Zesty Bacon Brussels Sprouts
These Zesty Bacon Brussels Sprouts turn simple vegetables into a flavorful, crowd-pleasing side. First, roasting the sprouts brings out their natural sweetness, and the smoky bacon adds savory depth. Then, a splash of Italian dressing brightens every bite, giving the dish a tangy, zesty kick.
The recipe is easy to follow and delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Tossing the sprouts in Italian dressing before and after roasting keeps them moist, well-coated, and bursting with taste. Each bite combines tender sprouts, crisp bacon, and zesty dressing for a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
This dish works beautifully for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or any occasion when you want a standout vegetable side. Pair it with roasted chicken, pork, or even our Hearty Beef Chili to create a complete, satisfying meal.
Whether you are feeding a small family or a larger group, these Zesty Bacon Brussels Sprouts impress every time. They add bold flavor, fun texture, and a little extra zing to the table, making vegetables the star of any meal.
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Ingredients
- Brussels Sprouts
- Salted Butter
- Chosen Foods Zesty Italian Dressing
- Bacon Bits
- Olive Oil
- Salt + Pepper to taste
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the Brussels sprouts until tender.
- Step 2: Drain the sprouts and shock them in an ice bath for 5-10 minutes until cooled. Drain again and pat dry.
- Step 3: Chop the Brussels sprouts into halves or thirds. Then, transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
- Step 4: Add Italian seasoning, bacon bits, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything lightly until evenly combined.
- Step 5: Drizzle olive oil on a baking sheet and spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer. Bake for 15 minutes. Stir the sprouts gently to expose all sides, then return to the oven for another 15 minutes.
- Step 6: Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet. Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with extra Italian dressing, and toss lightly. Serve immediately.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Ice bath (large bowl with ice water)
- Strainer or colander
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Spoon or spatula for tossing
- Measuring spoons (for seasoning and olive oil)
- Serving bowl
Storage
Cool completely, store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 4-5 days, and drizzle fresh dressing before serving.
FAQ
Yes! Cook chopped bacon until crispy, drain the fat, and toss it with the Brussels sprouts just like the bacon bits.
You can prep and chop the Brussels sprouts ahead of time, but bake and dress them right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Absolutely! I'd stick with a vinaigrette to keep the "zesty" flavor, but you could play around with other dressings for a different flavor twist.
Other Recipes You Might Enjoy:
Looking for other recipes? Try these:
- Creamy Sausage & Gnocchi Soup
- Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats
- Copycat Chick-Fil-A Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Chicken Pasta Salad with Grapes & Citrus
Need an Entree for this Recipe?
These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:
- Easy Crockpot Chicken and Biscuit Dumplings
- Big Mac-Inspired Quesadillas
- Golden Baked Mac & Cheese
- Sweet Roll Italian Sliders
📖 Recipe
Zesty Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Equipment
- Large potIce bath (large bowl with ice water)
- Strainer or colander
- Cutting Board
- Sharp knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Spoon or spatula for tossing
- Measuring spoons (for seasoning and olive oil)
- Serving bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels Sprouts
- 2 tablespoon Salted Butter room temperature
- ½ cup Chosen Foods Zesty Italian Dressing (+ extra for drizzle at the end)
- ⅓ cup Bacon Bits
- Olive Oil drizzle for the baking sheet
- Salt + Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the Brussels sprouts until tender.
- Drain the sprouts and shock them in an ice bath for 5-10 minutes until cooled. Drain again and pat dry.
- Chop the Brussels sprouts into halves or thirds. Then, transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
- Add Italian seasoning, bacon bits, and salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything lightly until evenly combined.
- Drizzle olive oil on a baking sheet and spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer. Bake for 15 minutes, then stir gently to expose all sides and continue baking for another 15 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet. Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with extra Italian dressing, and toss lightly. Serve immediately.
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