Okay, friends, let me tell you about a dish that has absolutely *stolen* my heart (and stomach!) lately: my Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon. Seriously, if you think you don’t like Brussels sprouts, you haven’t tried them *this* way, trust me. This recipe takes those little green guys and transforms them into something magical – perfectly crispy and tender sprouts swimming in a divine mix of salty bacon and a sweet, tangy balsamic glaze. It’s honestly hard to believe something so simple can taste this spectacular. I whip this up whenever I need a quick, flavorful side that feels a little bit fancy but is ridiculously easy to throw together.

Why You’ll Love This Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Seriously, this recipe is a game-changer! Here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:

Crazy Easy: We’re talking minimal prep and mostly hands-off oven time. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Flavor Explosion! That sweet balsamic glaze, salty bacon, and perfectly roasted sprouts are just… *chef’s kiss*.
Irresistible Texture: Crispy edges, tender centers, and that crunchy bacon goodness. You can’t beat it.
Super Versatile: It’s the perfect side dish for almost anything, from steak to chicken to pork.
Impresses Everyone: Even sprout-haters will be asking for seconds!

Ingredients for Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Alright, let’s get down to what you’ll need for these amazing sprouts. It’s a pretty short list, which is part of why I love them so much!

Brussels Sprouts: About 1 pound. Make sure they’re trimmed up and halved so they roast up nice and even.
Bacon: 4 slices is usually perfect. Just chop it up into little pieces before you start.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Your good ol’ standby for getting things roasting beautifully.
Balsamic Vinegar: 2 tablespoons. This is where that tangy magic comes from!
Maple Syrup: 1 tablespoon. Just a touch to sweeten up that glaze without making it cloying.
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, of course! You’ll season the sprouts before roasting and can always add a bit more at the end.

See? Super simple ingredients you probably already have hanging around your kitchen. That’s the best kind of recipe, right?

How to Make Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Alright, let’s get these sprouts in the oven! Making these Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is honestly a breeze, and the steps are so simple. You’ll be smelling that deliciousness in no time. Just follow along with me! You can even check out how I do my honey-roasted carrots for a similar vibe of simple, roasted goodness.

Preheating and Preparing the Sprouts

First things first, get your oven fired up to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, grab a big bowl. Toss your halved Brussels sprouts with the olive oil, a good pinch of salt, and some freshly ground black pepper. Give them a good stir until they’re all nicely coated. Then, spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer. This is important, y’all – you don’t want them crammed together, or they’ll steam instead of roast!

Roasting the Brussels Sprouts

Pop that baking sheet into your preheated oven and let those sprouts do their thing for about 20 minutes. You’re looking for them to be tender on the inside and get those lovely browned, slightly crispy edges. If you’re like me and adore that extra crunch, you can totally pop them under the broiler for the last minute or two. Just keep a super close eye on them, okay? They can go from perfect to burnt in a blink!

Cooking the Bacon and Making the Glaze

While the sprouts are getting all roasty-toasty, it’s bacon time! Throw your chopped bacon into a skillet over medium heat. Cook it until it’s nice and crispy. Then, use a slotted spoon to scoop it out and let it drain on some paper towels – we want that crispiness, not a greasy mess. Now, for the glaze: in a small bowl, just whisk together the balsamic vinegar and the maple syrup. It’s that easy!

Combining and Serving

Once your Brussels sprouts are perfectly roasted, take them back out of the oven and put them into that nice big bowl again. Add your crispy bacon bits and drizzle that lovely balsamic glaze all over everything. Give it a gentle toss to make sure every single sprout and piece of bacon is coated in that sticky, delicious glaze. Serve them up right away while they’re warm and absolutely irresistible!

Tips for Perfect Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Okay, so making these Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is pretty foolproof, but I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way that really make them sing. You want those sprouts crispy, the bacon just right, and that glaze perfectly balanced. Follow these little tips and you’ll be a sprout-whisperer in no time!

My biggest rule? Don’t overcrowd the pan! Seriously, if you cram those sprouts together, they’ll steam like sad little cabbages. Give them plenty of space on that baking sheet so the hot air can get all around them, making ’em nice and crispy. And for amazing flavor, don’t skimp on the bacon – use a good quality one, and cook it until it’s really crunchy. Also, tasting is key! Adjust that balsamic glaze if you want it a little sweeter or tangier. Sometimes I’ll even toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick, just like you might find in my other veggie dishes. Don’t be afraid to play around!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Okay, so you’ve got your Brussels sprouts and bacon, but what if you’re missing a little something or want to switch things up? No problem at all! The balsamic vinegar is pretty essential for that signature tang, so try not to skip that one if you can. But if you find yourself out of maple syrup? Honey is a fantastic swap! It adds a similar sweetness and works beautifully in the glaze. And if bacon isn’t your jam, or you want to make this vegetarian-friendly, you can absolutely leave it out and maybe add some toasted nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a little crunch instead. Or even some crispy fried shallots! Sometimes a pinch of smoked paprika can give that bacon-y vibe too.

Serving Suggestions for Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

These Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are SO versatile, they literally go with everything! They’re fantastic alongside a juicy steak or a perfectly cooked chicken breast, like my amazing Tuscan Chicken. They’re also a killer side for pork chops – try them with this Pork Chop Supreme! Honestly, the sweet, savory, and tangy flavors just complement so many main courses, making any meal feel a little more special.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are still delicious! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I find the best way is to pop them back in a hot oven (around 375°F or 190°C) for about 5-10 minutes until they’re warmed through and get a little bit crispy again. A quick spin in an air fryer works wonders too!

Frequently Asked Questions about Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Got questions about these yummy Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon? I’ve got you covered!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can definitely roast the Brussels sprouts and cook the bacon ahead of time, but honestly, they’re best when tossed with the glaze and served fresh right out of the oven. If you do make parts ahead, store the sprouts and bacon separately in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to serve, reheat them in the oven briefly, toss with the glaze, and enjoy!

Are Brussels sprouts healthy?

Oh yes, absolutely! Brussels sprouts are little powerhouses packed with vitamins like C and K, plus fiber and antioxidants. Roasting them is a great way to enjoy all those benefits, and when you add the bacon? Well, it’s a delicious indulgence that’s still pretty darn good for you!

What if I don’t have maple syrup?

No maple syrup? No problem at all! Honey is a fantastic substitute here. You could also use a touch of agave nectar if you have that. They’ll give you that lovely touch of sweetness to balance the balsamic vinegar beautifully.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?

You sure can! Turkey bacon works great in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it until it’s nice and crispy, just like pork bacon. It gives you a slightly different flavor and a bit less fat, but it’s still totally delicious in this dish!

Nutritional Information

Just a heads-up, the nutritional info below is an estimate and can vary a bit based on the exact ingredients you use and how you prepare them. But generally, for one serving of these amazing Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, you’re looking at around 250 calories, 18g of fat, 8g of protein, and 15g of carbohydrates. Pretty fantastic for such a flavorful side!

Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Author: memorecipes.com
Total Time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with savory bacon and a tangy balsamic glaze.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
4 slices bacon, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon maple syrup
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Roast for 20 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned.
While the sprouts are roasting, cook the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and maple syrup.
Once the Brussels sprouts are roasted, return them to the large bowl. Add the cooked bacon and the balsamic glaze. Toss to coat.
Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra crispy sprouts, you can broil them for the last 1-2 minutes of roasting, watching them closely to prevent burning.
Adjust the amount of maple syrup to your sweetness preference.
You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 25 min
Category: Side Dish
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 250
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: Brussels sprouts, bacon, balsamic, roasted, side dish, easy recipe, vegetable