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Crispy Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

crispy balsamic roasted brussels sprouts with bacon - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crispy, tangy, and smoky roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and a balsamic glaze. Perfect as a flavorful side dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 4 to 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Trim the stem ends of the Brussels sprouts, remove any loose or yellowing leaves, and cut each sprout in half lengthwise. Quarter larger sprouts for even cooking.
  3. Chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces, about 1/2-inch chunks.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts and chopped bacon. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss until well coated.
  5. Spread the mixture out in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, cut side down if possible. Avoid overcrowding; use two pans if necessary.
  6. Roast in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, turning the sprouts halfway through roasting to brown evenly. The sprouts should be deeply browned and crispy on the edges, and the bacon crunchy.
  7. Remove from oven and gently toss to combine the bacon with the caramelized sprouts. Adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed.
  8. Optional: For extra crispiness, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Notes

Use a rimmed baking sheet to catch bacon drippings and keep bacon crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming. Pat Brussels sprouts dry before tossing to ensure crispiness. For dairy-free, skip cheese toppings or add nutritional yeast. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat best in a skillet or oven to maintain crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Brussels sprouts, roasted Brussels sprouts, balsamic vinegar, bacon, crispy Brussels sprouts, easy side dish, holiday side, quick recipe