My Favorite Easy Side Dish Recipe
Let’s talk about a perfect easy side dish recipe. These are my roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon. They turn crispy and sweet. I make them almost every week.
They are simple but feel special. You just need one pan. The smell fills your whole kitchen. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It makes everyone hungry. What is your favorite vegetable to roast?
How to Roast Brussels Sprouts Perfectly
Many people boil sprouts. That makes them soggy. The secret is high heat. This is the best way for how to roast Brussels sprouts.
Cut them in half. Toss them with oil. Lay them flat on the pan. This lets them caramelize. I still laugh at my first try. I crowded the pan. They steamed instead of roasting! Now I know better. This matters because texture is everything. Crispy edges make you love them.
The Magic of Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Bacon makes everything better. Right? For these Brussels sprouts with bacon, we cook it a little first. This is my mini-anecdote. My grandson used to pick out the sprouts. Now he hunts for the bacon bits first!
We add garlic late so it doesn’t burn. Then comes the sweet, tangy glaze. You can buy balsamic reduction. Or make your own simple balsamic reduction recipe. Just simmer vinegar until it’s syrupy. *Fun fact: real balsamic vinegar is aged for years, like a fine wine.* Do you prefer sweet or savory sides?
Why This Recipe Really Matters
This is more than a recipe. It’s a way to make veggies exciting. That is my first “why this matters” insight. Oven roasted vegetables can be a treat, not a chore.
It’s also naturally gluten-free. This makes it a great gluten-free side dish for gatherings. My second insight? Cooking together builds happy memories. This simple dish is a good place to start. Have you cooked with a family member lately?
Perfect for Any Table
This roasted Brussels sprouts recipe fits anywhere. It’s a healthy vegetable recipe for Tuesday dinner. It’s also fancy enough for holiday side dishes.
The colors are beautiful. Green sprouts, red bacon, dark glaze. It looks like you worked hard. But we know the truth! It’s wonderfully simple. I hope you try it soon.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thick-cut bacon | 3 slices | Sliced into 1/2-inch pieces after pre-cooking |
| Brussels sprouts | 4 cups (1 pound) | Halved |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1 tablespoon | |
| Kosher salt and ground black pepper | To taste | |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | Sliced |
| Balsamic reduction | 3-4 tablespoons | Balsamic vinegar can be substituted |
Instructions
Step 1: First, heat your oven to 425°F. Line a pan with foil. This easy side dish recipe starts with a hot oven. It makes everything crispy and sweet. I love the smell of oven roasted vegetables already.
Step 2: Microwave the bacon for one minute. Pat it dry and chop it. This is my secret for perfect Brussels sprouts with bacon. (Pre-cooking the bacon helps it get crispy, not greasy!). Do you like your bacon chewy or crispy? Share below!
Step 3: Toss halved sprouts with oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on the pan. Add the bacon pieces too. Learning how to roast Brussels sprouts is simple. Just give them space to breathe.
Step 4: Roast for 15 minutes, then stir. Add your sliced garlic. Roast 10 more minutes. You want them deeply caramelized. This roasted Brussels sprouts recipe fills the kitchen with the best smell. It’s a favorite for holiday side dishes.
Step 5: Take the pan from the oven. Drizzle with balsamic reduction immediately. This glaze makes magic. Serve these healthy vegetable recipes hot. Your gluten-free side dish is ready to enjoy!
Creative Twists
…Swap balsamic for a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. …Add chopped pecans for the last five minutes of roasting. …Sprinkle with parmesan cheese right after they come out. Which one would you try first? Comment below!Serving & Pairing Ideas
These balsamic bacon Brussels sprouts shine next to roast chicken. They also make a great bed for a pork chop. For a pretty plate, garnish with extra bacon bits. This balsamic reduction recipe is so versatile. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Sprouts Happy 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 about four days. You can also freeze them for a month. I remember my first big batch. I put them in the fridge while warm. They got soggy! I learned my lesson.
Batch cooking this easy side dish recipe is a lifesaver. It saves you time on busy nights. It also means you always have a healthy vegetable recipe ready. Just double the ingredients on your sheet pan. You get two meals from one cooking session. That matters for a peaceful week.
Reheating is key for crispiness. Use your oven or toaster oven at 400°F. Spread them on a pan for 7-10 minutes. The microwave will make them soft. 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, soggy sprouts. This happens if the pan is crowded. Give them space to breathe. I once crammed too many on one pan. They steamed instead of roasting. Now I always use two pans if needed.
Second, burnt bacon. Your oven might run hot. Check it a few minutes early. Third, a weak balsamic flavor. Your glaze might be too thin. Let it simmer longer to thicken. Fixing these issues builds your cooking confidence. It also makes the flavors in your Brussels sprouts with bacon truly shine. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
How to make balsamic bacon Brussels sprouts?
This roasted Brussels sprouts recipe is simple. Halve your sprouts and toss with oil. Par-cook your bacon slices first. Then roast everything on a sheet pan. Finish with a sweet balsamic reduction. The key is high heat for caramelization. This creates a perfect easy side dish recipe full of savory and sweet flavors.
What is the best way to cook Brussels sprouts with bacon?
Roasting is the best method. It concentrates the flavors beautifully. Learning how to roast Brussels sprouts properly changes everything. High heat makes them crispy. The bacon fat coats them for richness. This combo makes one of the best holiday side dishes. It is also a naturally gluten-free side dish everyone can enjoy.
Can you prepare roasted Brussels sprouts ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them ahead. It’s a great time-saver. Roast them as directed, but let them cool first. Store them in the fridge in a sealed container. When ready, reheat in a hot oven. This brings back their crisp texture. It makes serving healthy vegetable recipes on a busy night so much easier.
What goes well with balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts?
These oven roasted vegetables are very versatile. They pair wonderfully with roast chicken or pork. They are fantastic next to holiday ham. I love them with a simple weeknight meatloaf. Their bold flavor stands up to rich mains. *Fun fact: Brussels sprouts are part of the cabbage family!* They are a hearty and delicious addition to any plate.
How do you keep roasted Brussels sprouts crispy?
Keeping them crispy is about moisture control. Do not cover them when storing. Always reheat in an oven, not a microwave. Spread them in a single layer on the pan. The dry, direct heat will crisp them back up. This tip ensures your balsamic bacon Brussels sprouts stay delightful from first bite to last.
What are some variations for bacon Brussels sprouts recipes?
You can have fun with variations! Try adding chopped nuts like pecans. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese at the end is lovely. For a touch of sweetness, add dried cranberries. Swap the balsamic reduction for a maple syrup drizzle. Each change creates a new favorite. Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. It brings such warmth to the table. Cooking should be joyful, not stressful. Remember, every meal is a chance to make a memory.
I would love to hear about your cooking adventure. Have you tried this recipe? Tell me all about it in the comments below. Share your stories and your own little twists.
Happy cooking!
—Elena Rutherford
Balsamic Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Description
Experience the savory, sweet, and smoky combination of crispy bacon and caramelized brussels sprouts with a tangy balsamic finish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Set an oven rack on the center shelf and preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil or parchment.
- Place the bacon on a microwave-safe plate lined with a couple layers of paper towels. Top with another layer or two of paper towels, then microwave for around 60 seconds. This will release some (but not all) of the fat. Pat the bacon dry with the paper towels and slice crosswise into 1/2-inch slices.
- Toss the brussels sprouts with olive oil and spread in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper to taste. Spread the bacon around the sheet pan.
- Roast for 13-15 minutes, then remove from the oven briefly to stir and gently flip the ingredients to make sure they roast evenly on both sides. Sprinkle the garlic around the sheet pan evenly, then return to the oven and roast for an additional 7-10 minutes, until the brussels are deeply caramelized and crisp, and the bacon is fully cooked.
- Drizzle with balsamic reduction (or toss with balsamic vinegar), then serve immediately.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add a tablespoon more olive oil. You can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese after roasting.