Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Cheese is a flavor-packed appetizer or side dish that combines the boldness of blue cheese, smoky bacon, and the satisfying crunch of roasted Brussels sprouts. Imagine perfectly browned, caramelized edges giving way to tender centers, each crowned with a salty bacon piece and melty cheese. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party, holiday meal, or simply elevating weeknight veggies, this dish delivers big taste with minimal fuss. In this post, I’ll walk you through every step — from prep to plating — while also sharing tips, variations, and pro tricks to make this recipe shine in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Cheese
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Crunch & contrast: Roasting makes the sprouts crisp on the outside yet tender inside, offering that delightful textural contrast.
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Flavor synergy: The salty bacon plus sharp blue cheese create a savory umami punch that pairs beautifully with mildly bitter Brussels sprouts.
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Easy to assemble: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, it’s accessible even for weeknight cooking or last‑minute guests.
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Make‑ahead flexibility: You can roast the sprouts and cook the bacon ahead, then finish later by adding cheese and baking for crispness.
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Showstopper presentation: Standing up each sprout with cheese and bacon creates an eye-catching bite-sized per piece look, perfect for entertaining.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Cheese (serves ~4 as appetizer bites):
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½ pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (approximately 2½ cups)
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½ tablespoon avocado oil (or another neutral high‑heat oil)
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⅓ cup blue cheese crumbles (about 1½ ounces)
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2 slices of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
(Note: You can scale this up or down depending on how many bites or servings you want.)
Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Cheese
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Preheat & prep
Preheat your oven to 400 °F (about 200 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking. -
Toss sprouts with oil & seasoning
In a bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with the avocado oil, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Be sure each flat cut side is coated lightly. -
Roast cut‑side down
Spread the sprouts cut‑side down on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Roast them for 12–15 minutes. The goal is to get good browning and caramelization on the flat faces. -
Prepare bacon & cheese while they roast
While the sprouts cook, get your blue cheese crumbles and bacon pieces ready. If desired, you can precook the bacon until just crisp (or partially cook) so finishing in the oven is faster. -
Flip & top
Remove the sheet from the oven. Flip each sprout so the rounded, cut side is now facing up. On each sprout, place about ½–1 teaspoon of blue cheese (or a small crumble) and top with one piece of bacon. To help them stand upright (so cheese doesn’t run off), spear each topped sprout with a toothpick if needed. You can also sprinkle a bit more pepper over the tops. -
Finish baking
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the bacon is fully crispy and the cheese has melted (but not oozed off wildly). Watch closely — cheese can melt quickly at high heat. -
Cool & serve
Let the bites rest on the sheet for a minute or two. Then gently remove (you can wiggle out the toothpicks) and transfer to a serving platter. Serve warm, and enjoy immediately for best texture.
Helpful Tips
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Uniform size matters: Trim sprouts so halves are similar in size for even cooking.
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Dry sprouts well: After washing, dry sprouts completely — water makes steaming rather than roasting.
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Use parchment or silicone mats: Prevents sticking and makes flipping easier.
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Partially pre‑cook bacon: If you precook bacon just until it starts to crisp (but not fully), it helps ensure full crispiness during the final bake.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan: Leave space so air circulates and edges crisp.
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Watch the cheese: Blue cheese melts fast — keep an eye to prevent excessive run-off.
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Toothpick trick: Spearing through the cheese and bacon helps hold the assembly upright so the cheese stays put.
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Alternate cheeses: If you’re not a blue cheese fan, try Gorgonzola, feta, goat cheese, or shaved Parmesan for different flavor profiles.
Substitutions and Variations
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Cheese swap: Try Gorgonzola, goat cheese, feta, Parmesan shavings, or crumbled goat cheese for milder tang.
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Bacon alternatives: Use pancetta, prosciutto strips, or turkey bacon for leaner options.
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Vegetarian version: Omit bacon and add toasted walnuts or almonds for crunch.
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Spice it up: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey after baking.
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Herb infusion: Sprinkle fresh thyme or rosemary before the final bake.
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Sweet‑savory twist: Drizzle with a touch of balsamic glaze or maple syrup before serving for a sweet accent.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days.
Reheat: To retain crispiness, reheat in a 375 °F (190 °C) oven for 5–8 minutes rather than microwaving.
Do not freeze with toppings: Freezing assembled sprouts with cheese can lead to mushy texture. Instead, freeze roasted sprouts and bacon separately (without cheese) and reassemble when reheating.
Nutritional Information
Here is a rough estimate per 4 bite-sized pieces:
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Calories: 64 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 3 g
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Protein: 3 g
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Fat: 4.8 g
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Saturated Fat: 2 g
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Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2 g
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Monounsaturated Fat: 1.2 g
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Potassium: 142 mg
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Fiber: 1.2 g
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Sugar: 0.7 g
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Vitamin A: 288 IU
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Vitamin C: 28 mg
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Calcium: 46 mg
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Iron: 0.5 mg
These values are approximate and depend on exact ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve as a finger-food appetizer on a platter for parties or cocktail hour.
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Use them as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, steak, or roasted pork.
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Pair with a crisp white wine or champagne — the acidity cuts through richness.
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Garnish with fresh herbs (parsley, chives) or a light drizzle of balsamic glaze.
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For a brunch menu, include alongside scrambled eggs or a quiche for a savory vegetable option.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Cheese
Q: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
A: It’s not ideal. Frozen sprouts retain moisture, which makes them more likely to steam than roast, resulting in less crispiness. If using frozen, thaw fully and pat very dry before proceeding, but the result won’t be quite as crisp.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can roast the sprouts and partially cook the bacon ahead. Store them separately (without cheese). When ready to serve, reassemble with cheese and bacon on the sprouts and finish baking for about 10 minutes. This helps preserve texture and flavor.
Q: What if I don’t like blue cheese?
A: Sub in milder cheeses like goat cheese, feta, or shaved Parmesan. Each offers a different flavor edge but still complements the bacon and sprouts.
Q: How do I make sure they stay upright?
A: Place a toothpick through the cheese and bacon into the sprout. This helps anchor the components so the cheese doesn’t slide off during baking. Be gentle when inserting and removing.
Q: How can I make them crispier?
A: Make sure your oven is fully preheated, don’t overcrowd the pan, and give each sprout space. Also, roast the cut side down first to get good browning, then finish with toppings. Reheating in the oven (not microwave) also helps maintain crispiness.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy making and sharing Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Cheese as much as I do. It’s one of my favorite ways to make Brussels sprouts irresistible — the crisp edges, smoky bacon bits, and tangy cheese all elevate what could be an ordinary veggie to something special. Thank you for trying this recipe with me! I’m confident you’ll find it easy to make and delightful to eat. Here’s wishing you many delicious moments in your kitchen — happy cooking, and may every bite bring you joy!
Print
Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Cheese
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: ~4 appetizer servings
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
Description
Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Cheese combine crunchy roasted sprouts, savory bacon, and tangy blue cheese for a bold, bite-sized dish. Great for entertaining or adding flair to your everyday meals!
Ingredients
½ lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (about 2½ cups)
½ tbsp avocado oil
⅓ cup blue cheese crumbles (about 1½ oz)
2 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Preheat & prep
Preheat your oven to 400 °F (about 200 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking. -
Toss sprouts with oil & seasoning
In a bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with the avocado oil, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Be sure each flat cut side is coated lightly. -
Roast cut‑side down
Spread the sprouts cut‑side down on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Roast them for 12–15 minutes. The goal is to get good browning and caramelization on the flat faces. -
Prepare bacon & cheese while they roast
While the sprouts cook, get your blue cheese crumbles and bacon pieces ready. If desired, you can precook the bacon until just crisp (or partially cook) so finishing in the oven is faster. -
Flip & top
Remove the sheet from the oven. Flip each sprout so the rounded, cut side is now facing up. On each sprout, place about ½–1 teaspoon of blue cheese (or a small crumble) and top with one piece of bacon. To help them stand upright (so cheese doesn’t run off), spear each topped sprout with a toothpick if needed. You can also sprinkle a bit more pepper over the tops. -
Finish baking
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the bacon is fully crispy and the cheese has melted (but not oozed off wildly). Watch closely — cheese can melt quickly at high heat. -
Cool & serve
Let the bites rest on the sheet for a minute or two. Then gently remove (you can wiggle out the toothpicks) and transfer to a serving platter. Serve warm, and enjoy immediately for best texture.
Notes
Use Gorgonzola, feta, or goat cheese if you prefer milder cheese.
Partially cook bacon beforehand for extra crispiness.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days. Reheat in oven for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 bites
- Calories: 64 kcal
- Sugar: 0.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
