Brussels sprouts get a bad rap, but just because you’ve heard bad things doesn’t mean it’s the DMX of green vegetables. In fact, they make a flavorful side dish (especially with bacon) and in a holiday dinner pinch, they are simple to make.

For this recipe, I do it all in the oven (perfect for a cool winter day.) I even make the bacon in the oven–there’s much less clean up and splatter and you can do the whole package at once. Best of all, this recipe can be used after a big brunch where there’s leftover bacon (if you actually have any leftover bacon.)

If cooked right, Brussels sprouts can be tender on the inside, crispy on the outside. Here’s a quick and easy to make them! (Did I mention bacon?!)

Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Yield: There’s really no limit on this recipe, you just want to make sure to have enough room on the pan for the brussel sprouts to be in a single layer.

You will need:
– 1 package of Brussels sprouts
– salt and pepper
– olive oil
– 1 package of bacon (I like thick-cut Neuske bacon, but any good breakfast bacon will do.)

• Start with good quality Brussels sprouts. Remove outer leaves (they can be tough) and stem and slice the sprouts in half lengthwise.
• Throw the sprouts on a sheet pan with a few tablespoons of olive oil, salt and pepper. Lightly toss until just coated.
• Roast in preheated oven for about 15 minutes–until the outer leaves are browned and crispy and the inside is tender.
• Remove from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees.
• Line a second sheet pan with an ovenproof wire rack (TIP: Make sure the sheet pan has a 1″ lip  so bacon grease has a place to drain.
• Dry each slice of bacon on a paper towel and trim fat if necessary. Place the strips of bacon on the wire rack. (TIP: I like to top with fresh cracked pepper for extra flavor!)
• Cook the bacon in the oven for about 15 – 20 minutes until crispy. Remove from oven and cool.
• To assemble this dish, put the brussel sprouts in a bowl and crumble the bacon on top for a delicious side dish.

Enjoy! ECT