How to Make the Crispiest Brussel Sprouts (Fantastic Holiday Side Dish!)

Discover the secret to ultra-crispy bacon Brussels sprouts with this easy, low-prep recipe. Perfect for busy families and holiday gatherings, these sprouts are tossed with smoky bacon and a sweet balsamic honey glaze for a side dish everyone will love.

There’s nothing quite like the smell of crispy bacon and caramelized Brussels sprouts wafting through the kitchen on a chilly holiday evening. As a full-time teacher and mom who adores the holidays but has little time to spare, I’m always searching for recipes that are quick, low-prep, and guaranteed to impress.

This Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts recipe is the result of years of experimenting — and it all started with a trip to North Carolina.

During a visit to my sister-in-law’s college town, my husband and I stumbled upon a cozy restaurant that served the most incredible Brussels sprouts we’d ever tasted — crispy, smoky, and perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness. From that moment, we were on a mission to recreate them at home. After countless attempts, we finally discovered the secret: a quick pulse in the food processor before roasting. The result? Perfectly crisped, golden-brown Brussels sprouts that could make anyone a fan.

ingredients

To make this easy, delicious, and oh so crispy bacon and brussel sprouts holiday side dish, you’ll need just a few ingredients that you can get at almost any grocery store or even online!

Here’s what we are working with:

• brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• thick-cut bacon
• olive oil or reserved bacon fat
• balsamic vinegar
• honey (or maple syrup)
• garlic powder
• smoked paprika (optional)
• salt and pepper, to taste

why crispy bacon brussel sprouts shines as a holiday side dish

The holidays are about gathering, laughing, and sharing food that feels special — without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish fits perfectly into that rhythm. It’s easy to prepare ahead, reheats beautifully, and pairs with everything from roasted turkey to glazed ham. Plus, it’s a conversation starter — everyone will ask how you got them so crispy!

why the food processor tricks works

Here’s the magic: by pulsing the halved Brussels sprouts in a food processor just a few times, you create uneven edges and smaller pieces that roast faster and crisp up beautifully. The extra surface area allows the heat to hit every crevice, turning each bite into a crunchy, caramelized masterpiece.

how to make crispy bacon brussel sprouts

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prep the Brussels sprouts: Trim and halve them, then place them in a food processor. Pulse 2–3 times until slightly shredded but still chunky.

Cook the bacon: In a skillet, cook chopped bacon until it starts to crisp. Remove and set aside, reserving 1 tablespoon of bacon fat.

Toss everything: In a large bowl, combine Brussels sprouts, olive oil (or bacon fat), garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Roast: Spread evenly on the baking sheet, cut side down. Roast for 20 minutes.

Add bacon: Sprinkle bacon over the sprouts and roast for another 10–15 minutes until crispy and golden.

Finish with glaze: Whisk together balsamic vinegar and honey, then drizzle over the hot sprouts before serving.

storage and meal prep

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a 400°F oven for 5–7 minutes to re-crisp.
• Make-ahead: Roast the Brussels sprouts earlier in the day and add the glaze just before serving.

Pro Tip

For maximum crispiness, make sure the Brussels sprouts are completely dry before roasting. Moisture is the enemy of crunch!

What to Serve With Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts

• Roasted turkey or chicken
• Creamy Corn Casserole – Sweet, buttery, and perfectly creamy, this is a classic comfort side that kids and adults both love.
• PA Dutch Bread and Potato Stuffing – A Pennsylvania Dutch classic made with mashed potatoes, bread cubes, onions, and butter—a hearty, comforting side.
• Pineapple Stuffing – Sweet and buttery with chunks of pineapple, this unique stuffing adds a bright, tropical twist to the traditional Thanksgiving table.
• Butternut Squash Soup – Traditional comfort, soothing warmth, creamy and smooth texture of butternut squash with the additional smokiness and hearty flavors from crispy brussels and bacon.
• Buttery Dinner Rolls – Soft, warm rolls perfect for soaking up every last drop of gravy.
• A Crisp Chardonnay or Sparkling Cider

This Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts recipe is proof that simple ingredients and a clever technique can create something truly special. Whether you’re rushing home from school pickup or prepping for a big holiday dinner, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table — and keeps them coming back for seconds.

if you love this recipe, check out…

• The Easiest Crockpot Thanksgiving Turkey
• Better Than Grandma’s PA Dutch Potato and Bread Stuffing
• The Best Caramel Apple Dumplings
• The Best Pineapple Stuffing Recipe

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to tag thetastefultribe on instagram @thetastefultribe if you try this super crispy bacon brussel sprouts recipe. We love seeing your version of the recipe! You can also post your pictures to our facebook page!