Welcome to Sweet & Savory Heaven!
Hello, my lovely friends! Are you ready to transform your side dish game with a recipe that’s both sweet and savory? I’m thrilled to share my Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon! Trust me, these little gems are going to be the spotlight of your dinner table. They’re simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfectly balance the earthiness of Brussels sprouts and the savoriness of crispy bacon. Let’s dive right in!
Why Brussels Sprouts Are Amazing
Now, you might be wondering, why should I be excited about Brussels sprouts? Well, these little green powerhouses are not just pretty to look at; they come with some great health benefits too! Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamins K and C, fiber, and antioxidants that support your immune system and gut health. Plus, the addition of bacon and honey makes them so delicious that even those of you who usually shy away from Brussels sprouts will be coming back for seconds!
Adaptable Options for Everyone!
- For the Sweet Tooth: If you want to crank up the sweetness, try adding a dash of maple syrup alongside the honey.
- For a Vegan Twist: Swap out the bacon for crispy tempeh or mushrooms. They’ll provide a nice texture without the meat!
- Extra Flavor Boost: Consider sprinkling some parmesan cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking for a cheesy flavor that will delight!
- Need it Gluten-Free? This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just make sure your balsamic vinegar is gluten-free too!
Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts
- 5-6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- Balsamic vinegar (optional, for tanginess)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is where the magic happens!
- Take those Brussels sprouts, give them a good cleaning by trimming the ends, and discarding any yellow or damaged leaves. Then, cut them in half to ensure they roast evenly.
- Now, let’s tackle the bacon! Chop it into bite-sized pieces—about 1-inch chunks should do the trick.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, toss in the bacon and cook it until it’s nice and crispy. Once done, take the bacon out and set it aside, but make sure to keep that delicious bacon fat in the skillet.
- Add minced garlic into the hot bacon fat. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it smells divine and fragrant.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts with the sautéed garlic and bacon fat. Drizzle everything with olive oil, then add honey, salt, pepper, and those optional red pepper flakes if you fancy a little heat. Toss well to coat all those vibrant Brussels sprouts!
- Spread the sprouts out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they’re in a single layer for optimal roasting. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden and tender.
- Here’s the fun part! In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle in those crispy bacon pieces so they can warm up and crisp further.
- Optional, but highly recommended: Drizzle some balsamic vinegar over the Brussels sprouts just before serving for an extra zing.
- Finally, take the pan out of the oven and serve these beauties warm! Enjoy your savory-sweet creation!
Practical & Valuable Tips
- To keep your Brussels sprouts perfectly caramelized, make sure they’re not crowded on the baking sheet—give them space to roast!
- If you’re making this ahead of time, you can roast the Brussels sprouts and bacon separately then combine them just before serving to keep everything crispy.
- Overall storage? Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days—though I doubt they’ll last that long!
Essential Equipment
To make this recipe a breeze, here’s a quick list of what you’ll need:
- A sturdy baking sheet
- A large mixing bowl
- A skillet for cooking the bacon
- A knife and cutting board for chopping
- Parchment paper (optional for easy cleanup)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can roast the Brussels sprouts and bacon in advance; just combine them when you’re ready to serve!
- What else can I add for flavor? Try balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of nutmeg for a unique twist!
- Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts? Fresh is best, but you can use frozen; just make sure to thaw and dry them off first.
- Is there a substitute for bacon? Absolutely! Crispy tempeh works great, or you might try smoked paprika for that smoky flavor.
- How do I know when they’re done? They should be golden brown and fork-tender when they’re ready to come out of the oven.
Join the Fun!
I hope you’re as excited as I am to make these Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon! If you give it a try, I’d love to hear about it! Share your experience and tag me on Pinterest with your delicious creations. Happy cooking!
