Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Blue Cheese & Bacon Recipe

Crispy roasted brussels sprouts dance with bold blue cheese and smoky bacon bites in this irresistible side dish.

Crunchy edges and tender centers make these little green gems absolutely addictive.

Salty bacon crumbles add a rich, indulgent touch that transforms ordinary vegetables into something spectacular.

Simple seasonings bring out the natural sweetness of the brussels sprouts, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Creamy blue cheese melts slightly, coating each leaf with tangy goodness.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, this recipe turns humble brussels sprouts into a crowd-pleasing sensation.

Dive into this mouthwatering combination that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Blue Cheese and Bacon Bites Are a Savory Treat

• Boost Nutrition: Packed with vitamins and minerals from Brussels sprouts, this dish transforms a healthy vegetable into an irresistible side that even picky eaters will love.
• Simplify Cooking: Requires minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want a gourmet-tasting dish without complex techniques.
• Create Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of crispy bacon, tangy blue cheese, and roasted Brussels sprouts delivers an incredible flavor profile that will impress guests at dinner parties, holiday meals, or casual gatherings.
• Customize Easily: Adaptable recipe allows for personal twists like swapping blue cheese for different varieties or adding extra seasonings to match individual taste preferences.

Ingredients for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Blue Cheese and Bacon Bites

• Brussels Sprouts: Fresh vegetables with a slightly bitter taste that caramelize beautifully when roasted.
• Blue Cheese: A bold and tangy cheese that adds rich, creamy flavor to the dish.
• Bacon: Crispy meat that provides a salty and smoky element to complement the Brussels sprouts.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors and help create a crispy roasted texture.

• Baking Sheet: Essential for spreading and roasting the Brussels sprouts evenly in the oven.

How to Prepare Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Blue Cheese and Bacon Bites

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Set the oven to a sizzling 400F (200C) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Prep the Green Gems

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage the sprouts until they’re completely coated and glistening.

Step 3: Spread and Roast

Arrange the sprouts cut-side down on a baking sheet, creating a single layer. Slide the sheet into the hot oven and let them roast for 20-25 minutes. You’re looking for golden-brown edges and a tender texture that promises incredible taste.

Step 4: Bacon and Cheese Magic

• Crispy crumbled bacon
• Crumbled blue cheese

The toppings will create a mouthwatering layer of savory goodness.

Step 5: Final Melt

Return the baking sheet to the oven for another 5 minutes. Watch as the cheese melts into a creamy blanket and the bacon crisps up perfectly.

Step 6: Serve and Devour

Transfer the Brussels sprouts to a serving dish and dig in while they’re hot and irresistible.

Tips for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Blue Cheese and Bacon Bites

• Slice Brussels sprouts evenly to ensure uniform roasting and caramelization for maximum flavor.
• Select thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness and rich, smoky taste that complements the earthy sprouts.
• Use room temperature blue cheese for better melting and more intense, creamy texture when added to the roasted vegetables.
• Consider substituting bacon with pancetta or turkey bacon for lighter options without sacrificing the savory element.
• Let Brussels sprouts rest for a few minutes after roasting to allow natural sugars to develop and enhance overall taste.

Flavor Variations of Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Blue Cheese and Bacon Bites

• Mediterranean Medley: Replace blue cheese with crumbled feta, swap bacon for crispy pancetta, and sprinkle fresh oregano and lemon zest before serving.
• Spicy Southern Style: Mix in diced jalapeños, use smoked cheddar instead of blue cheese, add crispy andouille sausage pieces for extra heat and crunch.
• Nutty Harvest Edition: Incorporate toasted pecans or walnuts, substitute blue cheese with goat cheese, garnish with dried cranberries for a sweet-savory balance.
• Asian-Inspired Fusion: Drizzle with sesame oil, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, replace blue cheese with crumbled queso fresco, and add crispy pancetta or Chinese sausage.

Pairing Suggestions for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Blue Cheese and Bacon Bites

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah that complements the strong blue cheese and smoky bacon flavors, cutting through the richness with its tannic structure.
• Complement with Crisp Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the roasted Brussels sprouts, providing a fresh and zesty counterpoint.
• Match with Hearty Protein: Serve alongside grilled steak or roasted chicken to transform this side dish into a complete meal, allowing the Brussels sprouts to enhance the main protein's flavor profile.
• Add Crunchy Garnish: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts on top to introduce an extra layer of texture and nutty complexity that elevates the dish's overall taste experience.

Storage Advice for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Blue Cheese and Bacon Bites

• Store leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping them fresh and flavorful.
• Spread cold sprouts on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm at 350F for 10-12 minutes to maintain their crispy texture.
• Place sprouts in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Warm sprouts in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil, stirring occasionally to restore their original crispness and prevent sogginess.

FAQs About Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Blue Cheese and Bacon Bites

• Are Brussels sprouts healthy?

Yes, they’re packed with nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. They’re low in calories and high in antioxidants, making them an excellent addition to a balanced diet.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While blue cheese offers a sharp, tangy flavor, you can substitute with feta, goat cheese, or parmesan for similar creamy results.

• How do I know when Brussels sprouts are perfectly roasted?

Look for crispy, caramelized edges and a golden-brown color. They should be tender when pierced with a fork but not mushy.

• Is bacon necessary for this recipe?

No, you can make this dish vegetarian by omitting bacon or replacing it with toasted nuts like almonds or pecans for a similar crunchy texture.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Blue Cheese and Bacon Bites Recipe

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• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Roasted brussels sprouts with blue cheese and bacon bites elevate simple vegetables into a culinary masterpiece of savory delight. Crispy bacon and tangy blue cheese create an irresistible combination that will make you crave these perfectly caramelized sprouts at every meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 grams) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/2 cup (120 grams) blue cheese, crumbled

Seasoning and Oil:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Trim the Brussels sprouts by removing any yellow or damaged outer leaves, then slice each sprout in half lengthwise to ensure even roasting.
2. Drizzle olive oil over the halved Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl, then season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, tossing to create an even coating.
3. Arrange the seasoned Brussels sprouts cut-side down on a rimmed baking sheet, ensuring they are spread in a single layer without overcrowding to promote caramelization at 400°F (200°C).
4. Roast the Brussels sprouts in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to guarantee uniform browning and crispy edges.
5. While the sprouts are roasting, crisp the bacon in a skillet until golden and thoroughly cooked, then drain on paper towels and crumble into bite-sized pieces.
6. Once the Brussels sprouts are tender and caramelized, remove from the oven and immediately scatter the crumbled bacon across the surface.
7. Sprinkle the blue cheese over the hot Brussels sprouts, allowing the residual heat to slightly melt the cheese and create a creamy, tangy finish.
8. Transfer to a serving platter immediately, ensuring each portion gets a mix of crispy sprouts, savory bacon, and creamy blue cheese.

Notes

• Crisp up bacon separately before adding to ensure maximum crunchiness and prevent soggy texture during roasting.
• Select firm, bright green Brussels sprouts without yellow leaves for best caramelization and sweet roasted flavor.
• Arrange sprouts cut-side down on baking sheet to achieve golden-brown crispy edges and prevent steaming.
• Swap blue cheese with goat cheese or feta for milder flavor profiles, and use turkey bacon for lighter dietary options.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 570 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg