Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Introduction: A Sweet and Savory Side Dish Everyone Will Love
If you’re looking for a side dish that is guaranteed to steal the show, look no further than Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon. This dish combines the natural nuttiness of roasted Brussels sprouts with the irresistible crispiness of bacon, all tied together with a luscious maple-Dijon glaze. Whether served alongside roasted chicken, steak, or even added to a hearty grain bowl, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to perfect this dish, including tips, variations, and serving ideas — all optimized for SEO and high RPM keywords.
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Ingredients Breakdown
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 turkey 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)
> Pro Tip: Fresh Brussels sprouts work best. Look for firm, bright green sprouts for maximum flavor.
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Step-by-Step Directions
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven ensures crispy edges and a tender interior.
Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper.
Spread the sprouts out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Ensure they aren’t overcrowded — this prevents steaming and promotes roasting.
Cook the Bacon
Place the bacon pieces on a separate baking sheet.
Keeping bacon separate initially ensures it cooks evenly and crisps up beautifully.
Roast to Perfection
Roast both the Brussels sprouts and bacon for 20-25 minutes.
Flip halfway through to ensure even browning.
The Brussels sprouts should be golden and slightly crispy, and the bacon fully cooked.
Make the Maple-Dijon Glaze
While roasting, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
Adjust seasoning if desired.
Combine and Serve
Once roasted, transfer Brussels sprouts to a large serving bowl.
Toss with the crispy bacon and drizzle the maple glaze over everything.
Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes Calories per serving: ~230 | Servings: 4-6
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet and savory: The combination of honey and bacon is pure magic.
Crispy and caramelized: High-heat roasting ensures tender interiors and crispy edges.
Quick and easy: On the table in under 40 minutes.
Crowd-pleaser: Even Brussels sprouts skeptics become fans.
Versatile: Pairs perfectly with almost any protein or holiday spread.
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Variations and Substitutions
Swap the bacon: Use pork bacon, pancetta, or a vegetarian bacon alternative.
Different glaze: Substitute maple syrup with agave nectar or brown sugar.
Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.
Add nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts add extra crunch.
Cheese finish: Sprinkle with crumbled goat cheese or Parmesan before serving.
> Customize it: This recipe is super flexible — make it your own!
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Serving Suggestions
Main Dishes:
Roasted Chicken
Grilled Steak
Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin
Baked Salmon
Grain Bowls:
Layer over quinoa or farro with a lemon vinaigrette.
Holiday Tables:
A standout side for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter feasts.
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Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent sogginess.
> Pro Tip: You can also enjoy leftovers cold in salads!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the Brussels sprouts and glaze in advance, but roast just before serving for the crispiest texture.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Fresh is best, but if using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry to remove moisture before roasting.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use vegetarian bacon or omit it entirely — the glaze will still provide incredible flavor.
Can I grill the Brussels sprouts instead of roasting?
Yes! Thread sprouts onto skewers, grill until charred, and drizzle with glaze before serving.
How spicy is the glaze?
The red pepper flakes add a mild kick. Feel free to adjust according to your preference.
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Conclusion: The Ultimate Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures — sweet, salty, crispy, and tender. Whether you’re impressing guests at a holiday meal or looking for an easy weeknight side, this dish will quickly become your go-to recipe.
Ready to transform Brussels sprouts into the star of your table? Give this delicious recipe a try and savor every bite!