Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Crispy, golden-brown Brussels sprouts. Smoky, crackling bacon. And a glaze that blends sweet maple, zesty mustard, and rich balsamic. These Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are the kind of side dish that steals the show—even from the main course.
Whether you’re roasting up Sunday dinner, hosting the holidays, or just need a better veggie option, this recipe hits the mark every time.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly balanced sweet + salty + tangy + smoky
- Quick to prep with just a few pantry staples
- Crispy edges and caramelized flavor thanks to a high-heat roast
- Flexible—use pancetta or swap in maple syrup directly
- Ideal for entertaining or everyday meals
🛒 Ingredients
Brussels Sprouts
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Bacon
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
Maple-Dijon Glaze
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat to 425°F (220°C). This high temp is key for crispiness.
Step 2: Season the Brussels Sprouts
Toss the halved Brussels sprouts in a large bowl with olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Step 3: Prepare the Bacon
Place bacon pieces on a separate baking sheet. This keeps them crispy and avoids sogginess.
Step 4: Roast
Roast both sheets in the oven for 20–25 minutes, until the Brussels sprouts are golden and the bacon is crispy.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
While everything roasts, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 6: Combine
Toss the roasted Brussels sprouts and bacon together in a bowl. Drizzle with the glaze and gently stir to coat.
Step 7: Serve
Serve hot! Sprinkle with extra red pepper or fresh herbs like parsley if desired.
🌟 Tips for Success
- Even size = even cooking: Cut sprouts so they’re uniform.
- Use parchment paper for easier cleanup and crispier bottoms.
- Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the bacon or sub with plant-based bacon bits or roasted mushrooms.
- Cook bacon in a pan if you want more control over crispiness.
🍽️ What to Serve It With
This dish pairs beautifully with hearty mains. Try it with:
- These Easy Turkey Wings – comfort food magic
- This Tomato Skillet with Okra & Sausage – rich and Southern
- This Instant Pot Lasagna – weeknight dinner winner
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas – slice and serve with a side of sprouts
- This Dorito Casserole – balance all that cheese with a little green!
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a hot skillet or air fryer to restore crispiness.
- The glaze will thicken more after chilling—add a splash of balsamic or warm maple syrup if reheating.
💭 Final Thoughts
These Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon prove that vegetables can be the best part of the meal. They’re simple enough for a weeknight and bold enough for a holiday table.
Want to make it ahead, turn it into a warm salad, or add pomegranate seeds for crunch? Let me know—I’ve got options! Drop a comment below or follow for more elevated side dish ideas. 🥓🥬🍯
Leave a Reply