The Little Cabbage That Could
I used to turn my nose up at Brussels sprouts. So did my grandson. Then I learned the secret. Roast them hot and fast. It makes them sweet and crispy. Toss them with a little oil, salt, and pepper. That’s all you need to start.
This roasted Brussels sprouts recipe changed my mind. It changed my grandson’s mind too. He asked for seconds! That’s a win in my book. What food did you dislike until you tried it cooked a new way? I’d love to hear your story.
Why Bacon Makes Everything Better
Now, let’s talk about our friend, bacon. I use pre-cooked bacon here. It’s a simple trick. You just chop it up. This keeps things easy. It also makes this a quick weeknight side dish. The bacon gets crispy in the oven with the sprouts.
The salty, smoky flavor is magic. It pairs so well with the sweet sprouts. *Fun fact: Brussels sprouts grow on a long, thick stalk!* They look like little cabbages climbing a pole. I still laugh at that. Adding bacon matters because it makes healthy food taste like a treat. Everyone will want to eat their veggies.
The Sweet Finish
When the sprouts and bacon are done, we finish them. A drizzle of balsamic glaze is the final touch. It’s a thick, sweet, and tangy syrup. You can find it in most stores. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It makes the dish feel fancy with no work.
These balsamic glaze Brussels sprouts are a family favorite. The glaze adds a pop of flavor. It brings everything together. This step matters because it balances the saltiness. It turns simple ingredients into something special.
Perfect for Any Table
This dish is very flexible. It’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. So it’s great for sharing. It’s a lightened up side dish that doesn’t skimp on taste. The nutrition facts are nice too. That makes it a macro-friendly side dish for those who are counting.
I love to make these for the holidays. They are perfect healthy Thanksgiving sides. They look beautiful on the table. But we make them on regular Tuesdays too. Are you a holiday-only cook, or do you make special sides all year?
Your Turn to Cook
So, give these bacon balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts a try. They are easy Brussels sprouts with bacon. Just roast, toss with bacon, and drizzle. You’ll have crispy roasted Brussels sprouts in about half an hour.
It’s a simple way to get a veggie on the table. I promise it might make a sprout lover out of you. What’s your favorite way to dress up a simple vegetable? Tell me in the comments below.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brussels sprouts | 1 lb (454g), halved | |
| Olive oil spray | 1 tsp (5g) | |
| Kosher salt | 1 tsp | |
| Pepper | ¼ tsp | |
| Pre-cooked bacon | 4 slices, chopped | |
| Balsamic glaze | 1 Tbsp (15g) |
Instructions
Step 1: Heat your oven to 400 degrees. This roasted Brussels sprouts recipe is so easy. I always warm the oven first. It gets everything ready to go. My kitchen starts to feel cozy right away.
Step 2: Halve your sprouts and lay them on a pan. Give them a quick spray with oil. Then sprinkle with salt and pepper. (Make sure the cut sides face down for extra crispiness!) Doesn’t that smell amazing already? Roast them for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Take the pan out and toss the sprouts. Now add your chopped bacon. This makes it an easy Brussels sprouts with bacon dish. Pop it back in the oven for 10 more minutes. The bacon gets so yummy.
Step 4: Your crispy roasted Brussels sprouts are done! Drizzle them with balsamic glaze right away. Toss everything well so it’s shiny and delicious. This balsamic glaze Brussels sprouts dish is a perfect quick weeknight side dish. Sweet or savory glaze? Share below!
Creative Twists
Add chopped apples before roasting for a sweet crunch. Swap the bacon for chopped pecans for a nutty flavor. Mix in a teaspoon of maple syrup with your balsamic glaze. Which one would you try first? Comment below!Serving & Pairing Ideas
These bacon balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts are a macro-friendly side dish. They pair beautifully with roast chicken or pork. For healthy Thanksgiving sides, serve them next to turkey. This is a wonderful gluten-free dairy-free side for everyone. It’s a truly lightened up side dish that feels special. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Sprouts Tasty for Later
Let’s talk about storing these tasty sprouts. First, let them cool completely. Then, pop them in an airtight container. They will keep in the fridge for three to four days. You can also freeze them for a month. Spread them on a baking sheet to freeze first. This stops them from sticking together in a big lump.
I remember my first time reheating roasted veggies. I used the microwave and they got soggy. Now, I always use the oven or air fryer. Reheat at 375 degrees until they are warm and crispy again. This method brings back their wonderful texture. Batch cooking this recipe is a real time-saver for busy weeks.
Having a macro-friendly side dish ready in the fridge matters. It makes eating well so much easier on hectic days. You can quickly add a lightened up side dish to any meal. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Kitchen Hiccups
We all face little problems in the kitchen. Here are three easy fixes. First, if your veggies steam instead of roast, your pan is too crowded. Give them space to breathe. I once crammed too many sprouts on one tray. They steamed in their own moisture and never got crispy.
Second, if your bacon isn’t crispy, it might have too much fat. Pat it dry with a paper towel before chopping. Third, if your balsamic glaze is too sharp, a tiny drizzle of honey can soften it. These small steps build your cooking confidence. They also make sure every bite is full of the best flavor.
Getting a perfect crispy roasted Brussels sprouts texture matters. It turns doubters into believers! Balancing the salty bacon and tangy glaze matters too. It creates a harmony of flavors in your mouth. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
What pairs well with balsamic Brussels sprouts?
These sprouts are a versatile, gluten-free dairy-free side. They pair beautifully with simple roasted chicken or pork chops. For a holiday, they shine as one of the best healthy Thanksgiving sides. The tangy glaze cuts through the richness of turkey and gravy perfectly. Try them next to mashed potatoes for a lovely plate.
What to add to Brussels sprouts and bacon?
Toasted nuts add a wonderful crunch. Try chopped pecans or walnuts. A sprinkle of dried cranberries adds a sweet, chewy contrast. A little grated Parmesan cheese is delicious too, if you don’t need it dairy-free. These small additions make this easy Brussels sprouts with bacon feel extra special.
How to dress up roasted brussels sprouts?
Finish them with a flourish right before serving. A final drizzle of extra balsamic glaze Brussels sprouts love looks pretty. Add some fresh herbs like chopped thyme or parsley. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top makes all the flavors pop. It turns a simple quick weeknight side dish into something company-worthy.
What is the secret ingredient for the best roasted brussels sprouts?
Do not skip the preheating step! A very hot oven is the true secret. It gives you those perfectly caramelized, crispy edges we all love. *Fun fact: That delicious, deep flavor from roasting is called the Maillard reaction.* Giving the sprouts enough space on the pan is the second secret. This roasted Brussels sprouts recipe relies on that high, steady heat.
What to serve with balsamic Brussels sprouts?
Serve these bacon balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts with any main protein. They are fantastic with grilled salmon or steak. For a cozy meal, serve them alongside a warm lentil soup. They also make a great addition to a grain bowl with quinoa and chicken. Their bold flavor stands up well to many different dishes.
What flavors compliment Brussels sprouts?
Brussels sprouts love salty, sweet, and tangy flavors. Bacon and pancetta are classic salty partners. Sweet flavors like maple syrup or honey balance their natural bitterness. Tangy acids like balsamic vinegar or lemon juice brighten everything up. Toasted nuts add a complimentary rich, earthy crunch. These combinations make sprouts a favorite macro-friendly side dish.
Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. It has saved many a busy weeknight at my house. It has also earned a spot on my holiday table. Cooking should be joyful, not stressful. Simple recipes like this one make that possible.
I would love to hear about your cooking adventures. Tell me how it went in your kitchen. Your stories are my favorite thing to read. Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments below!
Happy cooking!
—Marina Caldwell
Balsamic Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Description
Bacon Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Spread the halved brussels sprouts on a large baking sheet. Spray with a quick mist of oil spray and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 15 minutes, toss, and top with chopped bacon, then roast for an additional 10 minutes.
- Toss well, then drizzle with balsamic glaze and enjoy immediately.