You know, I still remember the first time I made Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze—it was one of those evenings where I wanted something simple yet comforting for dinner. The aroma of the oven-roasted Brussels sprouts mingling with the sizzling, crispy bacon filled the kitchen, making everyone curious about what was cooking. This recipe quickly became a family favorite because it balances those caramelized Brussels sprouts, savory bacon vegetables, and the tangy sweetness of a balsamic reduction drizzle so perfectly. It’s like the ultimate side dish that feels both indulgent and homey.
That moment when I first nailed the timing for perfectly crispy bacon Brussels sprouts still sticks with me. Before then, I found myself with either burnt sprouts or undercooked bacon—pretty much all the struggles we’ve faced trying to get oven-roasted Brussels sprouts just right. But once I figured out that magical window, it turned into our go-to recipe. I love how this dish fits seamlessly into our busy family dinner lineup, especially on weeknights when time is precious but you still want something that tastes like you spent hours cooking.
What’s more, this Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze recipe became a go-to during holiday seasons and casual Sunday suppers alike. The balsamic reduction drizzle adds just that elegant touch, while the crispy bacon Brussels sprouts satisfy the heartiest appetites. Honestly, you don’t need much else to impress your family or guests. If you haven’t tried roasting Brussels sprouts like this yet—or if you’ve been hesitant because of past kitchen mishaps—now’s the perfect time to jump in and give it a whirl. You can even peek at my favorite roasted Brussels sprouts recipe with bacon and balsamic glaze for some inspiration to get started!
Ingredients

For this standout Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze, here’s what I regularly keep on hand—these ingredients bring out those deep, savory bacon vegetables notes and the luscious balsamic reduction drizzle we adore:
- 1 ½ pounds fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved I always grab firm, bright green Brussels sprouts at the market. When making Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze, fresher is better because they roast up crisp and caramelize beautifully. You can find great sprouts at the local farmer’s market or the produce aisle in most grocery stores—just make sure they aren’t bruised or yellowing.
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced I prefer thick-cut for that perfect crispy bacon Brussels sprouts mix. It holds up well in the oven and adds that smoky, savory punch. Cooking wise, thick-cut bacon renders precisely enough fat to coat the sprouts without being greasy.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For oven-roasted Brussels sprouts, olive oil helps with that caramelized Brussels sprouts look and flavor. I use extra virgin olive oil for its richer flavor but save a splash of the bacon fat for drizzling—extra yum!
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar This is the heart of the balsamic reduction drizzle. Pick a balsamic vinegar that’s got a nice balance of sweet and tangy. I found a trick for perfect Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze: reduce this vinegar slowly on the stove to turn it into that luscious syrupy glaze.
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional) The honey sweetens that balsamic reduction drizzle just a hint, helping balance the savory bacon vegetables and caramelized Brussels sprouts without overpowering their natural robust flavors.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Pro tip from my kitchen: When prepping Brussels sprouts for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze, I often trim and halve a bunch and store them in an airtight container for quick weeknight meals. Also, diced bacon bought ahead can be frozen in portions, so you can always have crispy bacon Brussels sprouts ready in no time. For affordable shopping, keep an eye out for sales on thick-cut bacon—you’ll thank me later! If you want some extra tips on making the best balsamic glaze, check out this helpful guide on balsamic reduction.
How to Make – Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s roll up our sleeves and make this Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze that your whole family will rave about. Don’t worry if your little sprouts look a bit uneven at first—that’s normal and they still taste fantastic!
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temp gives you the perfect oven-roasted Brussels sprouts that are crispy on the edges but tender inside.
- Prepare Brussels sprouts by trimming the ends and slicing them in half lengthwise. Try to pick evenly sized sprouts for more consistent roasting; however, a few odd ones won’t hurt!
- In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure each sprout gets a nice coat of oil—this is key to achieving caramelized Brussels sprouts.
- Add diced bacon to the bowl and mix slightly. Here’s a pro tip: I learned the hard way with Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze that adding bacon early gives it a chance to render slowly, mixing all those savory bacon vegetables flavors as they roast together.
- Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for quick cleanup. Make sure sprouts are cut side down to get that crispy finish.
- Roast for about 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through. Your kitchen will start to smell like the best roasted Brussels sprouts you’ve ever made! Keep an eye on them after 20 minutes—oven variations can mean the difference between nicely caramelized and burnt sprouts.
- While the sprouts and bacon roast, make the balsamic glaze by simmering balsamic vinegar with honey (if using) in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. It takes about 10 minutes to reduce to a syrupy balsamic reduction drizzle. Stir often to avoid burning.
- When the sprouts are golden and crispy bacon Brussels sprouts are perfectly cooked, remove from the oven. Drizzle with your balsamic reduction drizzle liberally—this is what transforms the dish, adding that tangy-sweet finish.
- Give a gentle toss to coat everything in that glaze, then transfer to a serving dish.
In my kitchen, Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze usually takes just under 45 minutes from start to finish—perfect for a busy weeknight. While it’s baking, I often use that time to prepare a quick salad or double-check other dishes, like my family’s favorite roasted sweet potato rounds with herbed ricotta for a complete, colorful meal. If you want to learn more tricks on roasting veggies beautifully, this external recipe on roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic is worth checking out!
Serving

One of my favorite things about serving Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze is watching my kids light up because they actually enjoy eating their vegetables! The kids love our crispy bacon Brussels sprouts, especially with the sweet balsamic reduction drizzle pooling around, which makes this dish feel a bit like a treat rather than just a side. And honestly, it’s a hit at every meal, from casual dinners to special occasions.
I like pairing these oven-roasted Brussels sprouts with simple main dishes that let their flavors shine—think juicy roasted chicken or a simple balsamic glazed meatloaf that complements the balsamic reduction drizzle. I’ve also found that creamy mashed potatoes or garlic sautéed green beans work wonderfully alongside this dish, balancing out the savory bacon vegetables with fresh and creamy textures.
For holiday meals, this Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze is always a showstopper because it adds something both festive and comforting to the plate. Presentation-wise, I like serving it in a rustic ceramic bowl so the caramelized Brussels sprouts pile up just so, and I drizzle a bit more balsamic glaze on top for that extra shine. If you ever have leftovers, don’t toss them! I love adding cold roasted Brussels sprouts to salads or reheating them with scrambled eggs for a quick breakfast twist.
And I always get asked for this recipe by guests after they enjoy it, which feels incredible. If you want to see a fresh way to enjoy similar roasted veggies, this lovely shredded chicken plate with roasted veggies and salad pairs just perfectly.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can roast the Brussels sprouts and bacon a day ahead and store them in the fridge. The balsamic reduction drizzle is better added just before serving to keep that perfect sticky finish. I’ve done this for busy weeknights, and reheating in the oven keeps them crispy enough.
Q2: What if I don’t have thick-cut bacon?
You can use regular bacon too, but I recommend adjusting your roasting time slightly because thinner bacon crisps faster. I’ve learned with Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze that thick-cut really helps get that sturdy texture mixing well with the oven-roasted Brussels sprouts.
Q3: Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
Yes, though you’ll miss the crispy bacon Brussels sprouts flavor, you could use smoked paprika or liquid smoke combined with roasted nuts for some savory bacon vegetable notes. It’s a neat twist that my vegetarian friends have enjoyed.
Q4: How do I avoid soggy Brussels sprouts?
Make sure to dry your Brussels sprouts thoroughly after washing, and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet—air circulation is key. Also, toss them cut side down for that lovely caramelized Brussels sprouts crispness. Readers often ask for this—this guide on oven roasting Brussels sprouts has great tips!
Q5: Can I use balsamic glaze from the store instead of making my own reduction?
You can! Store-bought balsamic glaze saves time and still delivers good flavor if you’re in a pinch. Homemade gives you the control to adjust sweetness, but keep this in your back pocket for fast family meals.
Q6: What’s your favorite seasoning tweak for this dish?
Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick. My family enjoys that little contrast with the caramelized Brussels sprouts and savory bacon vegetables.
Q7: How long does the balsamic reduction drizzle last in the fridge?
I keep balsamic reduction in a small jar, and it lasts up to two weeks refrigerated. Just warm it a bit before drizzling again. Saves loads of time on busy nights!
My Final Thoughts
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze holds a special place on our family table—not only because it’s irresistibly delicious but because it reminds me of those cozy dinners where everyone gathers, sharing stories and laughter over a meal that feels simple yet special. I have some pro tips I want to pass on:
- Use thick-cut bacon for best texture and flavor
- Don’t crowd your baking pan to get that perfect caramelized Brussels sprouts
- Make your balsamic reduction low and slow for the perfect glaze
We’ve tried variations too—like adding toasted pecans for crunch, swapping honey for maple syrup in the balsamic glaze, or roasting with a touch of garlic powder for extra savory bacon vegetables flavor. My husband loves it with extra bacon, the kids swear by the maple syrup option, and I appreciate how easy it is to whip up after a busy day.
I hope you’ll make Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze your own and enjoy it as much as we do. It’s one of those recipes that welcomes your personal touches, turns quick into special, and makes bringing veggies to the table something to smile about. Give it a try, and don’t forget to peek at these delicious ideas like the roasted sweet potato rounds with herbed ricotta and balsamic glazed meatloaf to round out your meal. Happy cooking, friend!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze
Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts combined with savory bacon and a tangy balsamic glaze create a perfect balance of flavors in this easy and delicious side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
- Spread chopped bacon evenly over the sprouts.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes until Brussels sprouts are tender and bacon is crispy.
- While roasting, combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan and simmer until reduced and syrupy, about 5 minutes.
- Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the roasted Brussels sprouts and bacon before serving.
Notes
For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top just before serving.

