There’s something about the sound of Brussels sprouts roasting in the oven that fills the air with warmth and anticipation. When I first introduced Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts to my holiday table, the combination of sweet balsamic glaze and crispy bacon captivated my family and friends. Gone are the days when Brussels sprouts were met with skepticism; this dish transforms them into an irresistible side that shines during festive gatherings.
As autumn leaves begin to fall and holiday celebrations approach, I find myself revisiting this recipe more than ever. The rich, savory notes of bacon perfectly complement the tangy sweetness of balsamic glaze, making it a delightful addition to any meal. Imagine serving these beauties alongside your Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas ham—it’s no wonder they’ve become a staple in my home. Join me in creating this easy, gluten-free indulgence that’s sure to impress and bring joy to your holiday celebrations!
Why are Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts a Must-Try?
Flavor-Packed Delight: The vibrant combination of balsamic glaze and crispy bacon elevates these Brussels sprouts to a whole new level, bursting with bold tastes in every bite.
Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up this dish in no time, perfect for busy holiday feasts.
Crowd-Pleasing Side: Transforming skeptics into fans, this dish is always the star of the table and will have your guests raving about the flavors.
Versatile Pairing: Ideal alongside roasted meats or holiday classics like turkey or ham, these sprouts fit seamlessly into any festive spread.
Gluten-Free Goodness: Everyone can enjoy this dish, as it contains no gluten ingredients, making it accessible for all your guests!
Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts Ingredients
For the Sprouts
• Brussels sprouts – A fantastic primary vegetable, providing a crunchy texture and subtle bitterness; you can use up to 2 pounds without affecting the other ratios.
• Extra virgin olive oil – Ensures even roasting while adding healthy fats and a rich flavor to the dish.
• Kosher salt & black pepper – Essential for seasoning, bringing balance to the dish; adjust these to your taste preferences.
For the Bacon Mixture
• Bacon – The star ingredient that adds a smoky crunch; consider using pancetta for a delicious twist.
• Yellow onion – Introduces a sweet depth of flavor when sautéed; shallots can also be used as a lovely alternative.
For the Balsamic Glaze
• Balsamic vinegar – The key ingredient that creates a sweet and tangy reduction, beautifully coating the Brussels sprouts—feel free to use a store-bought balsamic glaze in a pinch.
These Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts are not just another side dish; they’re a flavor explosion that will make your holiday gatherings even more special!
How to Make Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts
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Preheat Oven: Begin by setting your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts with a lovely golden hue.
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Prepare Brussels Sprouts: Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and quarter them for even cooking. Toss the sprouts with the olive oil, salt, and pepper on a sheet pan until they are well-coated.
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Roast Sprouts: Bake the Brussels sprouts for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through. You want them to roast until they are tender and caramelized, with edges that look beautifully brown.
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Cook Bacon: In a skillet, slice the bacon into ½-inch pieces and cook it over medium heat until crispy. Once done, drain the excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
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Make Balsamic Reduction: In a small pot, simmer the balsamic vinegar over medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes. Your goal is to reduce it by a third until it becomes syrupy and fragrant.
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Sauté Onions: In the skillet with the bacon grease, add in the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until translucent and soft. Then, stir in the crispy bacon for added flavor.
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Combine: Gently fold the roasted Brussels sprouts into the onion and bacon mixture. Drizzle the balsamic reduction over the top and give everything a good stir to blend those exquisite flavors.
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Serve: Transfer the exquisite mixture to a serving dish while it’s warm, and get ready for compliments from family and friends!
Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper for an extra touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts Variations
Feel free to make this dish your own and explore new flavor profiles that will surprise and delight your taste buds!
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Pancetta Swap: Substitute bacon with pancetta for an Italian twist that brings an even richer flavor.
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Vegetarian Delight: Use smoked tempeh or crispy lentils as a plant-based alternative, capturing that beloved savory essence.
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Vegan Version: Replace the bacon with coconut bacon and use maple syrup in place of balsamic for a sweet, smoky touch.
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Citrusy Zest: Swap out balsamic vinegar for fresh lemon juice and zest for a light, bright alternative that invigorates each bite.
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Dijon Vinaigrette: Drizzle with a Dijon vinaigrette instead of balsamic glaze to give your dish a tangy and sophisticated flavor profile.
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Nutty Crumble: Top your Brussels sprouts with toasted pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch and extra nuttiness that enhances every mouthful.
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Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or drizzle some sriracha for a touch of heat that will wake up your taste buds.
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Sweetness Boost: Include a handful of dried cranberries or figs mixed in for unexpected bursts of sweetness that play beautifully against the savory elements.
Embrace the joy of culinary creativity, and who knows—you might just discover a new family favorite!
Make Ahead Options
These Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prep the bacon and onion mixture up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can wash and trim the Brussels sprouts a day ahead; just toss them in a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper before storing to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to serve, simply roast the Brussels sprouts as instructed, then combine them with the prepped bacon and onions, drizzling the balsamic reduction over the top. This way, you’ll enjoy the same delightful flavors with minimal effort on the big day!
Expert Tips for Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts
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Crisp Factor: For extra crispiness, cook the bacon separately to ensure it doesn’t undercook while the sprouts roast.
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Storage Solution: To store leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes for the best results.
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Make Ahead: Prepare the bacon and onion mixture a day in advance; simply add them to freshly roasted Brussels sprouts before serving for convenience.
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Tweak the Flavor: If you prefer a slightly sweeter taste, feel free to drizzle extra balsamic reduction on top right before serving to enhance the flavor of your Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts.
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Watch the Timing: Keep an eye on the Brussels sprouts while roasting. Every oven varies, and you want them perfectly caramelized without burning.
How to Store and Freeze Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts
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Fridge: Store leftover Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Brussels sprouts mixture after cooking. Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
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Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes, or crisp them up in an air fryer for about 5 minutes.
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Avoid Moisture: For best results, avoid storing with excessive moisture, as this can affect the texture of the sprouts when reheated.
What to Serve with Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts?
These delightful Brussels sprouts elevate any festive meal and deserve some tasty companions to create the perfect dining experience.
- Roasted Turkey: The savory flavors of roasted turkey beautifully complement the sweet-tangy balsamic glaze, making it a classic pairing.
- Savory Stuffing: A hearty stuffing filled with herbs and cranberries will enhance the holiday spirit and balance the dish’s textures.
- Honey Glazed Carrots: The sweetness and vibrant color of honey-glazed carrots bring a lovely contrast to the smoky richness of the Brussels sprouts.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes create a comforting base, soaking up the delicious flavors of the balsamic reduction and bacon.
- Cranberry Sauce: The tart freshness of cranberry sauce is an excellent counterpoint, cutting through the richness and adding brightness to the plate.
- Wedge Salad: A crisp wedge salad topped with blue cheese dressing introduces freshness and crunch, creating a balanced meal experience.
- Red Wine: A fruity red wine, like Pinot Noir, beautifully complements the sweet and savory notes of the Brussels sprouts and enhances your festive feast.
- Pumpkin Pie: End your meal on a sweet note with pumpkin pie; its warm spices pair surprisingly well with the smoky-sweet Brussels sprouts.
Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best Brussels sprouts?
Absolutely! When choosing Brussels sprouts, look for firm, bright green sprouts without dark spots all over, indicating freshness. Smaller sprouts are usually sweeter and more tender, so choose those if possible.
What are the best storage methods for leftovers?
Very important! Store your leftover Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure they are completely cool before sealing to avoid condensation, which can make them soggy.
Can I freeze Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts?
Certainly! To freeze, allow the Brussels sprouts mixture to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat either in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes or in an air fryer for about 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
What if my Brussels sprouts are mushy after cooking?
No worries! If your Brussels sprouts turn out mushy, it may be due to overcooking. To prevent this next time, keep an eye on them during roasting. Roasting at higher temperatures will help maintain their texture. For the best results, opt for sprouts that are similar in size to ensure they roast evenly.
Is this dish safe for pets and people with allergies?
Absolutely! Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts are gluten-free, making them suitable for most dietary needs. However, since they contain bacon, ensure no one at your gathering is allergic to pork. If serving to pets, it’s best to avoid giving them bacon or seasoned ingredients, as these can be harmful to our furry friends.
How can I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?
Very easily! Simply swap the bacon for smoked tempeh or a plant-based bacon alternative to maintain that savory flavor profile while keeping the dish vegetarian. You can also add nutritional yeast for an extra cheesy taste without any dairy!
Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts: Festive Flavor Explosion
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Trim and quarter Brussels sprouts. Toss sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a sheet pan.
- Roast Brussels sprouts for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then drain excess fat, leaving 1 tablespoon.
- Simmer balsamic vinegar in a small pot over medium-low heat for 10-12 minutes until reduced.
- Sauté diced onion in skillet until translucent, then stir in crispy bacon.
- Fold roasted Brussels sprouts into the bacon and onion mixture. Drizzle with balsamic reduction and stir.
- Serve warm on a dish, optionally garnished with cracked black pepper.