main course. For a balanced meal, pair them with roasted chicken or pork chops.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Hot Bacon Dressing can be served alongside a variety of dishes. Pair it with a roasted turkey for Thanksgiving, serve it with grilled steaks for a summer BBQ, or even add it as a side to a simple weeknight meal like baked salmon. For a complete meal, you can also serve these sprouts over quinoa or brown rice, adding some extra veggies for a hearty bowl.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftovers (though they’re so delicious you might not!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and crispy. The dressing will continue to soak into the Brussels sprouts, making them even more flavorful the next day.

Fun Fact: The Brussels Sprouts Comeback

Brussels sprouts have gotten a bad rap for years, often associated with being boiled and flavorless. But once chefs and home cooks discovered the magic of roasting them, these little veggies made a huge comeback. Today, they’re a favorite in many restaurants and homes, especially when paired with bacon and a flavorful dressing like this recipe!

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Cooking Tips

Preheat Your Sheet Pan for Extra Crispy Sprouts: For the crispiest Brussels sprouts, try preheating the sheet pan in the oven. This will help give the sprouts an extra crunch on the outside while keeping them tender on the inside.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When roasting Brussels sprouts, it’s important not to overcrowd the pan. Give them plenty of space to ensure they roast evenly and become crispy instead of steaming.

Customize the Dressing: You can tweak the hot bacon dressing by adding a touch of honey for extra sweetness or even some crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Optional Variations

• Add Toasted Nuts: For a bit of crunch, try adding toasted pecans or almonds to the dish.
• Sprinkle with Parmesan: If you love a cheesy finish, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the Brussels sprouts before serving.
• Try Maple Syrup: Swap out the brown sugar for maple syrup in the dressing for a subtle, earthy sweetness that complements the bacon beautifully.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Hot Bacon Dressing Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds Brussels sprouts
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 8 slices bacon (cut in 1-inch pieces)
• ½ yellow onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar
• ¼ cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F. If you want extra crispy Brussels sprouts, preheat a large, rimmed baking sheet in the oven as well.
2. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Trim the stem ends and slice each Brussels sprout in half. Place them in a large bowl and toss with olive oil and 1 teaspoon of salt to coat.
3. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until they are crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
4. Roast the Brussels Sprouts: Add the Brussels sprouts to the preheated baking sheet, cut side down. Make sure not to crowd the pan, as this will help the sprouts roast and caramelize evenly. Roast them for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are deeply golden brown with crispy edges.
5. Prepare the Hot Bacon Dressing: While the Brussels sprouts roast, drain all but 3 tablespoons of bacon grease from the skillet and return it to medium-low heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is tender (about 5 to 8 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant.
6. Finish the Dressing: Add the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard to the skillet. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the dressing thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Combine and Serve: Once the Brussels sprouts are roasted to perfection, transfer them to the skillet with the hot bacon dressing and add the crispy bacon pieces. Toss everything together until the sprouts are well coated in the dressing. Serve immediately for the best flavor.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Hot Bacon Dressing is a dish that’s guaranteed to impress. The combination of crispy Brussels sprouts, smoky bacon, and a tangy-sweet dressing makes for a side dish that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just spicing up your weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!