Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and smoky flavors, look no further than Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon. This recipe takes humble Brussels sprouts and elevates them with a sticky honey glaze and crispy bacon, roasting everything to caramelized perfection. Whether you’re serving it as a standout side or a snack that disappears in minutes, this dish always brings warm smiles and satisfied appetites to the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but absolutely essential, each playing a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in your Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon.

• Brussels sprouts (1 pound): Fresh and trimmed, halved for even cooking and maximum caramelization.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps crisp up the sprouts and adds a smooth richness.
• Honey (1 tablespoon): Adds natural sweetness and helps with that irresistible glaze.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the natural flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick that wakes up the palate.
• Thick-cut bacon (6 slices): Cut into 1-inch pieces, this delivers smoky crispness that complements the sprouts.
• Maple syrup (1/4 cup): A rich, deep sweetness that brings depth to the glaze.
• Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds a tangy edge that cuts through the richness beautifully.
• Balsamic vinegar (1 tablespoon): Infuses the glaze with a subtle tartness and complexity.
• Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who like a little heat, it adds just the right hint of spice.

How to Make Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is key to getting those Brussels sprouts perfectly roasted with a crisp exterior and tender inside, while rendering the bacon to golden, crispy bits.

Step 2: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts so they roast evenly. Then, toss them with olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl – every sprout should be well coated to ensure an even glaze and flavor with every bite.

Step 3: Cook the Bacon

Lay your thick-cut bacon pieces on a separate baking sheet. This prevents them from steaming and lets them crisp up nicely in the oven alongside the Brussels sprouts.

Step 4: Roast Brussels Sprouts and Bacon

Place both baking sheets in the preheated oven. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through to encourage even cooking. The Brussels sprouts should be tender with edges caramelized, and the bacon must be delightfully crisp and fragrant.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

While everything is roasting, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a small bowl. This glaze is where the magic happens – a perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes that elevate the dish immensely.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Once the Brussels sprouts and bacon are out of the oven, toss them together immediately with the warm glaze. The heat helps the glaze coat every morsel beautifully. Serve right away for the best texture and vibrant flavor.

How to Serve Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Garnishes

Sprinkle some toasted pecans, chopped fresh parsley, or a little crumbled goat cheese on top to add texture, freshness, or a creamy contrast that complements the honey-glazed roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon perfectly.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs fantastically with hearty mains like roast chicken or pork tenderloin. It’s also great alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a simple wild rice pilaf, rounding out your meal with varied textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon in small ramekins or embrace the party vibe by skewering the bacon and sprouts as bite-sized appetizers drizzled with extra glaze for easy sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover honey-glazed roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool them completely before storing to maintain their flavor and texture.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but not ideal – roasted Brussels sprouts tend to lose their crispness. If needed, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag, and enjoy within 1 month for best taste.

Reheating

For the best reheating results, warm leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to re-crisp the sprouts and bacon. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve that delightful texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

Yes, but fresh Brussels sprouts are recommended for the best texture and flavor. If you do use frozen, thaw and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture while roasting the honey-glazed roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon.

Is there a substitute for bacon?

If you prefer a vegetarian option, try smoked tempeh or coconut bacon for that smoky crunch. The dish will still be delicious, though the traditional bacon flavor is unique and hard to beat.

How spicy is this dish?

The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes to add a gentle heat. You can omit or adjust the amount to suit your taste so your honey-glazed roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon are just right for your palate.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! The glaze can be mixed up to a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature and give it a quick whisk before tossing it with the roasted sprouts and bacon.

What is the best way to trim Brussels sprouts?

Remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves and trim the stem end; then slice them in half lengthwise for even roasting. This helps the sprouts cook uniformly, creating that perfect balance of tender and crispy.

Final Thoughts

Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon truly bring a wow factor to any meal without requiring hours in the kitchen. The blend of sweet honey glaze, smoky bacon, and roasted sprout caramelization is comforting and exciting all at once. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it a new favorite in your kitchen!

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