Sizzling Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon Recipe

Brussels sprouts have a magical way of becoming irresistible when paired with crispy honey-glazed bacon.

Caramelized edges and smoky undertones create a flavor explosion on your plate.

Small green vegetables transform into something extraordinary with this simple technique.

Sweetness from honey balances the slight bitterness of fresh sprouts perfectly.

Crispy bacon pieces add a delightful crunch that makes every bite memorable.

Each forkful promises a combination of savory and sweet that will surprise you.

This recipe turns an ordinary vegetable side into a star attraction that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Are Irresistible

• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Delivers maximum flavor impact through just a few ingredients, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressive holiday gatherings.
• Versatile Flavor Profile: Combines sweet honey and maple syrup with savory bacon and spicy red pepper flakes, creating a complex taste that appeals to multiple palates.
• Nutrient-Packed Comfort Food: Transforms a healthy vegetable into a deliciously indulgent experience that even veggie-skeptics will enjoy, making it a smart choice for family meals.

Ingredients for Honey-Glazed Bacon Brussels Sprouts

• Brussels Sprouts: Fresh green vegetable with compact leafy heads.
• Bacon: Crispy, salty pork strips that add rich flavor.
• Honey: Sweet golden syrup for caramelization and glossy finish.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking oil for even roasting.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings for enhancing natural flavors.

• Maple Syrup, Dijon Mustard, Balsamic Vinegar: Tangy and sweet sauce components.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy sprinkle for subtle heat.

How to Roast Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Sheets

Heat the oven to 425°F.

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare Brussels Sprouts

Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and slice them in half.

Place the halved sprouts in a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Season Brussels Sprouts

• Olive oil
• Honey
• Salt
• Black pepper

Ensure each sprout is evenly coated and glistening.

Step 4: Arrange Bacon and Sprouts

Spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts on one baking sheet in a single layer.

Place bacon strips on the second baking sheet, keeping them flat and not overlapping.

Step 5: Roast in the Oven

Place both baking sheets in the preheated oven.

Roast for 20-25 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through cooking.

Brussels sprouts should be golden brown and crispy, bacon perfectly crisp.

Step 6: Create Flavor-Packed Glaze

• Maple syrup
• Dijon mustard
• Balsamic vinegar
• Red pepper flakes

Step 7: Combine and Garnish

Remove baking sheets from oven.

Chop crispy bacon into bite-sized pieces.

Toss roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon pieces and drizzle with prepared glaze.

Serve hot and enjoy the sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors.

Best Tips for Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts Success

• Pat Brussels sprouts completely dry before roasting to ensure they become golden and crispy instead of steaming in the oven.
• Space bacon strips separately on the baking sheet to help them cook evenly and become perfectly crisp without overlapping.
• Adjust honey amount based on personal sweetness preference, adding more or less to suit your taste without overpowering the vegetable's natural flavor.
• Watch Brussels sprouts closely during the last 5-10 minutes of roasting to prevent burning, as honey can caramelize quickly at high temperatures.
• Replace bacon with smoked paprika or coconut bacon for a vegetarian version that maintains a similar smoky flavor profile.

Store and Reheat Honey Bacon Brussels Sprouts the Right Way

• Store leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep bacon separate to maintain its crispiness.
• Spread leftovers on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispness and prevent sogginess.
• Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make Brussels sprouts mushy and bacon soft. If using, heat in short 30-second bursts.
• Drizzle a fresh layer of honey or balsamic glaze before reheating to revive the original delicious taste and moisture.

What to Eat with Honey Bacon Brussels Sprouts

• Elevate Flavor Harmony: Pair crisp Sauvignon Blanc with its bright acidity to cut through the rich bacon and sweet honey glaze.
• Craft Beer Companion: Select a Belgian-style amber ale that complements the caramelized Brussels sprouts and smoky bacon notes.
• Wine Depth Pairing: Choose a light Pinot Noir with earthy undertones that beautifully matches the roasted vegetable's depth and sweetness.
• Texture Contrast Match: Serve alongside creamy goat cheese to balance the crispy bacon and create a luxurious mouthfeel experience.

Flavor Spins for Glazed Bacon Brussels Sprouts

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace bacon with crispy tempeh or coconut bacon bits. Use maple syrup and tamari for a plant-based glaze that maintains rich, savory flavors.
• Low-Carb Wellness Option: Swap honey with sugar-free monk fruit sweetener. Add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance taste while keeping carbohydrate content minimal.
• Spicy Citrus Kick: Incorporate orange zest and sriracha into the glaze. Replace traditional bacon with turkey bacon for a leaner protein option that adds smoky notes.
• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Style: Mix in chopped fresh oregano and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with lemon-infused olive oil instead of standard olive oil for a bright, tangy Mediterranean-inspired version.

FAQs

• Are Brussels sprouts good for my health?

Brussels sprouts are nutrient powerhouses packed with vitamins K and C, fiber, and antioxidants that support heart health and reduce inflammation in the body.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the bacon and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke to maintain a similar depth of flavor in the dish.

• How do I choose the best Brussels sprouts at the store?

Look for bright green, firm sprouts with tight, compact leaves and no yellowing or brown spots. Smaller sprouts tend to be sweeter and more tender.

• What gives this recipe its unique flavor profile?

The combination of honey’s sweetness, balsamic vinegar’s tanginess, Dijon mustard’s sharpness, and red pepper flakes’ subtle heat creates a complex and balanced taste experience.

Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Irresistible honey-glazed roasted brussels sprouts with bacon bring sweet and savory flavors together in one delightful dish. Brussels sprouts caramelize perfectly when drizzled with golden honey and crispy bacon, creating a side that elevates any meal with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces

Seasoning and Oil:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon honey

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven rack in the center position and heat to 425°F, ensuring even temperature distribution.
2. Clean and trim Brussels sprouts, removing any discolored outer leaves and cutting larger sprouts in half for uniform cooking.
3. Arrange bacon strips on a separate parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly to promote crisp texture.
4. Drizzle olive oil over Brussels sprouts, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, tossing to coat thoroughly.
5. Spread Brussels sprouts cut-side down on another baking sheet to maximize caramelization and prevent steaming.
6. Place both baking sheets in the preheated oven, with bacon on a lower rack and Brussels sprouts on the center rack.
7. Roast for 20-25 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through to ensure even browning and crispy edges.
8. While vegetables are roasting, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and red pepper flakes to create a vibrant glaze.
9. Remove bacon when crisp and drain on paper towels, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
10. Check Brussels sprouts for tenderness and golden-brown caramelization, removing from oven when perfectly roasted.
11. Transfer Brussels sprouts to a serving dish, drizzle with prepared glaze, and generously scatter crumbled bacon on top.
12. Serve immediately while warm, allowing the glaze to mingle with the crispy roasted vegetables and bacon.

Notes

• Crisp up the Brussels sprouts by ensuring they’re completely dry before roasting to achieve maximum caramelization and prevent steaming.
• Arrange sprouts in a single layer with space between them to guarantee even browning and prevent soggy results.
• Consider using thick-cut bacon for more robust flavor and crunchier texture, which complements the honey glaze perfectly.
• Adjust honey and maple syrup quantities for dietary preferences, using alternatives like agave or monk fruit syrup for low-sugar diets.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 20mg