Seasonal Tapas-Style Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze
Roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with crisp bacon and finished with a rich balsamic reduction, inspired by Memphis’ commitment to seasonal and thoughtful dishes. This american-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs halved Brussels sprouts, chopped bacon, olive oil 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, halved Brussels sprouts
- 4 slices, chopped bacon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 1 lb halved Brussels sprouts with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper on a baking sheet. Spread in a single layer and roast for 20-25 minutes until edges are caramelized and tender.
- Step 2: While Brussels sprouts roast, cook 4 chopped bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, reserving bacon fat.
- Step 3: In the same skillet with reserved bacon fat, sauté 2 minced garlic cloves over medium heat for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar and 1 tbsp brown sugar, simmering gently for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency.
- Step 4: Transfer roasted Brussels sprouts to a serving bowl, toss with the crispy bacon and drizzle the balsamic glaze evenly over the top. Serve warm as a flavorful seasonal tapas dish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Seasonal Tapas-Style Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Seasonal Tapas-Style Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze?
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 halved brussels sprouts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Seasonal Tapas-Style Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze?
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 Seasonal Tapas-Style Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze 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 Seasonal Tapas-Style Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic Glaze vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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