Honey Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

If you’re looking for a delicious side dish that will turn Brussels sprouts skeptics into fans, this Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon recipe is exactly what you need. The combination of crispy roasted Brussels sprouts, smoky bacon, and a sweet and tangy maple glaze creates a perfect balance of flavors. This dish is great for holiday meals, weeknight dinners, or any time you want a restaurant-quality side at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Crispy Texture – Roasting Brussels sprouts at high heat gives them a crispy, caramelized exterior and a tender inside.

Sweet & Savory Flavor – The honey and maple syrup bring a natural sweetness that complements the smoky bacon and slightly bitter Brussels sprouts.

Easy to Make – With just a few simple ingredients and steps, this dish comes together in about 35 minutes.

Versatile Side Dish – Pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, steak, pork, or even a grain bowl.

Ingredients

For the Brussels Sprouts:

1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp honey

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

For the Bacon:

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

For the Glaze:

¼ cup maple syrup

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Preheating ensures even cooking and helps the Brussels sprouts caramelize perfectly.

2. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, honey, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Overcrowding can cause steaming instead of roasting, preventing them from getting crispy.

3. Cook the Bacon

Arrange the bacon pieces on a separate baking sheet. This ensures they cook evenly and crisp up nicely.

4. Roast to Perfection

Place both baking sheets in the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

The Brussels sprouts should turn golden brown and slightly crispy, while the bacon should be fully cooked and crisp.

5. Make the Maple Glaze

While the Brussels sprouts and bacon are roasting, prepare the glaze:

In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using).

This glaze adds a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors.

6. Combine & Serve

Once roasted, transfer the Brussels sprouts to a serving dish.

Toss them with the crispy bacon and drizzle the maple glaze over the top.

Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips for Success

✔ Use Fresh Brussels Sprouts – Fresh, firm Brussels sprouts roast better than frozen ones, which can become soggy.

✔ Cut Evenly – Halving or quartering your Brussels sprouts ensures they cook evenly.

✔ Watch the Bacon – If using regular bacon instead of turkey bacon, you may need to drain excess grease or bake on a wire rack for even crispiness.

✔ Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Leaving space between the Brussels sprouts allows for better caramelization and crispiness.

✔ Customize the Sweetness – Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup based on your preference for a more or less sweet glaze.

What to Serve with Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

This dish pairs beautifully with:

Grilled or roasted chicken 🍗

Juicy steak or pork chops 🥩

Salmon or other fish dishes 🐟

Quinoa, farro, or wild rice for a hearty vegetarian option 🍚

It also makes a fantastic addition to holiday spreads, adding a balance of sweet and savory flavors that complement turkey, ham, and mashed potatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes! Roast the Brussels sprouts and bacon ahead of time, then reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Add the glaze just before serving.

Q: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts? A: Fresh is best for roasting, but you can use frozen. Thaw and pat them dry before roasting to prevent excess moisture.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian? A: Absolutely! Omit the bacon or use plant-based alternatives like tempeh bacon or smoked almonds for a crunchy, smoky flavor.

Q: What’s a good substitute for maple syrup? A: Honey or brown sugar can be used instead of maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness.

Q: Can I air-fry the Brussels sprouts instead of roasting them? A: Yes! Air fry at 375°F for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Final Thoughts

Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is a simple yet impressive dish that will elevate any meal. The crispy, caramelized sprouts, smoky bacon, and sweet-savory glaze make this recipe a true winner. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or a quick weeknight dinner, this dish will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out! Happy cooking! 🍽️

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