These Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts will become your new favorite way to prepare brussels sprouts. If you need something delicious for dinner tonight, this recipe is for you. Take crispy bacon, and tangy balsamic vinegar, then combine them with halved brussels, and roast them at a high temperature. It's a recipe for success!
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There is really nothing quite as delicious as crispy brussels sprouts in our opinion. We love ordering them when going out to eat, they seem to have become everyone's favorite vegetable. We'll show you how to make them delicious at home!
Enjoy these tasty sprouts alongside a bavette steak, with this instant pot beef bourguignon, or serve with this melt in your mouth roast beef.
Note: This recipe was originally published in September 2018, but has been improved and re-photographed a few times since then. We hope you enjoy the new look.
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❤️Why we love this recipe
- Simple ingredients - This recipe is made with only 7 staple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store.
- Easy recipe - Not only are the ingredients simple to find, but there's not much too this recipe. Simply cut up some sprouts, and combined with chopped bacon and a balsamic glaze, and roast them until they have nice crispy edges. That's it, now you have the perfect easy side dish.
- Perfect for both weeknight and holiday dinners - These roasted brussels sprouts are simple to make, but they have an incredible flavor and savory crunch to them, making them totally irresistible. Pairing them with salty bacon and a sweet and tart balsamic mixture makes this the perfect side dish for any occasion.
- Naturally gluten free and low carb - This recipe suits a couple of different diet types naturally. Nothing funky is added.
🥓Ingredient list
Here are the ingredients we used for these bacon balsamic brussels sprouts. You can find more information for substitutions below.
- Fresh brussels sprouts - We look for smaller sprouts and cut them in half. You can cut larger sprouts into fourths if you prefer. We also include the outer leaves that fall off, they get super crispy when they bake!
- Olive oil
- Thick-cut bacon - Cut into bite-sized bits.
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- Balsamic vinegar
- Fresh thyme - Optional.
Visit the recipe card for the full quantities and nutritional information.
✨Substitutions & variations
Here are a few suggestions on additional flavors to try, or simple variations to this recipe.
- Cheesy - Add freshly grated parmesan cheese in the last 15-20 minutes or so of roasting, for crispy, cheesy flavor.
- Spicy - Add in some cayenne pepper and/or red pepper flakes to the dish for a spicy flair.
- Sweet flavor - Craving sweetness? Pour in some use maple syrup to coat the brussels sprouts as they cook.
- Add onion - If you want to add more flavor, add some chopped yellow or red onion to roast alongside the other ingredients.
- Garlicky - Love garlic? Add some minced garlic to the mixture in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking for excellent flavor. The garlic doesn't need to be in there for very long, you don't want it to burn since the oven temperature is so high.
- No pork - Swap bacon for turkey bacon if you prefer.
🔪Prep work
- Preheat the oven to 400°F with the large baking sheet inside. (This will help the sprouts crisp up right away, as soon as they hit the pan).
- Clean, trim, and halve brussels sprouts.
- Cut bacon into bite-sized pieces.
- Measure out all remaining ingredients.
📋Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, add brussels sprouts and coat them in olive oil. (Image 1) Add the bacon pieces. (Image 2)
Add in black pepper (Image 3), and kosher salt. (Image 4)
Pour in the balsamic vinegar, (Image 5) then add in fresh thyme sprigs. (Image 6)
Toss the mixture to combine, (Image 7) then, place on the preheated sheet pan in a single layer. (Image 8)
Pro tip: placing ingredients in a single layer helps them to crisp up evenly rather than steam.
Roast for 40-50 minutes, tossing halfway through to ensure even crispness. (Image 9)
Serve with more fresh thyme, salt, and pepper if desired. Enjoy!
✨Tips & tricks
- Roast at high heat. It seems very hot, but roasting at 400°F ensures crispiness. This heat will also help the bacon render out the fat that will get re-absorbed into the tasty sprouts. Delicious!
- Skip the parchment paper. No need to use parchment paper in this recipe, considering there's a lot of oil and fat in this recipe. As everything roasts, the pan will get nice and coated, so nothing will stick.
- Preheat the baking sheet in the oven. This will help the sprouts crisp up right away as soon as they hit the pan! Don't worry, the pan may seize a bit. That's okay.
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💭Frequently Asked Questions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave.
We don't recommend freezing the leftovers, as they become soggy when reheating. With that said, you can if you don't want to waste leftovers.
To freeze, add to a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 6 months.
More Side Dishes To Try
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📖 Recipe
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic
Ingredients
- 3 pounds brussels sprouts, trimmed, halved, and leaves loosened
- 24 ounces thick cut bacon, cut into small pieces
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1.5 tablespoons kosher salt (to taste)
- 1.5 teaspoons coarse ground black pepper (to taste)
- fresh thyme
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F, with the large baking sheet inside with it.
- In a bowl, combine brussels sprouts, bacon, olive oil, salt, pepper, fresh thyme, and balsamic vinegar. Toss to combine. Add to the preheated baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for 40-50 minutes, tossing halfway through. When it's finished, garnish with more salt, pepper, and fresh thyme.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven, air fryer, microwave, or on the stovetop.
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Notes
- Preheat the baking sheet in the oven as it warms up for the crispiest brussels sprouts.
- Make sure to place ingredients in a single layer to maximize crispiness.
- Add cayenne or red pepper flakes for a spicy flair.
- Add garlic or parmesan cheese in the last 15-20 minutes of roasting if desired.
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