Should I boil Brussels sprouts before roasting?

Unlike other vegetables, Brussels sprouts can be parboiled (even a day ahead) to reduce the roasting time without hurting their texture . That means the sprouts can be popped in the oven while the meat is resting before carving. Of course, if the main course is grilled or pan-cooked, the oven will be free for roasting.

Why are my roasted brussel sprouts not crispy?

Why Are My Brussel Sprouts Not Crispy? Spread them out into a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet to avoid overcrowding. If they're too close together, they'll steam instead of roast which stops the crisping process .

Is it better to cut brussel sprouts before roasting?

Put all of the veg in a bowl, drizzle on some olive oil, season it with salt and pepper and toss to combine. Should you cut brussel sprouts in half before roasting? It's of course a matter of preference, but if they are cut in half they will cook faster, and absorb more of any sauce or seasoning they are doused with.

Why do you soak brussel sprouts before cooking?

The soak time tenderizes the sprouts so the middles are softer. Don't worry, they won't be soggy! I would never do that to you. If, like me, you don't mind some chew to your sprouts, you don't need to soak the Brussels sprouts prior to cooking.

Why are my oven roasted brussels sprouts mushy?

Veggies have a much better chance of crisping up when placed directly on a metal baking sheet. Don't overcrowd your pan. As your sprouts cook they will release a bit of moisture. If all of them are crowded in a small pan, that moisture will begin to steam the Brussels, resulting in mushy sprouts .

Do you cut Brussels sprouts in half before boiling them?

Tips for cooking brussels sprouts Halve, quarter or shred sprouts to minimise the cooking time . If the sprouts are larger than average and you want them to remain whole, you can of course cook them for longer. They will probably need 7-8 minutes to cook through. Don't cut a cross in the base of your sprouts.

Do you need to blanch Brussels sprouts before roasting?

Like all cabbages, Brussels are unavoidably fibrous and dense. You must overcome this by either cooking them in salty water until fork tender (blanching) , or by roasting at a high (over 425F) temperature for upwards of 20 minutes. To guarantee great texture, do both!

How to keep roasted brussels sprouts from getting soggy?

Extra virgin olive oil coats each Brussels sprout and helps it crisp up nicely in the oven . If you need to make roasted Brussels sprouts without oil, I recommend swapping in 2 teaspoons of soy sauce and omitting the added salt.

How many Brussels sprouts per person?

Sprouts on the stalk will stay fresher longer than sprouts that have been picked off and sold loose. Plan on about 1/2 pound (8 ounces) of raw brussels sprouts per person.

How long should I parboil Brussels sprouts?

Bearing in mind that the aim of parboiling foods is to only partially cook them, it takes very little time at all to parboil Brussels sprouts. Just three to four minutes is all you'll need to soften them and you can tell when they are ready to drain because they will turn bright green.

Should sprouts be boiled?

Boiling them renders them easier to digest, making the nutrient-rich sprouts more tolerable for sensitive digestive systems . Additionally, the boiling process significantly reduces the risk of foodborne illnesses associated with raw sprouts, ensuring safer consumption.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe (2024)

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon melds savory oven-roasted Brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, and sweet pomegranate in this delicious favorite side dish recipe!

Looking for additional delicious side dishes for holidays or special meals? Like this beautiful Brussels sprouts dish, recipes like my sweet potato casserole and roasted carrots add color and amazing flavor to special meals. Comfort food sides like mashed potatoes, squash casserole or macaroni and cheese also add a familiar and satisfying feel to family meals.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe (1)

These Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Pomegranate are such a delicious side dish. Crisp salty bacon and sweet pomegranate, along with balsamic and maple syrup give this recipe an elevated flavor profile that makes it a crowd favorite!

Why We Love This Recipe
How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts
What Main Dish Goes Well With this Recipe?
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
More Delicious Vegetable Side Dishes
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Pomegranate

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe (2)

Why We Love This Recipe

Outstanding Flavor – Roasting the Brussels sprouts gives them a rich, nutty flavor. Then, finalizing the recipe with pomegranate and bacon provides this dish with a salty, slightly sweet, tart taste that is always a favorite.
Only 5 Ingredients – In addition to the seasoning of salt and pepper, you only need five ingredients to make this simple yet impressive dish packed with flavor.
Impressive for Entertaining – This has a colorful presentation on the table.

How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Ingredients

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

Bacon – about 3 slices cooked til crispy and crumbled. Crispy and a bit salty, this makes the recipe extra savory.
Brussels Sprouts – use fresh ones if you can for the best results. You will slice them in half to prepare them, which is easier to do with fresh ones. If you use frozen, make sure Brussels are completely thawed and patted dry with a paper towel before preparing the recipe.
Salt and Pepper
Balsamic Vinegar – Adds a slight sweetness and works well with the juicy pomegranate.
Maple Syrup – Gives an extra touch of rich sweetness that complements the salty bacon.
Pomegranate Seeds (Arils) – Colorful and juicy with a sweet and tart taste. It tastes great paired with this vegetable. It is not only delicious with the other ingredients, it helps make this dish so attractive on the table. Please don’t skip it!

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe (3)

Step by Step Instructions

Preheat. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cook Bacon. To start, arrange bacon on a baking sheet and bake until cooked and crisp, about 12 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon from the baking sheet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to allow to drain the excess grease and to cool. After it has cooled, crumble the bacon.

Roast the Brussels Sprouts. Using the same baking sheet used to cook the bacon, Place the Brussels sprouts onto the baking sheet used for the bacon and sprinkle with salt and pepper and lightly toss to coat. Roast them in the preheated 425-degree oven, stirring occasionally, until tender and caramelized, about 20 minutes.

Whisk Maple Syrup and Balsamic Vinegar. While the Brussels are roasting, whisk to combine the maple syrup and balsamic vinegar. Set aside.

Drizzle with Syrup/Vinegar Mixture. Once Brussels sprouts are done, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Drizzle them with the maple syrup mixture.

Toss with Bacon and Pomegranate. Add the crumbled bacon and pomegranate seeds to the drizzled Brussels sprouts and toss all ingredients together lightly to combine.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe (4)

Serve. After all ingredients are tossed together, then transfer to a serving dish. Serve while warm and enjoy.

The fantastic flavors combined with the colorful presentation make this a holiday and special dinner favorite!

What Main Dish Goes Well With this Recipe?

Many main dishes are delicious with this impressive side dish. I especially love it beef or poultry – such as Prime Rib or Roast Turkey for special holidays or entertaining and Balsamic Beef, Baked Chicken Breast or steak for simple meals with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

Prepare as instructed without adding the pomegranate seeds. Place the cooled Brussels Sprouts recipe in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat in the oven until reheated throughout. Remove from the oven, top with pomegranate seeds, and serve.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe (5)

This side dish is really easy to make and to make ahead, which makes it an excellent option for holidays and entertaining. It is always a hit with my guests every time I serve it and I think you will love it too! I can’t wait to hear how you like it!

More Delicious Vegetable Side Dishes

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Slow Cooker Green Beans

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Butter Roasted Radishes

Fried Okra

Here’s my Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Pomegranate Recipe. I think you’ll love it!

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Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Pomegranate

Robyn Stone

5 from 4 votes

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Pomegranate melds savory oven roasted Brussels sprouts, crispy bacon and sweet pomegranate in this delicious favorite side dish recipe!Perfect for holidays and entertaining!

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Equipment

Ingredients

▢ 3 slices bacon
▢ 1-1/2 pounds brussels sprouts, halved
▢ 1 teaspoon kosher salt
▢ 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
▢ 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
▢ 1 tablespoon maple syrup
▢ 3 tablespoons pomegranate seeds

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425ºF.
Arrange bacon on the baking sheet and bake until cooked throughout, about 12 minutes. Remove the bacon from the baking sheet and set aside to cool. Once cooled, crumble.
Place the Brussels sprouts onto the baking sheet used for the bacon and sprinkle with salt and pepper and lightly toss to coat. Roast the brussels sprouts, stirring occasionally, until tender and caramelized, about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, combine the maple syrup and balsamic vinegar and set aside.
Remove the Brussels sprouts from oven, drizzle with maple syrup mixture, add crumbled bacon and pomegranate seeds and toss to coat. Serve warm.

Notes

NOTES:

Make Ahead Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Prepare as instructed without adding the pomegranate seeds. Allow cooked Brussels Sprouts dish to cool and add to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Reheat in the oven until reheated throughout.
Remove from the oven and top with pomegranate seeds and serve.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe (2024)

Table of Contents

Why We Love This Recipe

How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Ingredients

Step by Step Instructions

What Main Dish Goes Well With this Recipe?

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

More Delicious Vegetable Side Dishes

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Pomegranate

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

Join today & start saving your favorite recipes

Air Fryer Baked Potato Recipe

How to Cook Brown Rice Recipe

Black Eyed Peas Recipe

Scalloped Potatoes Recipe

FAQs

Should I boil Brussels sprouts before roasting? ›

Should sprouts be boiled? ›

References