Not gonna lie—Brussels sprouts used to scare me. But these Honey Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon? Total game changer. Sweet, crispy, and a little smoky.
The honey caramelizes in the oven. The bacon gets all crispy and salty. And those sprouts? Golden on the outside, tender in the middle.
It’s the kind of side dish that steals the show. Sweet, savory, and totally addicting. I snack on them straight from the pan—no shame.
Wanna love Brussels sprouts too? Toss ‘em with honey and bacon and roast away. You’ll never look back.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Savory Meets Sweet: Roasted Brussels sprouts and crispy bacon meet a honey-maple glaze that adds a rich, sweet finish.
- Texture Heaven: You get crunchy edges, chewy bacon bits, and a tender bite all in one dish.
- Easy but Elegant: No complicated steps, but the flavor says otherwise—perfect for both weeknights and holidays.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: ~45 minutes
Servings:
Serves 4–6 as a side. Planning a big meal? You can easily double the batch.
Difficulty:
Beginner-friendly with just a bit of slicing and roasting.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or foil
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
- Tongs or spatula
Ingredients for Honey Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish together (exact measurements in the recipe card below):
- Brussels sprouts (1 pound): Fresh is best—halved for quicker roasting and crispy edges.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps everything crisp up in the oven. Avocado oil or melted butter also works.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Adds natural sweetness and light caramelization.
- Thick-cut bacon (6 slices, cut into 1-inch pieces): Smoky, salty, and crispy—perfect contrast to the sprouts.
- Maple syrup (¼ cup): Balances the dish with deeper sweetness.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds tang and depth to the glaze. Yellow mustard is a milder substitute.
- Balsamic vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brings acidity to balance the sweet glaze. Apple cider vinegar also works.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) & Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): To season and bring everything together.
- Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): For a tiny kick of heat—optional but recommended.
Variations for Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts With Bacon
- Use Pancetta or Turkey Bacon: Both deliver flavor with slight differences in texture.
- Swap Honey for Maple Syrup: Use one or the other to suit your taste—both work beautifully.
- Add Pecans or Walnuts: Toasted nuts add crunch and richness.
- Make It Vegetarian: Skip the bacon and roast the sprouts solo or add mushrooms for an umami boost.
- Add a Citrus Twist: A splash of orange juice in the glaze adds brightness.
How to Make Honey Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon – Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Brussels Sprouts
Rinse and dry the Brussels sprouts. Trim the ends and slice each one in half. If some are very large, quarter them to keep the sizes even for roasting.
2. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
3. Toss with Oil and Seasoning
In a large bowl, toss the halved sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on the baking sheet in a single layer, cut side down.
4. Add Bacon
Sprinkle the chopped bacon evenly over the Brussels sprouts.
5. Roast
Place the tray in the oven and roast for about 20–25 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are golden-brown and crispy around the edges, and the bacon is fully cooked.
6. Make the Honey Glaze
While the sprouts roast, whisk together the honey, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity if needed.
7. Glaze and Finish Roasting
Once the Brussels sprouts and bacon are roasted, remove the tray from the oven. Drizzle the honey glaze over everything and toss gently with tongs to coat. Return the tray to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to caramelize.
How to Serve Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts With Bacon
This side dish is warm, rich, and goes with almost everything:
- With Roasted Meats: Serve alongside roast chicken, turkey, pork tenderloin, or beef.
- On Holiday Tables: A crowd-pleaser for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
- In Grain Bowls: Add to quinoa or wild rice bowls with a dollop of yogurt or a fried egg.
- With Pasta: Toss into a creamy pasta dish for a hit of sweet-savory crunch.
Storing Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts With Bacon
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm them in the oven at 375°F for 5–10 minutes to bring back some crispiness. A quick skillet reheat works too. Avoid the microwave—it can make them soggy.
- Make Ahead: You can trim and cut the Brussels sprouts and prep the glaze in advance. Store separately in the fridge and combine when ready to roast.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Dry the Sprouts Well: Moisture prevents crisping. Use a clean towel or paper towels after rinsing.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Spread the sprouts in a single layer to allow even roasting.
- Cut Side Down: This helps them caramelize better and get those golden crispy edges.
- Taste the Glaze First: You can tweak the honey or vinegar amounts to suit your preference.
- Use Thick-Cut Bacon: It holds up better during roasting and adds more chew.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Protein | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 17g |
| Sugars | 10g |
| Fat | 13g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 370mg |
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary depending on brands and portion sizes.
Honey Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon
Course: Breakfasts6
servings20
minutes30
minutes210
kcalIngredients
1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
2 tbsp olive oil
6 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tbsp honey
¼ cup maple syrup
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
- Prepare Brussels sprouts. Rinse, dry thoroughly, trim ends, and slice in half.
- Season and toss. In a large bowl, toss sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on the baking sheet cut side down.
- Add bacon. Scatter bacon pieces over the sprouts evenly.
- Roast. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bacon is crisp and sprouts are golden-brown.
- Make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk honey, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and balsamic vinegar until smooth.
- Glaze and finish. Drizzle glaze over roasted sprouts and bacon. Toss gently to coat. Return to oven for 5 more minutes to caramelize.
- Serve warm. Optional: sprinkle red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts With Bacon FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Yes, but thaw and dry them thoroughly. They may not crisp up as well as fresh ones.
Can I make this without bacon?
Absolutely. For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and roast with a bit more olive oil. Add roasted nuts for crunch if you like.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your bacon and Dijon mustard are certified gluten-free.
What if I don’t have maple syrup?
You can use brown sugar or more honey instead. It will slightly change the flavor but still work well.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use two baking sheets so the sprouts have room to roast properly and don’t steam.
Conclusion
Honey Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon is one of those side dishes that surprises everyone. It’s easy to prep, big on flavor, and brings that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory. I love making this during fall and winter, but honestly—it fits on the table all year round. Whether you’re cooking for family or bringing a dish to share, this one’s a keeper.
