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

Remember that renewed obsession I mentioned for balsamic vinegar? Well, consider it officially escalated! My kitchen adventures have led me down a delightful path, transforming everyday ingredients into extraordinary flavors. And this time, I’ve truly outdone myself by bringing one of the most beloved ingredients into the mix: bacon.

Get ready to meet your new favorite side dish: Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary revelation that will convert even the most skeptical Brussels sprout skeptics into fervent fans. The combination of earthy, tender-crisp Brussels sprouts, delightfully fatty and smoky bacon, and a rich, sweet-tangy balsamic glaze creates an explosion of flavor that is simply irresistible. Trust me, you’re going to want to make this every week.

Why This Dish is an Absolute Game-Changer

There are so many reasons to fall head over heels for this recipe. Let’s break down the magic:

• The Brussels Sprouts: Roasting Brussels sprouts transforms them from a sometimes-bitter vegetable into a tender, slightly caramelized, and incredibly flavorful treat. The high heat coaxes out their natural sweetness and gives them a fantastic, slightly crispy edge that’s simply addictive.
• The Bacon: Ah, bacon. It’s not just a garnish here; it’s a crucial flavor component. The savory, smoky, and utterly delicious pieces of bacon add a textural contrast and a depth of flavor that complements the sprouts beautifully. Plus, we’ll be using a little bit of that rendered bacon fat to enhance our balsamic glaze, ensuring every bite is packed with savory goodness.
• The Balsamic: My renewed obsession isn’t without reason! Balsamic vinegar, when reduced slightly or mixed with a touch of honey, offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. It cuts through the richness of the bacon and the earthiness of the sprouts, brightening the entire dish and tying all the flavors together in a harmonious symphony. YUM is truly an understatement.

Effortless Elegance: A Recipe That’s Beyond Easy

What makes this recipe even better is how incredibly simple it is to prepare. When I say “beyond easy,” I mean it. Forget the need for elaborate mise en place (that fancy French term for “everything in its place”). There’s no lengthy chopping of multiple ingredients, no complex layering, and certainly no “oh crap!” moments where you realize you forgot to chop an onion before you started cooking. (Sound familiar?)

I confess, such kitchen mishaps are a regular occurrence in my life. More often than not, it results in a panicked yell from the kitchen, summoning my ever-patient husband to come to my rescue before I char everything to a crisp. How he still loves me after nearly five years of dealing with my culinary chaos and constant messes is a mystery I may never solve. I suspect his love might be tested if I actually manage to burn down the kitchen entirely. Perhaps I should keep a fire extinguisher as handy as my large bottle of balsamic vinegar, because that magnificent liquid is now finding its way onto… well, EVERYTHING.

But with these Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts, you won’t encounter any such drama. The process is straightforward: trim, halve, toss, roast, and then glaze. Minimal effort, maximum reward. This recipe truly is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something spectacular without hours of kitchen labor.

Tips for Achieving Brussels Sprout Perfection

While the recipe is simple, a few tips can elevate your roasted Brussels sprouts from good to absolutely glorious:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: This is crucial for roasting. If your Brussels sprouts are too close together, they’ll steam instead of roast, leading to mushy instead of crispy results. Use two baking sheets if necessary to ensure a single, even layer.
• High Heat is Key: Roasting at 400°F (200°C) is ideal. This high temperature helps the sprouts caramelize on the outside while becoming tender on the inside, creating that perfect texture.
• Trim and Halve Properly: Trim off the very end of the stem and remove any loose or yellowed outer leaves. Halving them lengthwise ensures even cooking and more surface area for that delicious browning.
• Quality Balsamic Matters: While you don’t need the most expensive aged balsamic, a good quality vinegar will make a difference. Look for one that is somewhat viscous and has a balanced sweet-tangy flavor.
• Bacon Fat for Flavor: Don’t skip reserving that tablespoon of bacon fat! It adds an incredible depth of savory flavor to the balsamic and honey mixture, truly tying the whole dish together.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This versatile side dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. It’s particularly fantastic alongside:

• Roasted Meats: Think roasted chicken, pork loin, or a pan-seared steak. The richness of the meat is perfectly balanced by the sweet-tangy sprouts.
• Fish: A flaky baked salmon or cod would be a delightful pairing, offering a lighter contrast.
• Vegetarian Meals: Serve it as a hearty vegetable component alongside quinoa, rice, or a lentil dish.

Want to experiment? Here are a few variations:

• Add a Touch of Heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes tossed with the sprouts before roasting can add a lovely kick.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle some toasted chopped pecans or walnuts over the finished dish for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
• Cheesy Goodness: A dusting of grated Parmesan cheese right before serving adds a salty, umami boost.
• Maple Swap: If you prefer, maple syrup can be substituted for honey in the balsamic glaze for a slightly different sweetness.

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

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Side

Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight side dish, something impressive to serve guests, or simply a delicious way to enjoy more vegetables, these Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Bacon hit all the right notes. The marriage of flavors is truly a culinary triumph – the tender, earthy sprouts, the salty, crispy bacon, and the sweet-tart balsamic glaze all come together in a symphony of taste and texture that will leave you wanting more.

So, go ahead, rekindle your love for Brussels sprouts, or discover it for the first time. This recipe is foolproof, packed with flavor, and promises to become a regular feature on your dinner table. Give it a try, and prepare to be amazed by how such simple ingredients can create something so utterly delicious. Happy roasting!