Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe

If you’re looking for a vegetable side dish that flat-out steals the spotlight, Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are about to become your new obsession. Imagine crispy, caramelized sprouts coated in a sticky-sweet and spicy honey glaze, punctuated by smoky bacon in every bite. This bold, beautiful dish balances heat with rich sweetness, making it both irresistible and incredibly versatile—from holiday buffets to simple weeknight dinners, it’s a conversation-starter and a plate-cleaner, all in one.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Bacon lies in its simplicity—just a handful of pantry-staple ingredients come together to create something spectacular. Each element adds a crucial layer of flavor, texture, or color, so don’t skip a single one!

• Bacon: Provides salty, smoky crunch—choose thick-cut for even more texture.
• Honey: The backbone of that crave-worthy sweet heat, use a light, mild honey for best results.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing the flavors together.
• Red pepper flakes: Provides a slow, lingering heat in the hot honey sauce.
• Garlic powder: Adds warm depth and a subtle savory note.
• Black pepper: Offers brightness and a gentle bite—freshly cracked is best!
• Cayenne pepper: Cranks up the heat for that signature spicy finish.
• Brussels sprouts: The star! Look for bright green, firm sprouts for best results.
• Water: Helps steam the sprouts so they’re tender inside and perfectly golden outside.

How to Make Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start with a cold skillet—this helps render out all the flavorful fat from your bacon as it slowly crisps up. Lay out your bacon slices in a single layer, then cook them over low heat for about 25 to 30 minutes. The low-and-slow approach gets you that ultra-crispy texture without risking burnt edges. Once done, move the bacon to a paper towel to drain, but absolutely keep every last drop of bacon fat in the skillet—it’s liquid gold for flavoring the Brussels sprouts!

Step 2: Prepare the Hot Honey Mixture

While your bacon is sizzling, mix up your dazzling hot honey. In a small bowl, stir together honey, kosher salt, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Give it a quick taste and adjust the heat to your liking—this is your chance to customize how fiery you want your Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Bacon. Set this colorful mixture aside while the flavors meld.

Step 3: Cook the Brussels Sprouts

Bump up the skillet heat to medium, then arrange the Brussels sprouts cut-side down directly in that glorious bacon fat. Cover the skillet and let them sizzle undisturbed for 5 minutes to develop deep golden color and crispy edges. The secret here is patience—no peeking! This gets you restaurant-quality caramelization at home.

Step 4: Add Water and Finish Cooking

After the initial sear, stir the Brussels sprouts and splash in 1/4 cup of water. Cover the pan again and let the sprouts steam for another 5 minutes. Check for tenderness with a fork, and add a bit more water if needed, cooking for an extra 3 to 5 minutes until they’re perfectly tender and glossy green. This two-part cooking process gives you both crisp edges and a soft, tender interior.

Step 5: Coat with Hot Honey

Reduce the heat to low, then drizzle in your prepared hot honey mixture. Stir well as it bubbles, making sure each Brussels sprout gets generously cloaked in sticky, spicy sweetness. Let the honey reduce for about 2 minutes—it’ll get even glossier and more aromatic, with the red pepper flakes visible and the aroma filling your kitchen.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat, then crumble the crispy bacon right over the sprouts. Give everything a gentle toss to combine, ensuring each bite boasts a bit of sweet, heat, and smoky crunch. Serve your Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Bacon immediately, and prepare for applause!

How to Serve Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Garnishes

While these Brussels sprouts shine on their own, a little flourish never hurts. Sprinkle a final touch of flaky sea salt or a handful of chopped fresh parsley for color and brightness. If you love extra spice, a few more red pepper flakes right before serving look stunning and signal that there’s a kick coming your way.

Side Dishes

Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are versatile enough to star at dinner parties or weeknight meals. They play beautifully next to roasted chicken, steak, or glazed salmon. For gatherings, serve them alongside mashed potatoes or cheesy grits to soak up all that sauce. You’ll find yourself reaching for these as a hearty addition to salads, grain bowls, or even tucked inside wraps.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the classic bowl! Try piling your Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Bacon on a rustic wooden board for a family-style feel, or thread individual sprouts and bacon onto skewers for a fun party appetizer. For brunch, top them with a runny fried egg and crispy breadcrumbs. However you serve them, they’ll draw rave reviews.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store your Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While they’re best enjoyed fresh, the flavors deepen even more as they rest, making them perfect for next-day lunches.

Freezing

Freezing is possible, but it can soften the sprouts’ texture. If you do want to freeze, let the dish cool completely first. Place the sprouts and bacon in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For maximum crispiness, reheat leftover Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Bacon in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and lightly caramelized. Alternatively, pop them in a 400-degree oven for 8-10 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, but you’ll lose some of that gorgeous sear.

FAQs

Can I make Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Bacon vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply leave out the bacon and use olive oil, avocado oil, or even a plant-based bacon substitute for that smoky essence. The hot honey glaze still delivers plenty of punch and excitement.

What’s the best way to trim Brussels sprouts?

Slice off the woody stem end, then halve the Brussels sprouts from top to bottom. Remove any loose or yellowing outer leaves. The flat side gets maximum contact with the skillet for caramelization.

How spicy are Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Bacon?

They’re perfectly balanced—not overwhelmingly hot, but with a gentle, lingering heat that complements the honey and bacon. Adjust the level of red pepper flakes and cayenne to suit your taste, or leave them out for a milder dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time for a party?

Yes! You can cook the bacon and prep the hot honey mixture a day ahead. Cook the Brussels sprouts just before serving for max crispiness, then toss with the sauce and bacon right before hitting the table.

What can I do if my sprouts aren’t getting crispy?

Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet—work in batches if needed so each sprout’s cut side is in contact with the pan. And always start with a hot skillet and rendered bacon fat for the best golden crust.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t yet experienced the magic of Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, now’s the time to jump in. With their addictive sweet-heat glaze and savory bacon, these sprouts are guaranteed to change minds and win hearts. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making double batches—just to make sure everyone gets seconds!

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