Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: Your New Favorite Easy Side Dish

Remember that deep, lingering love for balsamic vinegar? It wasn’t just a fleeting fancy; it was a re-ignited obsession, a culinary awakening that has transformed countless dishes in my kitchen. And now, I’ve taken that obsession and paired it with the ultimate flavor enhancer: bacon. Prepare to meet your new favorite side dish: Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Bacon.

This isn’t just another vegetable recipe; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will convert even the most skeptical Brussels sprout eaters. The earthy sweetness of perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts, the irresistible savory crispness of bacon, and the sweet-tart tang of balsamic vinegar come together in a way that is utterly divine. You can thank me later for introducing this game-changing dish into your life.

The beauty of these roasted Brussels sprouts isn’t just in their incredible taste, but also in their surprising simplicity. Forget complicated techniques or extensive prep work that leaves your kitchen looking like a disaster zone. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it the perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or an impressive addition to a holiday spread.

I know the feeling: you’re deep into cooking, everything is going smoothly, and then that “oh crap!” moment hits – you forgot to chop the onions, dice the garlic, or prep that one essential ingredient *before* you started. It’s a moment often accompanied by a small internal panic, or if you’re like me, an actual scream for assistance from anyone within earshot. Luckily, with these balsamic bacon Brussels sprouts, those moments are a thing of the past. The preparation is so straightforward, you’ll wonder how something so delicious can be so easy.

Why This Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe Will Be Your New Go-To

This dish is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. Let’s break down what makes these Brussels sprouts with bacon an absolute must-try:

The Humble Brussels Sprout, Transformed

Often misunderstood, Brussels sprouts truly shine when roasted. The high heat of the oven caramelizes their natural sugars, turning what can sometimes be a bitter vegetable into something wonderfully sweet and tender-crisp. The outer leaves become delightfully crispy, while the insides remain succulent. Roasting unlocks a depth of flavor that steaming or boiling simply cannot achieve, making them an incredibly appealing healthy side dish.

The Sweet-Tart Magic of Balsamic Vinegar

My renewed balsamic obsession found its perfect partner here. Balsamic vinegar, with its rich, complex, and slightly sweet acidity, is the ideal counterpoint to the earthy Brussels sprouts and the savory bacon. When tossed with the warm roasted vegetables, it creates a luscious glaze that coats every sprout, infusing it with an irresistible zing. A good quality balsamic can elevate simple ingredients into something extraordinary, and this recipe is a testament to that fact. It adds a sophisticated layer of flavor without any fuss.

Bacon: The Ultimate Flavor Enhancer

Let’s be honest, bacon makes everything better, and these bacon Brussels sprouts are no exception. Beyond its undeniably delicious flavor and crispy texture, bacon plays another crucial role in this dish: its rendered fat. That savory, rich bacon fat is reserved and used to create the base for our balsamic glaze, ensuring that every bite is imbued with incredible, smoky goodness. It’s a culinary hack that adds depth and moistness, making the sprouts truly irresistible.

Stress-Free Cooking: Embracing Simplicity

The beauty of this recipe lies in its incredibly simple preparation. You don’t need a culinary degree or hours of free time. The concept of “mise en place” – everything in its place – while valuable for complex dishes, is largely unnecessary here. Your main tasks involve trimming and halving the Brussels sprouts, mincing some garlic, and chopping bacon. No delicate knife skills or intricate steps required.

I’ve certainly had my share of kitchen fiascos. The ones where I’m half an hour into a meal, only to realize I’ve completely forgotten a crucial step or ingredient. My husband, bless his patient soul, has witnessed more than his fair share of my panicked cries for help in the kitchen over our almost five years together. How he still loves me despite my constant cooking messes and occasional near-incinerations, I’ll never quite grasp! I suspect if I actually did burn down the kitchen, that might be where he draws the line. So, I’ve started keeping a fire extinguisher on hand, right next to my ever-present, extra-large bottle of balsamic vinegar. Because, as I always say, it’s going on everything now. Everything.

But with this recipe, those moments are minimized. It’s truly a straightforward process that allows you to enjoy the cooking experience without the stress. Just roast, crisp, combine, and savor!

Ingredients: Selecting the Best for Optimal Flavor

While the recipe is simple, selecting quality ingredients will undoubtedly enhance the final outcome. Here are some tips:

Choosing Your Brussels Sprouts

Look for Brussels sprouts that are firm, bright green, and tightly packed. Avoid any that have yellowing leaves or soft spots. When preparing, simply trim the tough end of the stem and remove any loose or discolored outer leaves. Halving them lengthwise ensures they cook evenly and provides more surface area for caramelization and absorbing that delicious balsamic glaze.
The Best Bacon

Any good quality bacon will work, but a thicker cut tends to render more flavorful fat and achieves a superior crispness. When cooking, ensure you get it nice and crispy, as this adds a wonderful textural contrast to the tender sprouts. Don’t rush this step – patience will be rewarded with perfect, crunchy bits.
Balsamic Vinegar Explained

The quality of your balsamic vinegar can significantly impact the taste. While you don’t need a super-aged, expensive bottle, avoid the cheapest options that might be overly thin or too acidic. A moderately priced, good quality balsamic will have a richer, slightly thicker consistency and a more balanced sweet-tart flavor, which is key for this dish.
Other Essentials: Garlic, Olive Oil, and Honey

Freshly diced garlic adds aromatic depth that complements the sprouts beautifully. Use a good extra virgin olive oil for roasting. Honey provides a touch of sweetness to balance the balsamic’s acidity and helps create that wonderful sticky glaze. Don’t skimp on these foundational ingredients.

Mastering the Roast: Tips for Perfect Texture and Flavor

Achieving perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts is simple if you follow a few key tips:

**Even Spreading:** Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet! Brussels sprouts need space to roast, not steam. If they’re too close together, they’ll release moisture and get soggy instead of crispy and caramelized. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
**High Heat:** Roasting at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) is crucial for getting those beautiful browned edges and tender interiors.
**Tossing is Key:** Ensure the sprouts are well-coated with olive oil and garlic before roasting. This promotes even cooking and flavor distribution.
**Bacon Fat Integration:** The reserved bacon fat isn’t just for flavor; it helps bind the balsamic and honey to the sprouts, creating a glossy, irresistible coating. Make sure to toss everything thoroughly in the bowl for maximum deliciousness.
**Season to Taste:** A final seasoning with salt and pepper after tossing in the glaze will bring all the flavors into harmony.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These roasted Brussels sprouts are incredibly versatile. They make an excellent easy side dish for almost any meal:

**Main Courses:** Pair them with roasted chicken, grilled steak, pan-seared salmon, or a succulent pork tenderloin. They also complement hearty vegetarian main dishes beautifully.
**Holiday Spreads:** Their impressive flavor and easy preparation make them a fantastic addition to Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion meal.
**Add-ins:** For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider adding toasted pecans or walnuts during the final toss. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle heat.
**Sweetener Alternatives:** If you don’t have honey, maple syrup can be a delicious substitute, offering a slightly different but equally delightful sweetness.

Leftovers, if you have any, store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or a skillet to regain some crispness.

Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Kick Brussels Sprouts up a notch with bacon and balsamic!

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ingredients

1 lb Brussels sprouts trimmed and halved lengthwise
2 cloves garlic diced
1 Tbsp olive oil
3 slices bacon chopped
2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp honey

instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with silpat or aluminum foil.
Spread Brussels sprouts on the baking sheet in an even layer. Add olive oil and garlic and, using your hands, toss sprouts until they are coated with oil. Roast for 20 to 30 minutes, until tender and browned.
In a small saute pan over medium-high heat, cook bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon and drain, leaving the fat behind. Set aside 1 Tbsp of fat and discard the rest.
In a large bowl add the 1 Tbsp of reserved bacon fat, vinegar and honey, stirring to combine
Remove Brussels sprouts from oven and toss in bowl with vinegar mixture and bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

Category: Side Dish

Embrace the Delicious Simplicity!

This recipe for Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Bacon truly delivers on all fronts: incredible flavor, satisfying textures, and unparalleled ease of preparation. It’s a dish that will impress guests and delight family members, all without requiring you to spend hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Brussels sprouts or a hesitant newcomer, this recipe promises to win you over.

So, go ahead and indulge that balsamic obsession, embrace the savory goodness of bacon, and transform those humble Brussels sprouts into a star side dish. Your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!