Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

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

#### 1. **Preheat the Oven:**
Preheat your oven to **400°F (200°C)**. This temperature will ensure that the Brussels sprouts roast to a perfect crisp without burning.

#### 2. **Prepare the Brussels Sprouts:**
Trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and slice them in half. If any outer leaves fall off during the trimming, set them aside to roast alongside the sprouts—these crispy leaves are delicious!

#### 3. **Cook the Bacon:**
In a large skillet, cook the **bacon** over medium heat until it becomes crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Once crispy, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave a little bacon fat in the skillet to use for roasting the Brussels sprouts.

#### 4. **Roast the Brussels Sprouts:**
Toss the halved Brussels sprouts in the bacon fat, ensuring each piece is well-coated. If there is not enough fat left from the bacon, add **2 tablespoons olive oil**. Season with **salt** and **pepper** to taste. Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet, cut side down for optimal caramelization.

Roast the Brussels sprouts in the preheated oven for **20-25 minutes**, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges. Stir the Brussels sprouts halfway through the cooking time to ensure even roasting.

#### 5. **Make the Honey Glaze:**
While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, prepare the honey glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the **honey**, **Dijon mustard**, and **balsamic vinegar** (if using). Stir the mixture over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until it’s well combined and slightly thickened. Add **garlic powder** if you want an extra layer of flavor. Keep the glaze warm.

#### 6. **Toss the Brussels Sprouts in the Glaze:**
Once the Brussels sprouts are roasted to perfection, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the honey glaze over the Brussels sprouts and toss gently to coat them evenly. Add the crispy bacon pieces to the bowl and give everything one last toss.

#### 7. **Garnish and Serve:**
Transfer the honey-glazed Brussels sprouts and bacon to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped **parsley** for a pop of color. Serve warm and enjoy the sweet and savory goodness!

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

– **Adjust the Sweetness:** If you prefer a sweeter glaze, feel free to add more honey. On the other hand, if you want a more tangy flavor, increase the amount of Dijon mustard or balsamic vinegar.

– **Even Roasting:** For the crispiest Brussels sprouts, make sure they are cut side down on the baking sheet and spread out in an even layer. This will help them caramelize and get that perfect crispy texture.

– **Bacon Variations:** For a twist, try using turkey bacon or prosciutto instead of regular bacon. The prosciutto will crisp up beautifully and add a delicate flavor to the dish.

– **Add-Ins:** Feel free to experiment with add-ins like toasted nuts (e.g., almonds or pecans) or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for extra richness.

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### **Why You Need to Try Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon:**

This dish is the ultimate combination of sweet, savory, and crispy goodness that’s sure to make Brussels sprouts a family favorite. The honey glaze adds a beautiful, sticky finish to the roasted Brussels sprouts, while the bacon brings a smoky depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the natural nuttiness of the sprouts.

Whether you’re serving it as a side dish during the holidays, as a snack, or as part of a weeknight meal, these **Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon** will quickly become a go-to recipe for any occasion. So next time you’re in the mood for a vegetable side that’s full of flavor and flair, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!