The aroma of roasting Brussels sprouts wafting through the kitchen is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Add in the rich, smoky scent of bacon jam, and you’ve got a dish that’s simply irresistible. As the Brussels sprouts caramelize, their edges turn a lovely golden brown, creating a delightful contrast to the sweet and savory bacon jam that envelops them. Each bite delivers a burst of flavor, and the textures blend perfectly—crispy, tender, sweet, and rich.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Bacon Jam Brussels Sprouts
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Bacon Jam Brussels Sprouts

I remember the first time I made Bacon Jam Brussels Sprouts for a holiday gathering. There was laughter, the clinking of glasses, and family gathered around the table. When I served this dish, everyone stopped to savor the moment. It was a crowd-pleaser, and I cherished each compliment and the smiles around the table. Now, this recipe warms my heart, making it perfect for fall gatherings or any time you want to impress guests. I can’t wait for you to create these mouthwatering Brussels sprouts and share in that joy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cook time, you can whip this up effortlessly.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of crispy sprouts with rich bacon jam offers a flavor explosion in every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The caramelized Brussels sprouts with their glossy bacon coating make for a stunning presentation.
Flexible Serving: Perfect as a snack, side dish, or even a brunch item, they suit any occasion.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily adapt the recipe for gluten-free or dairy-free diets with simple swaps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Brussels sprouts (1 ½ pounds): These saucy little veggies are the star of the show! Look for firm sprouts, about 1 to 1 ½ inches each. You can also substitute with green beans for a different twist.
Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons): This helps crisp up the sprouts and adds a lovely depth of flavor. If you want, you can use melted coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavors of the Brussels and bacon. You can swap it with sea salt if preferred.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Freshly cracked pepper offers the best flavor. Go easy for a milder taste or omit it altogether.
Thick-cut bacon (1 pound): This is where the magic of bacon jam begins. The thicker the cut, the better the designated crunch and savoriness.
Yellow onions (2 large): Finely chopped for sweetness, they caramelize beautifully. You could use yellow or white onions interchangeably.
Shallots (2 large or 6 small): Diced for added delicacy. You could replace shallots with leeks for a milder flavor.
Garlic (2 teaspoons, minced): Fresh minced garlic brings a warm aroma to the dish and balances the sweetness.
Light brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Adds a caramelized sweetness that helps create that delicious jam texture. Dark brown sugar can be used as a substitute for a deeper flavor.
Maple syrup (¼ cup): For a touch of sweetness and depth, use pure maple syrup—avoid imitation ones as they lack flavor.
Apple cider vinegar (⅓ cup): Adds bright acidity to balance the sweetness; it can be replaced with balsamic vinegar if desired.
Chili powder (1 teaspoon, optional): For a slightly spicy kick; feel free to leave this out if spice isn’t your thing.

How to Make Bacon Jam Brussels Sprouts

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up. This quick step prevents sticking and makes for perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts.

Toss Brussels Sprouts: Arrange your cleaned and trimmed Brussels sprouts cut-side down on the baking sheet. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper. Drizzle this mixture over the Brussels and toss them gently to coat evenly. Make sure they’re spread out in a single layer to roast properly.

Roast to Perfection: Roast the Brussels sprouts for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are tender and golden brown with crispy edges. You’ll know they’re ready when a fork easily pierces through and you see beautiful caramelization. Remove them from the oven and set aside, savoring that delightful smell!

Cook the Bacon: While the sprouts are roasting, grab a large skillet and cook the diced bacon over medium heat. Stir occasionally, allowing it to crisp up—about 8 to 10 minutes should do the trick. Once crispy, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with a paper towel to drain excess grease.

Prepare the Jam Base: Carefully leave about 4 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet and dispose of the rest. Add finely chopped onions and diced shallots and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook gently until they become caramelized, around 15 to 20 minutes. Stir often; this step develops such a fantastic sweet depth of flavor!

Mix in the Flavorings: Next, stir in minced garlic, brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and the bacon you cooked earlier. If you like a hint of heat, sprinkle in that chili powder now. Simmer everything on low heat for about 5 minutes—you’ll notice the jam bubbling and thickening up nicely.

Toss and Serve: Finally, add the roasted Brussels sprouts to your bacon jam skillet and gently toss them until coated. This should only take about 2 minutes to warm through. Serve immediately while everything is warm and fragrant, perfect for gathering around the table!

Storing & Reheating

To store the leftovers, allow the Bacon Jam Brussels Sprouts to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. When it’s time to eat, just reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until warm. Keep in mind that texture may change slightly, but you can refresh them by adding a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

One common mistake is overcrowding the baking sheet; make sure the Brussels sprouts have plenty of space for crispiness.
For best results, let your bacon come to room temperature before cooking; it ensures even cooking and crispiness.
Timing matters! If you find your bacon jam is too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it up.
When roasting, look for those beautiful crispy edges on the Brussels—they add tremendous flavor!
If you plan to make these ahead for a gathering, roast the sprouts earlier in the day and assemble with the bacon jam just before serving.

These subtle yet impactful details can elevate your dish and make Bacon Jam Brussels Sprouts a slam dunk for your next meal!

Do you crave a side that’s bursting with flavor and character? These Bacon Jam Brussels Sprouts promise to bring joy to your table every time. With their perfect balance of sweetness and smoky richness, they can easily become a go-to dish for any gathering. Feel free to experiment with the ingredients—try adding a sprinkle of nuts or drizzle with a balsamic reduction for an extra flourish, and make this dish uniquely yours. Here’s to delicious moments shared with loved ones—enjoy every bite of your culinary creation!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the Bacon Jam Brussels Sprouts up to one day in advance. Roast the Brussels sprouts ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Prepare the bacon jam when you’re ready to serve. Simply warm the sprouts in a skillet, toss with the jam, and enjoy!

What can I substitute for bacon?

If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using smoked tempeh or mushrooms instead of bacon to capture similar umami flavors. They won’t have the same crispy texture, but they will still be delicious!

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

While you can use frozen Brussels sprouts, they may not get quite as crispy as fresh ones. If you do choose frozen, make sure to thaw and thoroughly dry them before roasting for the best results.

How do I know when the Brussels sprouts are done cooking?

Keep an eye on visual cues! They are done when they turn a deep golden brown and a fork can easily pierce through them. You want the outside crispy while the inside remains tender for the best eating experience.