The Crispy Revelation Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Longhorn Crispy Bacon Sprouts

0.0 / 5 (0 Review)

Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:30 Mins

Servings:4-6 servings

Ingredients:

• 5 lbs Brussels Sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 4 slices Thick-Cut Bacon, diced
• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Kosher Salt
• 1/2 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 2 Tbsp Brown Sugar (packed)
• 1 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the diced bacon in a cold, large skillet over medium heat and cook slowly until the bacon is very crisp. Remove bacon bits with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the rendered fat in the skillet.
• While bacon cooks, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with the reserved bacon fat, olive oil, salt, and pepper directly on a large rimmed baking sheet.
• Spread the sprouts in a single layer on the baking sheet (do not overcrowd). Roast for 15 minutes.
• Remove the sheet pan, toss the sprouts, and return to the oven for another 10–12 minutes, until the cut sides are deeply browned and tender-crisp.
• While the sprouts finish roasting, whisk together the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl until slightly dissolved to create the glaze.
• Remove the hot sprouts from the oven and immediately drizzle the balsamic glaze mixture over them, tossing quickly to coat evenly.
• Transfer the glazed sprouts to a serving dish and top generously with the reserved crispy bacon pieces. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:1112 kcal

Protein:13.0 g

Fat:37.4 g

Carbs:47.7 g

Fiber:7.8 g

Sugar:0.0 g

Sodium:886 mg

Recipe Info

Category:Side Dish

Cuisine:American

Unlock the Steakhouse Secret: Why These Brussels Sprouts Are Legend

If you’ve ever dined at Longhorn Steakhouse, you know that their side dishes are often just as memorable as their perfectly grilled cuts of meat. Among the standouts, the Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Crispy Brussel Sprouts have achieved near-mythical status. They manage to transform humble green vegetables into a salty, smoky, sweet, and utterly craveable experience. Forget every mushy, under-seasoned sprout you’ve endured in the past; this recipe is designed to replicate that exact textural contrast and flavour complexity that keeps patrons ordering them again and again. We’re diving deep into the technique needed to recreate this side dish masterpiece right in your own kitchen.

The Ultimate Goal: Achieving Perfect, Non-Soggy Perfection

The primary challenge when cooking Brussels sprouts is avoiding that dreaded soggy centre. When done correctly, however, they should be deeply caramelized on the exterior, tender on the inside, and infused with incredible savoury depth. Our Longhorn Brussel Sprouts Recipe centres entirely around high heat and strategic use of rendered fat to lock in flavour while driving out moisture.

Why This Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Crispy Brussel Sprouts Recipe Reigns Supreme

What sets this version apart from standard roasted vegetables is the trifecta of flavour components: the initial coating in smoky bacon grease, the high-heat caramelization of the natural sugars in the sprout, and the finishing touch of a light, tangy-sweet balsamic glaze. This combination elevates a simple side into a robust flavour profile.

Setting the Stage: What Makes This Side Dish So Addictive

The appeal of the Longhorn Copycat Brussels Sprouts lies in its balance. You get the intense saltiness and crunch from the bacon, the earthy bitterness from the slightly charred sprouts, and a welcome hint of sweetness from the brown sugar and balsamic reduction. It’s a multi-layered taste experience in every single bite, making it a favourite even among those who claim to dislike greens.

A Quick Dive into Crispy Texture Science

Crispiness hinges on surface area and rapid dehydration. By halving the sprouts, we expose the interior to the heat while maximizing the surface area of the cut side that hits the hot baking sheet. On top of that,, using rendered bacon fat, which has a higher smoke point and richer flavour than plain olive oil, ensures that the surface caramelizes beautifully before the interior overcooks. This deliberate pre-treatment is foundational to any successful Crispy Brussel Sprouts Recipe .

Assembling Your Arsenal: Essential Components for Flavor Bomb Sprouts

To achieve the authentic taste of those famous Longhorn Steakhouse Roasted Brussel Sprouts , you need to focus on quality ingredients and understand their roles. This specific iteration calls for 1.5 lbs of fresh sprouts, 4 slices of thick-cut bacon, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and a simple yet crucial glaze made from 2 tablespoons of packed brown sugar and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.

Tools of the Trade: Necessary Equipment for Maximum Crisp

While the ingredient list is simple, the equipment is crucial for success. You absolutely need a large, rimmed baking sheet—the larger the better, as overcrowding is the enemy of crispness. A heavy-bottomed skillet, ideally cast iron, is non-negotiable for properly rendering the bacon fat, which serves as the primary cooking medium for the initial flavour infusion.

The Star Player: Selecting and Prepping the Brussels Sprouts

Start with 1.5 lbs of vibrant, firm Brussels sprouts. To prep them for roasting, you must first trim the woody ends and remove any loose or discoloured outer leaves. The most critical step here is slicing them vertically, right through the core, creating two equal halves. This allows for even cooking and maximum contact with the hot pan surface during roasting.

Bacon Breakdown: Sourcing the Smoky Goodness

Authenticity demands thick-cut bacon—about 4 slices’ worth, diced into small lardons. The key is not just the flavour but the fat rendered from it. We cook this bacon slowly in a cold skillet to ensure the fat melts out completely before the meat bits turn brittle. These crispy bacon pieces are set aside to be used as a garnish later, while the rendered fat becomes the luxurious initial coating for our vegetables.

Essential Seasoning Ratios for the Copycat Magic

Once the sprouts are halved and coated in a mixture of the reserved bacon fat, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, they are ready for the oven. These basic spices ensure the natural sweetness of the sprout shines through, amplified by the smoky undertones from the fat used for tossing.

Related Recipes Worth Trying

• The Best Copycat Longhorn Brussel Sprouts Recipe Crispy Glazed — Finally the secret to amazing Longhorn Brussel Sprouts Achieve that perfect caramelized crispness with bacon and a sticky balsamic glaze Easy roasted...
• Longhorn Steakhouse Brussel Sprouts Crispy Bacon Honey Glaze — Master the famous Longhorn Steakhouse Brussel Sprouts copycat recipe Roasting delivers unbeatable crispiness with smoky bacon fat and a sweet balsamic glaze...
• Authentic Crispy Masala Dosa Recipe At Home Dosa Recipe — Learn how to make truly crispy Masala Dosa with this triedandtested recipe Get the secret to the perfect potato masala filling and lacy crepe texture

The Roasting Ritual: Mastering High-Heat Caramelization

The cooking process for this Texas Longhorn Brussel Sprouts Recipe relies heavily on a high oven temperature—we’re aiming for 400° F ( 200° C). This heat is necessary to caramelize the natural sugars on the outside of the sprouts quickly, creating that sought-after char without turning the insides to mush. Patience during the initial roasting phase is rewarded with texture.

Step-by-Step Execution for Authentic Flavor

Creating the flavour profile reminiscent of the Copycat Long Horn Brussels Sprouts requires attention to timing, especially when integrating the bacon and the final glaze.

Pre-Treatment Secrets: Preparing Sprouts for Crispness

The first step involves rendering the bacon in a cold skillet over medium heat until the bacon bits are perfectly crisp. Scoop these bits out and set them aside on paper towels. Now, take your halved sprouts and toss them directly on the baking sheet with the reserved, warm bacon fat, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Tossing Technique: Ensuring Even Oil Distribution

Spread the seasoned sprouts onto the baking sheet in a single, uncrowded layer. If your 1.5 lbs batch seems cramped, split it between two sheets. They must have space to roast individually; overcrowding leads to steaming, and steaming leads to sogginess. Initial roasting time at 400° F should be about 15 minutes.

When and How to Introduce the Bacon Bits

The bacon bits are deliberately added as a finishing touch. If you toss them in at the beginning, they will burn during the long roast time. After the initial 15 minutes, remove the pan, toss the sprouts lightly to expose new surfaces, and roast for another 10 to 12 minutes. Only after they are perfectly caramelized and tender-crisp do we apply the glaze.

Checking for Doneness: Visual Cues of Success

You’ll know they are done when the cut surfaces are deeply browned, almost dark brown, and the smaller outer leaves have crisped up and started to detach slightly. They should offer a pleasant resistance when pierced with a fork—tender, but definitely not soft or mushy.

Troubleshooting & Flavor Twists for Your Brussels Sprouts

Even seasoned cooks sometimes face challenges. Knowing how to adjust ensures your results are consistent every time you tackle the Copycat Longhorn Brussels Sprouts .

Boosting the Crunch: Pro Tips to Avoid a Mushy Outcome

If your sprouts are stubbornly refusing to crisp up, it’s usually due to excess moisture or a crowded pan. Immediately remove them from the oven, increase the temperature by 25 degrees, and return them to the oven. Ensure you are using a rimmed metal baking sheet, as glass pans tend to retain and distribute heat less evenly for this type of high-heat searing.

Serving Suggestions Beyond the Steak Plate

While these naturally accompany a great steak, they shine alongside grilled chicken, pork chops, or even a hearty bowl of chili. For an elevated presentation, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts alongside the bacon adds another layer of texture.

Can You Adapt This Recipe for an Air Fryer?

Absolutely! The air fryer is fantastic for getting an intense crisp. For this recipe, toss the sprouts lightly in the bacon fat mixture and cook in a single layer in the air fryer basket at 380° F ( 195° C). Shake the basket every 7 minutes, cooking for a total of about 18– 22 minutes, then toss with the glaze immediately upon removal.

Freezing and Reheating Leftovers: Maintaining that Sear

While these are best eaten fresh, leftovers can be salvaged. To reheat, avoid the microwave, which will destroy the crispness. Instead, spread the cooled sprouts on a dry baking sheet and reheat in a 425° F oven for about 5– 8 minutes, or until heated through and some of the edges have recaptured their sear.

Storing and Reheating Your Beloved Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Crispy Brussel Sprouts

The final step in achieving culinary victory is mastering the glaze integration. While the sprouts are piping hot from the final roasting stage, whisk together the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar until slightly combined. Drizzle this mixture quickly over the hot vegetables and toss vigorously to ensure every piece is lightly coated. Finally, transfer them to a serving platter and shower them with the reserved crispy bacon bits. These Copycat Longhorn Brussels Sprouts are meant to be served immediately while the glaze is tacky and the sprouts are piping hot, delivering that unforgettable crunch every single time.