These balsamic brussels sprouts are roasted brussels sprouts with crispy bacon, all topped with a sweet balsamic glaze. An easy yet elegant side dish that always gets rave reviews!
I’m always looking for simple veggie preparations to round out my meals. Some of my favorites include sauteed asparagus, roasted carrots and these balsamic brussels sprouts.
Brussels sprouts are great on their own, but they’re even better when roasted until crispy and drizzled with balsamic reduction. Balsamic brussels sprouts are the perfect combination of smoky and savory flavors, and also happen to be easy to make.
How to trim brussels sprouts
To prepare brussels sprouts for roasting, simply use a small knife to cut a thin slice off the root end of each sprout. Peel off any outer leaves that are wilted or damaged, then cut each sprout in half lengthwise.
How do you make balsamic brussels sprouts?
This recipe starts with fresh brussels sprouts, which are tossed in a little olive oil, salt and pepper. Place the sprouts on a sheet pan with bacon, then roast the vegetables and bacon until everything is browned and crispy. Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, then serve and enjoy.
Tips for the perfect sprouts
- This recipe works with bacon or pancetta. You can also omit the meat if you prefer, just add an extra tablespoon of olive oil.
- I like to finish my sprouts with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. If you don’t have parsley on hand, you can also use chives or basil.
- Balsamic glaze is a thick and syrupy version of balsamic vinegar. You can buy it in the vinegar or salad dressing area of most grocery stores, or you can make your own by simmering 1 cup of balsamic vinegar over low heat until it’s reduced by half and thickened.
- I find that these brussels sprouts taste best fresh from the oven. Any leftovers will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- I recommend using fresh brussels sprouts in this dish, as frozen sprouts will be overly soft in the finished product.
- While this dish makes a great accompaniment to chicken or steak, you can also toss your balsamic brussels sprouts with pasta or serve them over risotto to create a main course.
Balsamic brussels sprouts flavor variations
There are so many different ingredients you can add to this dish to customize it to your tastes!
- Cheese: Add a sprinkle of feta or finely grated parmesan cheese after the sprouts come out of the oven.
- Nuts: Toasted pine nuts, almonds, walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch to the dish.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other veggies to the pan before it goes into the oven. Some great options include mushrooms, red onions, green beans or red bell peppers.
- Spices: You can add some additional herbs and spices to the mix such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder or smoked paprika.
This recipe takes your ordinary brussels sprouts, and dresses them up to create an extraordinary dish!
More vegetable dishes to try
- Parmesan Zucchini
- Roasted Broccoli
- Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
- Garlic Butter Mushrooms
- Roasted Root Vegetables
Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Video
Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs brussels sprouts trimmed and halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 6 slices bacon chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Coat a sheet pan with cooking spray.
- Place the brussels sprouts in a single layer on the sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Scatter the bacon pieces around the pan.
- Bake for 25 minutes or until bacon is crispy and sprouts are browned. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the sprouts. Sprinkle with parsley and serve.
Notes
- Sliced green onions may be substituted for parsley.
Jim says
Bacon and sprouts are a perfect combination and the balsamic added so much of a more comlex flavor.
Olivia says
These are SO delicious! I never would have thought to put balsamic on Brussels sprouts but it totally took them to the next level. So easy to make too. This recipe is a keeper!
Angela says
Bacon and Brussels sprouts are a match made in heaven! This is the perfect way to prepared sprouts… yum!!
Marlynn says
I love brussels sprouts with bacon, but add in that balsamic glaze and it’s even more amazing!
EMmeline says
YUM!! I just recently realized brussels sprouts can be seriously tasty – so will definitely be making this!
Beth says
This is an incredible recipe in so many ways! One pan, bacon….. and of course the flavor of the sprouts with the balsamic glaze is insanely good! Thanks, I’m putting this one on regular rotation!
Bhawana says
Totally love Brussels sprout. Love as a side for my plain dal rice. You have explained it so nicely. specially tips how to trim them . I always felt guilty as if m trimming too much.
Toni says
I definitely want to make this again! It was so good!
Cathy says
Such a delicious flavor combo!
Kerri says
This was so tasty! My husband is not a fan of Brussels and had seconds! This is a keeper!
Dorothy Reinhold says
This dish takes me to my happy place. Bacon and Brussels Sprouts sound amazing on their own. But that GLAZE!!
Beth says
Yummy! This is so delicious and tasty! My hubby loves this recipe! Can’t wait to make this again!
Jen says
Let me tell you, if you think you don’t like Brussels sprouts (like me) then you NEED to try this recipe. You will definitely change your opinion. BTW, the addition of bacon is genius too!