Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Blue Cheese, and Sweet Honey Drizzle

Elevate your side dish game with this delicious recipe for Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Blue Cheese, and a Honey Drizzle. This perfect blend of crispy roasted Brussels sprouts, smoky bacon, tangy blue cheese, and a touch of sweet honey creates a delightful combination of flavors and textures. It’s an irresistible side dish that can accompany any meal, making even the most reluctant veggie eaters fall in love with Brussels sprouts. This dish is simple, quick to prepare, and is sure to impress family and friends alike.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) Brussels sprouts, halved
• Four strips of bacon, thoroughly cooked and crumbled into bite-sized pieces.
• 1/4 cup (60 g) blue cheese crumbles
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp honey, for drizzling

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven:
   • Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to allow it to heat while you prepare the Brussels sprouts. A hot oven will help the Brussels sprouts crisp up nicely.
2. Prepare the Brussels sprouts:
   • Wash and thoroughly dry the Brussels sprouts. Halve each sprout lengthwise, ensuring that the cut side will lay flat against the baking sheet, which helps achieve a crispier texture.
   • In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Make sure the sprouts are well coated, as this will help them roast evenly.
   • Season generously with salt and pepper. Start with about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, but you can adjust according to your taste preferences.
3. Arrange and roast the Brussels sprouts:
   • Take a large baking sheet and spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer, with the cut sides facing down. Spacing them out on the sheet is important, as overcrowding will cause the sprouts to steam rather than roast, reducing their crispiness.
   • Place the baking sheet on the center rack of your preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through the roasting time (around 12-15 minutes), use a spatula to flip a few sprouts to check if the bottoms are becoming golden brown and crispy. If not, leave them a bit longer before turning them. Once crispy, flip the sprouts to allow the other sides to roast.
   • Continue roasting until they are deeply golden and crispy, with a slightly charred exterior. The total time will depend on the size of your Brussels sprouts, but aim for 20-25 minutes.
4. Cook the bacon (while Brussels sprouts are roasting):
   • In a skillet over medium heat, cook 4 slices of bacon until crispy, flipping occasionally to cook evenly. This should take around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, place the bacon on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any extra grease.
   • Once the bacon has cooled slightly, crumble it into bite-sized pieces and set it aside for later.
5. Add the toppings:
   • Once the Brussels sprouts have finished roasting and are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, remove the baking sheet from the oven.
   • Immediately sprinkle the roasted Brussels sprouts with the crumbled bacon and the 1/4 cup of blue cheese. The heat from the sprouts will gently soften the blue cheese, creating a rich, creamy texture without completely melting it.
6. Drizzle with honey:
   • Just before serving, drizzle 2 tablespoons of honey over the Brussels sprouts. The sweetness of the honey complements the salty, savory bacon and the tangy blue cheese, creating a perfectly balanced dish. You can adjust the amount of honey based on your personal preference—add more for extra sweetness or reduce it if you prefer a more savory flavor profile.
7. Serve and enjoy:
   • Transfer the Brussels sprouts to a serving dish and enjoy immediately while warm. The combination of crispy sprouts, smoky bacon, creamy blue cheese, and sweet honey will surely be a hit at the table. Pair it with your favorite main dish or serve it as a standout appetizer.

Conclusion:

This recipe for Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Blue Cheese, and Honey Drizzle takes ordinary Brussels sprouts to a whole new level. The combination of savory bacon, creamy blue cheese, and sweet honey makes for a dish that’s balanced, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it as a side for a special occasion or as part of a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.