these Honey-Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Creamy Sauce are an incredibly decadent and flavorful side dish that will convert even the most skeptical sprout-eaters. The image shows a generous serving of perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts, their outer leaves caramelized and slightly charred, indicating a sweet and savory crispness. Interspersed among the sprouts are beautifully rendered, crispy pieces of bacon, adding a rich, smoky, and salty counterpoint. A luscious, light-colored creamy sauce is generously drizzled over the entire dish, creating a tempting sheen and unifying the flavors. A sprinkle of fresh green herbs, likely parsley or chives, provides a fresh garnish and a pop of color. This dish elevates simple ingredients into a gourmet experience, perfect for holiday meals or as a standout weeknight side.
Ingredients:
For the Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Bacon:
- 1.5 lbs (about 680g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (smaller ones can be left whole)
- 8 ounces (about 8-10 slices) thick-cut bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
- 2 ounces (about ½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese (or another hard, salty cheese)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional, enhances creaminess)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped (for garnish)
Equipment:
- Large baking sheet(s)
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Large mixing bowl
- Small saucepan (for sauce)
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Tongs or large spoon (for tossing)
- Serving dish or bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions:
- Prepare Brussels Sprouts and Bacon:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts and the cut bacon pieces.
- Drizzle with olive oil, honey (or maple syrup), salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the sprouts and bacon are evenly coated.
- Spread the Brussels sprouts and bacon in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are not overcrowded; use two baking sheets if necessary to allow for proper caramelization and crisping.
- Roast:
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the Brussels sprouts are tender-crisp and caramelized, and the bacon is crispy and golden brown. The exact cooking time will depend on your oven and the size of your sprouts and bacon. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Once cooked, remove from the oven and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
- While the sprouts and bacon are roasting, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. It should form a smooth paste and smell slightly nutty.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and comes to a gentle simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and optional pinch of nutmeg. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk; if too thin, simmer gently for a few more minutes to reduce. Keep warm.
- Combine and Serve:
- Transfer the roasted Brussels sprouts and crispy bacon to a serving dish or bowl.
- Generously drizzle the warm creamy sauce over the top of the Brussels sprouts and bacon. You can also toss them gently to coat if preferred.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for an added burst of color and freshness.
- Serve immediately as a rich and satisfying side dish. This combination of sweet, savory, salty, and creamy flavors makes for an unforgettable vegetable experience.