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Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Vinegar

I didn't like brussels sprouts growing up. They were always boiled, or out of a can, and generally not worth the effort of picking up my fork. The texture was bad. The taste was off.

I'm sad that I missed 20-something years of eating these delicious mini cabbages, because man oh man, I love them now! 

From Charlene (via e-mail):"Your recipe for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Vinegar as terrific.  I have always eaten Brussel Sprouts but have never enjoyed them so much.  Thanks, Charlene." 

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Vinegar

Beautiful roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Vinegar.

A few years back, I was served brussels sprouts as a side when I was dining out. I apprehensively took a bite, then proceeded to gobble them up and rave about them the rest of the night! They were roasted with bacon, perfectly tender and packed with flavor.

These brussels sprouts resembled nothing of the brussels sprouts of my youth, thank goodness. The secret? They were halved and perfectly roasted, leaving crispy edges and tender middles. 

"I’ve tried several recipes when cooking sprouts in oven and never liked them but these were excellent. I put them together in the morning minus the balsamic and olive oil and drizzled them when placing them in oven. They caramelized beautifully and I loved the flavor. Much easier then pan frying."- Gay Shuert via Yummly 

I set out to recreate these brussels sprouts at home, and after many years, I'm happy to say that I'm very close. Halving the brussels sprouts and placing them cut side down on the pan ensures that the edges with be crisp. As the bacon cooks, grease drips down onto the pan, and flavors the inner leaves of the sprouts. The balsamic vinegar is the perfect topping. It caramelizes to a sweet and savory coating as the sprouts roast. 

"The best Brussels sprouts recipe!"- Sharon W., Yummly User

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These are beautiful enough to make for company, but easy enough to make on a weeknight. I hope that you enjoy, and if you are a brussels sprouts hater, please let me know if these convert you! 

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Recipe

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Vinegar

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Vinegar

Yield: Serves 4-5
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Perfectly roasted brussels sprouts, mixed with salty bacon, sweet onions, and caramelized balsamic vinegar.

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces of brussels sprouts, trimmed and cleaned
  • 4 slices of bacon, chopped
  • ½ yellow onion, diced
  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • ⅛ cup olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Clean and trim brussels sprouts. I typically remove the outer leaves and cut off the stem. Halve them and place them cut side down on a greased baking sheet.
  3. Add chopped, uncooked bacon and diced onions to baking sheet.
  4. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  5. Roast for 20-25 minutes until caramelized and outer leaves are starting to turn a deep golden brown. Remove pan from oven and shake pan 1-2 times during roasting process.
  6. Remove from oven, serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Yield 5 Serving Size 4
Amount Per Serving Calories 188Total Fat 15gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 11gCholesterol 9mgSodium 294mgCarbohydrates 10gFiber 3gSugar 4gProtein 6g

The nutrition for this recipe is calculated by an app and may be incorrect.

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Comments received for this recipe:

From Charlene (via e-mail):"Your recipe for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Vinegar as terrific.  I have always eaten Brussel Sprouts but have never enjoyed them so much.  Thanks, Charlene." 

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