Name: Balsamic Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 24 min
Total time: 34 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste; 4 slices of bacon, chopped; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Jump to Recipe

Balsamic Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon will be your new favorite way to eat them! The perfect blend of Sweet, savory and salty flavors. They’re sure to turn brussels sprouts haters into lovers!

Overhead photo of a white bowl filled with balsamic maple roasted brussels sprouts with bacon. A small bowl of balsamic vinegar with a spoon in it behind the bowl.

This recipe and photos have been updated since the original post on 11/16/2014

It’s hard to believe that it’s already November and that Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away. If Thanksgiving is anything like Halloween was this year, then you’re likely already preparing for it. Even if you’re not quite ready to start planning your menu, these Balsamic Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are a fantastic fall side dish!

closeup photo of balsamic maple roasted brussels sprouts with bacon in a white bowl with a spoon.

It seems like people either love or hate brussels sprouts. If you’re one of those people who hates them, then you probably aren’t looking at this recipe. However, If you love them or are trying to find a way to make someone else love them, then you’re in the right place. These brussels sprouts are savory, sweet, salty and perfectly crispy!

Ingredients photo showing brussels sprouts, bacon, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

Ingredients For Balsamic Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Brussels sprouts
Olive oil
Bacon
Maple syrup
Balsamic vinegar

Roasted brussels sprouts and bacon on a sheet pan.

How to Roast Brussels Sprouts So They’re Crispy

Toss the brussels sprouts with olive oil so they are completely coated. You will also season them with plenty of kosher salt and black pepper at this stage too. I usually use 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil per pound of brussels sprouts.
Spread the brussels sprouts into a single layer and make sure they aren’t crowded. If they don’t have space in between them they’ll steam rather than get crisp.
Roast them at a high temperature. I usually do 400-425° F. when I make mine.
Toss them halfway through the cooking time so that both sides get crispy and browned.

Overhead photo of balsamic maple roasted brussels sprouts with bacon in a white bowl with a spoon.

Why is Roasting the Best Method to Cook Brussels Sprouts?

Roasting removes the bitterness, which is the reason some people don’t like brussels sprouts. When roasted with olive oil, salt and pepper it gives caramelizes them and gives them a slight sweetness. It also makes the texture crisp unlike when they are boiled and have a mushy texture.

Tips and FAQ

Buy brussels sprouts that are pre-washed and trimmed. This is a huge time saver. The only thing you’ll have to do is cut them in half lengthwise.
Use an aged balsamic vinegar that’s thick and syrupy almost like balsamic glaze. It’s much sweeter and works great for this recipe. This is my favorite aged balsamic vinegar.
Don’t use pancake syrup. Pure maple syrup is what you want.

balsamic maple roasted brussels sprouts with bacon in a white bowl with a spoon. A small bowl of balsamic vinegar behind the bowl.

Can I make the brussels sprouts without bacon?

Absolutely. If you want to keep this dish vegetarian/vegan just skip using it. You’ll still end up with a great combination of salty and sweet flavors.

Can I make the brussels sprout ahead of time?

I don’t recommend making them ahead of time because they will lose their crispy texture, as will the bacon.