The honey gives the Brussels sprouts a sweet, golden glaze while the turkey bacon adds a smoky crunch. Each bite is sticky, savory, and just a little caramelized.
I made this Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Turkey Bacon for a quick side dish, and it won everyone over—even the ones who said they don’t like sprouts. The mix of flavors felt cozy and festive on the plate.
If you want an easy dish that tastes special, this recipe is perfect. Let’s roast, glaze, and crisp these sprouts until they shine with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family Favorite: As one reader shared, “This made me love Brussels sprouts for the first time!”
- Sweet Meets Savory: The honey glaze balances perfectly with crispy turkey bacon and tender sprouts.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with simple steps.
- Healthy Choice: Turkey bacon keeps it lighter while still packed with flavor.
- Perfect for Holidays: Makes any dinner table look and taste special.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: This recipe serves 6 people as a side dish. Want more? Double everything and use a bigger pan.
Difficulty: Super easy! Even new cooks can make this dish perfectly.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients for Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts Turkey Bacon
Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty dish (exact amounts are in the recipe card below):
- Brussels Sprouts: Fresh, firm sprouts work best. Trim the ends and cut in half.
- Turkey Bacon: Adds smoky flavor without too much fat.
- Honey: Creates that perfect sweet glaze that makes everything shine.
- Olive Oil: Helps everything cook evenly and adds good flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Teams up with honey for extra sweetness.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a tiny kick that makes flavors pop.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Brings tangy balance to all the sweetness.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch for a gentle warm feeling.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Makes all the flavors taste their best.
Variations for Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts Turkey Bacon
- Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Use Regular Bacon: Swap turkey bacon for regular bacon if you prefer.
- Try Different Sweeteners: Use brown sugar instead of maple syrup.
- Add Garlic: Mix in minced garlic for more flavor depth.
- Make it Spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
How to Make Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts Turkey Bacon Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Brussels Sprouts
Wash and trim the Brussels sprouts. Cut each one in half from top to bottom. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy.
2. Cook the Turkey Bacon
Heat your large skillet over medium heat. Add turkey bacon pieces and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to get crispy. Remove bacon and set aside.
3. Cook the Brussels Sprouts
In the same pan with the bacon fat, add olive oil. Place Brussels sprouts cut-side down. Cook for 5-6 minutes without moving them. This makes them golden and crispy.
4. Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix honey, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth.
5. Bring It All Together
Flip the Brussels sprouts over. Add the cooked turkey bacon back to the pan. Pour the honey glaze over everything. Cook for 3-4 more minutes, stirring gently. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Finish and Serve
Cook until the glaze gets thick and coats everything nicely. The Brussels sprouts should be tender but still have a little bite.
Serving and Decoration
How to Serve Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts Turkey Bacon
This tasty side dish goes great with many meals:
- With Roasted Chicken: Perfect alongside herb-roasted chicken or turkey.
- Holiday Dinners: Great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter meals.
- Pork Dishes: Pairs wonderfully with pork chops or tenderloin.
- Breakfast Brunch: Serve with eggs and toast for a special morning meal.
- Grain Bowls: Add to quinoa or rice bowls for a complete meal.
Storing Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts Turkey Bacon
- Leftovers: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in a covered container.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. The microwave works too, but the skillet keeps them crispier.
- Make Ahead: You can prep the Brussels sprouts and bacon earlier in the day, then cook when ready to serve.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Don’t Overcrowd: Use a big enough pan so Brussels sprouts can lay flat.
- Get Them Crispy: Let the sprouts cook without moving them at first.
- Watch the Glaze: It can go from perfect to burned quickly, so stay close.
- Choose Good Sprouts: Pick firm, bright green ones without yellow leaves.
- Cut Evenly: Try to make all pieces about the same size so they cook at the same rate.
Nutrition
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 145 |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 320mg |
| Total Carbs | 16g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 12g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Vitamin C | 85mg |
| Vitamin K | 175mcg |
Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts Turkey Bacon
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
- 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 6 slices turkey bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Honey Glaze:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prep Brussels Sprouts: Wash, trim, and cut Brussels sprouts in half lengthwise.
- Cook Turkey Bacon: Heat large skillet over medium heat. Add turkey bacon pieces and cook 3-4 minutes until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Cook Brussels Sprouts: Add olive oil to the same pan. Place Brussels sprouts cut-side down. Cook 5-6 minutes without moving until golden brown.
- Make Glaze: In small bowl, whisk together honey, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Combine Everything: Flip Brussels sprouts. Add turkey bacon back to pan. Pour glaze over everything. Cook 3-4 minutes, stirring gently.
- Season and Serve: Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook until glaze thickens and coats vegetables. Serve immediately.
Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts Turkey Bacon FAQs
A: Fresh works best, but you can use frozen. Just thaw and pat them very dry first.
A: They should be tender when poked with a fork but still have a little firmness.
A: Yes! Add some chopped nuts or leave it out completely. The dish will still taste great.
A: Don’t overcook them. Also, try soaking them in cold water for 10 minutes before cooking.
