Name: Sheet Pan Brussels Sprouts + Bacon (Crispy, Not Bitter)
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 Servings
Ingredients: 1.5 lb brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved); 6 slices bacon (chopped); 0.5 tsp kosher salt (go easy; bacon is salty); 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional but recommended)

Question 1

Why is my Sheet Pan Brussels Sprouts + Bacon (Crispy, Not Bitter) My sprouts taste bitter.?

Accepted Answer

My sprouts taste bitter.. Ah, that usually means they didn't get quite enough browning. Remember, that deep caramelization is where the sweetness comes from. Try roasting them for another 5 minutes, and really make sure those cut sides are making good contact with the hot pan.

Question 2

Why is my Sheet Pan Brussels Sprouts + Bacon (Crispy, Not Bitter) My bacon isn't getting crispy.?

Accepted Answer

My bacon isn't getting crispy.. If your bacon isn't crisping up, it might be that the pieces are a little too large, or the pan is too crowded. Try chopping the bacon a bit smaller and giving everything plenty of space on the pan so the heat can circulate.

Question 3

Why is my Sheet Pan Brussels Sprouts + Bacon (Crispy, Not Bitter) My sprouts are mushy and watery, not caramelized.?

Accepted Answer

My sprouts are mushy and watery, not caramelized.. That sounds like the pan was too crowded. When sprouts are piled up, they steam instead of roast, and we want that beautiful browning. Make sure they're in a single layer with a little space between each one. If your pan is packed, don't hesitate to use two pans or roast in batches – it's worth it!

Question 4

Why is my Sheet Pan Brussels Sprouts + Bacon (Crispy, Not Bitter) My bacon is burnt and greasy, but the sprouts are still pale.?

Accepted Answer

My bacon is burnt and greasy, but the sprouts are still pale.. That's a classic sign that the oven might be running a bit too hot, or the bacon is too close to the heat. If your oven runs hot, try dropping the temp to 425F. Also, ensure the bacon has space to render and isn't directly under a pile of sprouts. You can always pull the bacon out a few minutes early if it's cooking faster than the sprouts.

Question 5

Why is my Sheet Pan Brussels Sprouts + Bacon (Crispy, Not Bitter) My sprouts taste bland, no depth of flavor.?

Accepted Answer

My sprouts taste bland, no depth of flavor.. For flavor, we really rely on that deep browning and a good pinch of salt. Make sure those sprouts are cut-side down and hitting that 450F heat until they're nicely browned all over. Taste them after you add the lemon – you might just need a little more salt to make those sweet, roasted flavors pop.

Sheet Pan Brussels Sprouts + Bacon

Sheet Pan Brussels Sprouts + Bacon

Put This Plate On The Line

The Setup

The Mise en Place

The Protein (0/1)

Seasoning (0/2)

To Finish (0/1)

Other (0/1)

If Things Go Wrong

My sprouts taste bitter.

My bacon isn't getting crispy.

Chef's Notes

The Method

PREHEAT

ARRANGE

ROAST

FINISH

Related Techniques

Mise en Place

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