If you think you don’t like Brussels sprouts, this recipe is about to change your mind! These crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts are roasted in bacon grease and tossed in a sweet, tangy balsamic maple glaze. The result? Perfectly golden, crispy sprouts bursting with smoky, sweet, and savory flavors.
This easy Brussels sprouts recipe starts with a quick blanch to ensure a tender inside, then they’re roasted to perfection and finished with a rich, sticky glaze. Whether you’re making them for a holiday feast or an easy weeknight dinner, these Brussels sprouts will steal the show!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Perfectly Crispy – Roasting them in bacon grease creates an irresistible crunch.
✔️ Incredibly Flavorful – A balance of smoky bacon, sweet maple syrup, and tangy balsamic.
✔️ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and BIG flavor!
✔️ Crowd-Pleaser – Even Brussels sprouts skeptics will love this dish!
Ingredients You’ll Need
• 1 pound Brussels sprouts (cleaned and trimmed)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3-4 slices bacon (for crispiness & flavor!)
• 3 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar (for tangy richness)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (for sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar (to enhance the caramelization)
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: How to Clean Brussels Sprouts
Properly cleaning Brussels sprouts is the key to a great dish. Here’s how:
1. Rinse Well: Place the sprouts in a colander and rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt.
2. Trim the Stems: Use a sharp knife to cut off the tough stem at the base of each sprout.
3. Remove Loose Leaves: Peel away any yellow or wilted outer leaves.
4. Cut in Half: For even cooking and maximum crispiness, slice each sprout in half lengthwise.
Step 2: Parboil for the Perfect Texture
Parboiling (or blanching) Brussels sprouts before roasting ensures they are tender inside while still getting crispy outside.
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
2. Add the trimmed Brussels sprouts and boil for 4-5 minutes until slightly tender.
3. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
4. Drain well and pat dry completely with a paper towel—this is crucial for crispy roasting!
Step 3: Fry the Bacon & Prep the Sprouts
1. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove the bacon, crumble it, and set it aside. Reserve the bacon grease in the pan.
3. In a large bowl, toss the dried Brussels sprouts with the warm bacon grease, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 4: Roast to Crispy Perfection
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and place an empty baking sheet inside for 5 minutes—this helps crisp up the sprouts faster.
2. Remove the hot baking sheet and spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer, cut side down.
3. Roast for 25-30 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until deeply golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Make the Sweet & Tangy Glaze
While the sprouts roast, make the delicious balsamic maple glaze:
1. In the same pan used for the bacon, simmer the balsamic vinegar over medium heat until reduced by half (about 5 minutes).
2. Stir in the maple syrup, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper and simmer until the glaze thickens slightly and coats a spoon.
Step 6: Toss & Serve
1. Transfer the roasted Brussels sprouts to a large bowl.
2. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top and gently toss to coat.
3. Sprinkle the crispy bacon crumbles on top.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy every crispy, caramelized bite!
Expert Tips for the Best Brussels Sprouts
✔️ Dry Them Well – After blanching, make sure to pat the sprouts completely dry. Moisture prevents them from crisping up.
✔️ Use a Hot Pan – Preheating the baking sheet gives the sprouts an instant sear, creating the best crispy edges.
✔️ Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Give the sprouts space on the baking sheet so they roast instead of steam.
✔️ Roast Cut Side Down – This helps caramelize the edges for maximum flavor.
✔️ Adjust the Sweetness & Heat – Love spicy? Add extra cayenne. Prefer sweeter? Increase the maple syrup slightly.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storage:
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
• Oven (Best Method): Reheat at 375°F for 10 minutes until crispy.
• Air Fryer: Heat at 375°F for 5 minutes for a quick crisp.
• Microwave: Use short bursts, but note that the sprouts won’t be as crispy.
Freezing?
• Freezing is not recommended, as Brussels sprouts can become mushy when thawed.
What to Serve with Brussels Sprouts
This dish pairs beautifully with:
• Roast Chicken or Turkey – Perfect for holiday dinners.
• Steak or Grilled Meats – The bold flavors complement hearty dishes.
• Mashed Potatoes or Rice – For a comforting, well-rounded meal.
Try This Recipe Today!
Once you try these crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts, you’ll never look at this vegetable the same way again. The smoky bacon, tangy balsamic glaze, and sweet maple syrup make them addictively delicious.
Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! And if you loved it, don’t forget to share it with friends and family.
The Best Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts cleaned
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3-4 slices bacon
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
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Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400°F.
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Clean the Brussels sprouts by trimming off the stems and removing any loose leaves.
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Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
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Boil the sprouts for 4-5 minutes.
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Remove them from the pot and place them into an ice bath to cool.
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While the sprouts cool, fry the bacon in a pan. Once crispy, remove the bacon and reserve the bacon grease.
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Drain the Brussels sprouts and pat them dry with a paper towel.
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Slice each sprout in half and place them into a bowl.
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Drizzle the reserved bacon grease over the sprouts.
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Add the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss well to coat.
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Place a baking sheet in the oven for 5 minutes to preheat.
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Remove the hot baking sheet and spread the Brussels sprouts onto it, cut side down.
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Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the sprouts are as crispy as you’d like.
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While the sprouts roast, add the balsamic vinegar to the same pan used for frying the bacon.
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Simmer the vinegar until it reduces, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in the maple syrup, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper.
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Continue to simmer until the glaze thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
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Transfer the roasted sprouts to a large bowl.
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Drizzle the glaze over them and sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top.
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Toss gently to coat.
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Serve immediately and enjoy!
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