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Powell Family Cooking / Recipes / Sides

Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic

Jami Powell headshot for author bio.
Modified: Mar 6, 2025 · Published: Jul 13, 2024 by Jami Powell · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic combines oven-roasted Brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, and balsamic glaze for a savory side dish with crisp caramelized edges. It's great for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, and vegetable side dishes. The sprouts roast until deeply browned while the bacon adds smoky flavor and crunch.

If you like this side dish, you may also love our Easy Rainbow Roasted Carrots Recipe, Roasted Fall Vegetables, or our Crispy Garlic Parmesan Green Beans.

crispy brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic easy oven roasted recipe hero image close up on sheet pan with balsamic drizzle

Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe at a Glance 🔎

  • 🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • ⏱️ Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • 👥 Servings: 4
  • 🔥 Cook Method: Oven-roasted
  • 🍽️ Cuisine (or General Category): Vegetable side dish
  • 👩‍🍳 Pair With: roasted chicken, pork chops, holiday dinners
  • ⭐ Difficulty Level: Easy

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Drying the Brussels sprouts thoroughly before roasting helps the cut sides caramelize instead of steaming on the pan. ~Jami

Jump to:
  • Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe at a Glance 🔎
  • Why We Love This Recipe
  • Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Ingredients
  • Substitutions & Variations
  • How to Make Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic
  • Expert Tips for Success
  • Storage
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Related Side Dishes
  • More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Share Your Thoughts

Why We Love This Recipe

  • Crispy Texture: Roasting the Brussels sprouts creates a satisfying crunch.
  • Simple Ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples for a quick and easy preparation.
  • Savory and Sweet Combination: The bacon adds a smoky flavor, while the balsamic glaze provides a touch of sweetness.
  • Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for family dinners, holiday meals, or entertaining guests.

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Ingredients

A labeled image of everything needed to make crispy brussels with bacon.
  • Brussels sprouts: Choose fresh, firm Brussels sprouts for the best results. Have leftovers? Try our Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad.
  • Bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon for a heartier texture.
  • Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a rich flavor.
  • Salt and pepper: Season to taste for the perfect balance of flavors.
  • Balsamic glaze: A store-bought glaze works well, or make your own by reducing balsamic vinegar.

A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Substitutions & Variations

  • Bacon: Use turkey bacon or pancetta for a different flavor.
  • Balsamic glaze: Substitute with a honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness.
  • Diet: Make it vegetarian by omitting the bacon and adding toasted nuts.

How to Make Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic

Trimmed brussels on a cutting board with a bowl.

STEP ONE: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Trim the stems, halve the Brussels sprouts, and pat them dry with paper towels.

Halved brussel sprouts seasoned and coated with oil in a mixing bowl.

STEP TWO: Season the Sprouts

Toss the halved Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper, until they are evenly coated.

Brussels arranged face down on a sheet pan with bacon scattered throughout.

STEP THREE: Arrange and Roast

Spread the Brussels sprouts cut-side down on a baking sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle the chopped thick-cut bacon over the top.

Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the sprouts are crispy and caramelized and the bacon is golden.

Roasted brussels sprouts and bacon on the sheet pan drizzled with balsamic glaze.

STEP FOUR: Finish and Serve

Let the roasted Brussels sprouts cool completely on the sheet pan.

Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve warm.

Expert Tips for Success

👩‍🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!

✔️ DO Thoroughly dry Brussels before roasting for the crispiest texture.
✔️ DO Cut the Brussels sprouts evenly so they cook at the same rate.
✔️ DO Drain grease halfway through baking by tilting the pan.
❌ DO NOT Overcrowd the sheet pan with Brussels sprouts.

Save This Recipe 💌

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Storage

Store any leftover crispy Brussels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish is not freezer-friendly. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

Recipe FAQs

How do you keep Brussels sprouts crispy after roasting?

To keep Brussels sprouts crispy after roasting, cool them on the baking sheet instead of piling them up. This allows the air to circulate, maintaining their crispiness. You can also reheat them in the oven to restore their texture.

What can I add to Brussels sprouts for extra flavor?

For added flavor, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese, a dash of red pepper flakes for heat, or a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for sweetness. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can also enhance the dish.

How do you make sure Brussels sprouts are not bitter?

To reduce bitterness in Brussels sprouts, make sure to roast them at a high temperature, which helps to caramelize their natural sugars. Additionally, using a bit of olive oil and salt can enhance their flavor, and pairing them with ingredients like bacon and balsamic glaze can balance out any remaining bitterness.

crispy brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic easy oven roasted recipe feature image close up on sheet pan with balsamic drizzle

Related Side Dishes

  • Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Bundles
  • Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan and Garlic Aioli
  • Green Beans with Almonds
  • Caramelized Sweet Potatoes Recipe
  • Cheesy Broccoli and Cauliflower Bake

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Did You Try This Recipe?

Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and comment below. Don't forget to share it on Instagram, Facebook, & Pinterest. Thank you! 💛

📖 Recipe

crispy brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic easy oven roasted recipe feature image close up on sheet pan with balsamic drizzle

Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic

Jami Powell
Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic combines oven-roasted Brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, and balsamic glaze for a savory side dish with crisp caramelized edges. It's great for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, and vegetable side dishes. The sprouts roast until deeply browned while the bacon adds smoky flavor and crunch.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 229 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Skillet
  • Paper towels

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound Brussels sprouts trimmed, halved, and dried
  • 3 slices bacon, thick-cut chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (not vinegar) for drizzling, plus more to taste
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare the Brussels sprouts by trimming the stems, halving them, and drying thoroughly.
  • In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
  • Spread the Brussels sprouts cut-side down in a single layer on a baking sheet. Scatter the chopped thick bacon pieces over the top.
  • Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the sprouts are deeply caramelized and the bacon is crisp.
  • Remove from the oven and let the brussels cool on the sheet pan. Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.

Save This Recipe 💌

Enter your email below and we'll send it to your inbox. Plus, you'll get new recipes from us each week!

Video

Notes

Cooking Notes
Dry Brussels sprouts roast more evenly and develop better caramelization in the oven. Adding the balsamic glaze after roasting keeps the flavor bright without burning the sugars.
Tips for Best Results:
  • Dry the Brussels sprouts thoroughly before roasting.
  • Arrange the sprouts cut-side down for better browning.
  • Stir once halfway through roasting for even crisping.
  • Drizzle the balsamic glaze just before serving.
How to Know It’s Ready:
The Brussels sprouts should look deeply caramelized with crisp edges, while the bacon appears browned and crispy.

Nutrition

Calories: 229kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 7gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 207mgPotassium: 495mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 865IUVitamin C: 96mgCalcium: 49mgIron: 2mg
Did you make this recipe?Tag @powell.family.cooking on Instagram

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