Prepare to transform the humble Brussels sprout from a dreaded side dish into a mouthwatering culinary sensation! This Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon recipe is about to revolutionize your vegetable game, combining the rich, smoky flavor of crispy bacon with the caramelized sweetness of balsamic-glazed sprouts. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this foolproof recipe will have you creating restaurant-quality vegetables that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to ensure easy cleanup.
- Wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly under cold running water. Pat them completely dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels to ensure proper roasting.
- Trim the stem ends of the Brussels sprouts and slice each sprout in half lengthwise, creating two equal halves that will caramelize beautifully during roasting.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts, chopped bacon pieces, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything together until the sprouts are evenly coated.
- Spread the Brussels sprouts and bacon mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This allows each piece to roast evenly and develop crispy edges.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring once halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- Check the Brussels sprouts for doneness by testing their tenderness with a fork. They should be golden brown, crispy on the edges, and tender in the center.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sprouts to cool slightly.
- Transfer to a serving dish and optionally garnish with additional fresh cracked black pepper or a drizzle of extra balsamic vinegar.
Tips
- Moisture is the enemy of crispy roasting! Always thoroughly pat your Brussels sprouts dry before cooking to ensure maximum caramelization.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Give your sprouts some breathing room to help them crisp up instead of steaming.
- For extra flavor, try using thick-cut bacon or add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese in the last few minutes of roasting.
- If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mix before roasting.
- Serve immediately for the best texture - these sprouts are at their absolute prime right out of the oven when they're crispy and warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 155kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 15mg
