Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here from Chef Maniac! If you’re looking for a side dish that’s guaranteed to convert even the most ardent Brussels sprouts skeptics, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re making Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon – a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and crispy textures in every bite. It’s a flavor explosion that makes eating your vegetables an absolute delight, and it’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a holiday feast.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore these Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts because they take a humble vegetable and transform it into something truly irresistible. The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the Brussels sprouts, while the honey glaze adds a touch of caramelization. And let’s not forget the bacon – its salty crispness provides the perfect contrast. It’s an incredibly flavorful side dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring minimal hands-on time thanks to the oven. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to add wholesome goodness to your meal in the most delicious way possible!

List of Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this fantastic sweet and savory side dish:

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)

Swaps and Notes

• Brussels Sprouts: Choose firm, bright green Brussels sprouts. If they are very large, you might want to quarter them for more even cooking.
• Bacon: Thick-cut bacon renders beautifully and provides great texture. You can use thin-cut bacon, but it will cook faster, so adjust accordingly. Turkey bacon could be a leaner option, but won’t give the same rendered fat for flavor.
• Honey: Any type of honey will work for the initial roast. For the glaze, maple syrup is specified, but you could use more honey if preferred, or a combination.
• Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup is recommended for the best flavor in the glaze.
• Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard adds a tangy depth to the glaze that balances the sweetness. Yellow mustard would be too mild here.
• Balsamic Vinegar: This adds a crucial acidic tang and rich flavor to the glaze. Apple cider vinegar could be a substitute for a lighter acidity.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but a touch of heat really elevates the sweet and savory notes. Adjust to your preference.

List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat is essential for getting those Brussels sprouts tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.
2. Prepare Brussels Sprouts: In a large bowl, combine the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts with the olive oil, honey, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Toss well to ensure the Brussels sprouts are evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Do not overcrowd the pan; use two sheets if necessary.
3. Prepare Bacon: Place the cut bacon pieces on a separate baking sheet. Spreading them out in a single layer allows them to crisp up evenly.
4. Roast Initial: Place both baking sheets (Brussels sprouts and bacon) in the preheated oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender-crisp and lightly caramelized, and the bacon is crispy. The bacon will likely be done before the Brussels sprouts; remove it and set aside if it crisps up earlier.
5. Make the Glaze: While the Brussels sprouts finish roasting, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the glaze thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
6. Combine & Glaze: Once the Brussels sprouts are tender and lightly charred, remove them from the oven. Add the crispy cooked bacon pieces to the baking sheet with the Brussels sprouts. Pour the prepared glaze over the Brussels sprouts and bacon. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
7. Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and serve hot. Enjoy this delightful sweet and savory side dish!

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For crispy Brussels sprouts and bacon, ensure they are spread in a single layer on the baking sheets. Crowding leads to steaming, not roasting/crisping.
• Trim & Halve Properly: Trim off the tough end of the Brussels sprout and halve them. If they are very large, quartering them exposes more surface area for roasting.
• Cook Bacon Separately (Initially): Bacon often renders a lot of fat and can make other ingredients soggy if roasted together from the start. Roasting separately ensures crisp bacon.
• Timing is Key: Keep an eye on both the Brussels sprouts and bacon, as cooking times can vary. Remove each component as it reaches its ideal doneness.
• Glaze at the End: Adding the glaze towards the end of cooking (or after) prevents it from burning and allows it to coat the vegetables beautifully.
• Seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper, especially after adding the salty bacon.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are a versatile and delicious side dish that pairs well with almost any main course:

• Roasted Meats: Fantastic with roasted chicken, pork loin, beef tenderloin, or turkey.
• Holiday Feasts: A perfect addition to your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter dinner table.
• Simple Weeknight Dinners: Elevates a basic grilled chicken breast, steak, or even fish.
• Other Comfort Foods: This side would complement hearty dishes like my Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausageor even a comforting bowl of my Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftovers of Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. While the Brussels sprouts won’t be as crispy as fresh, they still taste delicious. To reheat, spread on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven or in an air fryer until heated through and slightly re-crisped, about 5-10 minutes.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the ease and deliciousness of this roasted vegetable dish, and you’re looking for more satisfying and comforting meals, you’ll definitely want to explore some of my other popular recipes:

• For another fantastic one-pan dinner that’s incredibly convenient, my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is a lifesaver.
• And if you’re looking for ultimate comfort food made fast, don’t miss my Instant Pot Lasagna.
• For a true taste of fall in a sweet treat, my Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins are perfect for baking on repeat.

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Final Thoughts

Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is a dish that truly delivers on its promise of sweet, savory, and utterly delicious flavor. It’s proof that even simple vegetables can be transformed into a show-stopping side dish that everyone will rave about. Give it a try – you might just find yourself craving Brussels sprouts more often than you think!

What are your favorite ways to prepare Brussels sprouts, or your go-to savory-sweet side dishes? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more delicious, easy recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to follow Chef Maniac.