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Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Melted Cheese

Cheesy Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Add a burst of flavor to your holiday table with these irresistible Cheesy Bacon Brussels Sprouts. Tender Brussels sprouts get a crisp, caramelized sear, then are roasted with butter and garlic and finished with melty mozzarella and crunchy bacon. This savory, low-carb side comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or holiday feasts.

Why you’ll love it

  • Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for last-minute sides or weeknight dinners.
  • Big flavor: Crispy bacon, garlic, and melted cheese transform Brussels sprouts into a crave-worthy dish.
  • Low-carb friendly: A satisfying side that fits low-carb or keto meal plans.
  • Versatile: Serve alongside roasted meats, as part of a holiday spread, or with a casual family dinner.
  • People-pleaser: Even fans of other vegetables will be drawn to the cheesy, smoky finish.
Brussels Sprouts

Ingredient notes

  • Brussels sprouts: Small, leafy vegetables with an earthy-sweet flavor. Halving and searing them first creates a pleasant char and deeper flavor.
  • Bacon: Adds savory, salty, smoky richness that pairs exceptionally well with the sprouts and cheese.
  • Butter: Use salted or unsalted depending on your taste; it brings a silky richness to the dish.
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a bright, aromatic boost—use 3–4 cloves for best results.
  • Mozzarella: Melts beautifully for a creamy, mild-cheese finish. Substitute other melting cheeses for a different flavor.

Substitutions & variations

  • Cheese swaps: Try sharp cheddar, gouda, or parmesan for bolder flavor.
  • Add butternut squash: Cubed squash roasted with the sprouts adds sweetness and color.
  • Herbs: Fresh or dried thyme, rosemary, or sage lift the flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian option: Omit bacon and add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch.
  • Spicy twist: Red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce in the butter add heat.
Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts

How to make Cheesy Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Yield: 4 servings • Total time: about 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4–6 strips thick-cut bacon
  • 1½ lb Brussels sprouts, ends trimmed and halved lengthwise
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus fresh cracked pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic (3–4 cloves)
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Method

Pan-fry bacon & Brussels

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Heat a frying pan over medium-high. Add bacon and cook until crispy, about 4–6 minutes per side. Transfer bacon to paper towels to drain, then crumble when cool.
  3. Pour off most of the bacon fat, leaving 1–2 tablespoons in the pan. Add the halved Brussels sprouts and a pinch of kosher salt. Toss to coat in the fat and spread in a single layer. Let cook undisturbed 4–6 minutes until the cut sides begin to char.
  4. Add butter and minced garlic, stirring until the butter melts and the garlic is fragrant. Remove from heat.

Bake & finish

  1. Transfer the sprouts to a lightly greased baking sheet in a single layer. Roast 10–12 minutes until tender and easily pierced with a fork.
  2. Remove from oven and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and the crumbled bacon. Broil briefly until the cheese is melted and bubbly—watch closely to avoid burning.
  3. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Cheesy Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Tips & recipe notes

  • Even cooking: Cut sprouts to similar sizes so they roast evenly. Smaller pieces will crisp up more.
  • Extra-crispy bacon: For very crisp bacon, bake it on a rack at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes to allow fat to drain.
  • Use less bacon fat: If preferred, drain most of the grease and leave just enough to coat the sprouts.
  • Dairy-free: Substitute olive oil or a plant-based butter for the butter and choose a dairy-free cheese if desired.
  • Garlic variation: Add an extra clove for bolder garlic character or use roasted garlic for a milder, sweeter note.
  • Oven-only method: Toss sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, stirring once. Cook bacon separately, crumble, then top the roasted sprouts with cheese and bacon and broil 2–3 minutes to melt the cheese.
  • Nutritional estimates vary depending on brands and portion sizes used.
Cheesy Bacon Brussels Sprouts

More side dish ideas you will love

  • Easy Cheese-Stuffed Garlic-Butter Crescent Rolls
  • Honey Balsamic Pan-Fried Red Cabbage
  • Honey Butter Sweet Potato Mash
  • Classic Potato Bread & Spicy Sausage Stuffing
  • Roasted Vegetable Orzo Pasta Salad with Creamy Garlic Herb Dressing
  • Bacon & Gorgonzola Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Fig Jam Dressing
  • Beet and Goat Cheese Salad with Honey Cinnamon Balsamic Dressing
  • Honey Garlic Creamed Corn
  • Honey Cornbread & Sausage Dressing

If you make this recipe, please leave a review in the recipe card below—your feedback is appreciated.

Recipe

These Cheesy Bacon Brussels Sprouts are pan-seared for a caramelized edge, roasted with garlic and butter, then topped with melted mozzarella and crumbled bacon. A quick, flavorful low-carb side ready in under 30 minutes.

Total time: 30 mins • Servings: 4 • Calories (approx.): 250 kcal

Course: Side Dish • Cuisine: American, Southern

Ingredients

  • 4–6 strips thick-cut bacon
  • 1½ lb Brussels sprouts, ends trimmed and halved lengthwise
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • Fresh cracked pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic (3–4 cloves)
  • 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Pan-Fry Bacon & Brussels

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Heat a frying pan over medium-high and cook bacon until crispy, about 4–6 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain and crumble once cooled.
  3. Discard most bacon grease, leaving 1–2 tablespoons. Add Brussels sprouts and salt, tossing to coat. Spread in a single layer and cook undisturbed 4–6 minutes until the cut sides brown.
  4. Stir in butter and garlic until butter melts and garlic is fragrant. Remove from heat.

Bake & Finish

  1. Spread sprouts on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake 10–12 minutes until tender.
  2. Top with shredded mozzarella and crumbled bacon. Broil briefly until cheese melts and bubbles.
  3. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Trim and halve sprouts uniformly for even roasting.
  • Adjust bacon fat to taste; drain excess if desired.
  • Substitute olive oil for butter to make the dish dairy-free.
  • For milder garlic, use roasted cloves instead of fresh.
  • Oven-only option: roast sprouts at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, then top with cheese and bacon and broil 2–3 minutes.
  • Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary.

Nutrition (per serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated fat: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Sugar: 6 g