Savory Espresso Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon & Velvety Cheese Sauce is a sophisticated and flavorful side dish that combines earthy, caramelized vegetables with the richness of bacon and the indulgence of a smooth cheese sauce. A hint of espresso adds an unexpected depth, elevating this dish to gourmet status without requiring complex preparation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe transforms ordinary Brussels sprouts into a standout dish with bold flavors and a luxurious texture. The espresso powder adds a subtle bitterness that complements the natural sweetness of roasted Brussels sprouts. Crispy bacon offers a savory crunch, and the rich cheese sauce ties everything together with creamy decadence. It’s perfect for holiday dinners, special occasions, or whenever you want to impress with a unique vegetable dish.

Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

Olive oil

Espresso powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Bacon, chopped

Heavy cream

Shredded cheddar cheese

Grated Parmesan cheese

Butter

Garlic, minced

Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Season Brussels Sprouts: In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, espresso powder, salt, and pepper until well coated.

Roast: Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 25–30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the edges are crispy and caramelized.

Cook Bacon: While the Brussels sprouts roast, cook chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Make Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and velvety.

Assemble: Transfer the roasted Brussels sprouts to a serving dish. Drizzle with the cheese sauce and top with crispy bacon.

Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Servings and timing
Servings: 4

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving

Variations
Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon or replace it with smoked almonds or roasted mushrooms for a savory crunch.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a hint of heat.

Smoky Flavor: Use smoked cheddar in place of regular cheddar for deeper flavor.

Low-Carb Friendly: This recipe is naturally low in carbs and perfect for keto or low-carb diets.

Extra Crunch: Top with toasted breadcrumbs for a contrast in texture.

Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, or microwave on medium power. Stir the cheese sauce before serving to restore creaminess.

Freezing: Freezing is not recommended due to changes in texture of the sauce and sprouts upon thawing.

FAQs
Can I use instant coffee instead of espresso powder?
Yes, instant coffee can be used as a substitute, but espresso powder will yield a more intense and richer flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can roast the Brussels sprouts and cook the bacon in advance. Reheat and assemble just before serving for best results.

What cheese works best for the sauce?
Cheddar and Parmesan provide a great balance of creaminess and sharpness. You can experiment with Gruyère or Fontina for a more refined flavor.

How do I keep the Brussels sprouts crispy?
Roast them at a high temperature and avoid overcrowding the baking sheet so they caramelize instead of steam.

Is espresso flavor strong in this recipe?
The espresso is subtle and acts as a background flavor that enhances the savory and roasted notes without overpowering.

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Fresh is preferred for optimal texture, but if using frozen, thaw and dry thoroughly before roasting.

What can I serve this dish with?
It pairs well with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or as a rich side for holiday meals.

Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Always check labels to ensure there are no hidden gluten sources.

Can I make this dairy-free?
You can substitute plant-based cream and cheeses, though the texture and flavor may vary.

How can I lighten this recipe?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese or bacon to lower the calorie content.

Conclusion
Savory Espresso Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon & Velvety Cheese Sauce is a truly memorable side dish that combines bold ingredients with comforting textures. The surprising addition of espresso deepens the flavor profile, making it a unique addition to any table. Whether you’re looking to elevate a holiday menu or bring something new to dinner, this recipe delivers both richness and originality.

Savory Espresso Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon & Velvety Cheese Sauce

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Author: Olivia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4-servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Savory Espresso Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon & Velvety Cheese Sauce is a bold, flavor-packed side dish that elevates Brussels sprouts to gourmet status. Roasted with espresso powder for deep, earthy notes, then topped with crispy bacon and a rich cheddar-Parmesan cheese sauce, this recipe is an irresistible addition to any meal.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, espresso powder, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet.
Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crispy.
Meanwhile, cook chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic for 1 minute.
Add cream, cheddar, and Parmesan, stirring until smooth and creamy.
Place roasted Brussels sprouts in a serving dish, drizzle with cheese sauce, and sprinkle bacon on top.
Garnish with parsley if desired. Serve hot.