Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts
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If you’re looking for a side dish that is perfect for both weeknight dinners and holiday gatherings, these balsamic bacon Brussels sprouts are a great vegetable side dish with delicious flavor.
Roasted to golden brown perfection with salty bacon and a tangy balsamic glaze, this simple recipe transforms simple Brussels sprouts into a crispy, flavorful masterpiece.
Perfect for everything from a daily dinner to special dinner parties, this dish is sure to become one of your favorite recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Flavorful: The combination of salty bacon, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, and roasted Brussels sprouts creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
- Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples, this easy recipe delivers a fantastic side dish for any occasion.
- Versatile and Adaptable: Whether served with pork chops, sweet potatoes, or as part of a vegetable side dish spread, this dish pairs well with everything.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: This side dish feels elevated enough for a holiday dinner or special celebrations, yet simple enough for a casual weeknight dinner.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container for a quick reheat during the week.
Ingredients for crispy Brussels sprouts
- Brussels sprouts
- extra-virgin olive oil
- Bacon cooked
- Balsamic vinegar
- Salt
- Black Pepper
How to make balsamic bacon Brussels sprouts
- Preheat oven to 400°.
- Lightly grease a cookie sheet with olive oil.
- Peeling off 2 to 3 of the dark outer leaves on the Brussels sprouts; trim stem ends.
- Place Brussels sprouts, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a reusable plastic bag.
- Seal and shake the bag to coat the sprouts.
- Place marinated Brussels sprouts onto the greased sheet pan.
- Roast in the oven for 25 minutes, turning over the sprouts halfway through for even cooking.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinegar before serving for added flavor.
Tips for the Best Results
- Choose Fresh Brussels Sprouts: Opt for sprouts that are bright green and firm to the touch. Remove any dark or wilted outer leaves for the best texture.
- Even Cooking: Cut Brussels sprouts in half or quarters to ensure even roasting. Lay them in a single layer on a large baking sheet for optimal crispiness.
- Crispy Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for a hearty texture. Cook until just crispy, then pat dry with paper towels to remove excess grease.
- Drizzle for Extra Flavor: Add the balsamic vinegar right before serving to maintain its tangy kick. A homemade balsamic glaze can add even more depth.
- Halfway Flip: Turn the Brussels sprouts at the halfway point of the cooking time to achieve a golden brown exterior.
- Take a Shortcut: Buy prepared Brussels sprouts (like already washed and cut) to save time.
- Prepare Ahead of Time: Prepare the Brussels sprouts ahead of time. You can store them in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator for about 1-½ weeks.
- Use Pre-cooked Bacon: Buy already cooked bacon in this recipe instead of making the bacon to save time.
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Substitutions and Variations
- Diet-Friendly Tweaks: For those following a medically restrictive diet, use turkey bacon and reduce the amount of oil for less fat.
- Oil Options: Swap olive oil with avocado oil for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Extra Sweetness: Add a drizzle of sweet maple syrup or sprinkle brown sugar for a touch of caramelized sweetness.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist on your balsamic bacon Brussels sprouts.
- Add Red Onion and Veggies: Diced onion roasted alongside the sprouts adds an extra layer of savory flavor. You can also add carrots, broccoli or green bell peppers.
FAQs
Yes! Toss the Brussels sprouts in oil and seasonings, then cook at medium heat (about 375°F) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Add the balsamic mixture and bacon bits before serving.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on a large baking sheet at 350°F or in a skillet over medium heat to maintain their crispy texture.
You can cook the bacon and prep the Brussels sprouts in advance. Combine everything and roast just before serving to keep the dish fresh and crispy.
These roasted Brussels sprouts are a perfect side dish for pork chops, roasted chicken, or a hearty steak. They also pair well with vegetarian dishes like sweet potatoes or a bean salad.
Fresh Brussels sprouts yield the best results, but frozen can work in a pinch. Thaw and pat them dry to remove excess moisture before roasting.
More yummy side dish recipes
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Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Brussels sprouts
- e tablespoons olive oil
- 4-5 slices bacon cooked
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 400°.
- Lightly grease a cookie sheet with olive oil.
- Peeling off 2 to 3 of the dark outer leaves on the Brussels Sprouts; trim stem ends.
- Place Brussels sprouts olive oil, salt, and pepper in a reusable plastic bag.
- Seal and shake the bag to coat the sprouts
- Place marinated Brussels sprouts onto the greased baking sheet.
- Roast in oven oven 25 minutes, turning over sprouts halfway through for even cooking.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinegar before serving for added flavor.
Nutrition
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For another great celebration side dish, try our Sweet Baked Butternut Squash.
Do you like Brussels Sprouts?
They look so good! I love them roasted or baked and bacon is amazing with them. I’m going to have Cassidy try this out because he’s the king of making Brussels sprouts.
Yes, roasted or baked is definitely the best IMO! 🙂
Sounds delicious! Pinned the recipe for this weekend.
Thanks so much Virginia!
I have to admit that when I was younger my mom tried giving me brussel sprouts and I hated it. But now that I’m older, it’s grown on me and it has to be served with bacon 🙂 Thanks for sharing your recipe on Merry Monday.
Thanks Erlene!