Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Recipe
Nov 07, 2024, Updated Nov 29, 2024
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Get ready to fall in love with these Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic! Roasted to crispy, golden perfection, these Brussels sprouts are mixed with savory, crunchy bacon and a sweet, tangy balsamic glaze that ties everything together. With a touch of garlic and red onion for extra flavor, this dish is a total crowd-pleaser.
You will also love my famous Longhorn Steakhouse Brussles Sprouts.
Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts
These crispy Brussels sprouts are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. They’re the perfect side dish for a holiday dinner, Thanksgiving menu, dinner parties, special occasions, or cozy dinner at home. Delicious, nutritious, and totally irresistible, you’ll be making this recipe on repeat!
These roasted vegetables are one of my love languages- scrumptious. I know you will love them as well!
It pairs well with prime rib roast and fresh roasted ham. Serve with mashed potatoes and classic stuffing.
You will also love these parmesan Brussels sprouts!
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients
- Brussels Sprouts: Fresh, green, and firm, these little cabbages are the star of the dish, offering a slightly bitter and nutty flavor that becomes sweeter when roasted.
- Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: These healthy fats help to roast the Brussels sprouts to a perfect golden brown, adding a subtle richness to the dish.Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the Brussels sprouts and balance the dish.
- Thick-Cut Bacon: Adds a savory, smoky flavor and a crispy texture that complements the roasted Brussels sprouts.
- Red Onion: Provides a mild sweetness and a pop of color, becoming tender and slightly caramelized when cooked.
- Garlic Cloves: Finely chopped, they infuse the dish with a fragrant, savory depth that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients.
- Balsamic Vinegar: When reduced, it becomes a sweet and tangy glaze that ties all the flavors together, adding a beautiful, glossy finish to the dish.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Recipe
This recipe comes together quickly with simple, straightforward steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights or as a flavorful side dish for special occasions. See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for more details.
Season the sprouts before roasting.
Stir once at the halfway point of the total cooking time.
Remove the bacon bits with a slotted spoon onto a plate lined with paper towels. Save some of the bacon drippings from the pan.
Add the shallots and garlic to the pan with bacon drippings.
Cook the shallots and garlic.
Add the bacon back to the pan. And combine with the roasted sprouts.
Add a drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze over the top of the crispy Brussels sprouts.
Place on a serving dish and eat hot.
These Balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts make a next-level side dish for Christmas dinner or a New Year’s feast. It’s an easy recipe that seems fancy!
Variations
Flavor Boosters:
- Herbs: Toss in some fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage before roasting for an aromatic boost.
- Spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or a dash of smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Maple Syrup: Drizzle a bit of maple syrup over the roasted Brussels sprouts for a sweet complement to the balsamic glaze.
- Brown Sugar: You can dissolve a little brown sugar into the balsamic vinegar for a touch of sweetness to the glaze.
Equipment
Storage
- Store: Place leftover bacon balsamic Brussels sprouts in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. For extra crispiness, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.
My Pro Tip
Recipe Tips
- Trim Brussels Sprouts Properly: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh Brussels sprouts, trim the ends, and remove any outer leaves that are wilted or damaged.
- Cut Evenly: Halve the Brussels sprouts so they cook evenly and get that perfect crispy edge.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure they roast evenly and get crispy.
- Cook Bacon Separately: Cooking the bacon separately allows you to control its crispiness and saves the bacon fat for sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Reduce Balsamic Vinegar: Simmer the balsamic vinegar until it’s thick and syrupy for a richer flavor and better glaze.
FAQs
Roasting Brussels sprouts at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes ensures they become crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside, and it helps achieve a nice caramelization, enhancing their natural sweetness and flavor.
Yes, you can roast the Brussels sprouts and cook the bacon ahead of time. Store them separately and combine them with the balsamic reduction just before serving.
More Vegetable Recipes
Looking for other roasted vegetable recipes and more? Try these:
Serving Suggestions
These balsamic-glazed Brussels sprouts pair well with a variety of main courses.
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Get ready to fall in love with these Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic! Roasted to crispy, golden perfection, these Brussels sprouts are mixed with savory, crunchy bacon and a sweet, tangy balsamic glaze that ties everything together. With a touch of garlic and red onion for extra flavor, this dish is a total crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts, outer leaves trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces thick-cut bacon, cut into 1/2-inch thick pieces
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup good quality balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper. Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet or sheet pan. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the edges, stirring halfway through the cooking time.
- Cook the Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat while the Brussels sprouts are roasting. Add the bacon pieces and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon bits with a slotted from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet and discard the rest.
- Cook the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet with the bacon grease, add the diced red onion and cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent. Add the finely chopped garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Make the Balsamic Reduction: Bring the balsamic vinegar to a simmer over medium heat in a small pot. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until it has reduced by half and has a syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Combine and Serve: Add the crispy bacon to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Stir to combine and turn off the heat. When the Brussels sprouts are done roasting, remove them from the oven and add them to the skillet with the bacon and onion mixture. Drizzle the balsamic reduction over the Brussels sprouts mixture. Stir everything together to ensure the Brussels sprouts are well coated with the bacon, onions, and balsamic reduction.
- Serve: Transfer the Brussels sprouts to a serving platter. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Tips
- Trim Brussels Sprouts Properly: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh Brussels sprouts, trim the ends, and remove any outer leaves that are wilted or damaged.
- Cut Evenly: Halve the Brussels sprouts so they cook evenly and get that perfect crispy edge.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure they roast evenly and get crispy.
- Cook Bacon Separately: Cooking the bacon separately allows you to control its crispiness and saves the bacon fat for sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Reduce Balsamic Vinegar: Simmer the balsamic vinegar until it’s thick and syrupy for a richer flavor and better glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Savory
- Method: American
- Cuisine: American
Watch out- you won’t be able to stop eating these! So delcious.