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Sweet and Smoky Brussels Sprouts
These honey glazed Brussels sprouts have become my secret weapon for converting sprout skeptics. The combination of crispy caramelized edges smoky bacon and that irresistible honey maple glaze creates something truly magical. Every time I make them someone asks for the recipe.
A Side Dish Worth Celebrating
Gone are the days of boring boiled sprouts. This recipe transforms them into something incredible with perfectly crispy edges sweet glaze and bits of bacon in every bite. I serve these at holiday dinners casual family meals and they've even converted my veggie-suspicious teenagers into Brussels sprout fans.
What You'll Need
- Brussels Sprouts: 1 pound, trimmed and halved for even roasting. Choose firm, fresh sprouts for the best results.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for perfect caramelization.
- Honey: 1 tablespoon to enhance sweetness.
- Thick-Cut Bacon: 6 slices, cut into 1-inch pieces for uniform crispiness. Swap with turkey bacon or plant-based alternatives as needed.
- Maple Syrup: 1/4 cup for a rich, natural sweetness.
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon for a tangy kick.
- Balsamic Vinegar: 1 tablespoon to balance the glaze's sweetness.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): 1/4 teaspoon for a touch of heat.
- Salt and Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper for seasoning.
Let's Get Cooking
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Trim the sprouts, halve them, and pat dry. Toss with olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until evenly coated.
- Cook the Bacon
- Lay the bacon pieces on a separate baking sheet. Bake alongside the Brussels sprouts for 20-25 minutes until crispy. Set aside on paper towels to drain excess grease.
- Roast the Sprouts
- Spread the seasoned sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until caramelized and crispy.
- Make the Glaze
- While the sprouts roast, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl until smooth.
- Combine and Serve
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the roasted sprouts and bacon with the glaze while still warm. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with optional toasted nuts or fresh herbs.
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Make It Your Own
Over the years I've discovered some delicious ways to customize this dish. Sometimes I'll toss in some toasted pecans for extra crunch or roasted garlic for depth. If you're looking for a vegetarian version smoked tofu works surprisingly well in place of bacon. The leftovers are amazing in salads or with eggs the next morning.
Keeping Them Fresh
While these sprouts are best fresh they'll keep in the fridge for a couple days. Just pop them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up. I never microwave them since they tend to get soggy. When I'm planning ahead I'll roast everything separately and combine with the warm glaze right before serving.
Kitchen Notes
After many questions from friends here's what I've learned: Frozen sprouts work fine just thaw and dry them well first. The oven is definitely your friend for reheating. That honey maple combo really helps balance any bitterness. Feel free to try this method with other veggies too broccoli is especially good. And yes you can prep ahead just save the final glazing for right before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I pick the best Brussels sprouts?
Look for small to medium-sized sprouts that are firm and bright green. Smaller sprouts tend to be sweeter and roast more evenly than larger ones.
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, you can skip the bacon entirely or use substitutes like smoked tofu or tempeh. The honey-maple glaze still provides plenty of flavor without the meat.
- → How long do leftovers keep?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven rather than microwave to maintain their crispy texture.
- → Can I adjust the sweetness?
You can reduce the honey or maple syrup in the glaze if you prefer less sweetness. The Dijon mustard and balsamic vinegar will still provide plenty of flavor.
- → How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that complements the sweet glaze. You can adjust the amount or omit them entirely based on your spice preference.
Conclusion
Transform Brussels sprouts into a crave-worthy side dish with this simple recipe. Roasted until tender and tossed with crispy bacon and a sweet-tangy honey maple glaze, it's a perfect mix of flavors.