If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a bag of Brussels sprouts wondering how to make them more exciting, you’re in the right place. Brussels sprouts often get a bad rap—they can be bitter, mushy, or just plain boring when not prepared well. But when you roast them with a touch of olive oil and add crispy turkey bacon, then finish everything off with a sticky-sweet honey glaze, magic happens. This dish brings out the best in Brussels sprouts, creating a side that’s crispy, tender, savory, and just the right amount of sweet.

I remember the first time I tried a version of this dish at a family holiday dinner. I wasn’t expecting much—Brussels sprouts usually don’t win me over—but the combination of caramelized edges, smoky turkey bacon, and that glossy honey coating changed the game for me. Now, it’s become a go-to recipe for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. It’s simple enough to throw together after work, yet impressive enough to serve alongside your holiday turkey or roast.

If you’re looking to upgrade your vegetable game or add a new side dish that your whole family will actually enjoy, this honey-glazed roasted Brussels sprouts recipe is a winner. Plus, using turkey bacon keeps it a little lighter than traditional bacon, so it’s perfect for those who want flavor without too much guilt.

Steps: Preparing the Brussels Sprouts and Turkey Bacon

Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Pan
First things first, get your oven set to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is key to getting those Brussels sprouts nicely caramelized and crispy on the edges. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil—it makes cleanup so much easier, trust me.

Trim and Halve the Brussels Sprouts
Take about 1 pound of Brussels sprouts, trim off the tough ends, and slice them in half lengthwise. Cutting them this way helps them cook evenly and gives you those beautiful caramelized flat sides.

Season the Brussels Sprouts
Place the halved Brussels sprouts on your prepared baking sheet. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over them, then sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and if you like a little heat, add ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Toss everything well to make sure the sprouts are coated evenly. The olive oil not only helps with roasting but also carries the seasonings into the sprouts.

Add the Turkey Bacon
Next, scatter 4 to 5 slices of turkey bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces, evenly over the Brussels sprouts. Turkey bacon crisps up nicely in the oven, adding a smoky, savory crunch without overpowering the dish.

Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Turkey Bacon: Roasting and Glazing to Perfection

Now that your Brussels sprouts and turkey bacon are perfectly seasoned and ready on the baking sheet, it’s time to bring this dish to life with some oven magic. Roasting is what transforms those Brussels sprouts from plain and bland to golden, crispy, and irresistibly flavorful. And then the honey glaze? That’s the final touch that ties everything together, balancing the savory with a subtle sweetness.

Let’s jump into the next steps and get this dish finished and ready for your dinner table.

Steps: Roasting the Brussels Sprouts and Adding the Honey Glaze

Roast the Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and roast for about 20 to 25 minutes. Here’s a key tip: stir the sprouts and bacon once halfway through cooking. This helps everything brown evenly and ensures those turkey bacon pieces crisp up beautifully without burning. By the end of roasting, your Brussels sprouts should be a gorgeous golden brown with crispy edges, and the bacon should be cooked through with a nice crunch.

Add the Honey Glaze
Once the roasting time is up, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of honey evenly over the Brussels sprouts and bacon. Gently toss everything right there on the pan to coat all the pieces in that sticky, sweet glaze. This step is what gives the dish its signature flavor profile—a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy if you opted for the red pepper flakes.

Return to the Oven to Caramelize the Honey
After coating the Brussels sprouts and bacon with honey, pop the baking sheet back in the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This short stint allows the honey to caramelize just enough, creating a beautiful shiny coating that clings to every bite. Keep an eye on it so the honey doesn’t burn—caramelized, not charred, is the goal here.

Optional Garnishes for Extra Flavor and Texture
When you pull the dish out of the oven for the final time, it’s ready to serve—but if you want to take it up a notch, add a few finishing touches. Drizzle a tablespoon of balsamic glaze over the top for a tangy contrast that complements the honey. Sprinkle ¼ cup of toasted pecans or walnuts to introduce a delightful crunch. And don’t forget some fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness that brightens the dish.

Helpful Tips and Variations

Adjust the Sweetness: Honey adds a lovely sweetness, but you can always tweak the amount based on your preference. If you want it less sweet, reduce the honey slightly or skip the second round of roasting after drizzling.
Spice it Up or Keep it Mild: The red pepper flakes add just a subtle heat. If you prefer, leave them out for a milder dish, or add more if you like a bit of a kick.
Nuts for Crunch: Toasted nuts aren’t just for garnish—they add a welcome crunch that contrasts nicely with the tender Brussels sprouts. Pecans and walnuts both work well here, but feel free to use whatever nuts you prefer.
Substitutions for Turkey Bacon: If you don’t have turkey bacon, regular bacon works beautifully, though it will add more fat and a stronger smoky flavor. For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add extra nuts or even crispy fried shallots.