Cider Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Name: Cider Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 lb (454g) thick-cut bacon, cut into small pieces (½-inch thick); 3 lbs (1.3kg) fresh brussels sprouts, halved lengthwise through stem; 3 tbsp olive oil; 2 tsp kosher salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 cup (240ml) apple cider ((not apple cider vinegar)); ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar; 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

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These Cider Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon will convert anyone who thinks they don’t like brussels sprouts. Ask me how I know!

roasted brussels sprouts with cider glaze and bacon in large white bowl.

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Anyone else grow up with boiled brussels sprouts? Yuck! They grossed me out. I don’t blame my mom (sorry mom!). It was just the era (at least my era–the 70’s-80’s) where nothing was ever roasted. It was always boiled or steamed. And while those cooking methods are great for some things, brussels sprouts isn’t one of em. Also, I don’t think I ever saw an actual FRESH brussels sprout until I was in my mid 30’s. I think the ones my mom used to buy were frozen.

But what’s that saying, “everything is better with bacon”? Or is it butter? Chocolate? All three of those sound like they should be my mantra, honestly. Haha! All I know is when brussels sprouts are roasted and meet up with bacon and its drippings, and the whole shabang is drizzled with a sticky glaze, well, that changes everything. And the world gained a few new brussels sprouts fans (my husband and myself).

what you’ll need to make roasted brussels sprouts with bacon

ingredients measured out and labeled hot pink labels and white lettering.

Bacon — thick cut is best for this recipe.
Apple cider — not apple cider vinegar.
Brussels sprouts — make sure to use fresh brussels sprouts. You can find them pretty much everywhere these days (even on the stalk sometimes).

let’s make this easy recipe

Spread bacon pieces onto baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees F for 5 minutes.
Cut brussels sprouts in half lengthwise and drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
Remove bacon from oven and add brussels sprouts to baking sheet. Stir to distribute. Flip cut sides of brussels sprouts over so they’re touching the baking sheet. Roast for another 15 minutes.
Combine apple cider, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer sauce until reduced into a thick, sticky glaze (reduce by at least half).
Remove brussels sprouts from oven and pour glaze over sprouts, stirring to coat fully. Return to oven for 4-5 minutes.

partially baked bacon pieces on baking sheet.

putting halved brussels sprouts cut side down on baking sheet with bacon.

brussels sprouts frequently asked questions

Should brussels sprouts be parboiled before roasting?

It’s not necessary at all to parboil brussels sprouts before roasting. Roasting at a high temperature will result in slightly crunchy but perfectly cooked brussels sprouts.

Why flip brussels sprouts cut side down when roasting?

Roasting brussels sprouts cut side down allows the flat side of each brussels sprout to come in contact with the pan for maximum caramelization.

How long will roasted brussels sprouts last?

Brussels sprouts with bacon and cider glaze will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. They can be reheating by microwaving them for a minute or roasting them in a 425-degree oven for 5-7 minutes.

more side dishes/veggies

up close overhead shot of roasted brussels sprouts with bacon on baking sheet.

Be adventurous this year and try these Cider Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon. As soon as you do, you’ll wonder why you never liked brussels sprouts before!