Caramelized Brussels Sprouts

close up of roasted brussels sprouts in bacon grease on a sheet pan with balsamic glaze on top

Caramelized Brussels sprouts are a delicious and easy side dish. Fresh Brussels sprouts are roasted in bacon fat and glazed with a balsamic reduction. This will be your new favorite Brussels sprouts recipe!

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 25

Total Time 30

Servings

Calories 111kcal

Author Amee

Equipment

Oven

Ingredients

2 tablespoon rendered bacon fat
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 ½ lbs Brussels sprouts
Balsamic vinegar glaze thicker than regular balsamic vinegar *see notes for a homemade version
sea salt and fresh ground pepper
olive oil cooking spray or Avocado oil spray

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Wash Brussels sprouts and peel off the first outer layer.
Slice the Brussels sprouts in half lengthwise.
Place into a large bowl and toss with bacon fat and olive oil.
Pour onto a greased baking pan sprayed with olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray and season with sea salt and fresh ground pepper.
Roast for 20-25 minutes, turning once in between and give them a little spritz of olive oil spray, if needed, halfway through baking time.
Remove Brussels sprouts from oven and lightly drizzle balsamic glaze over top.
Toss to coat and pop back into the oven for 3-5 minutes more or until golden brown on both sides.
Serve warm.

Notes

To make balsamic glaze, add balsamic vinegar to a pot and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer, stirring constantly, until the vinegar thickens into a sticky syrup consistency. To make it sweeter, reduce the vinegar with sugar.
The exact time it takes to roast brussels sprouts until they are perfectly caramelized depends on the size of your sprouts, so keep a close eye on the oven and watch for doneness.
Remember, when it comes to brussels sprouts, bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better. In fact, if they’re on the smaller side, that typically means they were picked before maturity, so they’re naturally sweeter and juicier.
The amount of balsamic glaze you use depends on your preference. If you like subtle balsamic flavor, only add a small splash, but if you want a sweet and savory punch, go to town on the drizzle of glaze.

Nutrition