Transform your brussels sprouts into a delectable side dish with a sweet and savory twist. This recipe pairs the earthy flavor of brussels sprouts with crispy bacon, and a sticky honey glaze, creating a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.
Photos of Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts Recipe
For this recipe, you might need to pick up a few ingredients that aren't always in the pantry. Pine nuts and raisins add a nutty and sweet element to the dish, while soy sauce and sesame seeds bring an Asian-inspired flair. Make sure to check the international or baking aisles for these items.
Ingredients For Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Chicken bouillon: An essential flavor enhancer for boiling the brussels sprouts.
Brussels sprouts: The star vegetable of this dish, providing a nutty, earthy taste.
Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory crunch to the dish.
Onion: Offers a sweet and slightly pungent flavor that complements the bacon.
Honey: Gives a sweet glaze to balance the savory elements.
Soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami flavor to the glaze.
Raisins: Provide a sweet, chewy contrast to the other textures.
Pine nuts: Add a crunchy, nutty flavor to the dish.
Sesame seeds: Used as a garnish to add a slight crunch and nutty flavor.
One reader, Gabie Fair says:
This honey glazed brussels sprouts recipe is a game-changer! The combination of sweet honey, savory bacon, and crunchy pine nuts creates an irresistible dish. Even my kids loved it. Perfect for a family dinner or a holiday side.
Essential Techniques for Making Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts
How to dissolve bouillon cube: Dissolve the bouillon cube in boiling water by stirring until it completely dissolves. How to cook brussels sprouts: Boil the brussels sprouts in the bouillon-infused water until they are tender, about 10 minutes. How to cook bacon: Place the bacon in a skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until it is evenly browned, about 10 minutes. How to cook onions in bacon drippings: Cook and stir the onion in the bacon drippings until it becomes transparent and tender, about 10 minutes. How to combine ingredients in skillet: Add honey and soy sauce to the cooked onions, stir until the liquid starts to bubble, then add brussels sprouts, bacon, raisins, and pine nuts. Cook until the brussels sprouts are heated through and well coated, about 3 to 5 minutes. How to garnish with sesame seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the dish before serving for a final touch.
How To Make Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts, boiled until tender, mixed with soy sauce, onions, and smoky bacon make an enticing dish that can be both an entree or a side dish.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1chicken bouillon,cube
- 16ozBrussels sprouts,frozen
- ½lbbacon,smoked, diced
- 1onion,large , minced
- 3tbsphoney
- 3tbspsoy sauce
- ½cupraisins
- 3tbsppine nuts
- 1tbspsesame seeds,toasted
Instructions
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Bring a pot of water to a boil; dissolve bouillon cube in the boiling water. Add Brussels sprouts; cook until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain.
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Place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned for about 10 minutes.
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Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving bacon drippings in the skillet.
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Cook and stir onion in bacon drippings until transparent and tender, about 10 minutes. Add honey and soy sauce; stir until liquid starts to bubble, 1 to 2 minutes.
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Stir in Brussels sprouts, bacon, raisins, and pine nuts; cook until Brussels sprouts are heated through and well coated for about 3 to 5 minutes. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 234.61kcal
- Fat: 14.36g
- Saturated Fat: 4.11g
- Trans Fat: 0.04g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.82g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.27g
- Carbohydrates: 21.56g
- Fiber: 3.07g
- Sugar: 14.17g
- Protein: 7.71g
- Cholesterol: 18.71mg
- Sodium: 735.83mg
- Calcium: 50.55mg
- Potassium: 451.09mg
- Iron: 1.66mg
- Vitamin A: 24.70µg
- Vitamin C: 49.62mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts
To ensure your brussels sprouts are perfectly tender and flavorful, make sure to dissolve the chicken bouillon cube completely in the boiling water before adding the brussels sprouts. This will infuse them with a rich, savory taste. Additionally, when cooking the bacon, keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning it. You want it crispy but not charred, as the bacon drippings will be used to sauté the onion and add depth to the dish. Finally, when adding the honey and soy sauce, make sure to stir continuously until the liquid starts to bubble, ensuring a well-balanced glaze that coats the brussels sprouts evenly.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Pre-cook the brussels sprouts: Boil the brussels sprouts in advance and store them in the fridge. This way, you can quickly add them to the skillet when needed.
Use pre-cooked bacon: Purchase pre-cooked bacon to save time on frying. Simply heat it up in the skillet before adding other ingredients.
Chop ingredients ahead: Dice the onion and measure out the honey, soy sauce, raisins, and pine nuts beforehand. Store them in separate containers for easy access.
One-pot method: Use a single large skillet to cook everything. This reduces the number of dishes to clean and streamlines the cooking process.
Substitute Ingredients For Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts Recipe
chicken bouillon - Substitute with vegetable bouillon: Provides a similar depth of flavor while keeping the dish vegetarian.
brussels sprouts - Substitute with broccoli florets: Offers a similar texture and can be roasted to achieve a comparable taste.
bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: A leaner option that still provides a smoky flavor.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Adds a slightly sweeter and more delicate flavor.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Provides a similar sweetness and consistency.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: A gluten-free alternative that offers a similar umami flavor.
raisins - Substitute with dried cranberries: Adds a tartness that complements the sweetness of the dish.
pine nuts - Substitute with slivered almonds: Provides a similar crunch and nutty flavor.
sesame seeds - Substitute with chia seeds: Offers a similar texture and slight nuttiness.
Best Way to Present Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Select the finest brussels sprouts: Choose fresh, vibrant brussels sprouts with tightly packed leaves for the best flavor and texture.
Prepare a flavorful bouillon base: Dissolve the chicken bouillon in boiling water to infuse the brussels sprouts with a rich, savory taste.
Crisp the bacon to perfection: Cook the bacon until it is evenly browned and crispy, ensuring it adds a delightful crunch to the dish.
Caramelize the onion: Sauté the onion in the bacon drippings until it becomes transparent and tender, enhancing the dish with its sweet and savory notes.
Create a luscious glaze: Combine honey and soy sauce in the skillet, stirring until the mixture bubbles and thickens, forming a glossy glaze.
Incorporate the brussels sprouts and bacon: Add the cooked brussels sprouts and bacon to the skillet, ensuring they are well-coated with the glaze.
Add a touch of sweetness and crunch: Stir in raisins and pine nuts, providing a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
Heat through and meld flavors: Cook the mixture until the brussels sprouts are heated through and the flavors are well combined.
Garnish with sesame seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the dish just before serving, adding a final layer of texture and visual appeal.
Plate with elegance: Arrange the honey glazed brussels sprouts on a pristine white plate, ensuring each element is visible and appealing. Use a ring mold to create a neat, compact presentation, and drizzle any remaining glaze artistically around the plate.
Essential Tools for Making Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Pot: Used to bring water to a boil and cook the brussels sprouts until tender.
Bouillon cube: Dissolved in boiling water to add flavor to the brussels sprouts.
Skillet: Used to cook the bacon and later to sauté the onion and combine all ingredients.
Paper towel-lined plate: Used to drain excess grease from the cooked bacon.
Stirring spoon: Used to stir the onion, honey, soy sauce, and other ingredients in the skillet.
Knife: Used to chop the onion and cut the bacon if necessary.
Cutting board: Provides a surface for chopping the onion and cutting the bacon.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the honey, soy sauce, and sesame seeds.
Measuring cup: Used to measure the raisins and other ingredients.
Colander: Used to drain the cooked brussels sprouts.
Serving dish: Used to present the finished honey glazed brussels sprouts.
Storing and Freezing Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts
- Let the honey glazed brussels sprouts cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep fresh for up to 4 days.
- If you want to freeze the brussels sprouts, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- When ready to reheat, thaw the frozen brussels sprouts in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of water or chicken broth to help them steam and prevent them from drying out.
- If you have leftover bacon, store it separately from the brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 5 days. Reheat the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy before adding it back to the reheated brussels sprouts.
- The honey glaze may cause the brussels sprouts to stick together when stored. To prevent this, toss them with a little bit of olive oil before storing them in the container. This will help keep them from clumping together and make it easier to reheat them later.
How To Reheat Leftover Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Reheat in the oven: preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the leftover brussels sprouts in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the bacon and caramelize the honey glaze.
Reheat on the stovetop: heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover brussels sprouts and a splash of water or chicken broth. Stir occasionally until heated through and the liquid has evaporated. This method will help revive the texture and flavors of the bacon, onions, and honey glaze.
Reheat in the microwave: place the leftover brussels sprouts in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until heated to your desired temperature. Note that the microwave may cause the bacon to lose some of its crispiness.
Reheat in an air fryer: preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover brussels sprouts in the air fryer basket and cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, or until heated through and crispy. This method will help restore the crispiness of the bacon and the caramelization of the honey glaze.
Cold leftovers: if you enjoy cold salads, consider serving the leftover honey glazed brussels sprouts as a chilled side dish. The flavors of the bacon, onions, raisins, and pine nuts will have melded together, creating a delicious and refreshing taste experience.
Interesting Fact About Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts
A random fact about this recipe is that brussels sprouts are part of the cruciferous vegetable family, which also includes broccoli, kale, and cabbage. These vegetables are known for their high nutrient content and potential cancer-fighting properties.
Is Making Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts at Home Cost-Effective?
This honey glazed brussels sprouts recipe is relatively cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients like brussels sprouts, bacon, and onion are affordable and widely available. Specialty items like pine nuts and sesame seeds might add a bit to the cost but are used in small quantities. Overall, the approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20 USD. Given the balance of flavors and nutritional value, I would rate this recipe a solid 8 out of 10.
Are Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts Healthy or Unhealthy?
This honey glazed brussels sprouts recipe has both healthy and unhealthy elements. On the positive side, brussels sprouts are a nutritious vegetable, packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. The addition of onions and sesame seeds also contributes to the overall nutrient profile. However, the use of bacon and the honey-soy sauce glaze adds significant amounts of saturated fat, sodium, and sugar to the dish, which can be detrimental to health if consumed in excess.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace the bacon with a leaner protein source, such as turkey bacon or grilled chicken breast
- Reduce the amount of honey and soy sauce used in the glaze, or opt for a low-sodium soy sauce alternative
- Increase the proportion of brussels sprouts to other ingredients to emphasize the nutritional benefits of the vegetable
- Add more colorful vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, to boost the overall nutrient content
- Use a healthier cooking method, such as roasting or steaming, instead of sautéing the brussels sprouts in bacon fat
- Swap out the pine nuts for a more heart-healthy option, like chopped almonds or walnuts
Editor's Opinion on This Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts Recipe
This recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The sweetness of honey and raisins complements the savory bacon and soy sauce, while the pine nuts and sesame seeds add a satisfying crunch. Cooking the Brussels sprouts in chicken bouillon enhances their flavor, making them tender and delicious. The caramelized onions provide a rich, sweet undertone that ties the dish together. Overall, it's a well-rounded dish that transforms simple Brussels sprouts into a gourmet side.
Enhance Your Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Why trust this Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts Recipe:
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of honey with the savory flavors of bacon and soy sauce, creating a delightful balance that will impress any palate. The addition of raisins and pine nuts adds a unique texture and depth, making this dish both nutritious and delicious. The use of brussels sprouts ensures a healthy, fiber-rich base, while the sesame seeds provide a final touch of crunch. Trust this recipe for its harmonious blend of flavors and its ability to transform simple ingredients into a gourmet experience.
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