Vegan Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Tofu Bacon Bits

Looking for a delicious vegan Brussels sprouts recipe worthy of a spot at your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner table? Meat-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free, these roasted sprouts with crispy tofu bacon bits are sure to hit the spot.

If you've only ever experienced boiled sprouts that are mushy and overcooked, you're in for a treat. I dare say the sprout-haters among us might even enjoy this one...

For more vegan sides to go alongside these sprouts, check out my recipes for crispy roast potatoes, vegan scalloped potatoes (dauphinoise) and vegan cauliflower cheese.

What are Brussels sprouts?

Brussels sprouts – commonly misspelled as 'Brussel sprouts' – are a cruciferous vegetable in the brassica family, which also includes cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and kale. With a peak harvest season that covers the winter months, they have become a popular addition to festive meals.

Despite having been around for millennia, Brussels sprouts today owe their name to Belgium's capital city, as this is where they became popular in more recent centuries.

Can Brussels sprouts be roasted?

Absolutely, and I'd argue that it's the best way to cook them. This is also the case with many other vegetables (roasted Jerusalem artichokes are a good example), as the hot oven ensures a delicious caramelised flavour and nice golden colour on the outside.

Can you eat them raw?

You can certainly eat Brussels sprouts raw, however they will have a more bitter taste than their cooked counterparts. For this reason, people often slice or shred them very finely to then use in things like salads.

Which tofu is best for the bacon bits?

For the best results, I'd highly recommend using an extra-firm smoked tofu in this dish. This won't need to be pressed, and the smokiness gives you an instant boost when it comes to emulating a bacon flavour – just like in this recipe for vegan pancetta.

If you don’t have extra-firm smoked tofu, it's not a big deal. You may just need to drain and press your tofu to remove more of the liquid, add a touch more smoked paprika or liquid smoke, and possibly bake for slightly longer.

What you'll need

This delicious vegan sprouts recipe is based on the following:

• Brussels sprouts that have been prepped and cut in half
• Smoked tofu to create the vegan 'bacon' bits
• 'Bacon' flavours in the form of tamari, tomato puree, garlic powder, and smoked paprika

How to make vegan Brussels sprouts with bacon bits

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).

To prepare the sprouts, peel away any damaged or discoloured leaves. Give them a rinse, trim the stems (just slightly – don't cut into the leaves too much), and then slice in half through the stem. Set aside.

To a large bowl, add the tamari/soy sauce, tomato puree, garlic powder, smoked paprika, nutritional yeast, liquid smoke, a pinch each of salt and pepper, and one tablespoon of olive oil. Combine well with a spoon.

Use your hands to crumble the tofu into the bowl. A mix of smaller sizes is fine, but avoid any large or obvious chunks. Use a spoon to combine with the other ingredients until all the tofu is coated.

Empty the contents of the bowl onto a large baking sheet or oven dish, spreading out the crumbled tofu evenly. Place in the oven and bake for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, add the halved sprouts to a bowl along with 2 tablespoons of oil and a pinch each of salt and pepper (you can use the same bowl as for the other ingredients – no need to clean it). Toss/mix well to combine.

Once the tofu has been baking for 10 minutes, remove from the oven and add the sprouts. Shake to combine and cook in the oven for a further 20-25 mins, checking to make sure you don't overcook the sprouts or tofu.

The sprouts are done when they're tender on the inside, turning golden brown on the outside, and the tofu pieces are becoming crispy with a slight chew. Bake for longer if necessary, but keep an eye on the sprouts to make sure they don't overcook.

Serving suggestions

From Christmas to Thanksgiving, these roasted sprouts will be right at home on any festive dinner table. Ideas to top them off include cranberries, chestnuts, or a sprinkling of homemade vegan parmesan.

Variations and tips for vegan roasted sprouts

• Tofu: If you don’t have extra-firm smoked tofu, it’s not a big deal. You may just need to drain and press your tofu to remove more of the liquid, add a touch more smoked paprika or liquid smoke, and possibly bake for slightly longer.
• Liquid smoke: This is an optional ingredient, but it has a seriously smoky flavour that I love. Use sparingly.

Hey you – let me know what you think

If you made this recipe and enjoyed it – or did anything differently – I'd love to hear from you down below in the comments 👇

You can also find me and let me know on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook @thepeskyvegan 🌿

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You can also check out my full list of vegan sides.