Crispy Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: Your Ultimate Holiday Side Dish
Transform your holiday table or weeknight meal with these incredibly delicious Roasted Brussels Sprouts with crispy bacon or pancetta, elevated by a luscious balsamic reduction. This easy-to-follow recipe requires minimal preparation, just a handful of simple ingredients, and a short roasting time to turn humble Brussels sprouts into an absolutely irresistible side dish. Prepare to impress even the most skeptical eaters with their delightful nutty, garlicky, and savory flavors, perfectly balanced with a sweet-tangy finish.
Whether you’re crafting a show-stopping festive feast or simply seeking a flavorful low-carb accompaniment, these garlic-infused roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon are a true game-changer. They effortlessly complement a variety of main courses. Imagine them alongside Chili Garlic Shrimp for a bold and satisfying meal that comes together in no time, or as a vibrant contrast to richer proteins. Get ready to add this to your collection of go-to recipes!
The Magic Behind Perfectly Roasted Brussels Sprouts
So, what exactly makes these Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon so exceptionally good? It all comes down to a few key techniques and ingredients that create a symphony of flavors and textures. The secret lies in high-heat roasting, a method that coaxes out the best in these cruciferous vegetables. When exposed to intense heat, the Brussels sprouts undergo the Maillard reaction, developing beautifully crispy, charred edges and incredibly tender, caramelized centers. This process amplifies their natural sweetness and nutty undertones, transforming them from a potentially bitter vegetable into something truly addictive.
Beyond the roasting technique, the judicious addition of garlic infuses the sprouts with a deep, aromatic savory depth that’s simply irresistible. But the real star, for many, is the crispy bacon or savory pancetta. As the bacon renders, its fat bastes the Brussels sprouts, imparting a smoky, salty richness that complements the earthy flavors of the vegetables perfectly. This combination elevates a simple vegetable side into an unforgettable culinary experience.
Finally, a generous drizzle of glossy balsamic reduction ties all these magnificent flavors together. Its sweet and tangy glaze cuts through the richness of the bacon and the earthiness of the sprouts, providing a bright, acidic counterpoint that makes every bite perfectly balanced. The result is a simple, quick, and flavor-packed side dish that you’ll find yourself making on repeat, not just for holidays, but any time you crave something truly special.
Essential Ingredients for Your Best Brussels Sprouts
Achieving outstanding flavor in these Roasted Brussels Sprouts is surprisingly simple, thanks to a careful selection of fresh ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating the ultimate taste experience. Here’s a closer look at the key players that make this dish truly shine:
- Brussel Sprouts: The foundation of our dish! Opt for fresh, firm sprouts with tightly packed leaves. Their natural slightly bitter, nutty flavor transforms beautifully with roasting, yielding crispy outer layers and tender, sweet interiors. Look for sprouts of similar size for even cooking, or halve larger ones accordingly.
- Bacon or Pancetta: This is where much of the savory magic happens. Diced bacon or pancetta adds a wonderful smoky, salty richness, rendering its fat to perfectly coat and crisp the sprouts. The irresistible crunch of the cooked bacon provides a textural contrast that makes this side dish even more enticing. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can easily omit this, or use a plant-based bacon alternative, or even some smoked paprika for a similar flavor profile.
- Garlic: A cornerstone of savory cooking, crushed or finely chopped garlic permeates the sprouts with an undeniable aroma and depth of flavor as they roast. It mellows during cooking, becoming sweet and fragrant, a perfect partner to the earthy Brussels sprouts.
- Good Olive Oil: A high-quality olive oil is essential for coating the sprouts and encouraging that beautiful caramelization. It helps distribute the seasonings evenly and contributes to the overall rich flavor of the dish.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple yet critical. These basic seasonings enhance all the other flavors, making them pop. Don’t be shy with fresh cracked pepper!
- Balsamic Glaze: This thick, sweet-tangy reduction is the elegant finishing touch. It balances the smoky bacon and caramelized sprouts with its bright acidity and subtle sweetness, elevating these roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon to a truly gourmet, holiday-worthy side dish. You can find balsamic glaze pre-made at most grocery stores, or easily make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until it reduces and thickens.
Note: For a full list of ingredients with precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Irresistible Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Making these glorious Roasted Brussels Sprouts is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps to ensure perfectly tender, crispy, and flavorful results every time.
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to a high temperature of 425°F (220°C). This high heat is crucial for achieving those desirable crispy edges. While the oven heats, lightly grease a large baking pan with non-stick cooking spray or a thin coating of olive oil. A larger pan is always better to prevent overcrowding.
- Prep the Brussel Sprouts: Thoroughly wash your fresh Brussels sprouts and pat them completely dry – moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Trim off the tough ends of each sprout and remove any discolored or loose outer leaves. Then, slice each sprout in half lengthwise. Halving them creates more surface area for beautiful caramelization and ensures faster, more even cooking.
- Combine Ingredients: On your prepared baking pan, arrange the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts, along with the diced bacon (or pancetta) and minced garlic. Drizzle generously with olive oil, then season with salt and freshly cracked pepper. Toss everything together thoroughly with your hands to ensure every sprout and piece of bacon is evenly coated in oil and seasoning.
- Spread in a Single Layer: This step is absolutely critical for crispy Brussels sprouts. Arrange the entire mixture evenly across the baking pan in a single layer. Ensure there’s plenty of space between the sprouts – overcrowding the pan will cause them to steam instead of roast, resulting in soggy, unappealing sprouts. If necessary, use two baking pans to accommodate all the ingredients.
- Roast Until Tender and Crispy: Place the pan in your preheated oven and roast for approximately 25-30 minutes. Make sure to turn the mixture halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and crispiness. The Brussels sprouts should be tender on the inside with beautifully charred edges, and the bacon should be perfectly crispy and golden brown.
- Finish and Serve: Once roasted to perfection, remove the pan from the oven. Immediately toss the hot roasted Brussels sprouts with the balsamic glaze. The heat from the sprouts will help the glaze coat every piece beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Serve your glorious roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon piping hot for the best flavor and texture experience!
These Roasted Brussels Sprouts with bacon are a wonderfully versatile side that pairs beautifully with a range of bold, flavorful mains. For a savory-sweet contrast that’s sure to impress, try them alongside our Spicy Garlic Sun Dried Tomato Shrimp. If you’re planning an indulgent holiday spread, they are the perfect accompaniment to a juicy Garlic Butter Prime Rib. For a lighter, yet equally delicious, bright and fresh pairing, serve them with Crispy Lemon Chicken. The possibilities are endless!
Expert Tips for the Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts Every Time
Achieving perfectly crispy and flavorful roasted Brussels sprouts is simple with a few insider tips:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: This is arguably the most crucial tip! Brussels sprouts need space to roast properly. If they’re packed too tightly, they’ll steam rather than crisp, resulting in a soggy texture. Use two baking sheets if necessary to ensure a single, even layer.
- High Heat is Key: Roasting at a high temperature (400-425°F or 200-220°C) is essential for developing those beautiful charred edges and tender interiors. Lower temperatures will result in softer, less caramelized sprouts.
- Pat Them Dry: Before tossing with oil and seasonings, make sure your Brussels sprouts are completely dry. Any excess moisture will prevent them from browning and crisping up in the oven.
- Cut Uniformly: Halving or quartering larger sprouts ensures they cook evenly. Try to keep all pieces roughly the same size for consistent roasting.
- Use Good Quality Oil: Olive oil helps transfer heat and contributes to the flavor. Ensure sprouts are well coated but not swimming in oil.
- Consider Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper can help prevent sticking and makes for easier cleanup, while still allowing for excellent caramelization.
- Add Balsamic Glaze at the End: Balsamic glaze has sugar, which can burn if added too early in the roasting process. Drizzling it on after the sprouts are cooked allows it to coat beautifully without scorching.
Flavorful Variations and Substitutions
While this classic recipe for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze is hard to beat, there are many ways to customize it to your taste or dietary needs:
- Vegetarian Option: To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the bacon. You can add a smoky flavor with a pinch of smoked paprika or a drizzle of liquid smoke mixed with the oil. To replace the textural element, consider adding toasted pecans, walnuts, or even crispy fried shallots. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy, umami depth.
- Alternative Fats: While olive oil is preferred, avocado oil or even melted coconut oil can be used for roasting. Bacon fat rendered from cooking bacon separately can also be used to coat the sprouts for an even deeper flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Introduce fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano along with the garlic for an extra layer of aromatic flavor.
- Sweet & Spicy Kick: A drizzle of maple syrup or honey can be added along with the balsamic glaze for extra sweetness. For a hint of spice, toss in some red pepper flakes before roasting.
- Cheesy Goodness: Finish the roasted sprouts with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese in the last few minutes of roasting, or immediately after they come out of the oven.
- Citrus Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can add a wonderful zesty zing that brightens all the flavors.
Recipe FAQs for Roasted Brussels Sprouts
For incredibly crispy Brussels sprouts, high heat is your best friend. Roast at 425°F (220°C) and ensure you spread the sprouts in a single, even layer on your baking sheet. Crucially, do not overcrowd the pan. This allows for proper air circulation, ensuring your roasted Brussels sprouts caramelize beautifully and get crispy instead of steaming and turning soggy. Patting them dry before roasting also helps tremendously!
While fresh Brussels sprouts will always yield the best results for this recipe, offering superior texture and flavor, you can use frozen ones in a pinch. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely first. Then, it’s absolutely essential to pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. You may need to roast them for a bit longer than fresh sprouts to help them achieve that desired crispiness, as frozen vegetables tend to release more water.
No, bacon is not strictly necessary. While roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon are undeniably extra flavorful due to the smoky, savory richness the bacon imparts, you can certainly skip it for a delicious vegetarian or vegan version. The Brussels sprouts roasted with garlic, olive oil, and finished with balsamic glaze are still incredibly tasty on their own. For added flavor and texture without bacon, consider adding smoked paprika, a sprinkle of toasted nuts like pecans, or even some thinly sliced mushrooms for an umami boost.
Leftover roasted Brussels sprouts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. While they will lose some of their crispiness upon cooling, they still taste delicious. To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and slightly re-crisped.
Absolutely! Making balsamic glaze at home is very simple. Just pour good quality balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it gently simmer, stirring occasionally, until the vinegar has thickened to a syrupy consistency and reduced by about half (this usually takes 10-20 minutes, depending on the amount). Be careful not to let it burn. It will thicken further as it cools.
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Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds Brussel sprouts washed and dried
- 4 ounces bacon diced, or pancetta
- 1/4 cup good olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic crushed or finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked pepper
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze or more to serve
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a large baking pan with nonstick cooking oil spray or a light coating of oil. Set aside.
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Trim the ends of sprouts and cut in half lengthwise.
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Arrange brussels sprouts, any loose leaves, bacon and garlic on the pan. Drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Toss well and spread mixture out in a single layer.
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Roast sprouts, turning once through cooking, until tender with charred edges. The bacon will be cooked and crispy (about for 25-30 minutes).
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Toss with the balsamic vinegar. Adjust taste with extra salt and pepper, if needed.
Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
We hope you love these crispy, flavorful Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze as much as we do. It’s a side dish that consistently steals the show, transforming a simple vegetable into a culinary delight. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the variations to make it truly your own!
RECIPE INSPIRED BY INA GARTEN