Description
Sweet smoky roasted brussels sprouts offer caramelized edges and bold flavor. This side dish converts even skeptics.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
Seasoning and Liquid Components:
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Oils and Spices:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Rinse 1 lb of Brussels sprouts under cool water. Trim the stem ends and slice each sprout precisely in half through the root.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 6 slices of chopped bacon and cook for 4-5 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, keeping 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pan. Leave the remaining fat for extra flavor.
- Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil into the skillet with the bacon fat. Arrange Brussels sprouts cut-side down in a single layer.
- Cook Brussels sprouts undisturbed at medium heat for 4-5 minutes until bottoms turn deep golden brown. Do not move them during this time.
- Flip sprouts and continue cooking the other side for another 4-5 minutes until they become tender and caramelized.
- Whisk 1 tablespoon honey, ¼ cup maple syrup, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl.
- Return crispy bacon to the skillet. Pour the glaze evenly over the sprouts and gently stir to coat completely.
- Simmer for 1-2 minutes to allow the glaze to thicken and cling to your Brussels sprouts. Serve immediately while warm and glossy.
Notes
- Cut brussels sprouts in half for maximum caramelization and even cooking, ensuring each piece gets beautifully golden and crispy.
- Use a cast-iron skillet if possible, as it creates superior browning and helps develop deeper flavor for the sprouts.
- For a vegetarian version, swap bacon with smoked almonds or coconut bacon to maintain the smoky profile without meat.
- Let the sprouts sit undisturbed while cooking to develop a perfect crisp exterior, resisting the urge to constantly stir them around the pan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 227 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg