Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy side dish that will wow your guests, look no further than honey-glazed roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon. This recipe takes the humble Brussels sprout and elevates it to a whole new level of flavor. The combination of sweet honey, smoky bacon, and crispy roasted sprouts is simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday dinner or a weeknight meal, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Brussels sprouts:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the honey glaze:
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Steps
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Brussels sprouts
Trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and remove any loose leaves. Cut each sprout in half lengthwise.
Step 3: Cook the bacon
Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and let it drain on a paper towel. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
Step 4: Prepare the honey glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic until well combined.
Step 5: Toss the Brussels sprouts
In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with the olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Step 6: Roast the Brussels sprouts
Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Glaze the sprouts
Remove the Brussels sprouts from the oven and drizzle the honey glaze over them. Toss the sprouts gently to coat them evenly with the glaze.
Step 8: Add the bacon
Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the glazed Brussels sprouts.
Step 9: Serve and enjoy
Transfer the honey-glazed roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon to a serving dish and serve immediately. Enjoy the delicious combination of flavors!
Variations
While this recipe is already incredibly tasty, you can always add your own personal touch to make it even more unique. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the glazed sprouts for a cheesy twist.
- For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey glaze.
- Experiment with different types of mustard, such as whole grain or spicy brown, to change the flavor profile.
- Try using maple syrup instead of honey for a slightly different sweetness.
Tips
To ensure the best results with your honey-glazed roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, keep these tips in mind:
- Make sure to trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and remove any loose leaves before halving them.
- For extra crispy sprouts, spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet without overcrowding.
- Don’t overcook the sprouts. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside while still tender on the inside.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of honey in the glaze to your taste preferences. Add more for a sweeter dish or less for a milder flavor.
Conclusion
Honey-glazed roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon is a dish that will change the way you think about this often-misunderstood vegetable. The combination of sweet honey, smoky bacon, and crispy roasted sprouts creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or as a main course, this recipe is a winner. So, give it a try and prepare to be amazed!
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
While fresh Brussels sprouts are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen sprouts if that’s all you have. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before roasting.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best to serve the honey-glazed roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon immediately after cooking, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Cook the bacon, trim and halve the sprouts, and make the glaze in advance. When you’re ready to serve, roast the sprouts, glaze them, and sprinkle with bacon.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the bacon. The honey-glazed roasted Brussels sprouts are still incredibly delicious on their own. For a vegan version, substitute the honey with maple syrup and use vegan bacon or tempeh bacon instead.
What can I serve with honey-glazed roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon?
This dish pairs well with a variety of main courses. It goes particularly well with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or pan-seared salmon. You can also serve it as a side dish alongside roasted potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes.
