Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Beef Bacon Recipe: Sweet Crunch

Brussels sprouts have become my unexpected crusty bites of culinary magic, especially when tossed with crispy beef bacon and a glistening honey glaze.

Nutty kernels transform into something extraordinary when roasted at high temperatures.

Small green globes caramelize beautifully under intense heat, developing rich, deep flavors.

Savory beef bacon adds a smoky dimension that complements the natural sweetness.

Each forkful promises a delightful contrast between crisp edges and tender interiors.

The honey drizzle brings a subtle warmth that ties everything together seamlessly.

What Makes Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts So Special

• Conquer Quick Cooking: This recipe transforms Brussels sprouts into a mouthwatering side dish with minimal prep work and straightforward steps anyone can master.
• Boost Nutritional Power: Brussels sprouts pack a serious health punch, loaded with vitamins and minerals while the beef bacon adds delicious protein for a balanced meal.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The perfect blend of sweet honey and crispy beef bacon turns ordinary vegetables into an irresistible dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasoning to match personal taste preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different dietary needs and flavor profiles.

Everything You’ll Need for Sweet Brussels Sprouts with Beef Bacon

• Brussels Sprouts: Fresh green vegetables with a slightly nutty flavor that become crispy and caramelized when roasted.
• Beef Bacon: A rich and flavorful meat that adds a smoky and crispy texture to the dish.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural taste of Brussels sprouts and help them roast evenly.
• Honey: A sweet glaze that brings a caramelized finish and balances the savory elements of the dish.

Steps to Make Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet

Position the oven rack in the middle and preheat to 400F (200C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Brussels Sprouts

Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and slice them in half lengthwise. This helps them cook evenly and creates more surface area for caramelization.

Step 3: Season Brussels Sprouts

• Olive oil
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Toss thoroughly to ensure even coating of seasonings.

Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Spread Brussels sprouts cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are in a single layer without overcrowding to allow proper roasting and browning.

Step 5: Roast Brussels Sprouts

Place baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. The sprouts should turn golden brown and develop crispy edges.

Step 6: Cook Beef Bacon

While Brussels sprouts are roasting, heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook chopped beef bacon until it becomes crisp and releases its delicious fat.

Step 7: Glaze and Finish

Remove roasted Brussels sprouts from the oven and drizzle with honey. Gently toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle crispy beef bacon pieces on top for added crunch and flavor.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer to a serving platter and enjoy immediately while still warm and crispy.

Tips for Roasting Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Just Right

• Choose fresh, firm Brussels sprouts for the best roasted texture and flavor.
• Pat Brussels sprouts dry before roasting to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent steaming.
• Arrange sprouts in a single layer without overcrowding to help them caramelize evenly.
• Consider using maple syrup as a honey alternative for those with different taste preferences.
• Swap beef bacon with turkey bacon or plant-based bacon for dietary restrictions while maintaining a crispy topping.

Sweet and Savory Twists on This Brussels Sprouts Dish

• Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts: Replace honey with pure maple syrup for a rich, caramelized Canadian-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Sriracha Glazed Version: Mix honey with sriracha sauce to add a hot kick and complex heat to the roasted vegetables.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Sprinkle dried oregano, thyme, and crumbled feta cheese over the roasted Brussels sprouts for a Greek-inspired variation.
• Asian Sesame Glaze: Combine honey with soy sauce and sesame oil, then garnish with toasted sesame seeds for an umami-packed alternative.

What Goes Well With Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Bacon

• Pair Perfectly with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah that complements the rich beef bacon and sweet honey glaze, cutting through the sprouts' earthy flavors.
• Complement with Hearty Grains: Serve alongside quinoa pilaf or wild rice to add textural contrast and provide a neutral base that highlights the dish's complex sweet and savory notes.
• Balance with Fresh Citrus Salad: Create a light side salad with orange segments, arugula, and a tangy vinaigrette to brighten the meal and offset the richness of the roasted Brussels sprouts and bacon.
• Match with Crisp Craft Beer: Select an amber ale or hoppy IPA that can stand up to the intense flavors, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the caramelized honey and smoky beef bacon.

How to Store Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

• Transfer leftover Brussels sprouts to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture.
• Preheat oven to 350F, spread Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method helps restore the crispy texture and maintains the original flavor.
• Place Brussels sprouts on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs About Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Beef Bacon

• Are Brussels sprouts healthy?

Yes, they’re packed with nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber, which support immune health and digestion.

• How do I choose the best Brussels sprouts?

Look for bright green, firm sprouts with tight, compact leaves and no yellow or brown spots. Smaller sprouts tend to be sweeter and more tender.

• Can I use regular bacon instead of beef bacon?

Absolutely! Regular pork bacon works perfectly and will provide a similar crispy, savory texture to the dish.

• What if my Brussels sprouts turn out bitter?

Roasting helps reduce bitterness. Using fresh sprouts, adding honey, and cooking at high heat caramelizes them, creating a sweeter, more pleasant flavor profile.

Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Beef Bacon Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory honey-glazed roasted brussels sprouts with beef bacon bring Mediterranean flair to your dinner table. Rich caramelized flavors meld perfectly, creating an irresistible side dish that you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (1 lb) brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 4 slices beef bacon, chopped

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons honey
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a scorching 400F (200C), creating an ideal roasting environment for the vegetables.
2. Thoroughly coat Brussels sprouts with olive oil, ensuring each piece receives an even, glistening layer of seasoning.
3. Arrange the seasoned sprouts on a spacious baking sheet, positioning them in a single, uncrowded layer to promote optimal caramelization.
4. Roast the sprouts for 25-30 minutes, monitoring their transformation into tender morsels with crispy, golden-brown edges.
5. While vegetables are roasting, render the beef bacon in a skillet, cooking until it achieves a satisfying crispness and releases its rich, smoky essence.
6. Once Brussels sprouts emerge from the oven, generously drizzle with honey, gently tossing to create a luxurious, glossy coating that balances sweet and savory notes.
7. Finish the dish by scattering the crisp beef bacon fragments across the honey-glazed sprouts, adding a delightful textural contrast and intense flavor profile.

Notes

• Trim Brussels sprouts carefully to remove any discolored or yellowing outer leaves for a fresh, vibrant appearance.
• Ensure even sizing when cutting Brussels sprouts to guarantee uniform roasting and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Pat Brussels sprouts completely dry before tossing with oil to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent steaming instead of roasting.
• Opt for raw honey with minimal processing to enhance natural flavor complexity and boost nutritional benefits when glazing the vegetables.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 237 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg