Bacon & Pomegranate Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe - Life Love Liz (2024)

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This recipe for bacon and pomegranate roasted Brussels sprouts is tangy, sweet, salty and delicious. It’s a perfect Christmas side dish!

Bacon & Pomegranate Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe - Life Love Liz (1)

It is the most wonderful time of the year! The air is crisp and chilly, and everyone around you seems to be in a good mood. You can’t help but feel that sparkle in your heart when you think about all the holiday cheer ahead.

So why not add some extra excitement to this joyous season by cooking up these Bacon & Pomegranate Roasted Brussels Sprouts?

They’re festive, easy-to-make, and sure to please any guest at your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner table.

This recipe makes enough for a small crowd so invite over some friends and family members to enjoy this delicious dish with you!

Bacon and pomegranate roasted Brussels sprouts is a great side dish for any Christmas party. It’s festive, can be made ahead of time, and will impress your guests with the sweet-salty goodness that bacon brings to this recipe!

If you have never tried roasted brussels sprouts before, this is your chance! Give them a try because you won’t regret it!

Bacon & Pomegranate Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe - Life Love Liz (2)

Contents hide

1 Tips for the Best Pan Roasted Brussels Sprouts

2 Roasted Brussels Sprouts Variations

3 How to Store Roasted Brussels Sprouts

4 How to Prepare Brussels Sprouts for Roasting

5 Ingredients for Making Roasted Brussels Sprouts

8.1 Ingredients

8.2 Instructions

8.3 Recommended Products

8.3.1 Nutrition Information:

8.3.2 Yield:

8.4 Did you make this recipe?

Bacon & Pomegranate Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe - Life Love Liz (3)

Tips for the Best Pan Roasted Brussels Sprouts

  • Don’t overcrowd the pan. Spreading them out in the pan so they all get lots of face time with the skillet help them brown. You are better off working in batches to roast the brussels to avoid steaming vs roasting.
  • If you are doubling the recipe, you will probably want to oven roast the brussels sprouts. To do this toss the sprouts in 2 Tbsp of olive oil, salt and pepper, then lay out in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for about 35 minutes at 425 F degrees.
  • Make sure you get the flat sides nice and browned.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Variations

  • Add Nuts – Roasted and chopped pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts or pine nuts add a satisfying crunch to this festive side dish!
  • Omit the Bacon – Don’t like bacon? Simply don’t add it. Cook your brussels in olive oil instead of bacon fat.
  • Omit the Pomegranate – Again, if you don’t like pomegranate, leave them out!
  • Use Lemon juice – You can swap lemon juice for the balsamic vinegar.
  • Use Dried Cranberries – Swap dried cranberries in for the pomegranate seeds.
  • Add Maple Syrup – If you are looking for more sweetness and less tang, add a little maple syrup to taste.
Bacon & Pomegranate Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe - Life Love Liz (4)

How to Store Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Store your roasted brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

For the best results when reheating, throw them back in a pan over medium-low heat with a little bit of olive oil until warmed through.

Bacon & Pomegranate Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe - Life Love Liz (5)

How to Prepare Brussels Sprouts for Roasting

You will want to start by giving your Brussels sprouts a good rinse in the sink.

Next peel off any outer leaves that are shrivelled or browned, otherwise you can keep the outer leaves on the Brussels sprouts.

Then, give any stalk left on it a good trim, and slice the Brussels sprouts in half, length-wise.

Bacon & Pomegranate Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe - Life Love Liz (6)

Ingredients for Making Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Detailed measurements and instructions can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Bacon – You can use Pancetta in place of the bacon. You can also make the bacon in advance and store it, covered, in the fridge until ready to prepare.

Brussels Sprouts – Make sure you get these guys a good sear by getting them all some time cut side down in the pan.

Balsamic Vinegar – Adds a little acidic brightness to balance the heaviness of the bacon fat. Lemon juice would also work here.

Pomegranate juice – Helps to tie this dish together and makes an incredible glaze. You can also use cranberry juice in a pinch.

Pomegranate – Dried cranberries will also work in a pinch. A medium pomegranate will give you about 1 cup of seeds.

Bacon & Pomegranate Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe - Life Love Liz (7)

Looking for More Tasty Christmas Dinner Recipes?

Check out some of my favourite recipes for serving at our family Christmas dinner!

This Cranberry Apple Acorn Squash is a wonderful side dish for any Holiday dinner. It easily compliments turkey and looks as amazing as it tastes.

Enjoy this for Thanksgiving dinner this year. This brined turkey is perfectly moist and flavoured with sage and apples – a quintessentially autumn flavour pairing.

Cranberry Fluff Salad is an easy holiday side dish perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. A luscious combination of cranberries, pineapple, whipped topping and marshmallows.

Bacon & Pomegranate Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe - Life Love Liz (8)

How to Make Bacon & Pomegranate Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Serves: 6-8 Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

4 Slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
2 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
1 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
1/4 cup Pomegranate juice
Salt & Pepper to taste
1 Pomegranate, seeded

Directions:|

In a large skillet cook the bacon until crisp over medium-low heat. Set the bacon aside.

Drain the bacon far from the skillet, leaving 2 tbsp in the pan and reserving the rest.

Add the brussels sprouts, and a pinch of salt. Allow to cook until golden and tender, stirring occasionally. Add more bacon fat as needed.

Pour in the pomegranate and balsamic vinegar, and bring to a boil, allowing to thicken into a glaze. About 1-2 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in the pomegranate seeds and bacon.

Serve & Enjoy

Bacon & Pomegranate Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe - Life Love Liz (9)

Yield: 6-8 Servings

Bacon & Pomegranate Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

This recipe for bacon and pomegranate roasted Brussels sprouts is tangy, sweet, salty and delicious. It's a perfect Christmas side dish!

Ingredients

  • 4 Slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 2 lbs Brussel sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 1 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Pomegranate juice
  • Salt & Pepper to taste
  • 1 Pomegranate, seeded

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet cook the bacon until crisp over medium-low heat. Set the bacon aside.
  2. Drain the bacon far from the skillet, leaving 2 tbsp in the pan and reserving the rest.
  3. Add the brussels sprouts and a pinch of salt. Allow to cook until golden and tender, stirring occasionally. Add more bacon fat as needed.
  4. Pour in the pomegranate and balsamic vinegar, and bring to a boil, allowing to thicken into a glaze. About 1-2 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in the pomegranate seeds and bacon.
  6. Serve & Enjoy

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 104Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 164mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 4gSugar: 8gProtein: 6g

Did you make this recipe?

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Bacon & Pomegranate Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe - Life Love Liz (13)

Bacon & Pomegranate Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe - Life Love Liz (14)

Liz Lampman

Liz Lampman is a coffee-fuelled Mom of 2 girls and lives in Hamilton, Ontario. She enjoys cooking and baking, food photography, and reading.

Bacon & Pomegranate Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe - Life Love Liz (2024)

FAQs

How many pounds of brussels sprouts do I need for eight people? ›

Plan on about 1/2 pound (8 ounces) of raw brussels sprouts per person. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (sprouts will roast nicely anywhere in the 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit range).

Why do some people love brussel sprouts? ›

Moving forward in history, scientists have discovered that the ability to taste PTC is genetic. They have even identified the gene called TAS2R38. Your love or hate of sprouts can be blamed on your family tree. Studies in the 1970s discovered about 30% of people cannot taste sprouts' bitter flavour.

Can you cut brussels sprouts the day before? ›

Root and cruciferous vegetables — think carrots, parsnips, turnips, Brussels sprouts — can be washed, peeled and cut a day in advance for a beautiful medley of roasted vegetables.

Why won't my brussel sprouts get crispy? ›

Roast the Brussels Sprouts at high heat

If you don't hear them crisping up in the oven, add a little more oil and roast them for a few more minutes until your desire crispiness is achieved!

Why do you soak brussel sprouts before cooking? ›

Not only can soaking make the centers more malleable, but the water that's absorbed into them will create a steaming action, whether you choose to roast, saute, or make your Brussels sprouts in your air fryer. The steam can help to ensure the cooking is even throughout the Brussels sprout.

How long should you roast Brussels sprouts at 425 degrees? ›

Preheat the oven to 425° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the Brussels sprouts in half, toss with drizzles of olive oil and pinches of salt and pepper, and spread on the baking sheet. Roast 20 to 30 minutes or until tender and golden brown around the edges.

Is it okay to eat Brussels sprouts every day? ›

With all of these benefits, you may be wondering if it's okay to eat Brussels sprouts every single day. Rifkin's expert opinion is that it's safe to do so, but you also want to make sure you're eating other nutrient-rich foods too.

Should you rinse Brussels sprouts before roasting? ›

How do I prepare brussel sprouts? To prepare brussel sprouts, you should rinse them well or even soak them if you have enough time. Trim the bottoms and outer leaves off, then cut them in half to prep them for roasting.

What organ is brussel sprouts good for? ›

Eating a lot of Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous veggies may help protect against cancers of the stomach, lungs, kidney, breast, bladder, and prostate. Crunchy veggies like Brussels sprouts may also help you stave off other health issues, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes.

Why do I feel so good after eating brussel sprouts? ›

Brussels sprouts are a source of fiber and may reduce inflammation. This cruciferous vegetable offers nutrients, including antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.

Why are brussel sprouts good for men? ›

Brussels sprouts are especially rich in vitamin K, which is necessary for blood clotting and bone health ( 2 ). They're also high in vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps promote iron absorption and is involved in tissue repair and immune function ( 3 ).

When can you not eat brussel sprouts? ›

If any of the leaves have brown spots or are yellowing, it's a sign of early spoilage. If you remove the blemished leaves and the interior looks OK, you can still use the sprout. However, if the interior leaves are also showing blemishes or yellowing, it's best to toss it (or compost it, if you can).

When should you not use brussel sprouts? ›

Throw out fresh brussel sprouts that have a foul odor, yellow or wilted leaves, a mushy or slimy texture, or dark spots. Use fresh brussel sprouts within 1–2 weeks of getting them.

Why soak Brussels sprouts in salt water? ›

For best results, soak your Brussels sprouts in salt water. Not only does salt act to tenderize the dense sprouts, but it will also help to season them all the way through. It won't take a lot -- just add 1 tablespoon of salt per 1 quart of water and toss in trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts.

Why is brussel sprouts controversial? ›

Because PTC is prevalent in Brussels sprouts, these so-called "Supertasters" perceive them as intensely bitter. This is all connected to a taste-related gene called TAS2R38, which has a variant called AVI and one called PAV.

Why do you put a cross in the bottom of brussel sprouts? ›

The only preparation needed is to cut the stalks right back to the level of the leaves so you have little Brussels balls. Some people swear by cutting a cross in the bottom of each sprout, which they believe allows them to cook all through – but it's not necessary, and you'll save time if you don't.

Why put crosses on brussel sprouts? ›

In fact, the tradition of cutting a cross in the base of a sprout might have less to do with culinary technique and more to do with superstition. In Medieval times, it was believed that evil spirits and demons lived between the leaves of the vegetable, and they would enter anyone who ate them, making them ill.

What gives Brussels sprouts a better taste? ›

About 30 years ago, a Dutch scientist identified the chemicals that made brussels sprouts bitter. He selected seed varieties with lower levels of the bitter chemicals and bred new high-yielding varieties that tasted less bitter.

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