Name: Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1/2 lb bacon (chopped); 1 1/2 lb brussels sprouts (trimmed & cut in halves); 8 cloves garlic (thinly sliced); 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

These easy, delicious roasted Brussels sprouts are cooked with crispy bacon and savory balsamic vinegar. It’s the BEST way to enjoy Brussels sprouts and the easiest holiday side dish!

A cast iron skillet filled with roasted Brussels Sprouts topped with a sweet balsamic vinegar dressing and bacon bits. The skillet is set on a wood plank table.

It’s that time of year again, when we’re planning our holiday dinners, writing out the menu, and making shopping lists for Thanksgiving and Christmas groceries. Before you know it, you’re looking at your list, realizing you haven’t planned a single vegetable side dish for the occasion!

Well, if you’re in need, I’ve got many to choose from – including my southern soul food collard greens, corn pudding, and even my green beans, bacon, and potatoes. Now, I’m back with another winner. I’m showing y’all how to make roasted brussels sprouts with bacon, garlic, and a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze.

The Easiest Veggie Side Dish for Holiday Dinners

These roasted Brussels sprouts are super simple to make, and they’re a true crowd pleaser! Every time I make them, people beg for the recipe, which isn’t always the case with these mini cabbage-like veggies!

Brussels sprouts are a polarizing veggie; you either love ’em or hate ‘em! Some people are genetically predisposed to hating Brussels sprouts because of their taste. Others have simply never had them prepared the right way. If you’re a Brussels sprouts hater, I promise you, this recipe will change your mind!

To make these delicious balsamic brussels sprouts with bacon, we cook bacon and garlic together in a pan, then roast the brussels sprouts in that garlicky, smoky bacon fat until they’re crisp and flavorful. A drizzle of balsamic vinegar caramelizes while the sprouts bake, coating them in a savory, tangy glaze that gives this dish so much extra flavor!

If you want to convert a Brussels sprouts hater into a fan, THIS is a great recipe to use!

Roasted Brussels Sprouts tossed with balsamic vinegar and bacon pieces in a white serving bowl atop a wooden table.

Ingredients for Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

One of my favorite things about this recipe (other than the taste) is that it only uses a few ingredients. I don’t go crazy with the balsamic vinegar, but I do load this dish up with fresh garlic and crispy bacon. Below is a list of ingredients you need to add to your shopping list. Be sure to print out the recipe card at the end of this post for the complete ingredient list and measurements!

Brussels Sprouts: if you’re using fresh sprouts, remove the outer leaves. If using frozen (which is perfectly fine!), be sure to let them thaw ahead of time.
Bacon: you can use your favorite brand and kind of bacon; I usually grab whatever is on sale!
Balsamic Vinegar: you only need about three tablespoons, so try to find a smaller bottle if this isn’t an ingredient you usually keep on hand.
Garlic: fresh garlic is definitely preferred for this recipe – the flavor is unmatched!
Salt & Black Pepper: I keep the seasonings pretty simple in this side dish, but you can customize your seasonings to your preferred tastes!

How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Another great thing about this recipe is that it doesn’t take all day to prep and cook, which is critical during holidays! These roasted Brussels sprouts take about 25 minutes in the oven. You can pop them in while your turkey rests, so they’re done right before dinner and served nice and fresh!

Here’s how to make balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts:

In a large frying pan, fry up the bacon until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set it aside, but keep the bacon grease.
In the same pan, sauté the fresh, chopped garlic for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Careful not to let it burn! Pour the bacon grease and garlic into a small bowl and set it aside.
Next, put your prepped Brussels sprouts in a large bowl. Pour in the garlic, bacon grease, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper, and toss to coat the sprouts.
Place the Brussels sprouts in an oven-safe pan (like a cast-iron frying pan) or on a baking sheet in an even layer.
Roast the Brussels sprouts at 425 degrees for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp-tender.
Once done, toss in the cooked, chopped bacon, give everything a good stir, and serve!

How do you prepare Brussels sprouts for roasting?

Prepping these little sprouts could not be easier! First, peel off any outer leaves that look a little rough – anything that’s browning, ripped, or wilting. Then trim off the end stem and cut the sprouts in half. You don’t have to worry about removing that inner “core”; it will tenderize as they bake! Give the Brussels sprouts a nice rinse in cool water, and dry them well. I suggest using a handy salad spinner if you have one – this is the best way to get all the excess water out from between those tiny layers.

Should you roast Brussels sprouts cut-side up or down?

You might wonder why you can’t just toss them onto a sheet pan and let ‘em roast. I mean, you can, but for the best flavor, roast your Brussels sprouts cut-side up. Why? Because Brussels sprouts are like little mini cabbages – they have all those layers of leaves. Roasting them cut-side down will cause steam to get trapped between the layers, giving you soft, soggy sprouts. If you want perfectly roasted, crispy, almost caramelized Brussels sprouts, roast them cut-side up, then give them a shake halfway through cooking to get a more even roast.

A close up of halved roasted Brussels sprouts and large bacon chunks coated in a shiny balsamic glaze. This is a simple, delicious side dish to serve with dinner

Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe Tips + Variations

There are a few ways you can tweak this recipe to your own tastes, so I’m going to share some Cousin Rosie tips to do just that! Got a question about this easy roasted Brussels sprouts recipe? Drop me a comment below!

Any flavor of bacon you choose will just add more flavor to this dish. Applewood smoked bacon, maple bacon, or peppered bacon are all great options to add some flavor.
If you’re REALLY against Brussels sprouts, you can make this recipe with another vegetable. Cauliflower, asparagus, broccoli, carrots, green beans, or a nice mixture are all great alternatives.
For even more flavor, sauté up a diced onion in the bacon grease.
Finish off this side dish with a sprinkle of feta or parmesan cheese just before serving.
Want more of that balsamic vinegar flavor? Make a simple balsamic glaze by reducing the vinegar in a small pot on the stovetop until it thickens up, then drizzle it over the sprouts before serving. You could also pick up a store-bought balsamic glaze!
Make your life easier by prepping ahead. Chop up the Brussels sprouts ahead of time and store them in the fridge. You can also cook the bacon, onion, and garlic, then store them in the fridge until you’re ready to roast the sprouts.

Tender roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Vinegar & Bacon piled high in a white bowl. This is a perfect side dish for family dinners

More Holiday Season Side Dishes from I Heart Recipes

Still planning your Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner menus? Let Cousin Rosie help! I have plenty of must-have holiday dishes I recommend, and they’re all easy and delicious. If you tried my bacon-and-balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts recipe, let me know in the comments below! Here are some more side dishes to serve with your holiday spread.

A Pinterest-style graphic with two images of roasted Brussels sprouts and bacon served in a white bowl and cast-iron skillet. Text in the center of the image reads, "roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic vinegar and bacon."

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