Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe

Calorie Content: Each serving contains approximately 200-250 calories, making it a flavorful yet relatively light side dish or snack.

Best Time to Consume: These Brussels sprouts are perfect as a side dish for dinner or as a hearty appetizer. They can also be enjoyed as a quick snack during the day when you're craving something savory and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy & Caramelized: Roasting the Brussels sprouts at a high temperature brings out their natural sweetness while creating perfectly crispy edges. This gives you a satisfying crunch with every bite.

Sweet & Savory Magic: The honey glaze complements the salty, crispy bacon in the most irresistible way, offering a delicious combination of sweet and savory flavors.

Easy & Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep, this recipe requires little cleanup, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a last-minute side dish.

Versatile: These honey-glazed Brussels sprouts can serve as a side dish, an appetizer, or even a light snack. They're a great way to get more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing flavor.

Crowd-Pleaser: Even those who aren’t typically fans of Brussels sprouts will be hooked by the crispy texture and the smoky, sweet glaze. This dish is perfect for both family dinners and gatherings.

 

Ingredients You’ll Need

Serves 4–6

For the Brussels Sprouts:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

• 4 slices bacon, chopped into small pieces

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Honey Glaze:

• 3 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for tanginess)

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or balsamic vinegar for extra depth)

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it’s crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan for extra flavor.

Step 3: Roast the Brussels Sprouts
In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated. Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The sprouts should be golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside.

Step 4: Make the Honey Glaze
In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the honey, Dijon mustard (if using), apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk the ingredients together over low heat until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Once it’s ready, remove it from the heat.

Step 5: Combine Everything
After the Brussels sprouts are roasted, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add the crispy bacon and drizzle the honey glaze over the top. Toss gently to coat the sprouts evenly with the glaze and bacon.

Step 6: Serve
Transfer the Brussels sprouts to a serving platter. If desired, drizzle with an extra layer of honey or sprinkle a few more red pepper flakes for an added burst of flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet-and-savory goodness!

 

Why This Recipe Works

Bacon Fat Magic: Using bacon fat to make the glaze adds an incredible depth of flavor, enriching the honey and vinegar combination. It also contributes to the crispy texture of the Brussels sprouts.

Honey Glaze Perfection: The honey glaze is the star of the dish, balancing the earthy bitterness of Brussels sprouts with the sweetness of honey, while the tanginess from the mustard and vinegar adds an extra layer of complexity.

High Heat Roasting: Roasting the Brussels sprouts at a high temperature ensures they develop crispy, caramelized edges while staying tender on the inside, creating the perfect texture.

 

Variations to Try

Add Nuts: Stir in toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a delightful crunch that complements the Brussels sprouts and bacon.

Spice It Up: If you prefer a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the honey glaze. This will give the dish an extra kick that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the honey.

Cheesy Twist: For an indulgent variation, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the finished dish for added richness and flavor.

Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free—just ensure your bacon and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Veggie Boost: Add extra veggies like roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, or cauliflower to the mix for a more hearty, diverse dish. This will also add more colors and nutrients to the meal.

 

Tips for Success

Trim Properly: Make sure to cut off the tough ends of the Brussels sprouts and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves. This ensures the best texture and flavor.

Don’t Overcrowd: Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on the baking sheet to allow them to roast evenly. If they’re too crowded, they’ll steam instead of roasting, resulting in a soggy texture.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer for the best results, as this will help retain their crispiness.

 

Serving Suggestions

Romantic Touch: Garnish the dish with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley for a touch of elegance. This is perfect for a date night or special dinner.

Brunch Staple: These roasted Brussels sprouts pair wonderfully with scrambled eggs, quiche, or breakfast bowls for a hearty, balanced brunch.

Holiday Platter: This dish makes a beautiful addition to your holiday spread. Pair it with roasted turkey, ham, or mashed potatoes for a festive meal that’s sure to impress guests.

 

Energy-Saving Tips for Cooking

While cooking, consider these energy-saving tips:

• Use Convection Mode: If your oven has a convection setting, use it to circulate air, allowing the Brussels sprouts to roast faster and more evenly.

• Batch Cooking: If you’re preparing a large meal, cook multiple trays of Brussels sprouts at once to maximize your oven’s energy use.

• Turn Off the Oven Early: When your Brussels sprouts are nearly done, turn off the oven and let them sit inside to finish cooking with residual heat. This can help save energy.

 

Who Would Benefit from This Dish

This dish is perfect for anyone looking for a delicious and nutritious side:

• Vegetarians (who eat bacon): This dish offers a rich source of vegetables and protein in the form of bacon. It’s a great option for anyone looking to add more veggies to their diet.

• People Looking for Low-Carb Options: The dish is naturally low in carbs, making it suitable for those following low-carb or keto diets.

 

Who Might Be Adversely Affected

• People with High Sodium Intake Needs: Since bacon is high in sodium, this dish may not be suitable for those managing high blood pressure or those on a low-sodium diet.

• Vegans/Vegetarians (who avoid bacon): This recipe contains bacon, making it unsuitable for vegans and vegetarians who do not consume animal products. However, you can substitute the bacon with a plant-based alternative.

• Diabetics: Due to the natural sugars in honey, those managing blood sugar levels may need to limit their portion sizes.

 

Final Thoughts

These Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are a celebration of bold flavors and contrasting textures. The combination of crispy Brussels sprouts, savory bacon, and sweet honey glaze is simply irresistible. With their rich flavors and customizable options, they’re perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to festive holiday meals.

 

Now it’s your turn! Have you ever made Brussels sprouts with a sweet glaze before? Share your favorite variations or serving ideas below and let us know how you make this dish your own! 🥦