Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

### Instructions for Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon:

#### 1. **Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Brussels Sprouts**
Preheat your oven to **400°F (200°C)**. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Trim the **Brussels sprouts** by cutting off the ends and removing any damaged or yellowed outer leaves. Then, slice them in half lengthwise. This will help the Brussels sprouts cook evenly and allow the cut sides to get nice and crispy when roasted.

#### 2. **Cook the Bacon**
In a large skillet, cook the chopped **bacon** over medium heat until crispy, about **5-7 minutes**. Stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly. Once the bacon is done, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pan and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave a little bacon fat in the skillet, which you’ll use to roast the Brussels sprouts.

#### 3. **Toss the Brussels Sprouts in Oil and Seasonings**
In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with **olive oil**, **garlic powder**, **onion powder**, **salt**, and **pepper**. Make sure the Brussels sprouts are evenly coated in the oil and seasoning mixture.

#### 4. **Roast the Brussels Sprouts**
Spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Place them in the preheated oven and roast for **20-25 minutes**, or until the Brussels sprouts are golden brown and crispy on the edges, stirring halfway through to ensure even roasting.

#### 5. **Prepare the Honey Glaze**
While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, make the **honey glaze**. In the same skillet you used for the bacon, combine **2 tablespoons of honey** and **1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar**. Heat the mixture over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until it becomes slightly thickened and bubbly. This will only take about 2-3 minutes. Once the glaze is ready, remove it from the heat.

#### 6. **Combine the Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Glaze**
Once the Brussels sprouts are roasted to perfection, remove them from the oven and place them in a large bowl. Add the crispy **bacon** and **honey glaze**, tossing everything together until the Brussels sprouts are evenly coated with the sweet, sticky glaze and bacon bits.

#### 7. **Serve and Garnish**
Transfer the Brussels sprouts to a serving dish, and if desired, garnish with a sprinkle of **fresh parsley** for a pop of color. Serve immediately while the Brussels sprouts are still hot and crispy.

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### Tips for the Perfect Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon:

– **Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet**: To get crispy Brussels sprouts, make sure they are spread out in a single layer. If they’re overcrowded, they’ll steam instead of roasting, resulting in a less crispy texture. Use two baking sheets if necessary.

– **Adjust the Sweetness**: If you prefer your dish a little less sweet, you can reduce the amount of honey. Conversely, if you love the sweet-savory combination, feel free to drizzle a little extra honey over the Brussels sprouts after roasting.

– **Add a Kick of Spice**: If you enjoy a little heat with your sweet, try adding a pinch of **red pepper flakes** to the honey glaze or sprinkle some over the roasted Brussels sprouts before serving.

– **Make it Ahead of Time**: This dish is best served fresh out of the oven, but if you’re preparing it ahead of time, you can roast the Brussels sprouts and cook the bacon in advance. When ready to serve, simply toss the Brussels sprouts with the bacon and honey glaze, and reheat in the oven for a few minutes to warm everything up.

– **Substitute the Bacon**: If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, you can skip the bacon and instead use **toasted pecans** or **walnuts** for a crunchy, savory alternative. You can also use **smoked paprika** to give the dish a smoky flavor.

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### Why Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are So Irresistible

The combination of Brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, and a honey glaze is an absolute winner. The **Brussels sprouts** develop a wonderful caramelized, crispy texture on the outside while staying tender on the inside. The **bacon** adds a rich, savory element that perfectly complements the sweetness of the honey, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. And the **balsamic vinegar** brings a touch of acidity that cuts through the richness, elevating the dish even more.

This dish is a wonderful side for just about any meal. Whether you’re roasting chicken, grilling steak, or serving up a hearty holiday meal, these honey-glazed Brussels sprouts with bacon will undoubtedly steal the show. The best part? It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve at a dinner party.

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### Final Thoughts

**Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon** is the ideal side dish for those who love the combination of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you can transform Brussels sprouts into a dish that everyone will rave about. Whether you’re a lifelong Brussels sprout lover or a newcomer, this recipe is sure to win you over. The crispy bacon, the sweet honey glaze, and the perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts will have everyone coming back for seconds—if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers!