Balsamic Bacon Brussels Sprouts are by far one of my family’s favorite vegetable side dish to eat.
This is by far one of the best ways to eat brussel spouts. They’re loaded with crispy brussel sprouts, sticky dates, salty bacon and tangy balsamic vinegar glaze. No joke – if you’re not a huge fan of Brussel sprouts, these will change your mind!
Be sure to give this easy recipe a try the next time you’re looking for the perfect side dish with your weeknight dinner the whole family will love! These are also a delicious recipe to be serving up for your holiday dinner!
Ingredients you will need
Meat: Thick-cut crispy bacon
Veggies: Brussel Sprouts, minced garlic
Toppings: Slivered almonds, dates
Seasoning: SPG (Salt, black pepper, garlic powder)
Glaze: Balsamic reduction

How to make Balsamic Bacon Brussel Sprouts
Begin by frying the thick-cut bacon in a preheated cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once the bacon is crispy, remove it from the pan and place it on plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess bacon fat.
While the bacon cooks, trim the end off of the Brussel sprout and discard it along with any excess outer leaves. Cut each Brussel sprout in half (the long way)

Drain excess bacon grease from the skillet, less 1 tablespoon.
Add the halved brussels to the skillet cut side down. Let them cook for 3-4 minutes until charred. Add the salt, pepper and minced garlic then give them a stir every 2 minutes after that until they begin to soften (4-5 minutes).

Reduce the skillet to a medium-low heat, then add the fried bacon, chopped dates, slivered almonds and 2 tbsp of balsamic glaze. Cover then let cook for 3 minutes.

Serve the bacon balsamic brussels sprouts on a serving dish then add a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top.

If you happen to have leftovers or are looking to meal prep, store them in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
There are many different ways to cook crispy Brussels sprouts. You can do them in the oven on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper, in a skillet or even in an air fryer.
Is bacon your love language?
Be sure to try some of my other favorite recipes below!
Bourbon Bacon Jam Chicken Wings: Grilled chicken wings coated in bacon jam that has crispy bacon and sticky maple syrup. These are hands down my favorite way to make chicken wings.
Smoked Mac and Cheese: Gooey, cheesy Mac and cheese that has chunks of bacon and has been smoked to absolute perfection! This is another great side dish to be serving up for any large gatherings!
Calico Baked Beans: These beans are loaded with a ton of flavor and are a crowd favorite! Sweet, savory bacon, lots of beans and ground burger. This one is a great summer side dish to serve up at you BBQ!
Bacon Cheeseburger Jalapeno Poppers: One of my most popular appetizers to serve for game day or at a party! Grilled burger, crispy bacon, and gooey cheese all smoked together in a jalapeno for the perfect bite.
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Balsamic Bacon Brussel Sprouts
Balsamic bacon brussels sprouts are one of the best side dishes you can serve up with you meal! They’re loaded with charred Brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, gooey dates and a tangy balsamic glaze.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of Brussel sprouts
- 6 slices of thick cut bacon
- 1 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 3 dates with the pit removed
- 2 tbsp slivered almonds
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Begin by frying the bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Once crispy, remove it from the pan and place it on paper towels to absorb the excess grease.
- While the bacon cooks, trim the end off of the Brussel sprout and discard it. Cut each Brussel sprout in half (the long way)
- Drain excess bacon fat from the skillet, less 1 tbsp.
- Add the Brussel sprouts to the skillet cut side down. Let them cook for 3-4 minutes until charred. Add the salt, pepper and minced garlic then give them a stir every 2 minutes after that until they begin to soften (4-5 minutes).
- Reduce the skillet to low heat, then add the chopped bacon, chopped dates, slivered almonds and 2 tbsp of balsamic glaze. Cover then let cook for 3 minutes.
- Serve the brussel sprouts in a dish and drizzle 1 tbsp of balsamic glaze on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
1 Comment
This recipe is a game changer! I have wanted to like Brussel Sprouts for years but just didn’t until I tired these! These are amazing and the recipe is spot on! Delish!