Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Melty Cheese
This recipe is a perfect balance of crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts, the rich umami of bacon, and a melty, gooey layer of cheese. Roasting the Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor, while the bacon adds a smoky, salty touch. Topped with cheese (your choice of cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda), it’s a comforting, indulgent side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meats or can stand alone.
Prep Times
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Roasted Brussels Sprouts:
1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
For the Bacon and Cheese:
4–5 slices bacon, chopped
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, or a mix)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare Brussels Sprouts
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts, remove any damaged leaves, and slice in half.
Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
2. Roast the Brussels Sprouts
Roast Brussels sprouts in the oven for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the edges. You want them caramelized and tender on the inside.
3. Cook the Bacon
While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, cook the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5–7 minutes.
Once crispy, transfer bacon pieces to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
4. Combine and Add Cheese
After the Brussels sprouts are done roasting, remove them from the oven.
Sprinkle the cooked bacon over the Brussels sprouts and top with shredded cheese.
Return to the oven for another 3–5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes & Tips
Make it vegetarian: Skip the bacon and add a drizzle of balsamic glaze after roasting for a sweet contrast to the savory Brussels sprouts.
Cheese variations: For extra richness, try using a mix of cheeses like sharp cheddar and mozzarella, or experiment with gouda, Parmesan, or blue cheese.
Crispier bacon: You can bake the bacon on a separate sheet while the Brussels sprouts roast, or air fry it to make it extra crispy.
Flavor variations: Add a dash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice for extra depth and freshness before serving.
Frequently asked questions FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Roast the Brussels sprouts and cook the bacon ahead of time. Store separately in the fridge and assemble with cheese when ready to serve.
Q: What can I serve this with?
A: This dish pairs well with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even a quinoa salad for a lighter, plant-based meal.
Q: How can I make it dairy-free?
A: You can skip the cheese entirely or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep it vegan.
Q: How do I make the Brussels sprouts less bitter?
A: Roasting the Brussels sprouts at a high temperature caramelizes their sugars, which helps reduce the bitterness. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet for even roasting.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~250–300 (depending on cheese and bacon used)
Protein: 9g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 3g
Sodium: ~400mg (depending on bacon and cheese)
Calcium: 15–20% DV
Vitamin A: 10% DV
Vitamin C: 100% DV