Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Balsamic Glaze
Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon & balsamic glaze.
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Rate this RecipeEquipment
- Oven-Safe Skillet
- Baking Dish An alternative to the skillet
- Paper Towels For draining excess fat from bacon
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 1-1.5 lbs brussels sprouts Trim off base and halve for even cooking
- 4-5 slices thick-cut bacon Choose high-quality for best flavor
- 1-3 tablespoons olive oil Use only if bacon produces little grease
- 1 tablespoon garlic & herb seasoning A blend of garlic, rosemary, thyme, and salt
- 1-2 tablespoons balsamic glaze For drizzling over finished dish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- To get started, gather about 1 to 1.5 pounds (450-680 grams) of fresh Brussels sprouts. Trim off the base and remove any outer leaves that look damaged, then halve each sprout for even cooking. For the bacon, you'll need 4-5 thick-cut slices, which equates to around 150-200 grams. Make sure to choose high-quality bacon for the best flavor. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Take an oven-safe skillet or baking dish and add the bacon slices to it. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and allow the bacon to cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until it turns a rich, crispy brown. Be sure to keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking or burning.
- Once the bacon is done, remove it from the oven, place it on a paper towel to drain excess fat, and set it aside. If your bacon has produced a lot of grease, carefully drain most of it, but leave around 2-3 tablespoons (30-45 ml) of the grease in the skillet. If needed, add a little olive oil (1-3 tablespoons / 15-45 ml) to ensure you have enough fat to coat the Brussels sprouts. This helps them achieve a beautiful, crispy texture during roasting.
- Place the skillet back into the oven and roast the Brussels sprouts for about 20 minutes. Make sure to stir them halfway through to get an even crisp on all sides. The sprouts should be caramelized and golden brown with some charred edges by the time they are ready. This roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the Brussels sprouts while ensuring they stay crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.
- While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, chop the cooked bacon into small pieces. Once the sprouts are ready, remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the chopped bacon evenly over the Brussels sprouts. Finally, drizzle 1-2 tablespoons (15-30 ml) of balsamic glaze over the entire dish for a touch of sweetness and acidity that perfectly complements the smoky bacon and earthy Brussels sprouts.
- Serve immediately while hot. This dish is perfect for pairing with roasted meats, mashed potatoes, or even as a standalone veggie appetizer.
Notes
Ensure Brussels sprouts are spread out in a single layer when roasting to avoid steaming and maximize crispiness.