Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon Balsamic Kiss

Bacon Brussels Sprouts My Christmas Dinner Sides Secret

By Amara Vitalis September 15, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Ever get stuck trying to figure out your Christmas dinner sides ? I know I have. Honestly, Brussels sprouts were never my favourite as a kid.

However, this recipe changed my mind completely.

Quick Hook

Are you ready to transform the humble Brussel sprout? Then prepare for a delicious, crispy, balsamic glazed revelation. These sprouts offer a sweet, tangy and savory explosion.

You can even call it festive vegetable side dishes!

Brief Overview

This dish elevates a traditional veggie. It gives it a modern, gourmet Christmas sides twist. This recipe is easy medium difficulty, taking about 50 minutes total. It yields 6-8 servings.

Main Benefits

These Brussel sprouts are packed with fiber and vitamins. It is perfect for your Christmas dinner sides . What makes this recipe special is the combination of crispy bacon and sweet balsamic glaze.

This also makes them holiday brussel sprout recipes, you can see that!

Ready for the good stuff? Here's a right proper list of , guv'nor, perfect for getting that Christmas dinner spread noticed: Balsamic glazed brussel sprouts and Roasted brussel sprouts with bacon are in this recipe.

And easy Christmas side dishes , to boot! So it is easy to use and make it special.

Why This Recipe Rocks

These aren't your grandma's soggy, sad sprouts. The balsamic reduction recipe adds a touch of sweetness. It balances the saltiness of the bacon for a flavor explosion.

Trust me, this dish will be a holiday hit.

Get Ready to Glaze

We’re roasting those sprouts and using good quality bacon. And finally finishing with that balsamic glaze. Let's get cooking! Get ready for the best Christmas dinner sides ever.

Right then, let's chat about what you'll need to make these Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon & Balsamic Kiss , a fantastic Christmas side dish recipe that will become one of your favorite Christmas dinner sides .

Honestly, these little beauties will steal the show. It has become one of my favourite Festive vegetable side dishes, everyone loves this recipe!.

Ingredients & Equipment

You know? I’ve made this dish so many times and after all the learning from my errors, this recipe is foolproof! Let's dive into the specifics.

Main Ingredients

Brussels sprouts: 1.5 lbs (680g) , trimmed and halved (or quartered if large). You want them firm and bright green. Avoid any that are yellowing or have black spots.
Thick cut bacon: 4 oz (115g) , cut into lardons. Look for bacon with good marbling for the best flavor.
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons - Just your regular everyday olive oil will do.
Kosher salt: 1/2 teaspoon – This brings out the flavors.
Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon – Freshly ground is always best.
Balsamic vinegar: 1/2 cup (120ml) – Get yourself a decent balsamic, not the cheap stuff. It makes a difference for your balsamic reduction recipe!.
Brown sugar: 2 tablespoons , packed. Light or dark, whatever you have on hand is fine.
Unsalted butter: 1 tablespoon . This adds richness to the glaze.

Seasoning Notes

The magic's in the balsamic reduction recipe, guv'nor! Brown sugar and balsamic vinegar is essential for a sweet tart kick. It gives it that gourmet Christmas sides flavour.

If you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of red pepper flakes will add a nice bit of heat. No brown sugar? A tablespoon of honey or maple syrup works a treat too.

Also, I like to add a dash of Worcestershire sauce!

Equipment Needed

You don’t need anything fancy for this Easy Christmas side dishes , mate.

Large baking sheet. A rimmed one is best to prevent any rogue sprouts from escaping.
Large skillet or frying pan.
Whisk.
Measuring cups and spoons.
Sharp knife.
Cutting board.

If you don't have a baking sheet, a large oven safe dish will do. A wooden spoon can stand in for a whisk.

I bet you have everything you need to prepare the most incredible batch of balsamic glazed brussel sprouts

And there you have it! Everything you need to nail these sprouts. So, get your apron on, crank up the Christmas tunes, and let's get cooking this holiday brussel sprout recipes that's set to impress.

Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Ditch the Boil, Embrace the Delicious!

Honestly, who actually likes boring boiled sprouts? I know I didn't. But these Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon & Balsamic Kiss are a total game changer.

Seriously, they'll convert even the staunchest sprout hater. This isn't just a Christmas dinner sides; it is a Christmas side dish recipes that'll become a family favorite.

We're talking crispy, savory, and just a touch sweet. Inspired by the classic flavors of a proper British Christmas, but leveled up for today's taste buds. Let's get started!

Prep Steps: Mise en Place Like a Pro

Alright, let's get our ducks in a row, shall we? Good mise en place is your best friend.

First, trim and halve (or quarter, if they're massive) 1.5 lbs of Brussels sprouts.
Next, dice 4 oz of thick cut bacon into small lardons.
Then, measure out 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.
Finally, get your balsamic glaze ingredients ready: ½ cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter.

Time saving tip: Chop the bacon while the oven preheats to 400° F ( 200° C) .

step-by-step: From Sprouts to Sensational

Toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a large baking sheet. Make sure they're spread out. Don't overcrowd them!.
Roast for 20- 25 minutes , flipping halfway. Look for slightly browned edges and tenderness.
While the sprouts roast, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Fry till crispy and remove, leaving the bacon fat.
Add balsamic vinegar and brown sugar to the skillet (with that delicious bacon fat). Simmer for 5- 7 minutes , stirring, until thickened. Watch it carefully!
Remove from heat and whisk in the butter.
Toss the roasted sprouts and crispy bacon with the balsamic reduction recipe .
Serve immediately and bask in the glory.

Pro Tips: Secrets to Sprout Success

Don't overcrowd your baking sheet! This ensures perfectly roasted brussel sprouts with bacon , not steamed ones.
High heat is your friend. 400° F ( 200° C) gives you those lovely crispy edges.
Watch that balsamic glaze like a hawk, guv'nor! It goes from perfect to burnt in seconds. Honestly... it's happened to me more times than I care to admit.

Here's a right proper list of , guv'nor, perfect for getting that Christmas dinner spread noticed! These Balsamic glazed brussel sprouts make for the perfect Festive vegetable side dishes .

So, this year ditch the same old routine and get yourself some gourmet Christmas sides . Now, if you need to prep ahead of time, roast the sprouts and bacon, make the glaze separately, and then toss everything together right before serving.

Enjoy these easy Christmas side dishes .

Recipe Notes

Right, let's talk turkey about these Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon & Balsamic Kiss . Honestly, this isn't just another side.

It's a game changer. Think about all the Christmas dinner sides you've endured over the years. These are different. Trust me.

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Plating

For presentation, think rustic chic. Pile the sprouts high on a platter. A sprinkle of fresh parsley? Makes them pop.

These beauties play well with a classic roast turkey. And mashed potatoes? Absolute heaven! Thinking of drinks? A nice Pinot Noir is spot-on.

Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh!

Got leftovers? Rare, but it happens! Pop them in an airtight container. Into the fridge they go. They'll keep for about 3 days .

Reheating? A quick zap in the microwave works. Or, better yet, a few minutes in a hot skillet to crisp them up again.

Don't fancy reheating? Cold, they are perfect on top of a salad.

Variations: Tweak It Your Way

Fancy a veggie version? Ditch the bacon, no worries! Toasted walnuts add a great crunch. Now that's what I call easy christmas side dish recipes .

You could use maple syrup if you are out of brown sugar, but start with a small amount so it doesn't become too sweet.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

Okay, let's be real. These aren't exactly a health food, thanks to the bacon. But sprouts are packed with vitamins.

They are loaded with fiber. Think of it as balance! These balsamic glazed brussel sprouts are perfect to bring to the table at a holiday brussel sprout recipes party.

These aren't just any sprouts. They're Christmas dinner sides that will make you the star. Give them a whirl, yeah? I am sure you'll smash it. Enjoy and happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prep these Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon & Balsamic Kiss ahead of time? I'm trying to be organised like Nigella Lawson for Christmas!

Absolutely! You can trim and halve the Brussels sprouts a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also cook the bacon ahead of time and store it separately.

However, I'd recommend making the balsamic glaze and roasting the sprouts just before serving for the best flavor and texture. Nobody wants soggy sprouts on Christmas Day!

My kids aren't sprout fans. Any tips for getting them to actually eat these Christmas dinner sides?

Ah, the eternal sprout battle! The key is all in the crispiness and the glaze. Roasting them until they're nicely browned and crispy is crucial, and the bacon and balsamic glaze add a sweet and savory flavor that even sprout skeptics might enjoy.

Consider cutting the sprouts smaller so they are more crispy and less bitter. You can even call them "mini cabbages with bacon sprinkles" a little wordplay never hurts!

How long can I store leftover Brussels sprouts, and what's the best way to reheat them?

Leftover Brussels sprouts can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, the best way is to spread them out on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. Microwaving can make them a bit soggy, so try to avoid that if possible.

Think of it as a mini "come dine with me" challenge - reheat and serve like a pro!

I'm watching my calorie intake over Christmas (trying to avoid that post Christmas bloat!). What are the nutritional facts for these christmas dinner sides?

Good on you for being mindful! Each serving (estimated at 8 servings total) contains approximately 210 calories, 8g protein, 12g fat, 18g carbohydrates, 4g fiber, 9g sugar, and 300mg sodium.

You can reduce the calorie count by using less bacon, reducing the amount of brown sugar in the balsamic glaze, or using an oil spray instead of tossing the sprouts in oil.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian? My Aunt Mildred is a veggie.

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon. To replace the savory, smoky flavor, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the Brussels sprouts before roasting. You can also add toasted walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and a bit of healthy fat to replace the bacon's richness. It's all about keeping Aunt Mildred happy!

My balsamic glaze went hard like toffee. What did I do wrong, and how can I avoid it next time?

Oh dear, sounds like you accidentally made balsamic brittle! This happens when the glaze is cooked for too long and the sugar caramelizes excessively. Next time, watch the glaze very carefully and remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches a syrupy consistency. The residual heat will continue to thicken it slightly.

Better to undercook it than to end up with a rock solid glaze!