Pin It Transform ordinary Brussels sprouts into a crave-worthy side dish with this simple roasting method. The sprouts become golden and caramelized at the edges while maintaining a tender center, while turkey bacon adds smoky, savory depth throughout. This dish comes together quickly with minimal prep work—just trim, season, and roast.
The seasoning blend of garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper creates a balanced flavor profile that complements the natural nuttiness of the sprouts. Roasting at high heat ensures even cooking and develops irresistible crispy edges. Optional Parmesan and fresh parsley add extra layers of flavor and brightness.
Perfect for busy weeknights or as part of a holiday spread, these roasted Brussels sprouts appeal to both sprout lovers and skeptics alike. The dish is naturally gluten-free and low-carb, making it suitable for various dietary needs while still delivering satisfying flavor.
The first time I made these, my skeptical brother-in-law went back for thirds. That crispy edges, that smoky turkey bacon curling around each sprout like it was made to be there.
Last Thanksgiving, I accidentally doubled the recipe because I forgot Id already made a batch. Nobody complained, and my aunt actually asked if I could teach her my secret technique.
Ingredients
- Brussels sprouts: Fresh ones feel tight and heavy, and cutting them in half lets those cut edges caramelize beautifully
- Turkey bacon: Chopping it before cooking means every bite gets that smoky, savory punch
- Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and encourages that gorgeous golden browning
- Garlic powder: Dissolves evenly over everything unlike fresh garlic which can burn
- Smoked paprika: Adds this subtle smokiness that makes people think youve been cooking for hours
- Salt and pepper: The foundation that makes all the other flavors sing
- Parmesan cheese: Totally optional but that salty, nutty finish is worth it
- Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh brightness against all that richness
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Crank it to 425°F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup
- Season the sprouts:
- Toss those halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil and all the seasonings until every piece is coated
- Arrange on the sheet:
- Spread them in a single layer and scatter the chopped turkey bacon over the top like confetti
- Roast to perfection:
- Let them go for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and crispy with the turkey bacon fully cooked
- Finish and serve:
- Transfer to a serving dish and add that Parmesan and fresh parsley if youre feeling fancy
Pin It My daughter now requests these instead of fries as her side dish. Watching someone who claimed to hate Brussels sprouts their entire life change their mind in one bite is pretty satisfying.
Making Them Ahead
You can trim and halve the sprouts up to a day in advance, keeping them in a sealed container in the fridge. The turkey bacon can also be chopped ahead and stored separately.
Serving Suggestions
A drizzle of balsamic glaze right before serving adds this incredible sweet and tangy contrast that cuts through the richness. They also pair beautifully alongside roasted chicken or as part of a holiday spread.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers keep surprisingly well in an airtight container for up to three days, though theyre best fresh from the oven.
- Reheat in a 400°F oven for 10 minutes to recrisp them
- Avoid the microwave unless you love soggy sprouts
- Theyre actually pretty tasty cold, straight from the fridge as a snack
Pin It These have become such a staple in our house that I always keep a bag of sprouts and turkey bacon in the fridge, just in case.
Common Questions
- → How do I get Brussels sprouts crispy instead of mushy?
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The key is roasting at high heat (425°F) and spreading the sprouts in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. This allows moisture to evaporate and edges to caraminate. Cutting them in half creates more surface area for crisping, and stirring halfway through ensures even cooking.
- → Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
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Absolutely. Regular bacon works well and will add a richer, smokier flavor. Just keep in mind that regular bacon has more fat, so you may want to reduce the olive oil slightly. The cooking time remains the same, and the bacon will still crisp up nicely during roasting.
- → Should I blanch Brussels sprouts before roasting?
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Blanching isn't necessary for this method. Roasting the raw sprouts directly yields the best texture—crispy and caramelized on the outside, tender on the inside. Blanching can make them waterlogged, which prevents proper crisping in the oven.
- → What goes well with roasted Brussels sprouts and turkey bacon?
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This pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, pork loin, or steak. It's also excellent alongside holiday mains like turkey or ham. For a complete meal, serve with roasted potatoes and a fresh green salad. The smoky, savory flavors complement most main dishes wonderfully.
- → How do I store and reheat leftovers?
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Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, spread on a baking sheet and warm in a 400°F oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through. This helps restore some of the crispiness. Microwave reheating will make them softer.
