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The Best Brussels Sprouts Recipe

This Brussels sprouts recipe combines crispy roasted sprouts with the smoky richness of bacon and a sweet, tangy balsamic maple glaze. Blanching the sprouts first ensures a tender interior, while roasting them in bacon grease creates an irresistible crispness. The glaze, made with balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and a hint of cayenne, adds the perfect balance of sweetness and heat. Finished with crumbled bacon for a savory crunch, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve it as a standout side dish or enjoy it on its own—either way, it’s chef’s kiss delicious!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings 2 people

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

  1. Instructions
  2. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  3. Clean the Brussels sprouts by trimming off the stems and removing any loose leaves.
  4. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
  5. Boil the sprouts for 4-5 minutes.
  6. Remove them from the pot and place them into an ice bath to cool.
  7. While the sprouts cool, fry the bacon in a pan. Once crispy, remove the bacon and reserve the bacon grease.
  8. Drain the Brussels sprouts and pat them dry with a paper towel.
  9. Slice each sprout in half and place them into a bowl.
  10. Drizzle the reserved bacon grease over the sprouts.
  11. Add the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss well to coat.
  12. Place a baking sheet in the oven for 5 minutes to preheat.
  13. Remove the hot baking sheet and spread the Brussels sprouts onto it, cut side down.
  14. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the sprouts are as crispy as you’d like.
  15. While the sprouts roast, add the balsamic vinegar to the same pan used for frying the bacon.
  16. Simmer the vinegar until it reduces, about 5 minutes.
  17. Stir in the maple syrup, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper.
  18. Continue to simmer until the glaze thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  19. Transfer the roasted sprouts to a large bowl.
  20. Drizzle the glaze over them and sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top.
  21. Toss gently to coat.
  22. Serve immediately and enjoy!