There’s nothing quite like the alluring scent of bacon sizzling away in the kitchen, instantly lifting my spirits and stirring memories of family gatherings. Combine that with the sweet and spicy notes from honey and a hint of heat, and you have a delightful dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Enter my Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Bacon—an unexpected masterpiece that transforms humble vegetables into a show-stopping side.
Often dismissed, Brussels sprouts have a bad rap they don’t deserve. But with the crispy texture of bacon and a luscious glaze that dances between sweet and savory, this dish is here to change perceptions. Easy to whip up with just a handful of ingredients, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to impress without the fuss.
So next time you find yourself staring blankly into the pantry, let this recipe be your savior. Whether you’re preparing for a dinner party or just trying to add a bit of flair to your Tuesday meal, these Brussels sprouts are sure to please!
Why love Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Bacon?
Irresistible Flavor: The sweet heat of honey combined with crispy bacon creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and a simple cooking process, you can have this stunning dish on your table in under 35 minutes.
Versatile Side: These Brussels sprouts pair perfectly with any main course, making them an essential side for family dinners or holiday feasts.
Crowd-Pleaser: Even those who claim to dislike Brussels sprouts can’t resist this unique twist! Impress your guests with a dish that’s sure to win hearts.
Healthy Comfort: Packed with nutrients and fiber, this delicious side doesn’t compromise on health while delivering comfort food vibes.
Why not also check out my other irresistible side dishes to enhance your culinary repertoire?
Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Ingredients
For the Brussels Sprouts
• 1 pound Brussels sprouts – fresh, vibrant sprouts form the base of this flavorful dish.
• ¼-½ cup water – helps steam the Brussels sprouts for that perfect tenderness.
For the Bacon
• 2 slices bacon – crispy bacon adds not only flavor but a satisfying crunch.
For the Honey Glaze
• 2 tablespoons honey – provides the sweet element that beautifully contrasts with the savory bacon.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt – enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness of the honey.
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes – introduces a delightful heat to the dish.
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder – brings a warm, aromatic depth that complements the other flavors.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – adds an extra layer of spice without overwhelming the dish.
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper – a little kick to awaken your taste buds and complete the glaze.
Get ready to indulge in this mouthwatering Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Bacon dish that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary!
How to Make Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
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Cook the bacon: Start by placing the bacon slices in a cold cast iron or stainless steel skillet. Cook over low heat until crispy, which should take about 25-30 minutes. Once done, transfer the crispy bacon to a paper towel to drain, keeping the delicious fat in the skillet.
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Mix the glaze: In a small mixing bowl, combine the honey, kosher salt, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk these together until well blended, then set aside for later.
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Sauté the sprouts: Increase the heat on the skillet to medium and arrange the Brussels sprouts halves, cut side down. Cover and let them cook for about 5 minutes to develop a lovely color.
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Steam the sprouts: Stir the Brussels sprouts and pour in ¼ cup of water. Cover again and cook for another 5 minutes. Check their tenderness, adding more water if needed, and let them cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until perfectly tender.
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Glaze the sprouts: Reduce the heat to low and pour the hot honey mixture over the Brussels sprouts. Stir them well until fully coated, allowing the honey to slightly reduce for about 2 minutes, intensifying those delicious flavors.
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Finish with bacon: Remove from heat and crumble the cooked bacon over the top of the Brussels sprouts. Give it a gentle stir to combine, and serve immediately for maximum flavor enjoyment!
Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes for added heat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Fridge: Store any leftover Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.
Freezer: While freezing is not ideal for the texture of Brussels sprouts, you can freeze portions for up to 1 month. Package in a freezer-safe container, but know they may lose some crispness upon thawing.
Reheating: Whether from the fridge or freezer, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little fat or water to refresh the flavors and texture.
Avoid Room Temperature: Keep the sprouts out of room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage and maintain the best flavor quality.
Make Ahead Options
These Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can cook the bacon and prepare the honey glaze up to 3 days in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Simply crumble the cooked bacon and mix the glaze ingredients together, ensuring they stay fresh and flavorful. For the Brussels sprouts, halve them and store unseasoned in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, just sauté the Brussels sprouts according to recipe instructions, adding the prepared bacon and glaze at the end. This will ensure your dish is just as delicious and saves you time on busy weeknights!
Expert Tips for Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Crispy Bacon: Always start with a cold skillet to render the bacon fat slowly—this ensures you get that ultimate crispiness without burning.
Brussels Sprout Size: Choose similar-sized Brussels sprouts to ensure even cooking. Cut larger ones in half again if necessary.
Water Control: Be cautious with water amounts; too much can make your sprouts soggy. Add just enough to steam them perfectly without losing texture.
Honey Glaze Timing: Stir the honey mixture into the sprouts only at low heat to avoid overcooking and losing the sweet, sticky goodness.
Adjusting Spice: If you’re a fan of heat, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicier kick in your Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Bacon!
What to Serve with Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Bacon?
These delightful sprouts will truly elevate your meal, adding a sweet and savory kick that dances on the palate.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The rich, buttery texture of mashed potatoes is the perfect canvas to soak up the sweet glaze leftover from the Brussels sprouts.
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Garlic Butter Chicken: Juicy chicken infused with garlic is a winning match, balancing the heat and honey notes with its savory, tender meat.
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Quinoa Salad: Fresh, nutty quinoa mixed with seasonal veggies provides a light and healthy contrast that brightens the dish.
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Roasted Carrots: Sweets and earthiness come together in roasted carrots, which echo the honey flavor and add vibrant color to your plate.
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Crusty Baguette: No meal is complete without bread! Savor every drop of the honey glaze with warm, crusty baguette slices that deliver comfort.
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Sparkling Cider: A refreshing, bubbly drink like sparkling cider complements the richness of the bacon and the sweetness of the honey.
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Chocolate Mousse: Finish off your meal with a light and decadent chocolate mousse, creating a delightful sweet ending to balance the savory beginning.
Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Variations
Don’t hesitate to sprinkle your own personality into this delightful dish! With a few simple tweaks, you can create a fresh twist on these scrumptious Brussels sprouts.
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Maple Syrup: Swap honey for maple syrup for a lovely earthy sweetness. It pairs beautifully with the savory bacon.
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Spicy Variation: Add fresh sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for those who crave an extra kick. The heat will elevate the entire dish.
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Garlic Lovers: Increase the garlic powder to ½ teaspoon or add fresh minced garlic for a robust flavor that will dance on your palate.
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Onion Power: Toss in some caramelized onions for a sweet and savory boost. They add depth and a delightful texture to your Brussels sprouts.
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Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts over the finished dish. They provide a delightful crunch that contrasts with the tender sprouts.
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Balsamic Drizzle: Finish with a balsamic reduction instead of honey for a tangy, savory twist that complements the sprouts and bacon wonderfully.
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Vegetarian Style: Omit the bacon entirely and use olive oil to sauté. You can also add smoked paprika for that savory flavor without the meat.
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Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or feta cheese on top just before serving for a creamy finish that enhances every bite.
Feel free to mix and match these variations to suit your taste and make this dish uniquely yours!
Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe FAQs
What type of Brussels sprouts should I choose?
Absolutely! When selecting Brussels sprouts, look for firm, vibrant greens without any dark spots or yellowing leaves. They should feel heavy for their size, indicating freshness. Try to find sprouts that are similar in size for even cooking.
How should I store leftover Brussels sprouts?
You can store any leftover Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Bacon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if they seem a bit dry for a quick refresh!
Can I freeze Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Bacon?
While it’s possible to freeze these sprouts, it’s not ideal as they may lose some crispiness. If you want to freeze, package them in a freezer-safe container, and they will last for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little water or olive oil to retain some moisture.
What can I do if my Brussels sprouts turn out soggy?
If your Brussels sprouts are soggy, it might be due to too much water while steaming. Next time, add just enough to create steam without submerging the sprouts. For an added tip, after cooking, try broiling them briefly in the oven for a couple of minutes to restore some firmness and create a delightful char.
Are Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Bacon suitable for everyone?
These delicious Brussels sprouts can be enjoyed by most, but keep in mind they do contain bacon, honey, and spices that may not be suitable for certain dietary restrictions. If you’re considering serving them to someone with allergies, be cautious of the ingredients, particularly in the spice blend, and adjust accordingly. There’s always room to play with the recipe to make it work for different diets—use turkey bacon or amp up the flavor with smoky spices for a vegetarian twist!
Savor Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Bacon for a Flavor Boost
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the bacon: Place the bacon slices in a cold skillet and cook over low heat until crispy, about 25-30 minutes. Transfer to paper towel to drain, keeping fat in skillet.
- Mix the glaze: In a small bowl, combine honey, kosher salt, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Whisk until blended, then set aside.
- Sauté the sprouts: Increase skillet heat to medium, arrange Brussels sprouts cut-side down. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Steam the sprouts: Stir Brussels sprouts, add ¼ cup of water, cover and cook for another 5 minutes. Add more water if needed and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until tender.
- Glaze the sprouts: Reduce heat to low, pour honey mixture over Brussels sprouts. Stir until fully coated and allow to reduce for about 2 minutes.
- Finish with bacon: Remove from heat, crumble cooked bacon over sprouts, stir gently to combine, and serve immediately.