Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts are a staple side dish in our kitchen. They are great with a simple grilled chicken thigh or as an addition to your Thanksgiving menu. They come together in about 20 minutes and will convert even your pickiest eaters to brussels sprout lovers.
If you prefer to use only one pan you can cook the bacon in the large skillet before you cook the brussels sprouts. This saves on dishes but expect to add roughly 10 minutes to the cooking time. Cook the bacon over medium high- high heat until it reaches your desired crispiness. Remove to a paper towel and reduce heat to medium-high. Drain all but 3 TBSP bacon grease. Add the brussels sprouts, cut side down, and continue cooking as instructed by the recipe.
Happy Cooking!
Balsamic bacon brussels sprouts are delicious when paired with our pork tenderloin
Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 1 lb brussels sprouts
- 4-6 strips bacon
- 3 TBSP bacon fat
- 1-2 TBSP butter
- 1 TBSP balsamic vinegar
- 1 TBSP maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp granulated garlic
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place bacon in a single layer on baking sheet. Bake in oven for 12-15 minutes or until it reaches your desired crispiness. Remove bacon to a paper towel lined plate and reserve 3 TBSP of bacon grease. Once bacon has cooled chop into bite sized pieces
- While bacon cooks wash and prepare your brussels sprouts by trimming off the stem ends and cutting in half. If you have larger brussels sprout you may need to trim them in quarters.
- Preheat a larger 12" skillet over medium high heat. Melt 1-2 TBSP butter. Add brussels sprouts, cut side down, and allow to cook undisturbed for 6-8 minutes or until brussels get a nice dark brown color.
- Toss brussels and add granluated garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and allow to cook for 3-4 more minutes.
- Add bacon grease, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and chopped bacon. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes or until brussels are fork tender but still slightly firm.
- Enjoy!
Hey, hate to tell you but healthy does mean NO bacon grease. Perhaps avocado oil would help this recipe…just a thought. I’m cheering for your family!