Sizzling Spicy-Sweet Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon Recipe

Brussels sprouts have been quietly revolutionizing my spicy-sweet culinary adventures with their incredible depth of flavor.

Crisp bacon adds an irresistible crunch that makes this dish impossible to resist.

Surprising combinations always spark excitement in my kitchen, especially when simple ingredients create magic.

We combine robust seasonings that dance between heat and sweetness, challenging traditional vegetable expectations.

Caramelized edges hint at complex taste profiles waiting to unfold.

Fragrant spices and smoky bacon transform these little green gems into something extraordinary.

Come experience a side dish that might just steal the spotlight from your main course.

Why Spicy-Sweet Brussels Sprouts With Crispy Bacon Hit The Spot

• Flavor Explosion: Combines sweet, spicy, and savory elements in one delectable dish that surprises and delights taste buds.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Requires minimal prep work and basic ingredients, making it a perfect side dish for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Transformation: Turns boring Brussels sprouts into an irresistible vegetable that even picky eaters will love, thanks to crispy bacon and tantalizing hot honey glaze.
• One-Pan Wonder: Streamlines cooking process by using a single baking sheet, reducing cleanup time and making meal preparation stress-free and convenient.

What You Need For Spicy-Sweet Brussels Sprouts With Crispy Bacon

• Brussels Sprouts: Fresh vegetables with a nutty flavor that caramelize beautifully when roasted.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy texture and rich flavor to the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that bring out the natural taste of the ingredients.
• Olive Oil: Helps Brussels sprouts roast evenly and creates a golden exterior.
• Smoked Paprika: Provides a deep, smoky undertone to the dish.

• Honey, Hot Sauce: Combine to create a spicy-sweet glaze that coats the roasted Brussels sprouts and bacon.

How To Cook Spicy-Sweet Brussels Sprouts With Crispy Bacon

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Turn on the oven and set the temperature to 400°F.

Step 2: Season Brussels Sprouts

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Make sure each sprout is evenly coated with the seasoning.

Step 3: Add Crispy Bacon Bits

Chop bacon into small dice and sprinkle over the seasoned Brussels sprouts. Spread everything evenly across the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: First Roasting Session

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through cooking time.

Look for golden-brown edges on the sprouts and crispy bacon.

Step 5: Create Spicy-Sweet Glaze

• Honey
• Hot sauce
• Smoked paprika

Mix until ingredients are fully combined and create a glossy sauce.

Step 6: Finish with Glaze

Remove the roasted Brussels sprouts from the oven. Drizzle the spicy-sweet glaze over the sprouts and bacon.

Gently toss to ensure even coating.

Step 7: Final Caramelization

Return the glazed Brussels sprouts to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.

This allows the glaze to caramelize and intensify the flavors.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the spicy-sweet Brussels sprouts to a serving dish.

Enjoy immediately while hot and crispy.

Tips For Nailing Spicy-Sweet Brussels Sprouts With Crispy Bacon

• Trim Brussels sprouts' stem ends and halve them for even cooking and better caramelization.
• Select thick-cut bacon for maximum crispiness and robust flavor profile in the dish.
• Adjust hot sauce quantity based on personal spice tolerance to create perfectly balanced heat level.
• Allow Brussels sprouts to spread out on baking sheet for optimal roasting and preventing steaming effect.
• Consider using maple syrup instead of honey for alternative sweetness if desired, maintaining similar glaze consistency.

Ways To Switch Up Spicy-Sweet Brussels Sprouts With Crispy Bacon

• Mediterranean Medley: Replace hot sauce with za'atar spice blend and drizzle with lemon-infused olive oil for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Asian Fusion Flair: Swap hot sauce for sriracha and honey with soy sauce, then sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and green onions after roasting.
• Maple Bourbon Crunch: Use maple syrup instead of honey, add a splash of bourbon to the glaze, and top with candied pecans for a rich, smoky profile.
• Herb Garden Splash: Mix fresh thyme and rosemary into the olive oil coating, then finish with crumbled goat cheese and chopped fresh parsley for a herbaceous touch.

Great Matches For Spicy-Sweet Brussels Sprouts With Crispy Bacon

• Pair with Smoky Red Wine: Select a bold Syrah or Zinfandel with robust, spicy undertones that complement the hot honey glaze and crispy bacon.
• Craft Beer Companion: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale with caramel notes that balance the sweet-spicy Brussels sprouts and cut through the richness of bacon.
• Create Refreshing Cocktail Contrast: Mix a citrus-based gin cocktail with jalapeño or ginger elements to cleanse the palate and enhance the dish's complex flavor profile.
• Match with Bright Salad Side: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, peppery counterpoint to the rich, spicy roasted vegetables.

How To Store Spicy-Sweet Brussels Sprouts With Crispy Bacon Right

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place them in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat Oven: Warm the sprouts in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer to help restore their crispy texture and prevent sogginess.
• Microwave Option: Quickly reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Be cautious to avoid overcooking, which can make the bacon and sprouts tough.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooled Brussels sprouts in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.

Spicy-Sweet Brussels Sprouts With Crispy Bacon FAQ

• Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon works well as a leaner alternative and will still provide a crispy texture and smoky flavor to the Brussels sprouts.

• How do I prevent Brussels sprouts from becoming soggy?

Make sure to spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet and avoid overcrowding. This allows them to roast and caramelize instead of steaming, ensuring a crispy exterior.

• Is this recipe considered spicy?

The spice level is moderate due to the hot sauce and smoked paprika. You can adjust the heat by using less hot sauce or choosing a milder version for a less intense flavor.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

While best served immediately, you can prep the ingredients in advance and roast just before serving to maintain the crispy texture of the Brussels sprouts and bacon.

Spicy-Sweet Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy-sweet brussels sprouts with crispy bacon elevate humble vegetables into a mouthwatering side dish that sizzles with flavor. Crisp bacon and caramelized sprouts create an irresistible combination you won’t be able to stop eating.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 1 pound (454 grams) brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

Protein:

• 4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) honey
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) smoked paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper and heat the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure even roasting.
2. Thoroughly coat Brussels sprouts with olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Distribute the seasoned Brussels sprouts across the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, allowing space between each sprout for optimal crispiness.
4. Scatter diced bacon pieces evenly over the Brussels sprouts, spreading them to promote uniform cooking.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to guarantee golden-brown edges and crispy bacon.
6. While roasting, whisk together honey, hot sauce, and smoked paprika to create a vibrant, spicy-sweet glaze.
7. Remove the roasted Brussels sprouts and bacon from the oven, then generously drizzle the hot honey mixture over the top.
8. Gently toss the sprouts to ensure every piece is coated with the glossy, spicy-sweet glaze.
9. Return to the oven for an additional 3-5 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize and intensify the flavors.
10. Serve immediately while hot and crispy, showcasing the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy elements.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting hot sauce quantity, using mild or spicy varieties for personal preference.
• Use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon alternatives for lower-fat or vegetarian dietary modifications.
• Ensure Brussels sprouts are similar in size for even roasting, preventing burning or undercooked sections.
• Pat Brussels sprouts dry before seasoning to achieve maximum crispiness and better caramelization during roasting.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 245
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg