Roasted brussel sprouts with parmesan cheese and bacon

Think you don't like brussels sprouts? Think again! These Bacon Parmesan Brussels Sprouts are so crispy and packed with flavor, it's impossible not to like them. They make the perfect Thanksgiving or Christmas side dish, but can be enjoyed all winter long!

Roasted brussel sprouts with parmesan cheese and bacon

If you're not a fan of brussels sprouts, I totally get it. And I'm not here to convince you otherwise.

OK, maybe I am. Just this one time though, I promise. Just take a teeny tiny "no thank you" portion and I swear I'll never bother you again. I just really think this time could be the difference.

Because these bacon parmesan brussels sprouts are likely way more delicious than any brussels sprouts dish you've ever had before. And I really think you're going to love them!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

If you already love brussels sprouts, this recipe is going to make them even more appealing to you. And if you aren't a fan of brussels sprouts, this recipe is going to make you fall in love with them. Or at least make you happily eat a "no thank you" portion. Seriously.

The sprouts are perfectly cooked so they're nice and crispy. And the parmesan cheese and bacon adds a lot of salty umami. The garlic doesn't hurt either!

Plus, these brussels sprouts are incredibly easy to make and can be served as a holiday side dish or weeknight dinner all winter long.

Ingredients

This brussels sprouts side dish doesn't require much, but every ingredient is so important. Here's everything you need:

  • Brussels sprouts
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic
  • Pepper
  • Dried thyme
  • Red hot pepper flakes
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Bacon

How to Make Bacon Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

And making the sprouts is SO SO easy! It's the kind of dish that doesn't require a lot of extra effort and can fit seamlessly into your meal plan.

To start, make sure your bacon is cooked nice and crispy. Then, preheat your oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat.

In a large bowl, combine brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, pepper, thyme, red pepper flakes, and parmesan. Toss together to coat brussels sprouts.

Roasted brussel sprouts with parmesan cheese and bacon

Pour brussels sprouts onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.

Roasted brussel sprouts with parmesan cheese and bacon

Bake for 25-30 minutes, until sprouts are golden brown and crispy.

Cooking brussels sprouts until they're crispy is a surefire way to get anyone to fall in love with them!

Roasted brussel sprouts with parmesan cheese and bacon

Now, remove the sprouts from the oven and toss with crumbled bacon.

Honestly, these parmesan brussels sprouts are awesome as is, but adding in the bacon takes them to whole new levels.

You can even add more in if you want. Nobody is going to stop you.

Roasted brussel sprouts with parmesan cheese and bacon

Bacon parmesan brussels sprouts make the perfect side dish for so many different meals and are delicious with everything from turkey to chicken to steak.

They're a must on your Thanksgiving and Christmas table and will have your guests coming to the realization that they actually do love brussels sprouts.

Can I Double This Recipe?

Yes! Doubling this recipe is incredibly easy and a must if you're serving it to a crowd. You may even want to triple or quadruple it. This recipe technically makes 4 servings, but it's really only 2 in my house.

The important thing is to make sure you're roasting the brussels sprouts in a single layer on the baking sheet, so you may need to use a couple baking sheets if you're making more.

Roasted brussel sprouts with parmesan cheese and bacon

I like to make this recipe any time I have leftover bacon.

Who am I kidding; sometimes I purposely make extra bacon for breakfast just so I can have these bacon parmesan brussels sprouts for dinner!

The salty umami of the parmesan and bacon balance the slightly bitter and slightly sweet caramelized brussels sprouts and are just a match made in heaven!

More Vegetable Side Dishes

Sometimes coming up with delicious and healthy side dishes is the most difficult part of planning dinner. Luckily, I have lots of easy recipes for you that will take your meal from boring to incredible! Here are some of my favorites:

  • Roasted Carrots, Fiddleheads, and Haricot Vert
  • Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta, Pomegranate, and Feta
  • Smashed Sweet Potatoes
  • Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Lemon, Pomegranate, and Feta
  • Skillet Green Bean Casserole
  • Brussels Sprouts Bacon Caesar Salad
  • Ginger Coconut Whipped Sweet Potatoes
  • Baked Orzo with Eggplant
  • Balsamic Roasted Vegetables with Feta (from Kylee Cooks)
  • Roasted Broccoli with Garlic (from Kitchen Sanctuary)
Roasted brussel sprouts with parmesan cheese and bacon

The one rule when serving these brussels sprouts is that everyone has to have a taste, even if they insist they don't like brussels sprouts.

If they still don't like them after this, I am officially out of ideas. But that just means more bacon parmesan brussels sprouts for you. And that is always a glorious thing!

Roasted brussel sprouts with parmesan cheese and bacon

  • 1 lb. brussels sprouts, cleaned, trimmed, and halved
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp minced garlic (about 3 cloves garlic)
  • ¼ tsp pepper
  • ¼ tsp dried thyme
  • tsp red hot pepper flakes
  • cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat.

  • In a large bowl, combine brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, pepper, thyme, red pepper flakes, and parmesan. Toss together to coat brussels sprouts.

  • Pour brussels sprouts onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer.

  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, until sprouts are golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and toss with crumbled bacon.

Calories: 196kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 15mg | Sodium: 230mg | Potassium: 485mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 953IU | Vitamin C: 97mg | Calcium: 146mg | Iron: 2mg

Mention @wearenotmartha and share a photo if you've made the recipe!

Roasted brussel sprouts with parmesan cheese and bacon

Why are my roasted brussel sprouts not crispy?

If you want your roasted Brussels sprouts to be seriously crispy, you need to crank up the heat. Roasting at a low temperature won't allow them to brown properly, so you want to get that oven nice and hot before tossing in your baking sheet. Follow this tip: Roast Brussels sprouts at a minimum of 400°F.

Should I par boil brussel sprouts before roasting?

Brussels sprouts are quite dense little vegetables, so parboiling them gives you a headstart on the cooking process. It is especially helpful for dishes involving grilled or roasted Brussels sprouts, because it softens them in the middle.

Should I blanch my brussel sprouts before roasting?

You want to blanch the brussels sprouts and either microwave or steam them prior to roasting them. This will ensure crispy and tender brussels sprouts with a soft and delicious center.

How do you roast Brussel sprouts so they are not bitter?

2) Add salt but we do know that salt takes down the bitterness of Brussels sprouts. It's not entirely clear how or why salt counters bitterness, but it does. Make sure you salt Brussels sprouts at the beginning of the cooking process. And then go in with a good pinch of sea salt or kosher salt before serving.