Forget everything you thought you knew about Brussels sprouts! This mouthwatering recipe turns these humble vegetables into a culinary masterpiece that will have even the pickiest eaters begging for seconds. Imagine perfectly roasted, caramelized Brussels sprouts studded with crispy bacon and crunchy pumpkin seeds - a side dish so delicious, it'll steal the spotlight from the main course and leave your dinner guests absolutely amazed.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to ensure easy cleanup.
- Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and slice them in half lengthwise. Ensure they are roughly uniform in size for even roasting.
- Place the halved Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Chop the bacon into small, bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle the chopped bacon over the Brussels sprouts and mix gently to distribute.
- Spread the Brussels sprouts and bacon in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This helps them roast and caramelize instead of steaming.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- During the last 5 minutes of roasting, sprinkle the pumpkin seeds over the Brussels sprouts to toast them lightly.
- Remove from the oven when the Brussels sprouts are crispy, golden brown, and the bacon is cooked and slightly crisp.
- Transfer to a serving dish and let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Optional: Garnish with additional toasted pumpkin seeds or a light sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Size Matters: Ensure your Brussels sprouts are cut uniformly to guarantee even roasting and consistent caramelization.
- Don't Overcrowd: Use a large baking sheet and spread the sprouts in a single layer to allow proper browning and prevent steaming.
- High Heat is Key: Roasting at 425°F creates those irresistible crispy edges and brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
- Bacon Placement: Mix the bacon with the sprouts before roasting to allow the fat to render and flavor the entire dish.
- Seed Timing: Add pumpkin seeds in the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent burning and ensure a perfect toast.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after roasting to let the flavors meld and settle.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 164kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 10mg
