Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts

These flavorful brussels sprouts sauté quickly with bacon, garlic, and balsamic vinegar. It’s a simple recipe that’s addictively delicious!

Update: This recipe was originally published in 2020 and has been republished with all new photos.

Brussels sprouts are maybe my favorite vegetable. (Some days I might say broccoli, I can never decide. A woman is allowed to change her mind you know.) I know lots of people disagree. For some reason brussels sprouts are either very loved or very hated — nobody is on the fence about them. Strong opinions only.

My theory is that those who don’t like them have probably mostly been served them steamed or raw. (I grew up with them steamed. Anyone else? Is that just how most people made their veggies in the 80’s and 90’s or was it just my family?)

For years my favorite way to prepare them has been to pop them in the oven. Oh man, roasted sprouts are so perfectly crispy, salty, and just plain yummy! Try my Roasted Brussels Sprouts or Herb Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Broccoli if you haven’t yet. But recently I’ve been experimenting with different ways to cook and flavor them.

Today’s balsamic brussels sprouts have lots of tangy flavor. The bacon gives this side a saltiness and sweetness you’re going to really appreciate. Plus the balsamic vinegar balances it out with a bit of savory. And there’s garlic. What’s not to love about garlic?!

So switch things up for dinner tonight with this surprisingly fun dish. It’s a huge hit I bet even the brussels sprouts haters will be surprised by.

Ingredients for Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts

• Olive or avocado oil: A little bit of oil helps us sauté the brussels sprouts. I recommend extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil but you can use any oil you’re comfortable cooking with.
• Bacon: You can use pork or turkey bacon.
• Brussels sprouts: We’re using fresh brussels sprouts in this easy recipe. You’ll find them in the produce section of grocery stores (looking like adorable baby cabbages). These will be trimmed and halved to decrease their cooking time.
• Balsamic vinegar: Aged balsamic vinegar adds a punch of tanginess that pairs beautifully with the crispy bacon pieces.
• Garlic: Minced garlic has a pungent and delicious flavor. You can mince your own fresh garlic or use a jarred variety.
• Salt and pepper: Salt and black pepper are the only seasonings you need here.

How to Make Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts

If using turkey bacon, add 1 tablespoon of oil to a large skillet on the stovetop. Heat to medium heat. Once hot, add the diced bacon. Cook until bacon is crispy, stirring frequently. Remove bacon from skillet and set aside.

If using pork bacon, heat a large skillet to medium heat on the stovetop. Add diced bacon and cook until bacon is crispy, stirring frequently. Remove bacon from skillet and set aside. (We don’t need the extra fat from the oil to get the pork bacon crispy. We do need that extra oil when using turkey.)

Add 2 tablespoons of oil to skillet along with whatever bacon grease remains. Add halved brussels sprouts to your skillet in a single layer. Salt and pepper. Cook on medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 12 minutes. Brussels sprouts should be a fairly bright green color with lots of golden brown.

Reduce heat to low. Add crispy bacon, garlic, and balsamic vinegar to skillet. Stir. Cover and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until brussels sprouts are tender. Taste and add more salt or pepper if desired. Voila! Now you have delicious brussels sprouts that are easy enough for busy weeknights but still special enough for the holiday season.

How to Trim and Halve Brussels Sprouts

1. Use a knife to carefully slice off and discard the bottom stem of the brussels sprout. Those tough ends are not fun to eat so its best to eliminate them right away.
2. Remove any loose leaves that look wilted, brown, or dry.
3. Cut the brussels sprout in half vertically.
4. Keep any leaves that fall off while you’re cutting the sprouts in half. Just toss them in the pan with the halves. Those extra leaves get perfectly crispy!

How to Store Leftover Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Store any leftover brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

You can also freeze them if you prefer. Freeze in an airtight freezer safe container (like freezer bags). Then thaw and reheat in a skillet on the stovetop or in the microwave.

How to Serve Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts

This delicious recipe is the perfect addition to any healthy meal but special enough for a holiday menu too. Serve as is or add pine nuts of parmesan cheese if you’re looking for a fun topping idea!

This easy side dish pairs beautifully with a main dish like chicken, steak, turkey, pork, or fish. I recommend my Italian Marinated Grilled Chicken or Easy Air Fryer Steak Bites. If you’re eating low carb, add a simple salad! If you want to create a more satiating dinner, add a side of rice or a baked potato.

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