Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic and Bacon

Appetisers & Sides
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  • Main Ingredient: Brussels Sprouts
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 25-30 mins
  • Serves: 4
  • Recipe by: Sticky Balsamic
Ingredients

Ingredients

  • FOR THE BRUSSELS SPROUTS
  • 500g (1.1 lbs) fresh brussels sprouts, trimmed
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml / 1 fl oz) Sticky Balsamic (any flavor, for roasting. We used Pear)
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml / 1.5 fl oz) olive oil
  • 1/2 cup (50g / 1.8 oz) grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • FOR TOPPING
  • 100g (3.5 oz) bacon or pancetta, diced
  • 2-3 tablespoons Sticky Balsamic Original (for drizzling)
  • Sticky Balsamic Original Pearls (for garnish)
  • Additional grated parmesan cheese
  • Fresh cracked black pepper (optional)

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PRINT RECIPE
  • Main Ingredient: Brussels Sprouts
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 25-30 mins
  • Serves: 4
  • Recipe by: Sticky Balsamic
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These crispy smashed brussels sprouts are about to change your mind about this often-misunderstood vegetable. Boiled, smashed, and roasted until golden and crispy, then drizzled with Sticky Balsamic and topped with crispy bacon and parmesan—they’re the ultimate side dish that steals the show. The combination of caramelized edges, sweet-tart balsamic, salty bacon, and nutty parmesan creates an irresistible flavor bomb that even Brussels sprouts skeptics will devour.

Method:

Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

  1. Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add trimmed brussels sprouts and boil for 8-10 minutes until fork-tender but not mushy.
  3. Drain Brussels sprouts well and let them steam dry on a paper towel for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Transfer Brussels sprouts to the prepared baking sheet. Using the bottom of a glass or jar, gently smash each sprout until flattened but still holding together.

Season and Roast

  1. Drizzle smashed brussels sprouts with 2 tablespoons Sticky Balsamic (Pear) and olive oil. Toss to coat evenly.
  2. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder (if using), and half the grated Parmesan cheese.
  3. Roast for 15 minutes until the bottoms are golden and crispy.
  4. Carefully flip each Brussels sprout using a spatula or tongs.
  5. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan over the flipped sprouts.
  6. Roast for another 10-12 minutes until both sides are crispy and golden brown with caramelized edges.

Prepare the Bacon

  1. While Brussels sprouts are roasting, cook diced bacon or pancetta in a skillet over medium heat until crispy (about 6-8 minutes). Drain on paper towels.

Assemble and Serve

  1. Transfer crispy Brussels sprouts to a serving dish.
  2. Drizzle generously with Sticky Balsamic Original.
  3. Top with crispy bacon or pancetta pieces.
  4. Add clusters of Sticky Balsamic Original Pearls throughout the dish.
  5. Finish with additional grated parmesan cheese and fresh cracked black pepper if desired.
  6. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
  7. Enjoy!

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