Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and topped with a Balsamic Glaze- everything delicious in one meal! So easy and so good! You will never want brussel sprouts any other way!
Recently I shared how to bake brussel sprouts (because they are sooooo good) and I just couldn’t help but want to share my favorite way to eat them- Maple Bacon Balsamic Brussel Sprouts!
Sweet, Savory, and So Freaking Delicious!
If there is ever just one veggie dish you need to try- it’s this one. You will want brussel sprouts with every meal hereafter- they are that good.
Also, make sure to check out my latest fall favorite recipe, these Pecan Pie Brownies!
How to make brussel sprouts with bacon?
- Trim brussel sprouts and cut in half
- Toss in oil and then place on baking sheet
- Bake until nice and crispy
- While baking cook up your bacon and make the maple balsamic sauce (on the stove top)
- Sautee your garlic and shallot (or onion if using) in the bacon grease.
- Once brussel sprouts are done baking, mix everything together.
- Enjoy!
How to roast brussel sprouts in the oven?
If you are lookin for just plain crunchy brussel sprouts or to use the sprouts in this recipe I have a entire article on how to get perfectly browned and crunchy brussel sprouts in the oven. You can read it here!
How to trim brussel sprouts?
- Trim the bottom nub off- about ¼ of an inch
- Remove any loose leaves or yellow leaves
- Bake as is or cut in half (my preference) or quarters
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Why do brussel sprouts turn mushy (and smelly?)?
This happens when you cook or bake the brussel sprouts for too long at too high of a heat.
So, if you do decide to bake the brussel sprouts at a higher temperature for more crispiness- don’t bake longer than 40 minutes.
If you are wondering how to tell if brussel sprouts are bad- you can read all about that here!
Let’s talk bacon!
If you have some leftover bacon in your fridge (maybe from baking up a huge batch) simply chop it into pieces and set it aside. The warmth from the brussel sprouts will be enough to warm them up.
Alternatively, if I am cooking up some bacon just for this dish I like to chop it into small squares before cooking it. Just makes life a little easier.
Can you bake brussel sprouts and bacon together in the oven?
You can try but I don't recommend it. Baking the bacon and brussel sprouts together won't cook evenly- meaning you might get burned or soggy bacon with burned or soggy brussel sprouts.
What to serve with brussel sprouts and bacon?
I love serving brussel sprouts along with my Apple Chutney Bacon Burger, Grilled Chicken Sandwich , Marianated Tri Tip, Crispy Chicken Tenders, and Smoked Turkey Breast.
This is really a delicious and easy way to eat your veggies! Give them a try and let me know how you like them!
Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and a Maple Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients
- 1 ½- 2 lbs Brussel sprouts
- 2-3 tbs olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- ½ lb bacon
- ½ large shallot diced (or ½ small white onion)
- 4 cloves garlic diced
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 °F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- While oven is preheating cut off the ends of the Brussel sprouts and remove any loose or yellow leaves.1 ½- 2 lbs Brussel sprouts
- Slice each sprout in half, toss in olive oil and place on prepared baking sheet.2-3 tbs olive oil
- Sprinkle with salt, and pepper and bake for 35-40 minutes. You want the edges to be crisp and the inside tender.Salt, Pepper
- While sprouts are baking cook your bacon. For this dish I like to chop my bacon into pieces before cooking, but you can always just cook the bake and then crumble later. Once cooked remove from sauce pan and sauté the shallot and garlic in the bacon grease.½ lb bacon, ½ large shallot, 4 cloves garlic
- Then in a small saucepan combine the balsamic vinegar and maple syrup over low heat and allow it to reduce for about 10 minutes. This will help the mixture to become thicker.¼ cup balsamic vinegar, ¼ cup maple syrup
- When the brussel sprouts are done baking combine them with the bacon and the syrup/balsamic in a large bowl- gently stirring to coat.
- Enjoy!
Notes
• Bake these for as long as you want- until you get your desired crispiness!
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container for a few days. They won’t be as crispy when you reheat them but they will still be tasty!
• If you want a thicker/sweeter glaze you can add 1-2 tablespoon brown sugar to the mixture as it’s reducing.
• Sautéing onion or shallots in with some of the bacon grease is also extra delicious!
Nutrition
Post updated 9/27/2022
Dianne M says
We love this recipe! I use 1 lb of chopped bacon and it’s enough for a sheet pan meal with protein. I also cook my bacon and balsamic sauce with the veggies and it caramelizes beautifully and yummily. You can add cauliflower, sweet potatoes and broccoli for a brightly colored dish and added flavor.
Lisa Killian says
So glad you guys love it! Sounds like a great sheet pan dinner too!