The Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic are a fantastic side dish that is full of delicious flavor — caramelized, roasted Brussels sprouts, savory bacon, and tangy balsamic vinegar.

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Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Though they seem to be getting a little bit more respect at the family dinner table these days, Brussels sprouts have an inescapable stereotype. They are the one vegetable that if I surveyed 10 kids on my street, the vast majority (if not all) kids would respond with a resounding “ewwww!”

I don’t know why Brussels sprouts get such a bad rap as a vegetable. There are so many delicious recipes geared towards highlighting them.

Even when we learn how to properly roast vegetables, people still turn their noses up and push their plates away.

Really? I don’t get it.

Sometimes I set aside what I know my kids like and make what I know that I like. Oven roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon is one of those things. I know exactly how my kids are going to respond, and I do it anyway.

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The Best Recipe for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Because sometimes mom needs to eat what mom wants to eat. Because I literally do.not.understand. the hate. And because BACON!

Seriously. Baked Brussels sprouts with bacon! Do I need to say more?

Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic are absolutely amazing. Brussels sprouts take on a delicious, caramelized flavor when they are roasted and pair perfectly with bacon and balsamic. What isn’t to like?

Tools Needed to Prepare Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

I recommend having the following kitchen tools on hand when preparing this brussels sprouts recipe:

• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board – to trim and prep the brussels sprouts before roasting and to cut the bacon into bite sized pieces.
• Measuring Spoons – to measure the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
• Large Baking Sheet – to roast Brussels sprouts on.
• Cast Iron Skillet – to cook the salty bacon on.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Ingredients

For this oven roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon recipe, you’ll need these simple ingredients:

• Brussels Sprouts
• Olive Oil
• Salt and Black Pepper
• Thick-Cut Applewood Bacon
• Balsamic Vinegar

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions to make these roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

Can I Use Another Type of Bacon in this Recipe?

Yes, feel free to use whatever bacon you prefer when you’re making this recipe for Brussels sprouts with bacon. My family likes thick-cut bacon, but any bacon will do.

If you do try turkey bacon or vegan “bacon,” I would love to hear how your oven roasted Brussels sprouts turn out because I have not tried those substitutions personally. Please leave a comment in the post!

Click HERE to save this recipe for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon to Pinterest!

Can I Use Frozen Brussels Sprouts?

No, I do not recommend using frozen Brussels Sprouts to make this Brussels sprouts with bacon recipe.

Frozen Brussels sprouts would not get the same crispy result after roasting, so you definitely want to use fresh Brussels sprouts for this oven roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon recipe.

How to Cook Brussels Sprouts in the Oven

Halve the Brussels sprouts, then toss them with olive oil and spread them out on a baking tray.

Season with salt and pepper. Roast, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and cooked.

How Long to Cook Brussels Sprouts in Oven?

Brussels sprouts need to cook for roughly 20 to 25 minutes at 425ºF.

You want the oven set to a high temperature so the Brussels sprouts roast, not bake.

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How to Cook Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a skillet. Once cooked, let it cool before crumbling it with your fingers. Then, whisk together a teaspoon of the bacon grease with the balsamic vinegar.

Once the roasted Brussels sprouts have finished cooking, toss them with the balsamic mixture and the crumbled bacon.

The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe for roasted brussel sprouts with bacon. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.

Meal Prep Ideas for these Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Here are a couple of suggestions to make this delicious side dish quicker to prepare for a weeknight dinner:

• Wash, dry, and trim Brussels sprouts ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you plan to prepare the recipe.
• You can cook the bacon a few days in advance and store it in the refrigerator, or even earlier and store it in the freezer.

Tips for Making the Best Brussels Sprouts

You can definitely make Brussels sprouts taste bad, and you can do that pretty easily! But did you know that it is just as easy to make roasted Brussels sprouts taste good?

Follow these tips and even the Brussels sprout hater can be persuaded to try a bit. They might even like them, too!

1. Select Wisely

Smaller Brussels sprouts have a milder, sweeter taste. The larger sprouts will have a more cabbage-like taste, so choose accordingly. You’ll want them to feel firm and tightly compacted. Quality, well chosen sprouts will naturally taste better.

2. Roast Brussels Sprouts

Roasting is the best way to cook Brussels sprouts. And chances are that if you had Brussels sprouts and one point in your life and you hated them it was because they were cooked wrong.

Don’t steam them. Definitely do not boil them. Follow my same tips for roasting cauliflower if you want really good tasting Brussels sprouts.

Roasting vegetables gives them a nice, crunchy, caramelized exterior — no one likes soggy or mushy vegetables. Roasting also sweetens the flavor of the vegetable.

Make sure the Brussels sprouts are dried completely after rinsing them before you toss them in olive oil to roast them. Wet Brussels sprouts will not crisp up as well.

You also want to make sure that they are not too crowded in their pan. They’ll crisp better if there is more room in between rather than if they are all layered on top of each other. An extra large sheet pan is great for roasting.

3. Dress Them Up

Most of the time plain vegetables don’t taste great. You at least need some oil and some salt to enhance their natural flavor. I personally enjoy my Brussels Sprouts with some extra-virgin olive oil, salt and pepper. Simple is great when they’re cooked correctly (see above!)

But, a few other ingredients can go a long way in making Brussels sprouts taste better than just “good.” Try adding ingredients like:

• caramelized onions or shallots
• sautéed onions
• balsamic vinegar
• bacon
• roasted garlic
• fresh herbs
• plenty of salt and pepper
• fresh grated parmesan cheese

Freshly grated parmesan cheese also pairs really well with almost any vegetable.

Read more: Check out this post about making vegetables more exciting — there are lots of other great ideas there if you’re looking to enhance your vegetable side dishes.

4. Add Bacon

When you add bacon to the ingredient list you seriously cannot go wrong. Just my humble opinion. Isn’t everything better with bacon?

What to Serve with Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts

One of our favorite main dish recipes to serve with this roasted Brussel sprout recipe is Rosemary Roasted Chicken, but here are a few other entrees that often we enjoy with this great side dish:

• Apple Cider Pork Chops
• Creamy Orange Almond Chicken and Rice
• Seared Filets with Mixed-Herb Gremolata
• Roasted Pork Marsala
• Chicken Marsala

Don’t see what you’re looking for here? You can always head over to check out the recipe index to look for more recipes.

When to Serve Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

We make this crispy Brussels sprouts recipe all the time! It is great for weeknight dinners, especially if you batch prepare the bacon and store it in the freezer.

But, this bacon Brussels sprouts recipe is also perfect for special occasions, dinner parties, and holidays. We often serve it with our Thanksgiving Menu or Christmas dinner.

What Readers Are Saying About Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Try this Easy Recipe for Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts!

Next time you’re looking for a delicious way to serve Brussels sprouts, give these bacon roasted brussels sprouts a try!

Did you think it was the perfect side dish for holiday dinners? Leave a comment below and give it a review for others to see what you thought of this recipe for roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon.

On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me with @goodlifeeats and #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see your photo of these roasted Brussels sprouts!

More Easy Vegetable Side Dishes:

If you like this recipe for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic, you might also really like this recipe for Garlic Bacon Sautéed Green Beans with Roasted Mushrooms!

This Apple Cider Roasted Squash takes no time at all to prep, and it pairs nicely with any winter entree.

Looking for an alternative to your usual sweet potato casserole? Try making these Baked Sweet Potatoes with Pomegranate instead. The spiced orange maple glaze makes this dish shine!

Is there anything better than Browned Butter Parmesan Mashed Potatoes? I think not.

Another simple roasted vegetable side dish is Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Garlic and Sage. Easy, but so flavorful.

Do you like roasted Brussels sprouts? How about roasted Brussels Sprouts with BACON?

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Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic

Yield: serves 8

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic are a fantastic side dish that is full of delicious flavor - caramelized, roasted brussels sprouts, savory bacon, and tangy balsamic vinegar.

Print

Ingredients

• 32 ounces Brussels Sprouts, ends removed and halved
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 ounces thick cut Applewod Bacon
• 1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, toss the Brussels Sprouts with the olive oil.
3. Spread evenly on a large baking sheet - Brussels Sprouts should not be overlapping or too crowded.
4. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.
5. Place the baking tray in the oven on the middle rack.
6. Roast for 20 - 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the Brussels Sprouts are cooked and golden brown.
7. While the Brussels Sprouts are roasting, cook and crumble the bacon. I prefer to use this method: How to Make Homemade Bacon Bits.
8. Remove the bacon from the grease using a slotted spoon.
9. Set aside 1 teaspoon of bacon grease.
10. Whisk together the reserved bacon grease and the balsamic vinegar.
11. Toss with the cooked Brussels sprouts and the crumbled bacon.
12. Serve immediately.

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  Balsamic Vinegar
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  Extra Virgin Olive Oil
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  Pink Himalayan Salt
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  Peppercorn
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  Baking Sheet
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Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 190Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 539mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 3gSugar: 2gProtein: 13g

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For the step-by-step version of this recipe, check out the How to Make The Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Story.