Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Brussels sprouts are hands down my favorite vegetable - I already have three other recipes featuring them on the blog! But I think this bacon and hot honey Brussels sprout recipe might just be the best one yet.

Made with fresh Brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, and homemade hot honey, this side dish has just the right balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that will make you crave it again and again.

The best part? You can make the whole dish in just one skillet on the stove, which means quick and easy cleanup.

Today, I’m walking you through how to make these easy hot honey Brussels sprouts with bacon, including which ingredients to use, tips for success, and some of my favorite dishes to serve alongside them.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here are some notes on key ingredients. For a full list of ingredients, check out the recipe card below.

• Brussels Sprouts- Choose fresh Brussels sprouts that are firm and bright green for the best flavor and texture. Frozen Brussels sprouts can be used in a pinch and may not require any additional water.
• Honey- Use the highest-quality honey you can find for the best flavor. Adjust the amount of honey depending on how sweet you want your dish to be. Maple syrup may be substituted for honey.
• Spices- A mix of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, black pepper, garlic powder, and kosher salt gives the hot honey mixture a spicy kick. Adjust spices according to your tolerance for heat.
• Bacon- Opt for high-quality bacon without a lot of added sugar to prevent the sugars from burning in the skillet. To make this dish without bacon, cook the Brussels sprouts in a tablespoon of cooking oil instead.
• Water- A little water is used to help steam the Brussels sprouts.

🌱 Sustainability Tip: Look for locally-grown Brussels sprouts, honey, and bacon at your local farmers' market. Brussels sprouts are usually available throughout the fall and winter months.

How to Make Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Here is how to make Brussels sprouts with hot honey and bacon.

Step 1: Cook the bacon. Place bacon slices in a cold cast iron or stainless steel skillet. Cook over low heat until crispy, about 25-30 minutes. Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel to drain and keep the fat in the skillet.

Step 2: Prepare the hot honey. In a small mixing bowl, combine honey, kosher salt, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Brussels sprouts. Increase heat to medium. Place Brussels sprouts halves, cut side down, in the skillet. Cover and cook for 5 minutes to develop some color.

Step 4: Add water and continue cooking. Stir the Brussels sprouts and add ¼ cup of water. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes. Stir again and add more water if needed. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until tender.

Step 5: Combine with hot honey. Reduce heat to low. Pour the hot honey mixture over the Brussels sprouts. Stir until well coated and the honey slightly reduces, about 2 minutes.

Step 6: Finish and serve. Remove from heat and crumble the cooked bacon over the top. Stir to combine. Serve immediately and enjoy!

What to Serve with Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts

Pan-fried hot honey bacon Brussels sprouts are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals. Try them with roasted or grilled chicken, grilled steak tips, braised short rib, or even chipotle chicken tacos for a delicious dinner. For sides, garlic bread, sourdough breadsticks, or garlic knots are perfect accompaniments.

How to Store

Store any leftover hot honey Brussels sprouts and bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until they're warmed through.

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