Mediterranean Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Ranch Bacon
This dish combines caramelized roasted sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts with crispy ranch-seasoned turkey bacon (or light pork bacon, if preferred). It’s tossed in a Mediterranean-style olive oil and herb dressing, making it a hearty yet healthy side or main dish. Perfect for dinner, meal prep, or a festive table.
⏱️ Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Ingredients
Vegetables
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, mild)
Salt & pepper, to taste
Crispy Ranch Bacon
6 strips turkey bacon (or lean pork bacon)
1 tsp ranch seasoning mix (homemade or store-bought, see tip below)
½ tsp dried dill
Dressing
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp honey (or maple syrup)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Garnishes
Crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
Toasted pine nuts or almonds
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Set oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Vegetables
Toss cubed sweet potatoes and halved Brussels sprouts in olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Spread evenly on the baking sheet.
3. Roast
Bake for 25–30 minutes, stirring once halfway, until tender and slightly crispy on the edges.
4. Make Crispy Ranch Bacon
While veggies roast, heat a skillet over medium heat.
Cook bacon until crispy, about 4–5 minutes per side.
Sprinkle ranch seasoning and dill while still hot.
Drain on paper towels, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
5. Prepare Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon, and parsley.
6. Assemble
Transfer roasted veggies to a serving bowl.
Drizzle with dressing and toss gently.
Top with crispy ranch bacon.
Add feta and nuts if desired.
Notes & Tips
Homemade Ranch Mix: Combine ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp dried dill, and a pinch of salt.
Make it Vegetarian: Swap bacon for crispy roasted chickpeas or smoked almonds.
Meal Prep Tip: Store veggies and dressing separately; add bacon just before eating to keep it crispy.
Extra Flavor: Add a sprinkle of za’atar or sumac for a Mediterranean twist.
❓ frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Yes, but use lean cuts and pat off excess fat to keep it Mediterranean-friendly.
Q: How do I make it vegan?
Skip the bacon and cheese, and use smoked chickpeas or walnuts for crunch.
Q: Can I air-fry this instead of roasting?
Absolutely — cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 18–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~285
Protein: 11g
Carbs: 32g
Fat: 12g
Sugar: 9g