Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Elevate your veggie game with this irresistible side dish! Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts are roasted to golden perfection in savory bacon drippings, delivering a crispy exterior and tender bite. A final drizzle of rich balsamic vinegar adds a tangy‑sweet finish that perfectly balances the smoky crunch. Simple, bold, and packed with flavor—this recipe turns humble sprouts into a crowd‑pleasing favorite. Whether you’re serving a holiday feast, a weeknight dinner, or a special gathering, these Brussels sprouts bring big flavor with minimal effort and always disappear fast.
Tips for Perfectly Crispy Brussels Sprouts
- Dry them really well. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. After rinsing, pat the sprouts completely dry so they roast instead of steam.
- Use enough oil (or bacon drippings). A light, even coating helps the edges caramelize and turn golden. Too little fat = soft sprouts.
- Cut them uniformly. Halving them the same size ensures they cook evenly and crisp at the same rate.
- Place them cut‑side down. This gives you that gorgeous, deeply caramelized surface that makes roasted Brussels sprouts irresistible.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If they’re touching, they’ll steam. Spread them out so hot air can circulate and crisp every edge.
- Crank the heat. Roasting at a high temperature (usually 400–425°F) helps the sprouts brown quickly while staying tender inside.
- Add the balsamic at the end. Drizzling it after roasting keeps the sprouts crisp while adding that tangy‑sweet finish.
Crispy Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 2½ lbs. Brussels sprouts
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- ½ cup chopped bacon
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees
- Trim brussels sprouts and cut larger ones in half. Fill a pot with 1½ quarts of water and bring to a boil. Add salt and Brussels sprouts and cook for 6 minutes or until almost tender. Drain and plunge into ice water.
- Cook bacon until crisp. Reserve drippings. Chop the bacon into pieces.
- Place the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet. Add bacon drippings, 1/4 tsp salt, and pepper. Toss to coat. Bake at 450°F for 15 minutes or until browned. Stir after 10 minutes.
- Combine Brussels sprouts, bacon, and vinegar in a bowl and toss to coat well.