This is my absolute favorite Brussels sprout recipe. I originally created the recipe for my cookbook, and made it so often and got so many comments about how good and easy it was, that I decided to add it to the site too. It’s one of those dishes that turns even the biggest Brussels sprout skeptics into fans. The combination of perfectly roasted sprouts, crispy bacon, and a sticky honey-balsamic glaze ticks all the boxes of amazing flavors combined. I love serving it during the holiday season or as a weeknight side because it’s effortless, crowd-pleasing, and always disappears fast.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This:
- The sweet and savory perfection of the honey and balsamic glaze caramelizes beautifully with the salty bacon.
- The Brussels Sprouts are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and perfectly roasted every time.
- You’ll love that these are great to meal prep, they reheat beautifully and taste just as good the next day.
- This will be a crowd favorite at a dinner party that even Brussels sprout skeptics ask for seconds.
- This delicious side dish is quick and easy and has simple ingredients with a big payoff.
Ingredients You Will Need:
- Brussels Sprouts: The star of the show! When roasted, they become irresistibly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Bacon: Adds a smoky, salty crunch that takes these Brussels sprouts to the next level. For the ultimate crispy bacon, use thick-cut bacon. It holds up better during roasting and gives you that perfect balance of crispiness and chew.
- Olive Oil: Helps the sprouts roast evenly and enhances their flavor with a rich, smooth finish. You can also use avocado oil.
- Dijon: A touch of Dijon mustard adds subtle tang and depth to balance the honey and balsamic. See below for mustard modifications.
- Honey: Creates that gorgeous caramelized glaze and brings just the right amount of sweetness to complement the savory. You could also use brown sugar or maple syrup.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds richness, tang, and a touch of sweetness that ties all the flavors together.
- Fresh Garlic: Gives a punch of flavor and aromatic depth that rounds out the dish beautifully.
- Spices: Sea salt and black pepper with a pinch of cayenne pepper is my preferred spice combination.
Kitchen Tools You Will Need:
- Large Baking Sheet
- Small Bowl
- Serving Dish
Don’t Overcrowd
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Give the sprouts plenty of space to help them roast and caramelize instead of steam.
How to Make Roasted Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Bacon:
- Preheat the oven. Place the Brussels sprouts and bacon on a large sheet pan lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are in a single layer.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients.
- Pour the mixture over the Brussels sprouts and bacon and toss well.
- Roast for 25 to 30 minutes until the Brussels sprouts are tender and golden brown, and the bacon is crisp. Finish with a balsamic drizzle, if you desire.
How to Modify:
- Swap the bacon for crispy pancetta or prosciutto.
- Use pure maple syrup instead of honey for a deep maple balsamic sweetness.
- Add a spicy twist with a dash of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey for a sweet-heat combo.
- Add caramelized onions, roasted shallots, or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.
- Try a different mustard like coarse-ground mustard, honey mustard, or spicy mustard.
- Add other veggies like sweet potatoes, squash, red onions, green beans, or broccoli.
Dietary Customizations:
- Vegetarian: Skip the bacon (or use plant-based bacon), and add toasted pecans, walnuts, pine nuts, or smoky roasted chickpeas for crunch and flavor.
- Paleo: Use sugar-free bacon and swap honey for maple syrup
Serving Suggestions:
Perfect for a holiday dinner: This is the perfect side dish alongside Roasted Turkey Legs, glazed ham, or Roast Beef, it’s a show-stealing side for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner or New Years.
Weeknight favorite: Pair with The BEST Grilled Chicken, Pistachio Crusted Salmon, or Miso Pork Tenderloin Skewers for an easy but elevated meal.
Toss them into a grain bowl with quinoa, farro, or your favorite rice and a drizzle of extra balsamic reduction.
Common Questions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture and to bring back the crispiness.
Definitely! You can roast the Brussels sprouts a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 400 degrees F for 5–10 minutes to bring back the crispiness.
Nope! The diced bacon cooks as the Brussels sprouts roast, infusing them with smoky flavor. Just make sure to cut the bacon into small pieces so it crisps evenly.
Yes, but for the best results, use fresh Brussels sprouts. If you use frozen, make sure to thaw and pat them completely dry with paper towels before roasting to prevent sogginess.
More Brussels Sprouts Recipes You Will Love:
If you make this these Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts, let me know in the comment section below. I would love to hear what you think or take a photo and tag me (@everylastbite_) on Instagram. I love seeing your photos!
Roasted Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts & Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 pound brussels sprouts halved
- 6 ounces bacon approximately 5 slices
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dijon
- 2 tsp honey
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ½ tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425F
- Place the Brussels sprouts and bacon on a large sheet pan or in a large baking dish, ensuring they are in an even single layer.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients.
- Pour the mixture over the Brussels sprouts and bacon and toss with your hands to coat evenly.
- Roast for 25 to 30 minutes (stirring half way through cooking), until the Brussels sprouts are tender and golden brown, and the bacon is crisp.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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