Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: The Ultimate Sweet & Savory Side Dish
Looking for a side dish that will steal the spotlight at your next meal? Honey-glazed roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon are a game-changer. This irresistible combination of crispy Brussels sprouts, smoky bacon, and a sweet, tangy glaze is bound to impress your family, friends, or dinner guests. Whether it’s for a holiday feast, a weeknight dinner, or a potluck party, this simple yet delicious dish is always a crowd-pleaser.
In this post, we’ll walk you through every step of the process — from selecting the freshest Brussels sprouts to making the perfect glaze. Follow our tips, and you’ll be serving a side dish that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and color.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Perfect Flavor Combination: The sweetness of honey and maple syrup balances the smoky, savory bacon and the slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts.
2. Crispy & Tender Texture: Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness and gives them a crisp, caramelized exterior.
3. Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like olive oil, Dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar.
4. Easy to Prepare: No complicated techniques required — just toss, roast, and glaze!
5. Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make this delicious dish:
For the Brussels Sprouts
• 1 pound Brussels sprouts – Trimmed and halved for even cooking.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps create that crispy, golden-brown finish.
• 1 tablespoon honey – Adds a touch of sweetness that caramelizes during roasting.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – A hint of spice to balance the sweetness.
For the Bacon
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon – Cut into 1-inch pieces for crispy bites of savory goodness.
For the Glaze
• 1/4 cup maple syrup – Adds natural sweetness and richness to the glaze.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Brings a tangy depth of flavor.
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar – Provides acidity to balance the sweetness.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – For a little heat if you like it spicy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven is essential for achieving perfectly crispy Brussels sprouts and bacon.
Step 2: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
• Trim the stems from the Brussels sprouts and slice them in half.
• In a large bowl, toss the sprouts with olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is well-coated.
• Spread them in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even roasting.
Step 3: Prepare the Bacon
• Cut the thick-cut bacon into 1-inch pieces.
• Place the bacon on a separate baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Keeping it separate allows it to crisp up properly.
Step 4: Roast
• Place the Brussels sprouts and bacon in the oven.
• Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Brussels sprouts are done when they are golden brown and crispy. The bacon should be fully cooked and crispy as well.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
While the Brussels sprouts and bacon are roasting, prepare the glaze:
• In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 6: Combine and Serve
• Remove the Brussels sprouts and bacon from the oven.
• Combine them in a large serving bowl and drizzle the glaze over the top.
• Toss everything together until the Brussels sprouts and bacon are coated in the sweet, tangy glaze.
• Serve immediately while everything is hot, crispy, and fresh.
Expert Tips for Success
1. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
To get crispy Brussels sprouts, they need space to breathe. If you overcrowd the pan, they’ll steam instead of roast. Use two pans if necessary.
2. Cut Brussels Sprouts Evenly
Halving them ensures even cooking. If you have larger Brussels sprouts, consider cutting them into quarters.
3. Use Thick-Cut Bacon
Thick-cut bacon stays meaty and crispy after roasting, unlike thin bacon, which can become brittle.
4. Don’t Skip the Glaze
The glaze ties everything together. The combination of maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar creates a sticky, tangy coating that makes this dish unforgettable.
5. Add Extra Crunch
For added texture, top your dish with toasted pecans, almonds, or crispy shallots.
6. Make it Spicy
Want more heat? Increase the red pepper flakes in the glaze or add a dash of hot sauce.
Variations
• Pancetta or Prosciutto: Replace bacon with diced pancetta or crisped prosciutto for an Italian twist.
• Vegan Option: Omit the bacon and add roasted chickpeas or toasted nuts for a crunchy, protein-packed alternative.
• Herb Infusion: Toss Brussels sprouts with fresh rosemary or thyme before roasting.
• Garlic Lovers: Add whole garlic cloves to the pan to roast alongside the Brussels sprouts.
What to Serve With Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts
This dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with:
• Roast chicken, turkey, or beef – It’s an ideal side dish for holiday roasts.
• Grain bowls – Add them to quinoa or rice bowls for a flavorful twist.
• Salads – Toss leftovers into a salad with mixed greens, goat cheese, and cranberries.
Storage and Reheating
• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: To maintain crispiness, reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it makes them soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can roast the Brussels sprouts and bacon ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, then reheat in the oven. Prepare the glaze fresh, and toss everything together before serving.
2. Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Fresh Brussels sprouts are best for this recipe, but you can use frozen. Make sure to thaw and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture, which can make them soggy.
3. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to use two baking sheets to avoid overcrowding.
4. How do I make this dish vegan?
Skip the bacon and add roasted chickpeas or toasted nuts for texture.
Final Thoughts
Honey-glazed roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon is one of those dishes that turns skeptics into fans. The crispy texture, sweet glaze, and savory bacon make it an unforgettable side dish for any occasion. It’s easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and is guaranteed to impress your guests.
If you’re looking for a foolproof way to get people to love Brussels sprouts, this is it! Make it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy weeknight dinner — it’s always a hit.
Did you try this recipe? Let us know in the comments how it turned out! We’d love to hear from you. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family!
Don’t Miss Out!
For more mouthwatering side dishes, be sure to check out:
• Garlic Butter Roasted Potatoes
• Parmesan-Crusted Asparagus
• Honey-Glazed Carrots
Pin This Recipe for Later! 📌 Save this honey-glazed roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon recipe for your next family gathering or holiday celebration. Your taste buds will thank you!