Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Description: These Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors. The Brussels sprouts become caramelized and crispy after roasting, while the bacon adds a crispy, salty contrast. The honey glaze ties everything together with a touch of sweetness that elevates the dish to a whole new level. Whether served as a side dish for a holiday meal or as a delicious snack, these roasted Brussels sprouts are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Prepare the Brussels sprouts: In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Roast the Brussels sprouts: Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown, tossing them halfway through for even cooking.
- Cook the bacon: While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, cook the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the honey glaze: In the same skillet, add honey and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it begins to bubble and slightly thicken (about 1-2 minutes).
- Combine and serve: Once the Brussels sprouts are roasted, toss them with the crispy bacon and drizzle with the warm honey glaze. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For best results, it’s recommended to freeze the Brussels sprouts before they are glazed. If you’ve already added the honey glaze, freezing may affect the texture, but it will still be edible for up to 1 month.
Reheating Tips:
- Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.
- Skillet: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, tossing occasionally until heated through.
- Microwave: For a quicker option, reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, but be aware the Brussels sprouts may lose some crispiness.
20 FAQs:
- Can I make this recipe without bacon? Yes! You can omit the bacon and still enjoy a delicious side dish. Consider adding toasted nuts or a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts? Fresh Brussels sprouts are recommended for the best texture, but frozen Brussels sprouts can work too. Just be sure to thaw them first before roasting.
- What can I substitute for honey? Maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown sugar are great substitutes for honey.
- How do I get my Brussels sprouts extra crispy? Make sure they’re spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet, and don’t overcrowd them. The more surface area exposed to the heat, the crispier they will get.
- Can I add other vegetables to this dish? Yes! You can add carrots, sweet potatoes, or parsnips to roast alongside the Brussels sprouts.
- Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of the oven? Yes! You can pan-roast the Brussels sprouts, but oven-roasting gives them a crispier texture.
- How do I know when the Brussels sprouts are done? They should be golden brown and crispy on the edges. A fork or knife should easily slide through them when they’re tender.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but make sure to check that your bacon doesn’t contain gluten if you have a sensitivity.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? You can prep the Brussels sprouts and bacon in advance, then glaze and serve right before eating for the best results.
- What can I serve this with? These Brussels sprouts are great alongside roasted meats like chicken, pork, or beef, or as part of a holiday spread.
- Can I make this vegan? To make this recipe vegan, simply skip the bacon and use a plant-based substitute or leave it out entirely. Use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Do I need to trim the Brussels sprouts? Yes, trimming the ends and cutting them in half ensures even roasting and better texture.
- Can I use a different fat instead of olive oil? Yes, avocado oil, melted butter, or coconut oil would work well too.
- How do I prevent the Brussels sprouts from burning? Check them midway through roasting and stir or flip them to ensure even cooking. You can also lower the oven temperature if you’re worried about burning.
- Can I add garlic to this recipe? Yes, garlic would be a great addition! Add minced garlic to the Brussels sprouts before roasting for a delicious flavor boost.
- How do I store the bacon for later use? Store cooked bacon in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon? Yes! Turkey bacon can be used as a lighter option, but it may not get as crispy as traditional bacon.
- What is the best way to chop Brussels sprouts? Trim the ends, then cut them in half lengthwise. If they’re large, you can quarter them for more even cooking.
- Can I add a bit of spice to this dish? Absolutely! A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper would add a nice heat that complements the sweetness of the honey.
- What should I do if the honey glaze is too thick? If the honey glaze gets too thick, simply add a little warm water or olive oil to thin it out.
20 Best Tips to Make the Perfect Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon:
- Use fresh Brussels sprouts: Fresh Brussels sprouts roast much better than frozen ones, ensuring a crispier texture.
- Cut Brussels sprouts evenly: Make sure all Brussels sprouts are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: For the crispiest Brussels sprouts, give them room to spread out on the baking sheet.
- Preheat the oven: Make sure your oven is preheated to 400°F to achieve that perfect roasted crunch.
- Flip halfway through: Toss or flip the Brussels sprouts at the halfway point to ensure they cook evenly.
- Use thick-cut bacon: Thick-cut bacon provides a nice chewy texture and crispiness when cooked.
- Crisp the bacon first: Crispy bacon will add a better crunch and texture to the dish.
- Use raw honey: Raw honey has a more complex flavor that works wonderfully with the Brussels sprouts.
- Don’t skip the salt and pepper: Season generously for a balanced flavor profile.
- Add a dash of vinegar: A splash of balsamic or apple cider vinegar before serving can cut the sweetness and add depth.
- Toss in a little Parmesan: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan adds a savory richness.
- Test the Brussels sprouts for doneness: Test by poking them with a fork. If they’re soft inside and crispy on the outside, they’re ready.
- Drizzle the glaze immediately: Drizzle the honey glaze over the Brussels sprouts right before serving to keep the glaze from hardening.
- Pair with a protein: These Brussels sprouts are great with roasted chicken, beef, or grilled shrimp.
- Try adding nuts: Chopped pecans or almonds would add a nice crunch and contrast to the soft sprouts.
- Use high-quality olive oil: The olive oil enhances the Brussels sprouts’ flavor, so choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil.
- Bake on a parchment-lined sheet: This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Add lemon zest: A bit of lemon zest at the end can brighten up the dish.
- Use a skillet for the glaze: Skillets work great for making the honey glaze as they allow for even heat distribution.
- Serve immediately: For the crispiest Brussels sprouts, serve right after tossing with the glaze!
Enjoy!
