Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon and Balsamic Glaze

Recipe Introduction: Crispy Brussel Sprouts and Bacon Bliss

Fancy a treat that's both healthy and ridiculously tasty? Ever wondered how to make Brussel sprouts the star of the show? Get ready for roasted brussel sprouts and bacon ! This is where earthy sprouts meet smoky bacon.

The result? A symphony of flavors that'll knock your socks off.

A Humble Veggie, Elevated

This dish isn't just some random concoction. It's a classic with roots in comfort food. It's all about bringing together simple ingredients in a way that's both satisfying and sophisticated.

This Brussels Sprouts Recipe is super easy. Expect about 15 minutes of prep, 25 minutes in the oven. This serves four happy people, perfect for a family dinner.

Why You'll Love This Easy Brussel Sprout Side Dish

Honestly, this recipe is all about balance. The bitterness of the sprouts is perfectly offset by the salty bacon. Roasting brings out a natural sweetness.

Plus, it's packed with vitamins and fibre. Forget boring side dishes recipes . Serve this up any night of the week.

It's special enough for a Sunday roast. This Sprouts With Bacon combination will become your new go-to.

Let's Talk Ingredients

So, what makes this Crispy Brussel Sprouts and Bacon dish so darn good? It starts with fresh Brussels sprouts, about a pound of them.

And good quality, thick cut bacon is a must. You'll also need olive oil, salt, pepper, and a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Maple syrup is optional for a touch of extra sweetness. Ready to get started?

Right then, let's get this show on the road! This roasted brussel sprouts and bacon recipe is so easy. It's proper delicious, honestly. Even your picky eaters will love it.

Ingredients & Equipment: The Lowdown

This Brussels sprouts recipe is dead simple. You don't need a ton of fancy kit. Let's break it down, shall we?

Main Ingredients for Crispy Brussel Sprouts and Bacon

• 1 pound (450g) Brussels sprouts. Get them nice and firm.
• 6 ounces (170g) thick cut bacon. Look for good marbling.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar. Good quality stuff, if you can.
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup. Optional, for a little extra sweetness.
• Pinch of red pepper flakes. Only if you like a bit of a kick.

I remember once, I got some sprouts that were a bit soft. Huge mistake! The texture was all wrong. Learn from my errors. Fresh is best!

Seasoning Notes: It's All About the Flavour, Inn'it?

For essential spice combinations, salt and pepper are your base. The balsamic vinegar adds a lovely tang. Maple syrup gives a hint of sweetness.

A pinch of red pepper flakes takes it to another level. You can also use honey instead.

Don't have balsamic vinegar? No worries! A splash of apple cider vinegar will do the trick. Want a substitute for that bacon, try using some pancetta instead

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Keep It Easy

• Large baking sheet. Don't overcrowd it!.
• Large bowl.
• Tongs. For flipping bacon and sprouts.

That's it! No need for any fancy gadgets here. Honestly, an easy Brussel sprout side dish is within everyone's reach.

Thinking about Thanksgiving? This Thanksgiving side dish Brussel sprouts recipe is a winner. It’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser! Now go and make it, and let me know how it goes.

I'm already picturing you making this amazing Brussel sprouts with bacon recipe easy , go ahead!. Enjoy your sprouts with bacon !.

Roasting Method: Level Up Your Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Bacon Game

Fancy making the humble Brussels sprout actually exciting? I'm talking Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Crispy Bacon and Balsamic Glaze . Honestly, even the sprout haters will be converted.

This Brussels Sprouts Recipe is proper easy. It's not just for Christmas dinner either. I reckon you'll be making it all year round.

Prep Steps: Ace Your Mise en Place

Right then, first things first. We need to get organised. This is the essential mise en place . Trim your 1 pound of Brussels sprouts.

Slice them in half lengthwise. Chop your 6 ounces of bacon into 1 inch pieces. Get the olive oil 2 tablespoons , salt 1/2 teaspoon and pepper 1/4 teaspoon ready.

Have your balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon and maple syrup 1 teaspoon to hand.

Time saving tip? Chop everything while the oven heats up! Remember, always use a clean chopping board when dealing with raw ingredients.

step-by-step: Get That Roast On!

1. Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) .
2. Toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the bacon on a large baking sheet.
4. Roast bacon for 5 minutes , until it starts to render fat.
5. Add sprouts to the sheet, nestling them amongst the bacon.
6. Roast for 20 minutes , tossing halfway. Aim for tender sprouts and crispy bacon.
7. Whisk balsamic vinegar and maple syrup.
8. Drizzle and serve, with red pepper flakes if you're brave.

Visual cue? Sprouts should be slightly caramelized. Bacon must be crispy .

Pro Tips: Secrets to Sprout Success

Don't overcrowd the pan! This steams the sprouts. Use a big tray for even cooking. Crispy bacon is key to amazing sprouts with bacon . Pat the bacon dry before roasting.

Common mistake? Under seasoning. Don't be shy with the salt and pepper!

make-ahead? You can prep the sprouts earlier in the day. Just toss them with the oil right before roasting. This easy Thanksgiving side dish brussel sprouts is always a winner.

Get ready to make the best bacon recipes .

Right then, let's chat about some extra bits and bobs for these amazing roasted brussel sprouts and bacon ! Honestly, these little tips can take it from good to "Oh my gosh, where's the recipe?".

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

So, you've made this amazing Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe Easy . Now, how do you make it look proper fancy? A simple trick: mound the crispy brussel sprouts and bacon on a nice platter.

Garnish with a few extra bacon bits and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. A sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary also adds a touch of class.

It's great as a side with roast chicken. It also goes beautifully with a glass of crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc.

This also works perfect as Thanksgiving Side Dish Brussel Sprouts .

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Got leftovers of these roasted brussel sprouts and bacon ? No worries. Pop them in an airtight container. They will be fine in the fridge for up to 3 days.

For reheating, a quick zap in the microwave works. But for extra crispy bacon, a few minutes in a hot pan is ideal.

I don't advise freezing this dish. The Crispy Brussel Sprouts and Bacon don't hold up well. They tend to get a bit soggy.

Variations: Mix It Up a Bit

Fancy a change? For a vegetarian twist, swap the bacon with some smoked tofu. Add a bit more olive oil for flavour.

For a bit of heat, chuck in a pinch of red pepper flakes. You know? It adds a lovely kick.

You can also use different sprouts! Try some Balsamic Glazed Brussel Sprouts Recipe . It can also easily be adapted to be vegetarian by using some chopped nuts or other vegetable instead.

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

Okay, let's get real for a minute. This isn't exactly health food, but it's not terrible either. You get a decent hit of fibre from the sprouts, and protein from the bacon.

Be mindful of the sodium levels, as bacon can be a bit salty. It is also an Easy Brussel Sprout Side Dish .

On a per serving basis, expect roughly 250 calories, 10g of protein, 18g of fat, 12g of carbs, 4g of fibre, and 5g of sugar.

Plus, let's be honest, a whole load of happiness.

Right, that's it from me for now. Give these tips a whirl. You'll have some amazing roasted brussel sprouts in no time! Happy cooking, mate! Enjoy some awesome Bacon Recipes .

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get my roasted brussel sprouts and bacon to be crispy and not soggy?

Ah, the million dollar question! Nobody wants soggy sprouts. The key is high heat and not overcrowding the pan. Make sure your oven is preheated to 400°F (200°C) and give those sprouts plenty of space on the baking sheet.

If you have too many, use two baking sheets - it's a bit like avoiding a queue at the chippy; worth the extra effort!

Can I make roasted brussel sprouts and bacon ahead of time?

While roasted Brussels sprouts and bacon are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven for maximum crispiness, you can prep ahead. Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts and chop the bacon in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. When you're ready to cook, just toss them together and roast according to the recipe.

This will cut down on your prep time when you’re ready to cook a proper time saver, innit?

What's the best way to store leftover roasted brussel sprouts with bacon?

Pop any leftover roasted brussel sprouts and bacon in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, consider using a dry skillet or air fryer to help revive some of the crispiness. Microwaving might make them a bit soggy, so steer clear of that if you can.

Reheating in the oven will work too, but it will take a bit longer.

Is there a vegetarian version of roasted brussel sprouts and bacon?

Absolutely! To create a vegetarian version of roasted brussel sprouts, swap out the bacon for smoked tofu or tempeh. Drizzle the sprouts with a bit more olive oil or a splash of liquid smoke to get that smoky flavour.

You can also use vegetarian bacon alternatives that are widely available nowadays - just make sure they crisp up nicely in the oven!

Can I add other vegetables to my roasted brussel sprouts and bacon?

Get creative, mate! Feel free to toss in other hardy vegetables that roast well, such as cubed butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or red onions. Just be mindful of the roasting times some vegetables might need slightly longer than the Brussels sprouts.

The key is to ensure everything is roughly the same size so it cooks evenly. Maybe chuck in a few chestnuts for a real festive treat.

How can I make my balsamic glaze for roasted brussel sprouts and bacon even better?

For a richer balsamic glaze to complement your roasted brussel sprouts and bacon, simmer balsamic vinegar in a saucepan over medium low heat until it thickens slightly. You can add a touch of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.

Keep a close eye on it you want a lovely, syrupy consistency, not a burnt mess!