Let’s talk about the magic that is Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Hot Honey—a side dish that instantly wins over even the staunchest Brussels sprout skeptics. Smoky bacon, golden-roasted sprouts, and a sticky-sweet, spicy drizzle come together for a flavor explosion that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re hosting friends or looking to jazz up your weeknight dinner, this dish brings restaurant vibes straight to your home table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A Flavor Bomb: Every bite bursts with smoky bacon, caramelized sprouts, and sweet-heat from the hot honey—seriously addictive!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Even self-proclaimed Brussels sprouts haters end up reaching for seconds (and thirds).
- Quick & Easy: This stunning side comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute entertaining or effortless weeknights.
- Versatile: Serve it alongside almost anything—from everyday chicken to holiday roasts—for instant wow-factor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Hot Honey is how each ingredient pulls its weight—every slice, drizzle, and seasoning layer adds color, richness, and unparalleled flavor. No fancy tricks, just high-impact basics harmonizing on your plate!
- Bacon (6 ounces): For smoky, savory flavor and that irresistible crispness—don’t skimp here!
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and ensures those sprouts get golden and tender.
- Brussels sprouts (1 pound, halved): Choose fresh, bright green sprouts for the sweetest bite and prettiest presentation.
- Fine sea salt & freshly-ground black pepper: A generous sprinkle boosts every other flavor in the pan.
- Hot honey (3 tablespoons): The bold, spicy-sweet finish that transforms this dish into a total showstopper.
Variations
Embrace your inner chef—Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Hot Honey is endlessly adaptable! Use what’s in the fridge, swap flavors to match your mood, or tweak for dietary needs. Here are some fun riffs to get creative with:
- No Pork? Try Turkey Bacon: All the crisp, less fat—perfect if you want a lighter version.
- Maple Drizzle: Out of hot honey? Drizzle maple syrup with a pinch of chili flakes for a homemade sweet heat.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in sliced shallots, red onion, or even halved baby carrots for extra color and texture.
- Make It Vegetarian: Swap bacon for crisped chickpeas or toasted walnuts for crunch and a protein boost.
How to Make Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Hot Honey
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by cooking the sliced bacon in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally so every piece renders its fat and crisps up beautifully. Once crispy, use a slotted spoon to lift the bacon out—let those little nuggets rest on a plate while you get to sizzling the sprouts. Remember: don’t toss all the bacon drippings, since they’re flavor gold for the next step!
Step 2: Sauté the Brussels Sprouts
Leave just about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan (discard any extra), add the olive oil, and get that pan back over medium heat. Pour in the Brussels sprouts, flat-side down for maximum caramelization. Season them generously with salt and pepper. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, tossing occasionally—a little patience here means golden, lightly crisped edges and tender centers!
Step 3: Finish and Toss
Once the sprouts are just cooked through and beautifully colored, remove the pan from the heat. Add the crispy bacon right back in, then finish with a luscious drizzle of hot honey all over—I truly recommend three tablespoons, but adjust to your own sweet-and-spicy threshold. Give everything a quick toss for even coating—watch as every bite gets glossy and ready to devour.
Step 4: Taste and Serve
Do a quick taste test. Craving a little more salt, a twist of pepper, or maybe a bonus drizzle of hot honey? Go for it! Serve everything up while warm, so that bacon still delivers its crispy crunch and the honey has just begun to mingle with the rich pan juices.
Pro Tips for Making Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Hot Honey
- Choose Small, Tight Sprouts: Smaller Brussels sprouts are naturally sweeter and offer a more pleasing bite, caramelizing better in the pan.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the sprouts room; if your pan’s packed, try cooking in batches to guarantee that coveted golden-brown sear.
- Control Your Heat: Medium heat is your friend—too high and bacon will burn before crisping, too low and sprouts won’t caramelize as beautifully.
- Customize the Kick: Different hot honeys range in heat—taste before pouring and adjust amount to keep your dish perfectly balanced.
How to Serve Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Hot Honey
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle these sprouts with extra crispy bacon bits, a handful of chopped fresh parsley, or a light grate of lemon zest right before serving. These little enhancements add a pop of color, the freshest aroma, and that extra-special “chef’s kiss” moment. If you’re feeling really bold, a modest dusting of flaky sea salt on top is pure magic with the hot honey.
Side Dishes
Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Hot Honey complement anything from roast chicken or pork tenderloin to baked salmon and vegan mains like stuffed squash. For a hearty, family-style feel, try pairing them with creamy mashed potatoes, wild rice pilaf, or a chilled quinoa salad. Their sweet-spicy flavor opens all kinds of dinner possibilities!
Creative Ways to Present
Let these sprouts shine: stack them in a rustic shallow bowl for a cozy vibe, or arrange in a single layer on a platter and drizzle the hot honey table-side for dramatic flair. Mini skewers turn them into bite-sized appetizers for parties, or pile on crusty sourdough for an epic brunch toast. Don’t be afraid to play—this dish is a total attention-grabber no matter how you serve it up!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Hot Honey? Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—the flavors deepen as they rest, so tomorrow’s lunch just got an upgrade. Make sure the sprouts cool completely before sealing to preserve their best texture.
Freezing
While possible, freezing may soften the sprouts a bit; however, if you do freeze, lay leftovers on a parchment-lined sheet to individually freeze before transferring to a zip-top bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight. The bacon’s texture may change, so this isn’t my first choice for preserving that signature crispness.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-from-the-pan taste, reheat leftovers in a hot skillet with a touch of olive oil or in a 375ºF oven for about 10 minutes—no sogginess, just caramelized goodness. A last-minute drizzle of hot honey right before eating brings all the flavors back to life!
FAQs
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Can I use regular honey if I don’t have hot honey?
Absolutely! Regular honey works wonderfully, especially if you add a tiny pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for that signature kick. This way, you won’t miss out on the sweet-spicy balance that makes Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Hot Honey irresistible.
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What’s the best way to cut Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Trim the stem ends, then slice each sprout in half lengthwise. This exposes more surface area to the heat, letting them get that gorgeous caramelized side once they hit the pan.
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Can I roast instead of sauté the sprouts?
Definitely! Spread the Brussels and bacon on a sheet pan, toss with oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 425ºF until crisp and golden. Drizzle the hot honey right after roasting for the same mouthwatering finish.
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Is Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Hot Honey spicy?
It’s as spicy as your hot honey! Some brands are mild and sweet, others bring a firm kick. Taste yours first and adjust the amount you use so every diner gets their ideal sweet-heat fix.
Final Thoughts
No matter the season or the occasion, Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Hot Honey is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—bold, vibrant, and always just a little bit unexpected. Give it a try, share it with someone you love, and watch it become a new staple on your table. Happy cooking!
Print
Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Hot Honey Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
Description
These Bacon Brussels Sprouts with Hot Honey are a delightful combination of crispy bacon, caramelized Brussels sprouts, and a sweet and spicy hot honey drizzle. Perfect as a side dish or a flavorful appetizer!
Ingredients
Bacon Brussels Sprouts:
- 6 ounces uncooked bacon, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved lengthwise (with ends trimmed off)
- Fine sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste
Hot Honey:
- 3 tablespoons hot honey
Instructions
- Fry the bacon: Cook the bacon in a large sauté pan over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and strain, leaving 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pan.
- Sauté the Brussels sprouts: Add olive oil to the pan, place Brussels sprouts flat-side-down, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until tender and lightly browned.
- Finish: Remove from heat, add crispy bacon, drizzle hot honey over the mixture, and toss to combine.
- Season: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or hot honey as needed.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
