Oh my gosh, let me tell you about these honey-glazed roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon—they’re the side dish that turns veggie skeptics into believers! I swear, my brother used to gag at the mere mention of Brussels sprouts, but one bite of these crispy, caramelized little gems had him sneaking seconds when he thought no one was looking. The magic? That perfect mix of sweet honey, tangy balsamic, and smoky bacon clinging to every bite. Even better? They come together in under 45 minutes with barely any hands-on work. Seriously, just toss, roast, and glaze—your oven does the heavy lifting while you get credit for the most irresistible side dish at the table. Trust me, this recipe’s been my secret weapon at potlucks for years, and it never fails to disappear first.
Why You’ll Love This Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
This recipe has won over more Brussels sprouts haters than I can count, and here’s why:
- You can prep everything in 10 minutes flat – just chop, toss, and let the oven work its magic
- The honey glaze caramelizes into the perfect sweet counterpoint to the salty bacon
- High heat roasting gives you crispy edges with tender centers every single time
- It’s the rare veggie dish that disappears faster than the main course at dinner parties
I’ve served this to picky kids, fancy foodies, and everyone between – it never fails!
Ingredients for Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Now let’s talk ingredients – and trust me, every single one matters here. I’ve made this enough times to know which shortcuts work (spoiler: not many!) and where you absolutely shouldn’t compromise. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts – trimmed and halved (those loose outer leaves? Save them for crispy garnishes!)
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon – chopped (regular bacon works in a pinch, but the thick-cut gives you those glorious meaty bits)
- 2 tbsp olive oil – the good stuff, not the dusty bottle from the back of your pantry
- 2 tbsp honey – local if you’ve got it, but any honey will do (just please, not the fake squeeze-bottle stuff)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar – this adds the perfect tang to balance the sweetness
- 1/2 tsp salt – I use kosher, but table salt works fine too
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – freshly cracked makes all the difference
A quick heads up – I don’t recommend substituting the honey with maple syrup here (though it’s tempting!) because honey caramelizes differently and gives us that perfect glassy glaze. And don’t even think about turkey bacon – we need that real pork fat to work its magic!
How to Make Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens – turning simple ingredients into that perfect sweet-salty side dish everyone will beg you to make again. I’ll walk you through each step so your Brussels sprouts come out crispy, caramelized, and absolutely irresistible.
Prep the Brussels Sprouts
First things first – grab those Brussels sprouts and give them some love. Trim off the dry ends (but not too much – we want them to stay intact!) and cut them in half from stem to top. Here’s my trick: if any outer leaves fall off, keep them! They’ll get extra crispy in the oven – like little flavor bombs. Toss the halved sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated. Oh, and don’t crowd your baking sheet – give them space to breathe or they’ll steam instead of roast. Trust me, I learned this the hard way!
Cook the Bacon
While those sprouts start roasting, let’s tackle the bacon. Chop it into bite-sized pieces – not too small or they’ll disappear, not too big or they won’t crisp up evenly. Spread them out on the baking sheet with the sprouts about halfway through cooking (we’ll get to timing in a sec). You want the bacon to be crispy but not burnt – that perfect balance where it still has some chew but renders all that glorious fat to flavor the sprouts. When you smell that smoky goodness, you’ll know it’s ready!
Make the Honey Glaze
Here’s where the magic really happens – the honey glaze! Simply whisk together the honey and balsamic vinegar until smooth. I like to warm the honey slightly first (just 10 seconds in the microwave) to make it easier to mix. Pro tip: taste your glaze before adding – if your balsamic is extra tangy, you might want to adjust the honey ratio. And if you absolutely must sub maple syrup (maybe you’re out of honey?), use just 1.5 tbsp since it’s sweeter. Drizzle this over everything during the last 5 minutes of roasting – that’s when the magic happens and everything gets that beautiful caramelized finish!
Tips for Perfect Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
After making this recipe more times than I can count (and yes, burning a batch or two along the way), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks to guarantee perfect results every single time. These little nuggets of wisdom will save you from the mistakes I’ve already made for you!
- Line your baking sheet with parchment paper – Not only does this make cleanup a breeze (no more scraping off caramelized honey!), but it also prevents sticking so you get every last crispy sprout off the pan. I learned this after spending 20 minutes scrubbing my favorite baking sheet – never again!
- Give everything a good stir halfway through roasting – Around the 15-minute mark, take a minute to flip and stir those sprouts and bacon bits. This ensures even browning and prevents any sad, pale spots. I use a metal spatula to really get under everything – it makes all the difference!
- Wait until the last 5 minutes to add the honey glaze – Honey burns easily, and nothing ruins this dish faster than blackened, bitter sprouts. I add my glaze right at the end when the sprouts are almost done – just enough time for it to caramelize without turning into charcoal. If you’re unsure, do a test drizzle on one sprout first!
Follow these simple tips, and you’ll have Brussels sprouts so good, even your most veggie-averse friends will be begging for the recipe!
Serving Suggestions for Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Honestly, these sprouts steal the show alongside almost anything! They’re my go-to with simple roasted chicken (the honey glaze mirrors chicken’s natural sweetness) or piled next to holiday turkey. For weeknights? A perfect partner to grilled steak – the bacon richness matches the beef beautifully. Oh, and try them over creamy polenta – life-changing! Try them over creamy polenta – life-changing!
Storing and Reheating Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Let’s be real – leftovers rarely happen with this dish! But if you miraculously have some, here’s how to keep that perfect texture. Store them in an airtight container (I love my glass Snapware for this) for up to 3 days. When reheating, skip the microwave – it turns them soggy. Instead, spread them on a baking sheet and pop in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. You’ll get back that heavenly crispiness almost like fresh-made!
Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe (and trust me, you’ll want to make it weekly), try these fun twists to keep things exciting. I’ve tested them all at family dinners, and each version brings something special to the table!
- Toss in toasted pecans – During the last 5 minutes of roasting, sprinkle a handful of chopped pecans over everything. They add this incredible crunch that plays so well with the tender sprouts. My aunt actually prefers this version now – says it reminds her of fancy holiday dishes!
- Swap bacon for pancetta – When I’m feeling fancy, I use diced pancetta instead of bacon. It’s saltier and more concentrated in flavor, so you only need about 3 ounces. Just be careful – pancetta browns faster, so add it during the last 10 minutes instead of 15.
- Finish with parmesan – Right after pulling the sprouts from the oven, shower them with freshly grated parmesan. The heat melts it just enough to create these salty, cheesy ribbons that cling to every bite. My kids call this “cheesy fairy dust” and go nuts for it! My kids call this “cheesy fairy dust” and go nuts for it!
The beauty of this recipe? It’s like a blank canvas for your favorite flavors. Just promise me you’ll try the original first – then get creative!
Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon FAQs
I get asked about this recipe all the time – usually right after people take their first bite and realize they need to make it at home! Here are the answers to the questions that pop up most often in my kitchen:
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts instead of fresh?
Oh honey, no – and trust me, I’ve tried! Frozen sprouts just don’t roast up the same way. They release too much water and end up soggy instead of crispy. Fresh sprouts give you those perfect caramelized edges we’re after. If you’re really in a pinch, thaw frozen sprouts completely and pat them very dry first – but fresh is always best! Fresh sprouts give you those perfect caramelized edges we’re after.
How can I make this vegetarian without losing flavor?
Easy! Just skip the bacon (sob) and add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika to the olive oil mixture before tossing with the sprouts. That smoky depth mimics the bacon beautifully. For extra richness, I sometimes toss in a handful of chopped toasted walnuts at the end. My vegetarian friends swear this version is even better than the original!
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely – this is my go-to for holiday dinners! Just use two baking sheets instead of crowding everything onto one. Rotate the pans halfway through cooking so they brown evenly. You might need an extra 5 minutes of roasting time since more food = more moisture in the oven. Pro tip: make one batch with bacon and one without to please everyone!
Nutritional Information for Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Now, I’m no nutritionist (just a home cook who loves good food!), but I want to mention that all nutritional info here is just a general guide. The exact numbers can vary based on your specific ingredients – like how fatty your bacon is or whether you go heavy on that honey drizzle (no judgment here!). These are estimates to help you balance your meals, not strict rules. At the end of the day, what matters most is that you’re eating veggies you actually enjoy – and trust me, with this recipe, that part’s guaranteed!
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Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A delicious side dish featuring crispy roasted Brussels sprouts with a sweet honey glaze and savory bacon.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes.
- Add chopped bacon and roast for another 10 minutes.
- Whisk honey and balsamic vinegar, then drizzle over sprouts.
- Roast for 5 more minutes until caramelized.
Notes
- Trim and halve Brussels sprouts evenly for even cooking.
- Adjust honey for desired sweetness.
- Use thick-cut bacon for better texture.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American