Caramelized Bacon Brussels Sprouts with a Balsamic Glaze

Oh, sweet friends, there’s a dish that’s been gracing our family table for years, a delightful blend of savory and subtly sweet that always brings a smile. These Bacon Brussels Sprouts are a testament to how simple ingredients, given a little care and a touch of magic, can create something truly extraordinary. It’s a symphony of crispy bacon, tender Brussels sprouts, and a luscious maple balsamic glaze that caramelizes beautifully.

I remember those childhood afternoons in Grandma’s kitchen, not just for the cookies, but for how she transformed humble vegetables into irresistible side dishes. She’d always say, “Sara, a little sweetness can make even the most unexpected things sing!” This recipe for caramelized Brussels sprouts with bacon and a sticky glaze brings back those fond memories, reminding me of her knack for delightful surprises.

This dish is wonderfully easy to prepare, making it a perfect addition to any meal, from a cozy weeknight dinner to a festive holiday spread. The combination of flavors is truly family-friendly, even for those who might be a bit skeptical of Brussels sprouts! My top tip? Don’t be shy with the roasting; those crispy edges are pure gold!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting these delightful caramelized Brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic glaze requires just a handful of fresh ingredients. We’re talking about crisp, fresh Brussels sprouts, beautifully thick-cut bacon for that irresistible savory crunch, and a homemade maple balsamic glaze that elevates everything. I always recommend using good quality pure maple syrup for the best flavor! You’ll find the complete list of ingredients and precise measurements for these wonderful Bacon Brussels Sprouts in the recipe card just below.

How to Make Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Whipping up these delightful Bacon Brussels Sprouts is a breeze, promising a burst of flavor with minimal fuss. You’ll start by crisping up that delicious bacon, setting it aside, and then roasting your prepared Brussels sprouts until they’re tender and slightly charred. Finally, you’ll toss everything together with a sticky, sweet, and tangy maple balsamic glaze, letting it caramelize briefly for that perfect finish. It’s truly a simple process that yields a wonderfully satisfying side dish!

Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Maple Balsamic Glaze

A delightful side dish featuring tender-crisp Brussels sprouts roasted to perfection with savory, crispy bacon bits, then finished with a sweet and tangy maple balsamic glaze.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts trimmed and halved
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt or to taste, adjust based on bacon saltiness
• 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1 tbsp balsamic glaze store-bought or homemade reduction
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice, optional

Equipment

• Large Baking Sheet
• Large mixing bowl
• Parchment paper

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped bacon, trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Toss everything well to ensure the sprouts and bacon are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
3. Spread the mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure the sprouts and bacon are not overcrowded; if necessary, use two baking sheets to allow for proper caramelization and crisping.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through the cooking time. Continue roasting until the Brussels sprouts are tender-crisp and have lovely caramelized edges, and the bacon is golden brown and crispy. If the bacon crisps up faster than the sprouts, you can remove it a few minutes earlier.
5. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Drizzle the roasted Brussels sprouts and bacon with maple syrup and balsamic glaze. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. If desired, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for an extra bright tang.
6. Serve immediately as a delightful side dish to your favorite meal.

Notes

For a homemade balsamic glaze, simmer 1/2 cup of good quality balsamic vinegar over medium-low heat until it reduces by half and thickens to a syrupy consistency (this usually takes about 10-15 minutes). Let it cool slightly before using, as it will thicken further. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave if needed.

Over the years, I’ve discovered a few little secrets to make your Bacon Brussels Sprouts truly shine. These are the tricks I rely on to get that perfect balance of crispy, tender, and sticky-sweet every single time.

Achieving Perfect Crispiness

For truly crispy Brussels sprouts, don’t overcrowd your baking sheet! Give them plenty of space so they can roast rather than steam. I always make sure they’re in a single layer, even if it means using two trays. This is key to getting those lovely golden-brown, caramelized edges we all adore.

My Secret Trick: After removing the crispy bacon, I always use a little of the rendered bacon fat to coat the Brussels sprouts before roasting. It infuses them with an extra layer of savory flavor and helps them crisp up beautifully!

Glaze Perfection

When it comes to the maple balsamic glaze, watch it carefully as it thickens. It should coat the back of a spoon nicely but shouldn’t become too syrupy before tossing. A perfect glaze will cling to every crevice of your Bacon Brussels Sprouts, creating that irresistible sticky-sweet finish.

Seasoning Savvy

Taste as you go! While the recipe provides a great starting point, a little extra pinch of salt or a grind of fresh black pepper can make all the difference, especially after you’ve combined everything. Trust your instincts and adjust to your family’s preference for these delicious bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts.

Fun Variations for Bacon Brussels Sprouts

One of the joys of cooking is making a recipe your own, and these Bacon Brussels Sprouts are wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to get creative and tailor them to your family’s tastes or whatever you have on hand.

Spice It Up!

For those who love a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to your Brussels sprouts along with the other seasonings before roasting. My friend Sarah always sprinkles a little smoked paprika for an extra layer of warmth, which pairs beautifully with the savory bacon and sweet glaze.

Nutty Crunch

Introduce an extra layer of texture by tossing in some chopped pecans or walnuts during the last few minutes of roasting. The nuts will toast lightly, adding a delightful crunch that complements the tender sprouts and crispy bacon. My sister often adds toasted slivered almonds, and it’s always a hit!

Herbaceous Twists

Fresh herbs can elevate this dish even further. A sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary added with the glaze can bring a wonderful aromatic quality to the caramelized Brussels sprouts with bacon. Experiment with what you love; a little freshness goes a long way!

What to Serve With Bacon Brussels Sprouts

These delightful Bacon Brussels Sprouts are incredibly versatile, making them a fantastic accompaniment to a wide range of main courses. Their savory, sweet, and tangy profile means they can effortlessly elevate a simple meal or stand proud beside a festive feast.

For a comforting weeknight dinner, I love serving these alongside a perfectly roasted chicken or a tender pork loin. The rich flavors of the meat are beautifully complemented by the crisp sprouts and the smoky bacon. If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying meal, they’re wonderful with grilled salmon or even a hearty vegetarian steak, like a portobello mushroom. My mom always pairs them with our holiday ham, and it’s an iconic combination! For a simple touch, I often sprinkle a few extra crispy bacon bits on top right before serving.

How to Store Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Making a batch of these glorious Bacon Brussels Sprouts means you might have some delicious leftovers to enjoy, and properly storing them ensures they stay just as wonderful. It’s all about preserving that delightful texture and flavor for another meal!

Refrigerator Storage

Once your caramelized Bacon Brussels Sprouts have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I always make sure the container is sealed well to prevent them from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors.

Reheating Tips

To bring your Bacon Brussels Sprouts back to life, the best method is to reheat them gently in a skillet over medium heat, or in the oven at around 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the edges crisp up again. This helps revive that lovely crispness that can soften a bit in the fridge. My personal tip? A quick blast in an air fryer also works wonders for crisping them up!

Nutritional Benefits

While undeniably a delightful indulgence, these Bacon Brussels Sprouts also offer some wonderful nutritional perks. Brussels sprouts themselves are packed with vitamins C and K, as well as dietary fiber, which supports digestion. Paired with the protein from the bacon and the natural sweetness of maple syrup, this side dish offers a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing, showcasing how delicious and wholesome can go hand-in-hand.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I prepare the Brussels sprouts ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can trim and halve your Brussels sprouts a day or two in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This speeds up the cooking process when you’re ready to make your Bacon Brussels Sprouts.

Faq 2

What if I don’t have balsamic glaze?
You can easily make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until it reduces and thickens. This homemade version works perfectly with the maple syrup for your Bacon Brussels Sprouts, giving them a wonderful depth of flavor.

Faq 3

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Simply omit the bacon and use a smoky seasoning blend on the Brussels sprouts for a similar savory depth. A little smoked paprika can mimic that flavor beautifully for these Brussels sprouts.

Faq 4

How do I prevent the glaze from burning?
Keep a close eye on the glaze as it simmers, especially during the final stages of cooking the Bacon Brussels Sprouts. Ensure your heat isn’t too high, and toss frequently to ensure even coating and caramelization without burning.

Conclusion

There’s something truly magical about turning simple, wholesome ingredients into a dish that delights everyone at the table. These Caramelized Bacon Brussels Sprouts with a Balsamic Glaze are more than just a side; they’re an experience, a blend of flavors and textures that speaks to the heart of home cooking. I truly hope you’ll gather your loved ones, roll up your sleeves, and bring this dish to life in your own kitchen. It’s a joyful, home-baked creation that’s sure to create wonderful, sweet memories for years to come. Happy cooking, sweet friends!