Balsamic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Pecans
Oven-roasted Brussels sprouts caramelized with tangy balsamic vinegar, crispy bacon, and crunchy toasted pecans for a savory side dish. This american-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian option) ready in about 35 minutes pairs Brussels sprouts, halved, bacon slices, chopped, pecans, roughly chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
- 4 slices bacon slices, chopped
- 1/3 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a large bowl, toss 1 lb halved Brussels sprouts with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Spread Brussels sprouts on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Scatter 4 chopped bacon slices evenly over the sprouts.
- Step 3: Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through, until Brussels sprouts are golden and bacon is crispy.
- Step 4: Remove baking sheet from oven and drizzle 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar and 1 tsp honey over the hot Brussels sprouts and bacon.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 1/3 cup roughly chopped pecans on top and return to the oven for another 5 minutes to toast the pecans and caramelize the balsamic.
- Step 6: Remove from oven, toss gently to combine all ingredients, and serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Balsamic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Pecans take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Balsamic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Pecans?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep brussels sprouts, halved from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Balsamic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Pecans?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Balsamic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Pecans for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Balsamic-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Pecans vegetarian option?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.