Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Hot Bacon Balsamic Vinaigrette
Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts get with a warm, tangy bacon vinaigrette that transforms this humble vegetable into an irresistible side dish. The combination of salty bacon fat, sweet brown sugar, and sharp balsamic vinegar creates a perfect balance that complements the earthy, slightly bitter sprouts. This crowd-pleasing recipe works beautifully for holiday dinners, weeknight meals, or entertaining guests who claim they don't like Brussels sprouts.
Ingredients
- 10 slices bacon, chopped
- 3 lbs Brussels sprouts, quartered
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil
- 2
Cook bacon in large skillet until crisp, then remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels
- 3
Reserve bacon drippings in skillet
- 4
Combine Brussels sprouts, olive oil and salt in large bowl
- 5
Place sprouts on prepared baking sheet and bake until tender
- 6
Add vinegar, brown sugar and mustard to reserved bacon drippings in skillet
- 7
Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until mixture reduces by half
- 8
Pour vinaigrette over roasted sprouts and toss gently to coat
- 9
Sprinkle with crispy bacon and serve immediately
Tips
Don't overcrowd the baking sheet as Brussels sprouts need space to roast properly and develop crispy edges instead of steaming.
Reserve exactly 1/4 cup bacon drippings for the vinaigrette - too much makes it greasy, too little reduces flavor impact.
Serve immediately while the vinaigrette is still warm for the best flavor contrast with the hot roasted sprouts.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days. Reheat in 350F oven for 5-8 minutes to crisp up.
Brussels sprouts can be trimmed and quartered up to 1 day ahead. Bacon can be cooked and stored covered up to 2 days.
Best served immediately while hot. Can be kept warm in low oven for up to 30 minutes.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip reserving bacon drippings or vinaigrette will lack richness and bacon flavor.
Don't let vinaigrette reduce too much or it becomes syrupy and overpowering.
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I make this without bacon for vegetarians?
Yes, use 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil instead of bacon drippings for the vinaigrette. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for depth.
What if my Brussels sprouts are browning too quickly?
Lower oven temperature to 375F and cover with foil. They may need a few extra minutes to become tender.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store covered in refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat in oven to restore crispness rather than microwave which makes them soggy.