If you’re looking for a way to spice up dinner, these Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts are just what you need. They’re simple to make and bring together sweet and savory flavors that dance on your palate.
This recipe fixes mushy Brussels sprouts, adds bacon and glaze to save busy weeknights, and cooks in one pan for quick cleanup.
I used to struggle with making Brussels sprouts taste good. They often ended up bland or mushy, and that’s not what I wanted for my meals. But this recipe is a game-changer. The bacon gives it the savory punch while the balsamic glaze adds a lovely sweetness that pairs perfectly.
What’s great about this recipe is you can prep it quickly in just 10 minutes and then let it roast in the oven for about 30 minutes. In no time, you’ll have crispy-on-the-outside Brussels sprouts that everyone will love. Plus, the aroma while they cook? Absolutely mouthwatering!
If you want something sweet for dessert, try my Recipe Name. It’s a fantastic finish to any meal!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion The sweet tang of balsamic combined with savory bacon really takes Brussels sprouts to the next level. Seriously, they won’t taste bland anymore.
- Crispy Delight Cooking the bacon separately gives these sprouts a crispy texture that makes every bite satisfying. There’s nothing like that crunch to enhance your meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly You can prep these Brussels sprouts ahead of time, which is great for busy holiday dinners. It saves you time and stress in the kitchen.
- Storage Ease Leftovers store well in the fridge for a few days, making it easy to enjoy this tasty side later on. They heat up nicely, too.
Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: side dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Caramelized Brussels sprouts tossed with crispy bacon and drizzled with balsamic reduction make a deliciously savory side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces bacon, cut into pieces
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Start by cooking the bacon in a pan over medium heat until it becomes crispy and golden. The smell will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist. This step is crucial for achieving that crunchy texture you want in your dish. Just be careful not to let it burn; nobody likes overcooked bacon!
- Prep the Brussels Sprouts: While the bacon is cooking, trim and halve the Brussels sprouts. They should be bright green and firm to the touch. This helps them cook evenly and get that caramelization going. Make sure to pick out any yellow leaves or blemished sprouts to avoid a bitter taste later.
- Roast the Sprouts: Toss the Brussels sprouts in the pan after the bacon is done and the grease has been saved. Spread them out, letting them soak up that delightful bacon flavor, and roast until they are crispy and browned. The visual sizzle is just so tempting! Do not crowd the pan, or you will end up with soggy sprouts.
- Add Balsamic Reduction: Once your sprouts are nicely caramelized, drizzle some balsamic reduction over them. You will want to watch them closely as they soak it up and become glossy. This step adds sweetness and tang, lifting the entire dish. Keep an eye on the reduction; if it thickens too much, it can burn quickly.
- Combine & Serve: Finally, mix in those crispy bacon pieces and toss everything together. The aroma is mouthwatering! This final step brings all the flavors together beautifully. Do not hesitate too long before serving; the dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot right off the stove.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Place cooled Brussels sprouts in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
- Expert Tips: You can easily add up to 2 pounds of Brussels sprouts without adjusting other ingredients. When cooking bacon, using medium heat instead of high will make it easier to achieve that nice crisp texture without burning. If Brussels sprouts come out soggy, roasting at 425 degrees F and ensuring ample space on the pan can help them crisp up nicely. If your balsamic reduction thickens too much, staying attentive while simmering can prevent burning; aim to reduce it by one-third. For more flavor without increasing the ingredients, consider adding up to 2 pounds of Brussels sprouts while keeping everything else the same. If preparing in advance, cooking the sprouts, bacon, and balsamic glaze separately can save time and ensure freshness at serving.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. Serve alongside prime rib for a festive Christmas feast. Add to weeknight meals with baked chicken thighs or salmon.
- Recipe Variations: Drizzle with a lemon vinaigrette instead of balsamic for a refreshing twist. Add sliced almonds for a nutty crunch. Incorporate cranberries for a sweet-tart contrast.
- Ingredient Notes: When selecting Brussels sprouts, choose ones that are bright green and firm, avoiding any with yellow leaves or blemishes. For a bacon substitute, consider using pancetta or turkey bacon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 264
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 282mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Recipe Tips
- If Brussels sprouts come out soggy, roasting at 425°F and ensuring ample space on the pan can help them crisp up nicely.
- When cooking bacon, using medium heat instead of high will make it easier to achieve that nice crisp texture without burning.
- If your balsamic reduction thickens too much, staying attentive while simmering can prevent burning; aim to reduce it by one-third.
- For more flavor without increasing the ingredients, consider adding up to 2 pounds of Brussels sprouts while keeping everything else the same.
- If preparing in advance, cooking the sprouts, bacon, and balsamic glaze separately can save time and ensure freshness at serving.
Serving Suggestions
Pair balsamic bacon Brussels sprouts with turkey for Thanksgiving dinner or alongside prime rib during a festive Christmas feast. They complement weeknight meals with baked chicken thighs or salmon, adding a savory side dish to your plate.
These Brussels sprouts work well in other recipes, such as mixed vegetable medleys or as a topping for grain bowls. You can serve them as a side with pastas or in salads for added flavor and texture.
Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra flavor. A touch of lemon juice also adds brightness to this dish.
Recipe variations
- You can use 1 ½ pounds green beans instead of Brussels sprouts for a different texture while maintaining the delicious flavor.
- Add 1 tablespoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a tasty kick!
- Either substitute pancetta or prosciutto for the bacon to create a unique flavor profile.
- Scale the recipe up by doubling the ingredients, using 3 pounds of Brussels sprouts and 16 ounces of bacon for larger gatherings.
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How to Store?
To keep your balsamic bacon brussels sprouts fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store cooled brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Place brussels sprouts in a freezer bag. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Microwave or roast brussels sprouts in the oven until heated through before serving.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Asparagus soup with crispy ham
- Ham green pea soup
- Butternut squash soup
- Mixed Berry Caprese Orzo Salad
If you enjoyed this Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
