Irresistible Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Bacon in 30 Minutes

Name: Irresistible Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Bacon in 30 Minutes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved; 4 slices bacon, chopped; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp balsamic glaze; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

Author: lia

Published: October 24, 2025

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I used to think Brussels sprouts were just those sad, mushy things my mom boiled into oblivion when I was a kid. Then I discovered roasting them with bacon and balsamic glaze – game changer! The crispy edges, the salty bacon bits, that sweet-tangy balsamic drizzle… it’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Now my Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Bacon dish disappears faster than I can make it at family gatherings. Trust me, even the pickiest eaters go back for seconds when these hit the table. And the best part? They’re stupid easy to make – just wait until you see!

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Ingredients for Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Here’s everything you’ll need – simple ingredients that transform into something magical:

1 lb Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved – trust me, don’t skip trimming!)
4 slices thick-cut bacon (chopped into bite-sized pieces – the thicker the better)
2 tbsp olive oil (my favorite is extra virgin)
2 tbsp balsamic glaze (store-bought is fine, but homemade is next-level)
1/2 tsp salt (I always use kosher)
1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked makes a difference)

That’s it! No fancy ingredients needed – just good quality staples done right.

How to Make Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Ready to turn those humble sprouts into the star of the show? Here’s my foolproof method – just follow these simple steps and you’ll be snacking straight from the pan (I won’t judge!).

Prep the Brussels Sprouts

First, grab those sprouts and let’s get them ready for their transformation. Trim off the dry ends – just a thin slice will do. Then halve them from stem to tip so they cook evenly. While you’re at it, peel off any loose or yellow outer leaves (they tend to burn). Don’t toss the tiny sprouts – they roast up into perfect crispy bites!

Roast to Crispy Perfection

Fire up your oven to 400°F – this high heat is key for that irresistible crispiness. Toss your prepped sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re nicely coated. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet – don’t crowd them or they’ll steam instead of roast. Pop them in the oven and set your timer for 20 minutes. You’ll start smelling that amazing toasty aroma right about now!

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Add Bacon and Finish

When the timer dings, scatter that chopped bacon over the sprouts (stand back – the sizzle is real!). Return the pan to the oven for another 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the bacon’s crispy and the sprouts are golden with those beautiful caramelized edges. Now the magic touch – drizzle with balsamic glaze while everything’s still piping hot. The glaze will cling to every nook and cranny. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let me count the ways this dish will win you over:

Crispy texture: That perfect balance of tender centers and caramelized edges will have you hooked
Sweet-savory magic: The salty bacon and tangy balsamic create flavor fireworks in every bite
Easy prep: Just chop, toss, and roast – no fancy techniques required
Crowd-pleaser: Even veggie skeptics can’t resist these (my nephew asks for them now!)

Seriously, it’s the side dish that often steals the show at my dinner table.

Tips for the Best Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

After making this recipe dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds – I’m obsessed!), here are my hard-earned secrets for perfection:

Trim those sprouts right: Cutting off just the very bottom stem prevents toughness while keeping them intact
Bacon timing matters: Adding it halfway prevents burning while still getting that perfect crisp
Glaze control: Start with half the glaze – you can always add more after tasting (some balsamics are sweeter than others!)
Spread them out: Use two pans if needed – overcrowding leads to soggy sprouts (learned that the hard way!)

Follow these simple tricks and you’ll get restaurant-quality results every single time.

Ingredient Substitutions

Life happens, and sometimes you need to swap ingredients – no worries! Here are my tried-and-true alternatives that still taste amazing:

Bacon alternatives: Turkey bacon works (reduce cooking time) or pancetta for extra richness
Sweetener swap: No balsamic glaze? Mix 1 tbsp maple syrup with 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Oil options: Avocado oil handles high heat well, or use bacon fat for extra flavor
Veggie variation: Try this method with cauliflower florets – equally delicious!

The beauty? This recipe’s flexible enough to handle changes without losing its magic.

Serving Suggestions

These Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Bacon shine alongside so many dishes! My favorite pairings? Juicy roasted chicken, a perfectly seared steak, or as the star veggie at holiday feasts. They even jazz up weeknight pork chops or salmon. Honestly, I’ve been known to eat them straight from the pan with a fork – no shame!

Storing and Reheating

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, skip the microwave – it makes them soggy. Instead, spread them on a baking sheet and pop in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. They’ll come out almost as crispy as the first time! If you’re feeling fancy, add an extra drizzle of balsamic before serving to revive that glossy finish. (Confession: I sometimes make extra just to have these ready for next-day snacking!)

Nutrition Information

Keep in mind all nutrition values are estimates – exact numbers vary based on your specific ingredients and brands. Per serving (about 1 cup), you’re looking at roughly:

180 calories
12g fat (3g saturated)
14g carbs
4g fiber
6g protein

Not bad for a side dish that tastes this indulgent! The fiber and protein help balance out all that amazing flavor.

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There you have it – my foolproof way to turn Brussels sprouts into the most requested side dish at your table! I can’t wait for you to experience that magical combo of crispy sprouts, salty bacon, and sweet-tangy balsamic. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never look at Brussels sprouts the same way again. Now I want to hear from you – give it a whirl and tell me in the comments how it turned out! Did your family go crazy for it? Any clever twists you added? Spill all the delicious details! You can find more recipes here.