Honey Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Hello food lovers! Are you ready to elevate your side dishes to a whole new level of deliciousness? These Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon combine the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, making them a star at your dinner table. This recipe is simple to prepare, yet impressive enough to serve at special gatherings. Let’s dive into this flavor-packed dish and learn how to make it step-by-step.

Introduction

Brussels sprouts often get a bad rap, but when roasted to perfection and paired with crispy bacon and a luscious honey-maple glaze, they transform into a dish that’s nothing short of extraordinary. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing holiday side or a weeknight upgrade, this recipe checks all the boxes. Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness, while the glaze adds a tangy depth of flavor that complements the crispy bacon. It’s a match made in culinary heaven!

Ingredients

To make these delicious Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Brussels Sprouts:

1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Bacon:

6 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces

For the Glaze:

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

These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s as nutritious as it is flavorful. The maple syrup and honey provide natural sweetness, while the Dijon mustard and balsamic vinegar add a tangy, zesty kick.

How to Make Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Follow these steps to prepare this irresistible dish:

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure a perfect roasting temperature.
Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper. Make sure each piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor. Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cook the Bacon: On a separate baking sheet, arrange the bacon pieces in a single layer to ensure even crisping. Baking the bacon separately prevents the Brussels sprouts from becoming greasy while still allowing you to combine their flavors later.
Roast the Brussels Sprouts and Bacon: Place both baking sheets in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes. Stir the Brussels sprouts halfway through to ensure even caramelization. Remove the bacon once it’s crispy and the Brussels sprouts when they are golden brown and tender.
Prepare the Glaze: While the Brussels sprouts and bacon are roasting, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). The glaze should be smooth and slightly thickened.
Combine and Serve: Transfer the roasted Brussels sprouts to a large serving bowl. Add the crispy bacon pieces and pour the glaze over the top. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the symphony of flavors.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Trim Properly: Be sure to remove any damaged or yellow outer leaves from the Brussels sprouts and slice them evenly for uniform cooking.
Prevent Sogginess: Spread the Brussels sprouts out on the baking sheet so they roast evenly and don’t steam.
Customize Heat: If you enjoy a little spice, increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the glaze.

Cooking Tips

Using Frozen Brussels Sprouts: If fresh Brussels sprouts aren’t available, frozen ones can work. Just thaw and pat them dry before roasting to avoid excess moisture.
Glaze Variations: For a citrus twist, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the glaze.
Make Ahead: The glaze can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Warm it slightly before tossing with the roasted Brussels sprouts and bacon.

Serving Suggestions

These Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon pair wonderfully with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even a hearty beef roast. They’re also a standout side for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. For a complete meal, serve them alongside mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the extra glaze.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional benefits and content for this dish:

Calories: 230 per serving
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
Sodium: 380mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 12g
Vitamin A: 8%
Vitamin C: 80%
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 6%

Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamins C and K, while bacon adds protein and flavor to make this dish satisfying and nutrient-packed.

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use a skillet on medium heat to maintain crispness.

Repurpose Leftovers: Chop the leftovers and toss them with cooked pasta or use them as a topping for flatbreads or pizzas for a quick meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon is a great alternative for a lighter option. Adjust cooking time as it tends to crisp faster.

What other glazes work well with Brussels sprouts?
Try a honey-mustard glaze or a soy sauce-based glaze for different flavor profiles.

Can I make this dish vegan?
To make it vegan, omit the bacon and use agave syrup instead of honey in the glaze.

Related Recipes

If you love this recipe, you’ll enjoy these other delicious dishes:

Conclusion

Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are a show-stopping side dish that combines sweet, savory, and smoky flavors in perfect harmony. They’re easy to make and guaranteed to impress even those who claim not to like Brussels sprouts. Try this recipe for your next meal, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Let us know how yours turned out, and enjoy every bite!