Irresistible Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Balsamic Glaze: Your New Favorite Side Dish
Brussels sprouts with bacon and a rich balsamic reduction create an incredibly delicious and surprisingly easy side dish that will undoubtedly become a staple in your kitchen. Forget everything you thought you knew about Brussels sprouts – this recipe transforms them into a truly exceptional culinary experience.
Are you searching for a side dish that offers a touch of elegance and flavor beyond your usual weeknight fare? Perhaps you’re ready to venture beyond the convenience of frozen vegetables heated in the microwave (and absolutely no judgment here – that’s a go-to for many of us!).
If you’re eager to elevate your side dish game and impress your family and guests, then prepare to discover the perfect recipe that strikes an ideal balance between sophistication and simplicity.
The Magic of Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Balsamic
These flavorful Brussels sprouts, boasting a delightful crunch, are perfectly complemented by the savory crispness of bacon and a luscious, tangy-sweet balsamic reduction. This combination makes for a truly wonderful side dish, versatile enough to accompany a wide array of main courses and suitable for any occasion.
Related: Pan Seared Asparagus with Soy Sauce and Garlic
Much like beloved classics such as green bean casserole, sweet and tender honey-glazed carrots, and comforting creamed corn, I often choose this Brussels sprout recipe for special gatherings and holiday meals. Whether you’re planning to serve a magnificent spiral ham, a classic roasted turkey, or an elegant standing rib roast, this particular side dish will enhance and complement your main course beautifully. Its impressive presentation and delectable taste also make it an excellent choice for bringing to a holiday potluck, sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
However, don’t limit this incredible dish to just special events. Brussels sprouts with bacon are equally fantastic as an everyday side dish, bringing a gourmet touch to even the simplest weeknight dinner. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet in a way that everyone will genuinely enjoy.
Why This Brussels Sprouts Recipe Stands Out
The Unbeatable Flavor of Bacon
What truly elevates these bacon Brussels sprouts and ensures your family will repeatedly ask for them is that irresistible, special ingredient – bacon! It’s a culinary truth that bacon has a magical ability to make almost everything taste better, and Brussels sprouts are certainly no exception.
Everyone adores the salty, smoky, and crispy goodness of bacon. Its rich flavor profile provides a wonderful counterpoint to the earthy notes of the Brussels sprouts, transforming them from a potentially divisive vegetable into a universally loved dish. The rendered bacon fat also provides a fantastic cooking medium, imparting even more depth of flavor to the sprouts as they cook. By the way, if you haven’t yet, try adding crispy bacon to egg salad sandwiches? It’s truly yummy!
The Sweet and Tangy Balsamic Reduction
Beyond the savory delight of bacon, the balsamic reduction introduces another layer of complex flavor. This rich, syrupy glaze offers a tangy, slightly sweet, and wonderfully acidic addition that truly makes the dish “pop.” It cuts through the richness of the bacon and the slight bitterness sometimes found in Brussels sprouts, creating a harmonious and balanced flavor profile that is both addictive and sophisticated. Making a balsamic reduction might sound fancy, but it’s remarkably simple – just a few ingredients simmered down to perfection.
Perfectly Cooked Brussels Sprouts: The Key to Success
The real secret to mastering this recipe lies in how you cook the Brussels sprouts. It’s absolutely crucial to not overcook them. Brussels sprouts are at their best when they retain a bit of their natural crunch, offering a satisfying texture contrast to the soft interior. Overcooking them, on the other hand, can lead to a mushy texture and release a sulfurous aroma and overly strong, sometimes bitter, flavor that many people dislike. Aim for tender-crisp sprouts with beautifully caramelized edges for the ultimate flavor and texture.
Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts
Beyond their incredible taste in this recipe, Brussels sprouts are nutritional powerhouses. These mini cabbages are packed with vitamins K and C, high in fiber, and contain antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and support overall health. They are a cruciferous vegetable, known for their potential cancer-fighting properties. Incorporating them into your diet, especially in such a delicious way, is an excellent choice for well-being.
Making the Perfect Side Dish: Tips and Tricks for Success
Choosing Your Ingredients Wisely
- Brussels Sprouts: Look for firm, bright green sprouts with tightly packed leaves. Avoid any that are yellowing or have soft spots. Smaller sprouts tend to be sweeter and more tender.
- Bacon: Thick-cut bacon is recommended as it renders more fat and provides heartier, crispier pieces. However, any good quality bacon will work beautifully.
- Balsamic Vinegar: A good quality balsamic vinegar will make a significant difference in the reduction. While you don’t need the most expensive aged variety, avoid very cheap vinegars that might lack depth of flavor.
Preparation Made Easy
Preparing the Brussels sprouts is straightforward. Simply trim the tough end of the stem and remove any loose or discolored outer leaves. For even cooking, halve the sprouts. If you have very large sprouts, you might even quarter them. For the bacon, chopping it into small pieces ensures that every bite of Brussels sprout gets a delightful piece of crispy bacon. The balsamic reduction comes together quickly in a saucepan while you prepare the other components. It’s a simple matter of simmering balsamic vinegar with a touch of sugar and salt until it thickens into a glossy, pourable glaze.
Cooking to Perfection
The key to crispy bacon and tender-crisp Brussels sprouts is proper cooking. Start by rendering the bacon in a cast-iron skillet (or another heavy-bottomed pan) until it’s perfectly crispy. This process also creates flavorful bacon fat, which is ideal for cooking the Brussels sprouts. Adding the sprouts to this hot, seasoned fat allows them to caramelize beautifully on the outside while becoming tender on the inside. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the sprouts in batches to ensure they roast rather than steam. Stirring occasionally helps them cook evenly and develop that desirable crispy exterior. Season with parsley, salt, and pepper to enhance their natural flavors.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
While perfect for holiday roasts, these Brussels sprouts with bacon and balsamic reduction are incredibly versatile. They pair wonderfully with a simple roasted chicken, pan-seared steak, grilled salmon, or even alongside a vegetarian pasta dish. Their robust flavor profile makes them a fantastic accompaniment to almost any protein.
Feel free to experiment with variations to suit your taste. For an added layer of texture and nutty flavor, consider tossing in some toasted pecans or walnuts during the last few minutes of cooking. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled goat cheese just before serving can add a delightful creaminess and tang. For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes stirred in with the seasonings provides a subtle kick.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers of this delicious side dish, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. While the Brussels sprouts might lose a little bit of their initial crispness, the flavors will remain excellent. You can always add a fresh drizzle of balsamic reduction if desired before serving.
Brussel Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Reduction
Author: Jaclyn
Ingredients
For the Balsamic Reduction:
- 8 ounce balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- pinch of salt
For the Brussel Sprouts:
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon chopped
- 24 ounce brussel sprouts trimmed and halved
- 1 tsp parsley
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
-
Prepare the balsamic reduction by adding balsamic vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt to a medium-size saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the volume reduces by half. Remove from heat and set aside.
-
Cook bacon in a cast iron skillet until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove bacon. Set bacon on paper towels and allow some of the grease to absorb.
-
Add brussel sprouts to the rendered bacon fat. Add parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
-
Cook brussel sprouts until they are tender on the inside and crisp on the outside.
-
Drizzle desired amount of balsamic reduction over brussel sprouts. Stir gently to combine.
-
Crumble the bacon and add to the brussels.
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
Share it with me on Instagram @crayonsandcravings and follow on Pinterest @crayonsandcravings for even more!
Pin Recipe
Leave A Review
A Delicious Addition to Any Meal
I genuinely hope that you and your family thoroughly enjoy this incredible Brussels sprouts side dish recipe. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, combined thoughtfully, can create something truly spectacular and satisfying. This dish proves that Brussels sprouts can be a highlight of any meal, whether it’s a grand holiday feast or a quiet family dinner.
For more delightful side dish ideas that are sure to please, be sure to explore our recipes for cornbread casserole with Jiffy mix and creamed corn, wholesome roasted cabbage wedges, and the ever-popular sweet potato casserole with pecan topping. Each one offers a unique flavor profile and is guaranteed to add a special touch to your table – you will absolutely love them!
Pin for Later:
