Description

This Sweet & Spicy Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Bliss recipe delivers a perfect balance of flavors—crispy bacon, tender Brussels sprouts, and a hot honey glaze with a kick of red pepper flakes and cayenne. Quick and easy to prepare, these Brussels sprouts are pan-cooked in bacon fat, steamed for tenderness, and glazed with a luscious, spicy honey sauce. Ideal as a flavorful side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 pound Fresh Brussels Sprouts (trimmed and halved)
6 slices Bacon (thick-cut preferred)
1/4 cup Water (or vegetable broth for added flavor)

Glaze and Seasoning

1/4 cup Honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (or fresh minced garlic)
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (or white pepper)
1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional for extra heat)

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Instructions

Cook the Bacon: In a cold skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook over low heat for 25-30 minutes until the bacon is crispy. Drain the cooked bacon on paper towels and save the drippings in the skillet.
Mix the Hot Honey Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the honey, kosher salt, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth, then set aside.
Sear the Brussels Sprouts: Increase the skillet heat to medium. Place the halved Brussels sprouts cut-side down into the bacon fat in the skillet. Cover the skillet and cook the sprouts for about 5 minutes to develop a nice sear and flavor absorption.
Steam the Brussels Sprouts: Gently stir the sprouts, then add 1/4 cup water (or vegetable broth). Cover the skillet again and let the Brussels sprouts steam for another 5-10 minutes until they become tender but still hold their shape.
Glaze and Finish Cooking: Turn the heat down to low, pour the prepared hot honey glaze over the tender Brussels sprouts, and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Let cook together for approximately 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
Add Bacon and Serve: Sprinkle the crispy crumbled bacon on top, gently stir to combine all ingredients, and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

For a vegan version, substitute bacon with smoky tempeh or mushroom bacon alternatives and use maple syrup instead of honey.
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your preference.
Using vegetable broth instead of water when steaming adds a richer flavor to Brussels sprouts.
To save time, use pre-trimmed and pre-halved Brussels sprouts if available.