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A Sweet and Salty Side Dish Everyone Will Love
Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is the ultimate easy holiday vegetable recipe that perfectly balances savory and sweet flavors. If you are looking for a crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving veggie, this dish converts even the biggest skeptics by turning bitter sprouts into caramelized perfection.
This sweet and salty Brussels sprouts side dish is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to prepare. It serves as a high-fiber low-carb roasted vegetable option that fits right into a festive menu or a busy weeknight dinner. With crispy bacon roasted sprouts and a sticky glaze, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty: Easy
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6 people
- Estimated Cost: Affordable
Ingredients for Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
To achieve that perfect sweet and salty Brussels sprouts side dish, you need fresh quality ingredients.
- Brussels Sprouts: 1.5 lbs (about 700g), trimmed and halved.
- Bacon: 6 slices, chopped into 1-inch pieces (you can substitute for pancetta).
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons.
- Honey: 3 tablespoons (use high-quality raw honey for best flavor).
- Balsamic Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (optional, for honey-balsamic Brussels sprouts variation).
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon.
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, freshly cracked.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch (optional for heat).
Equipment Required
- Large Sheet Pan: Essential for sheet-pan roasted sprouts with bacon to ensure they crisp up rather than steam.
- Parchment Paper or Foil: For easy cleanup.
- Mixing Bowl: Large enough to toss the vegetables.
- Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board.
How to Make Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Follow these simple steps to create the ultimate high-fiber low-carb roasted vegetables.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Prepare the Sprouts: Trim the woody ends off the Brussels sprouts and remove any yellow outer leaves. Slice each sprout in half vertically.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Ensure they are evenly coated.
- Arrange on Pan: Spread the sprouts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Scatter the chopped bacon pieces evenly around and over the sprouts. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this prevents browning.
- Roast: Place in the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, give the pan a shake or stir gently to ensure even cooking. You want the sprouts to be tender and the bacon to be crispy.
- Glaze: Remove the pan from the oven. Drizzle the honey (and balsamic vinegar if using) directly over the hot sprouts and bacon. Toss gently on the pan to coat everything in the glaze.
- Final Caramelization: Return the pan to the oven for another 3-5 minutes to let the glaze bubble and sticky up.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving dish immediately.
Chef’s Tips and Variations
Tips for Success
- High Heat is Key: Roasting at 400°F ensures you get that delicious char without turning the vegetable into mush.
- Bacon Fat: As the bacon renders, it adds flavor to the sprouts. If you are using very lean bacon, you might need a touch more olive oil.
- Uniform Sizes: Cut your sprouts into similar sizes so they cook at the same rate.
Variations
- Keto-Friendly Sprouts: For a low-carb version, simply swap the regular honey for a keto-friendly sugar-free honey alternative. This makes for excellent keto-friendly sprouts.
- Spicy Kick: Add sriracha to the honey glaze for a sweet heat.
- Nutty Crunch: Toss in some pecans or walnuts during the last 5 minutes of roasting for added texture.
Pairing Suggestions
If you are planning a full meal, this side dish pairs beautifully with:
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 9g
These high-fiber low-carb roasted vegetables are a great way to add nutrients to your diet without sacrificing flavor.
Conclusion
This Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon recipe transforms a humble vegetable into a show-stopping side dish. It is the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and crispy textures. Whether it is for a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please check out these other delicious options from my blog:
- Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash Salad
- Crack Green Beans with Bacon
- Christmas Stuffed Mushrooms
- Smashed Green Onion Potato Bombs
- Crack Green Beans Recipe
Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for more inspiration!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this a keto-friendly sprout recipe?
Yes, absolutely. To make keto-friendly sprouts, substitute the honey with a sugar-free syrup or a monk fruit sweetener blend that mimics the texture of honey.
Is this a gluten-free savory-sweet side?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that the bacon you purchase does not contain any gluten-based additives or flavorings.
Can I prep this sheet-pan roasted sprouts with bacon dish ahead of time?
You can trim and halve the Brussels sprouts up to 2 days in advance. Store them in the fridge. However, for the best crispy texture, roast them just before serving.
How do I make honey-balsamic Brussels sprouts?
Simply whisk 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar into your 3 tablespoons of honey before drizzling it over the roasted vegetables in step 6.
What if I don’t eat pork?
You can substitute the bacon with turkey bacon (add a little more oil as it is leaner) or use caramelized brussels sprouts with pancetta beef alternatives for a similar salty kick.
Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: The Best Crispy Side Dish
These Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are the ultimate sweet and salty side dish. Crispy, caramelized, and ready in just 35 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasted
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
1.5 lbs (700g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
6 slices bacon, chopped into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and slice them in half.
3. In a large bowl, toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
4. Spread the sprouts in a single layer on the baking sheet and scatter the chopped bacon pieces around them.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until sprouts are tender and bacon is crispy.
6. Remove from the oven, drizzle with honey (and balsamic if using), and toss gently on the pan to coat.
7. Return to the oven for 3-5 minutes to let the glaze caramelize.
8. Serve immediately.
Notes
For extra crunch, add pecans in the last 5 minutes of roasting.
To make this keto-friendly, substitute honey with a sugar-free syrup alternative.
Ensure the sprouts are in a single layer to roast them properly instead of steaming.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 9
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 6
- Cholesterol: 10
Keywords: Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, sweet and salty Brussels sprouts side dish, crispy bacon roasted sprouts
