Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic is a delicious side dish that your whole family will love. This easy oven-roasted recipe combines the savory crunch of roasted Brussels sprouts with the smoky flavor of bacon, all topped with a tangy balsamic glaze, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Love this recipe? Try our Roasted Fall Vegetables.
Brussels sprouts, a fall vegetable favorite, are transformed into crispy goodness with this recipe. The combination of roasted Brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze makes for a crave-worthy side dish that pairs well with any main course.
If you like this side dish, you may also love our Easy Rainbow Roasted Carrots Recipe or our Crispy Garlic Parmesan Green Beans.
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
- 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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
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.
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.
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.
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📖 Recipe
Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic
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.
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Video
Notes
- Bacon: Use turkey bacon or pancetta for a different flavor.
- Balsamic glaze: Substitute with a honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness.
- Olive oil: Replace with avocado oil or melted coconut oil for a unique taste.
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