Easy Brussel Sprouts Recipe with Bacon and Onion

This easy Brussel Sprouts Recipe with bacon and onion is the simple roasted vegetable side dish that can turn even the skeptical “What are those?” crowd into believers. Fresh Brussels sprouts are trimmed, halved, tossed with sweet onion, olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roasted until the edges are browned and tender. A sprinkle of bacon adds smoky, savory flavor that makes this side dish feel family-friendly, weeknight-easy, and holiday-table ready.

When I served these for lunch, the first reaction from my two little guys—and even my one big guy, my husband—was a very suspicious, “What are THOSE?!?”

I will be the first to admit I do not always win mother-of-the-year when it comes to serving nutritional veggies at mealtime. But those were Brussel sprouts, and thanks to a great friend who convinced me this recipe could actually earn approval from my family, I gave them a chance.

After a little hesitation, and maybe the tiniest bit of an ultimatum, all three boys tried them. My oldest was not very fond of the smell at first, but after tasting them, he said, “Oh yeah, I like them, Mom, they’re excellent!”

That is when this simple roasted Brussel sprouts recipe officially earned a place in my dinner rotation.

If you already love sprouts, you may also enjoy these Air Fried Crispy Brussels Sprouts or this Roasted Umami Brussel Sprouts recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Brussel Sprouts Recipe

• It is simple. Just trim, toss, roast, stir, add bacon, and finish baking.
• It uses easy ingredients. Fresh Brussel sprouts, sweet onion, bacon, olive oil, salt, and pepper are all you need.
• It is family-friendly. The bacon and roasted edges help win over hesitant vegetable eaters.
• It works for weeknights and holidays. Serve it with chicken, pork, steak, turkey, ham, or a holiday meal.
• It is a great starter recipe. If your family is unsure about Brussel sprouts, this is an easy way to introduce them.
• It fits the side dish rotation. It is quick enough for dinner but flavorful enough for a potluck or holiday table.

Are They Brussels Sprouts or Brussel Sprouts?

The correct name is technically Brussels sprouts, with an “s” at the end of Brussels because the vegetable is named after Brussels, Belgium. That said, many home cooks search for Brussel sprouts, and that is how lots of families say it at the dinner table.

So whether you call them Brussels sprouts or Brussel sprouts, this recipe is all about making them taste good enough that everyone reaches for seconds.

What Do Roasted Brussel Sprouts Taste Like?

Roasted Brussel sprouts have a savory, slightly nutty flavor with crispy browned edges and tender centers. When you add sweet onion and bacon, the flavor becomes richer, smokier, and more balanced.

If someone in your family thinks they do not like Brussel sprouts, roasting is one of the best ways to change their mind. The high heat helps caramelize the edges, softens the bite, and brings out the vegetable’s natural sweetness.

Brussel Sprouts Recipe Ingredients

This recipe keeps the ingredient list short and practical. It is the kind of side dish you can pull together with a few grocery staples and one baking sheet.

• 1.5 pounds Brussel sprouts, about 3 bags from the fresh produce section
• 1/2 sweet onion, chopped
• 1 bag Oscar Mayer Fully Cooked Bacon Bits
• Olive oil, enough to coat
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredient Notes

Brussel Sprouts

Choose fresh Brussel sprouts that are firm, bright green, and compact. Smaller sprouts tend to be a little sweeter and more tender, while larger sprouts may have a stronger flavor.

Sweet Onion

Sweet onion adds flavor and helps balance the natural earthiness of the Brussel sprouts. If you like to prep ahead, chopped onion can be frozen in small containers and used straight from the freezer when needed.

Bacon Bits

Fully cooked bacon bits make this recipe quick and easy. They add smoky flavor without needing to cook bacon separately. You can also use freshly cooked crumbled bacon if you prefer.

Olive Oil

Olive oil helps the sprouts roast instead of dry out. Use enough to lightly coat the sprouts and onions, but not so much that they become greasy.

How to Make Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Onion

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. High heat helps the sprouts brown around the edges while becoming tender inside.

Step 2: Trim and Cut the Sprouts

Trim the ends from the Brussel sprouts and remove any damaged or loose outer leaves. Cut each sprout in half.

Step 3: Season the Sprouts and Onion

Place the halved sprouts and chopped sweet onion in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss until everything is lightly coated.

Step 4: Spread on a Baking Sheet

Spread the Brussel sprouts and onions in a single layer on a baking sheet. Try not to crowd the pan. More space helps the sprouts roast and brown instead of steam.

Step 5: Roast the Sprouts

Bake at 425 degrees F for 15 minutes.

Step 6: Stir and Add Bacon

Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Stir the sprouts and onions, then sprinkle the bacon over the top.

Step 7: Finish Roasting

Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are browned and the Brussel sprouts are somewhat soft.

Step 8: Serve Warm

Serve warm as an easy vegetable side dish for dinner, holidays, potlucks, or family meals.

Expert Tips for the Best Roasted Brussel Sprouts

• Cut the sprouts in half. The flat sides brown better and create more roasted flavor.
• Use a hot oven. Roasting at 425 degrees F helps the sprouts caramelize instead of turning mushy.
• Do not overcrowd the pan. Give the sprouts room so they roast instead of steam.
• Add bacon halfway through. Since the bacon bits are already cooked, adding them after the first roast keeps them from overcooking.
• Season generously. Brussel sprouts need enough salt and pepper to bring out their best flavor.
• Serve right away. Roasted sprouts taste best hot from the oven while the edges still have texture.

Recipe Variations

This simple Brussel sprouts recipe is easy to customize. Once you have the basic roasted method down, try one of these flavor twists.

• Garlic Brussel Sprouts: Add minced garlic during the last 10 minutes of roasting.
• Balsamic Brussel Sprouts: Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
• Parmesan Brussel Sprouts: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the sprouts during the last few minutes of baking.
• Spicy Brussel Sprouts: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
• Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts: Add a tiny drizzle of maple syrup with the bacon for a sweet-and-savory holiday side.
• Air Fryer Style: For a crispier version, try these Air Fried Crispy Brussels Sprouts.
• Umami Sprouts: For deeper savory flavor, try this Roasted Umami Brussel Sprouts recipe.

What to Serve with Brussel Sprouts

This Brussel sprouts recipe works with so many main dishes because it is savory, simple, and not too heavy. Serve it with:

• Roast chicken
• Pork chops
• Steak
• Meatloaf
• Turkey
• Holiday ham
• Pot roast
• Grilled sausages
• Salmon
• Pasta dinners

For a full side dish spread, serve these roasted Brussel sprouts with Pumpkin Mashed Potatoes, Tomato Potato Leek Gratin, or Autumn Chopped Salad.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Can I Prep Brussel Sprouts Ahead of Time?

Yes. Trim and halve the Brussel sprouts up to a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to season and roast.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead?

Roasted Brussel sprouts are best served fresh, but you can make them ahead and reheat them. For best texture, reheat in the oven or air fryer instead of the microwave.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover Brussel sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How to Reheat Brussel Sprouts

Reheat in a 375-degree F oven or air fryer until warmed through. This helps bring back some of the roasted texture. The microwave works too, but the sprouts will be softer.

Brussel Sprouts Recipe FAQs

How do you make Brussel sprouts taste good?

Roasting Brussel sprouts at high heat is one of the best ways to make them taste good. Olive oil, salt, pepper, onion, and bacon help balance the flavor and create browned, savory edges.

Do you need to boil Brussel sprouts before roasting?

No. You do not need to boil Brussel sprouts before roasting. For this recipe, trim them, cut them in half, season them, and roast them directly on a baking sheet.

Why are my Brussel sprouts mushy?

Brussel sprouts can turn mushy if the pan is overcrowded or the oven temperature is too low. Spread them in a single layer and roast at 425 degrees F for better browning.

Can I use frozen Brussel sprouts?

Fresh Brussel sprouts work best for this recipe because they roast and brown better. Frozen sprouts contain more moisture and may turn softer, but they can be used in a pinch if thawed and dried well.

Can I use real bacon instead of bacon bits?

Yes. Cook bacon until crisp, crumble it, and add it to the sprouts during the last part of roasting or sprinkle it over the finished dish.

Are Brussel sprouts good for Thanksgiving?

Yes. Roasted Brussel sprouts with bacon and onion make a great Thanksgiving side dish because they add color, savory flavor, and a vegetable option that pairs well with turkey, ham, stuffing, potatoes, and gravy.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes. Leave out the bacon or replace it with toasted nuts, Parmesan, crispy onions, or a vegetarian bacon-style alternative.

What temperature should I roast Brussel sprouts?

Roast Brussel sprouts at 425 degrees F. The high heat helps the edges brown while the centers become tender.

More Easy Vegetable Side Dishes

If this recipe wins over your table, keep the vegetable side dish momentum going with Air Fried Crispy Brussels Sprouts or Roasted Umami Brussel Sprouts. For more dinner ideas, browse the full Easy Side Dish Recipes collection.

Final Thoughts

This easy Brussel Sprouts Recipe with bacon and onion is proof that the right cooking method can change the whole conversation at the table. Roasting brings out the best flavor, bacon adds smoky comfort, and sweet onion helps balance every bite.

Serve these roasted Brussel sprouts for weeknight dinners, Thanksgiving, Christmas, potlucks, or anytime you need a simple vegetable side dish that has a fighting chance with skeptical eaters.

Save this Brussel Sprouts Recipe for your next family dinner, holiday meal, or easy side dish night.

This recipe was originally published April 2, 2012, and updated May 16, 2026, with improved instructions, updates, and new photos.