I’ll take you right into my kitchen where I stumbled onto something magical: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze. Late one night, after a long day filled with recipe tests, I craved something comforting but bold—the kind of meal that sparks instant happy dances. I grabbed a bag of Brussels sprouts and some leftover bacon, feeling adventurous. That’s when my kitchen experiment turned into a flavor jackpot!
The crispiness of the bacon combined with the earthiness of oven-roasted sprouts was a pure delight, but the real magic happened when I drizzled on a rich balsamic vinegar reduction. This treat wasn’t your everyday roasted vegetables side dish anymore—it was savory glazed Brussels sprouts bursting with bold, tantalizing flavors. What started as a happy kitchen accident soon became my favorite Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze recipe.
I can’t wait to share this comfort food with a twist with you. Whether you’re cooking for friends during a game night or searching for weeknight winners that bring joy without fuss, this recipe turns simple ingredients into something special.
If you’re a fellow food lover who craves bold flavors and food that makes you smile, come on in! This Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze will be your new go-to comfort food. Let’s make your meals shine with crispy bacon Brussels sprouts kissed by a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. Ready to jump into this delicious magic together? Let’s get cooking!
INGREDIENTS You Need
Here’s the flavor-packed list for your Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze—because real flavor starts with real ingredients!
- 1 ½ pounds fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped into bite-size pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (you can swap avocado oil for a mild twist)
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar (grab this at your local grocery store, it’s key for the glaze)
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup if you prefer a subtle sweetness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional, but I promise it pumps up the flavor!)
- Red pepper flakes, a pinch for heat (I love throwing this in for a little zing)
This Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! Don’t worry if you don’t have honey on hand—maple syrup is a mighty fine swap I use all the time. If you want to save time, pick up pre-trimmed Brussels sprouts from the produce section—perfect for busy weeknights.
For freshness, store your trimmed sprouts in a breathable bag in the crisper drawer. Also, cooking your bacon in advance and saving the fat can add epic flavor when roasting your veggies later. This Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze gets its amazing taste from crispy bacon bits and that luscious balsamic vinegar reduction drizzled over.

Let’s Make Some!
Ready to create some Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze magic? Let’s dive into this flavor adventure step by step.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. This temperature gives you perfectly crispy bacon Brussels sprouts and beautifully caramelized edges.
- Cook the bacon first. Toss your chopped bacon into a cold pan and cook over medium heat. This slowly renders the fat, which you’ll use for roasting your sprouts. Cook until bacon is crisp—this is where the flavor party starts!
- Drain the bacon on a paper towel and reserve the bacon fat. Leave about 2 tablespoons in the pan or pour it into a bowl to mix with olive oil.
- Throw your halved Brussels sprouts in a large bowl. Add minced garlic if you’re using it and drizzle with olive oil mixed with bacon fat. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Spread your Brussels sprouts cut-side down on a baking sheet. This trick gets you those gorgeous caramelized edges that are essential to oven-roasted sprouts.
- Roast for about 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, toss the sprouts to get them evenly crispy. Your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma—can you smell that? That’s the magic happening!
- While the sprouts roast, make your balsamic glaze. In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey. Simmer over medium heat until it thickens into a syrupy reduction, stirring occasionally for about 8-10 minutes.
- When Brussels sprouts are golden and tender, toss them with crispy bacon pieces. Drizzle your balsamic vinegar reduction over everything and gently toss again to coat.
- Serve immediately while warm and flavorful.
Your Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze should look glossy, smell irresistible, and taste like a celebration in every bite! If you’re short on time, chop pre-cooked bacon or swap fresh garlic for garlic powder—whatever makes life easier while doubling down on bold flavor.
For more spiced vegetable magic, check out my Spiced Shrimp with Roasted Honeynut Squash over at Grill Drip! Or for another veggie-driven flavor hit, these Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey are an absolute must-try.
How to Serve Up This!
Let’s talk about how to bring your Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze to the table with style.
I love pairing these savory glazed Brussels sprouts with rich mains like garlic butter steak or honey-glazed chicken. The crispy bacon Brussels sprouts add the perfect balance to heavier dishes!
This Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze shines at holiday dinners, weeknight feasts, or fancy potlucks. Wherever it lands, people literally do happy dances when the flavors hit their taste buds.
For presentation, serve in a rustic wooden bowl or drizzle extra balsamic reduction on top for sparkle. Garnish with toasted nuts or fresh herbs like parsley for an extra wow factor.
Leftovers? Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze make killer breakfast hash or pizza toppers the next day. I’ve even tossed them into grain bowls for an easy fusion twist!

Need another comforting veggie fix? You’ll love these oven-roasted roasted brussel sprouts over at Grill Drip for a slightly different spin. And if you want to dive deeper into balsamic vinegar reduction magic, here’s a glazed roasted Brussel sprouts video from Kevin Is Cooking that I often revisit for tips.
For a meaty caramelized edge, check out Amee’s Bacon Fat Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze too. It’s a bold flavor cousin to my recipe!
FAQs:
Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze?
Absolutely! This recipe is super approachable. Just follow the steps and let the oven do most of the work. Crispy bacon Brussels sprouts are easier than you’d think!
What if I mess up my Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze?
Don’t stress! Even if your sprouts roast a little longer or the glaze thickens unevenly, it’ll taste incredible. Friends tell me their “happy accidents” taste like restaurant-quality dishes.
Can I prep this Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze for busy weeknights?
Yes! Chop everything ahead and keep Brussels sprouts and bacon separate in the fridge. When ready, toss, roast, and glaze—it’s speedy but packed full of flavor.
Is there a vegetarian version?
You can skip bacon and add roasted nuts or smoked paprika for that savory punch. For a tasty balsamic vinegar reduction, see how Kevin Is Cooking layers sweet and tang here.
How long do leftovers last?
Stored in an airtight container, your Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze will be fresh for up to 3 days.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Oven-roasted sprouts work best fresh for crispy edges, but you can try frozen—just pat them dry and roast a bit longer.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To bring back crispiness, reheat in a hot skillet or under the broiler briefly.
More answers pop up regularly in the Grill Drip food lover community and alongside this recipe. These savory glazed Brussels sprouts have sparked so many joyful kitchen stories!
CONCLUSION:
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze brings me pure joy because it transforms simple veggies into a flavor-packed comfort food that brightens any meal. The crispy bacon Brussels sprouts meet a sweet and tangy balsamic vinegar reduction, creating a dish that’s both cozy and exciting.
My Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze Flavor Secrets:
- Always roast Brussels sprouts cut-side down for caramelized edges.
- Reserve and use bacon fat mixed with olive oil for deeper savory notes.
- Slowly simmer balsamic vinegar and honey to that perfect syrupy glaze.
I’ve tested variations like adding toasted pecans for crunch, swapping honey for maple syrup, and tossing in a sprinkle of Parmesan after roasting. Holiday dinners, casual weeknights, or potluck parties—all welcome this rustic roast.
Trust your taste buds and feel fearless with your improvisations. The kitchen will reward your bold flavor experiments with smiles and maybe even a few happy dances.
I’m beyond excited for you to try your hand at these Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze. Bring this dish into your home, and I know meals will never be the same again!
For more bold comfort food inspiration, don’t forget to check out these flavor-packed roasted carrots with whipped ricotta and hot honey over at Grill Drip. And if you’re craving more roasted vegetable magic, this quick roasted brussel sprouts recipe is a great place to start.
Also, if you want some inspiration from fellow food lovers, swing by this Facebook group where people rave about balsamic roasted brussels sprouts and other favorites. Remember, food that makes you smile is the best kind!
Happy cooking, fellow flavor adventurers!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze
Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with savory bacon and finished with a rich balsamic glaze, making a perfect savory side dish for any meal.
- 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 Brussels sprouts.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until sprouts are tender and bacon is crispy.
- While roasting, combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan and simmer until thickened into a glaze, about 5 minutes.
- Remove Brussels sprouts and bacon from oven, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and gently toss to coat.
- Serve warm as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of toasted walnuts or grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

