COURSE:
British, Lunch, Main Course, Recipe Page, Recipes, Seasonal, Side Dish
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Balsamic
Sweet, savoury and perfectly caramelised, these Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Balsamic are the side dish that wins over even the biggest sprout sceptics. Roasted or air-fried until crisp and golden, then tossed with smoky bacon and a tangy balsamic glaze, they’re a flavour-packed addition to any meal – especially roasts, festive feasts or winter dinners.
A Classic Combo with a Twist
The magic here is in the contrast: crispy edges on the sprouts, salty richness from the bacon, and a sweet-sharp drizzle of balsamic reduction to tie it all together. The high heat of the air fryer or oven brings out the natural nuttiness of the sprouts, while the bacon adds that moreish crunch and depth.
Quick and Easy Prep
Thanks to the Instant Pot or air fryer, you can get perfect results with very little hands-on time. Par-cook the sprouts if needed, then crisp them up with chopped bacon until golden and delicious. Finish with a splash of balsamic vinegar or glaze for a glossy, sticky coating that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing
Serve these Brussels sprouts alongside roast meats, festive mains, or as part of a hearty weeknight dinner. They’re also great as a warm salad base, topped with toasted nuts or shavings of Parmesan. Want to make it veggie? Just skip the bacon or use a plant-based alternative – the balsamic still delivers loads of flavour.
The Sprout Upgrade You’ve Been Waiting For
Whether you love sprouts or need convincing, this recipe is a game-changer. Crispy, sticky, salty and sweet all in one bite – Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Balsamic might just become the most-requested side dish at your table.
Brussel Sprouts with Bacon & Balsamic
Difficulty:
Easy
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
10 mins
Servings:
2-4
Product:
Vortex Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 480ml water
- 340g Brussels Sprouts
- 100-150g Bacon
- Handfull of chopped chive
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 garlic clove
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place a vegetable steamer basket with legs in the Instant Pot. Add the water to the pot.
- Add Brussels sprouts to pot, arranging evenly in the steamer basket.
- Secure the lid on the pot. Close the pressure-release valve. Select manual and cook at high pressure for 2 minutes. When cooking is complete, use a quick release to depressurize. Press cancel.
- Transfer Brussels sprouts to a medium bowl. Remove steamer basket from pot; pour water from the pot. Wipe pot dry.
- Select sauté and adjust to normal. Add half of the Brussels sprouts and half of the bacon to the pot.
- Cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until sprouts are browned and bacon is crisp, stirring occasionally.
- Transfer sprouts and bacon to a serving dish; cover to keep warm. Repeat with remaining sprouts and bacon.
- Add to serving dish with first half of sprouts and bacon. Press cancel.
- Sprinkle sprouts with chives and drizzle with vinegar; sprinkle with pepper and salt. Toss quickly to coat. Serve immediately.
- *TIP: If your steamer basket doesn’t have legs, place the trivet in the pot first, then place steamer basket on top of it.
Notes
After being steamed to tender perfection, the sprouts are browned with the bacon until they get a crisp, golden edge. A drizzle of balsamic vinegar adds a hint of sweetness
Brussel Sprouts with Bacon & Balsamic
COURSE:
British, Lunch, Main Course, Recipe Page, Recipes, Seasonal, Side Dish
Difficulty:
Easy
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
10 mins
Servings:
2-4
Product:
Vortex Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 480ml water
- 340g Brussels Sprouts
- 100-150g Bacon
- Handfull of chopped chive
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 garlic clove
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place a vegetable steamer basket with legs in the Instant Pot. Add the water to the pot.
- Add Brussels sprouts to pot, arranging evenly in the steamer basket.
- Secure the lid on the pot. Close the pressure-release valve. Select manual and cook at high pressure for 2 minutes. When cooking is complete, use a quick release to depressurize. Press cancel.
- Transfer Brussels sprouts to a medium bowl. Remove steamer basket from pot; pour water from the pot. Wipe pot dry.
- Select sauté and adjust to normal. Add half of the Brussels sprouts and half of the bacon to the pot.
- Cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until sprouts are browned and bacon is crisp, stirring occasionally.
- Transfer sprouts and bacon to a serving dish; cover to keep warm. Repeat with remaining sprouts and bacon.
- Add to serving dish with first half of sprouts and bacon. Press cancel.
- Sprinkle sprouts with chives and drizzle with vinegar; sprinkle with pepper and salt. Toss quickly to coat. Serve immediately.
- *TIP: If your steamer basket doesn’t have legs, place the trivet in the pot first, then place steamer basket on top of it.
Notes
After being steamed to tender perfection, the sprouts are browned with the bacon until they get a crisp, golden edge. A drizzle of balsamic vinegar adds a hint of sweetness
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Balsamic
Sweet, savoury and perfectly caramelised, these Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Balsamic are the side dish that wins over even the biggest sprout sceptics. Roasted or air-fried until crisp and golden, then tossed with smoky bacon and a tangy balsamic glaze, they’re a flavour-packed addition to any meal – especially roasts, festive feasts or winter dinners.
A Classic Combo with a Twist
The magic here is in the contrast: crispy edges on the sprouts, salty richness from the bacon, and a sweet-sharp drizzle of balsamic reduction to tie it all together. The high heat of the air fryer or oven brings out the natural nuttiness of the sprouts, while the bacon adds that moreish crunch and depth.
Quick and Easy Prep
Thanks to the Instant Pot or air fryer, you can get perfect results with very little hands-on time. Par-cook the sprouts if needed, then crisp them up with chopped bacon until golden and delicious. Finish with a splash of balsamic vinegar or glaze for a glossy, sticky coating that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing
Serve these Brussels sprouts alongside roast meats, festive mains, or as part of a hearty weeknight dinner. They’re also great as a warm salad base, topped with toasted nuts or shavings of Parmesan. Want to make it veggie? Just skip the bacon or use a plant-based alternative – the balsamic still delivers loads of flavour.
The Sprout Upgrade You’ve Been Waiting For
Whether you love sprouts or need convincing, this recipe is a game-changer. Crispy, sticky, salty and sweet all in one bite – Brussels Sprouts with Bacon & Balsamic might just become the most-requested side dish at your table.
