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.
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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 savory depth, while the balsamic glaze provides a touch of sweetness.
- Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for family dinners, holiday meals, or entertaining guests.
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: Prepare the Brussels sprouts
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Trim the stems, halve the Brussels sprouts, and dry them thoroughly. Toss the Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
STEP TWO: Cook the bacon
While preparing the Brussels sprouts, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease and chop into small pieces.
STEP THREE: Roast the Brussels sprouts
Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until crispy and caramelized.
STEP FOUR: Combine and serve
Once the Brussels sprouts are done roasting, transfer them to a serving dish. Sprinkle the cooked bacon pieces over the top. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
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 to ensure they cook at the same rate.
❌ DO NOT Overcrowd the fryer. Keep the oil between 325-350°F for even frying.
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, spread them out on a baking sheet instead of piling them up. This allows the air to circulate around them, maintaining their crispiness. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore their texture.
For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of 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: Easy Oven-Roasted Recipe
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Skillet
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts trimmed, halved, and dried
- 4-6 slices of bacon
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Trim the stems, halve the Brussels sprouts, and dry them thoroughly. In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the Brussels sprouts are crispy and caramelized.
- While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Chop into small pieces.
- Once the Brussels sprouts are done roasting, transfer them to a serving dish. Sprinkle the cooked bacon pieces over the top.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
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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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