Crispy Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Name: Crispy Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1 tbsp honey; 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes; 1 tsp garlic salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup cooked bacon, crumbled

This crispy balsamic brussels sprouts recipe uses a microwave shortcut to soften the sprouts before roasting, delivering a tender interior and caramelized exterior topped with savory bacon and a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze.

🌍American 🏷️Brussels sprouts 🏷️Roasted vegetables 🏷️Side dish 🏷️Bacon Balsamic glaze

🏷️

🏷️Crispy

-0:00

jackiehartlaubonTikTok

Total

30 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$17–$28

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by jackiehartlaub

-0:00

jackiehartlaubonTikTok

Ingredients

1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup cooked bacon, crumbledoptional

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Instructions

1
Place the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts in a large microwave-safe bowl.
2
Microwave for 2-3 minutes to soften them slightly.
3
Remove from the microwave and season with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat.
4
Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet, ensuring they are cut-side down.
5
Bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, or until super crispy.
6
While the sprouts bake, take any loose leaves, toss them in the remaining seasoning mixture, and air fry for about 5 minutes until crispy.
7
Transfer the roasted Brussels sprouts to a serving dish.
8
Top with the crispy air-fried leaves and crumbled bacon bits before serving.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Pat the brussels sprouts dry after microwaving and trimming—excess moisture prevents crisping. Arrange them cut-side down on the baking sheet for direct heat contact.
Don't stir the sprouts halfway through roasting; keep them undisturbed to develop a deep brown, caramelized crust on the cut side.
Toss the roasted sprouts with the balsamic glaze and bacon immediately after removing from the oven while they're still hot, so the glaze coats them evenly.
For extra crispness, use a preheated baking sheet and increase the oven temperature to 425°F if your sprouts tend to steam rather than crisp.

Substitutions

Balsamic vinegar → apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar (reduce honey slightly)
Honey → maple syrup (use equal amount)
Bacon → pancetta or prosciutto (cook and crumble the same way)
Crushed red pepper flakes → smoked paprika or cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat at 350°F for 5 minutes to restore crispness.

Equipment

microwave · baking sheet · oven

Common Questions

Why microwave the brussels sprouts first?

Microwaving softens the sprouts' interiors before roasting, reducing total cook time and ensuring they're tender inside while the oven crisps the exterior.