Honey Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Introduction
Brussels sprouts have always been a vegetable that sparks debate, but when roasted to crispy perfection and glazed with honey, they’re bound to convert even the staunchest skeptics. To take this dish to the next level, the addition of bacon adds a smoky and savory balance to the naturally sweet glaze and nutty sprouts. Today, we’re diving into a delicious recipe for Honey Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon that will elevate any meal and undoubtedly charm your taste buds.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
Ingredients
• Brussels sprouts – trimmed and halved (about 1 pound)
• Olive oil – for roasting
• Salt – to taste
• Black pepper – freshly ground
• Bacon – chopped into bite-sized pieces (about 4-5 strips)
• Honey – for glazing (about 2 tablespoons)
• Balsamic vinegar – adds a tangy element (1 tablespoon)
• Garlic – minced (1-2 cloves, depending on preference)
Prep Time
This recipe requires only about 15 minutes of preparation. Between prepping your Brussels sprouts, chopping the bacon, and mixing the glaze, you’ll have everything ready to go in no time.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time
The Brussels sprouts will need approximately 25 minutes in the oven, ensuring a crispy outer layer and tender interior.
Total Time
From start to finish, this dish takes roughly 40 minutes, making it an ideal side or appetizer for any occasion.
Yield
This recipe serves about 4-6 people, depending on portion sizes. It’s perfect for family meals or a dinner party crowd.
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With this simple yet flavor-packed recipe, Honey Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is sure to become a frequent favorite in your kitchen. Whether served as a side dish, starter, or even a light main course, each bite offers a perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors that’ll keep everyone coming back for more. Enjoy!
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Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even cooking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Brussels sprouts
Trim off the tough ends of the Brussels sprouts and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Slice them in half lengthwise to create even pieces for roasting.
Step 3: Cook the bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from the skillet and place the bacon on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease from the skillet for later use.
Step 4: Make the honey glaze
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, the reserved bacon grease, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. This glaze will add a perfect balance of sweetness and richness to the dish.
Step 5: Toss the Brussels sprouts
Place the halved Brussels sprouts in a large bowl. Drizzle the honey glaze over them and toss well to coat each piece evenly.
Step 6: Arrange on the baking sheet
Spread the glazed Brussels sprouts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not overcrowded to help them roast evenly and become crispy.
Step 7: Roast the Brussels sprouts
Roast the Brussels sprouts in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Bake until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges.
Step 8: Add the bacon
Once the Brussels sprouts are done roasting, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over the roasted Brussels sprouts while they are still warm.
Step 9: Serve
Transfer the roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon to a serving dish. Optionally, drizzle with extra honey for added sweetness before serving.
Notes
Choose fresh Brussels sprouts
Opt for firm and bright green Brussels sprouts for the best flavor and texture. Avoid mushy or yellowed sprouts as they may not roast well.
Adjust sweetness
Feel free to adjust the amount of honey in the glaze based on your preference for sweetness. Start with less and add more if needed.
Crispy bacon alternative
If you prefer super crispy bacon, you can cook it separately in the oven until crisp and then crumble it into the dish before serving.
Storing and reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain their crispiness.
Optional additions
For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, a squeeze of lemon juice, or grated Parmesan cheese after roasting.
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Cook Techniques
Roasting Technique for Brussels Sprouts
To achieve perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts, ensure they are evenly coated with olive oil. Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer to allow thorough roasting and caramelization.
How to Properly Crisp Bacon
Cook the bacon pieces until they are golden and crispy before mixing them with the roasted sprouts. This step ensures added crunch and flavor.
Using a Honey Glaze
Prepare the honey glaze separately by mixing honey, olive oil, and other seasonings. Drizzle it over the roasted Brussels sprouts to enhance their sweetness and balance the savory flavors.
Creating Even Heat Distribution
Toss the Brussels sprouts halfway through the roasting process. This ensures all sides cook evenly and develop a golden-brown exterior.
FAQ
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, you can substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon. Keep in mind that the flavor and crispiness may vary slightly, but it will still complement the Brussels sprouts well.
What can I use as a substitute for honey?
If you prefer not to use honey, you can substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar. Both provide a similar sweetness and work well in the glaze.
How do I prevent my Brussels sprouts from becoming soggy?
Ensure the Brussels sprouts are completely dry before coating them with oil. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this can trap steam and result in soggy sprouts.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast the Brussels sprouts and cook the bacon ahead of time. However, it’s best to combine them with the honey glaze just before serving to maintain texture and freshness.
What other seasonings can I add?
Feel free to experiment with garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even chili flakes to give the dish a unique twist.
Conclusion
The Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is a delightful dish that combines the natural sweetness of honey with the savory, smoky flavors of crispy bacon. The caramelized Brussels sprouts provide a satisfying texture and rich, roasted taste, making this dish a perfect side for any meal, especially during festive gatherings or cozy dinners. It strikes a wonderful balance of flavors and is sure to impress your family and guests alike.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
Try roasting cauliflower with garlic and parmesan for another delicious and savory roasted vegetable side dish.
Herb-Crusted Roasted Potatoes
Combine the Brussels sprouts with herb-crusted roasted potatoes for a hearty and flavorful vegetable medley.
Maple-Glazed Carrots
Add a touch of sweetness to your meal by serving maple-glazed roasted carrots alongside the Brussels sprouts.
Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
Pair the Brussels sprouts with grilled lemon herb chicken for a complete and complementing main course.
Balsamic Glazed Salmon
Serve the Brussels sprouts as a side dish with balsamic glazed salmon to create an elegant and flavorful dinner combination.
Wild Rice Pilaf
Include a wild rice pilaf to round out the meal with a nutty, earthy grain that pairs beautifully with the robust flavors of the sprouts and bacon.
Honey Mustard Glazed Ham
The dish goes particularly well with honey mustard glazed ham as it enhances the harmony of sweet and savory flavors.
