Honey-Glazed Brussels Butternut Bacon

Honey-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash with Bacon is my answer when I need a bright holiday side that brings both sweet and savory to the table. The honey adds a sticky gloss to caramelized vegetables while smoky bacon and salty feta bring layered flavors that keep everyone reaching for another serving. This dish feels festive yet uses simple ingredients you can find all year.

I whipped this up on a chilly Sunday to use up odds and ends in my fridge and it was an instant hit at my family table. Now it always disappears first at gatherings.

Ingredients

• Brussels sprouts: Fresh and firm sprouts roast to crispy-edged perfection Choose smaller sprouts for their sweetness and tender bite
• Butternut squash: Look for dense squash with matte skin and a rich orange color This gives creamy texture and natural sweetness
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps veggies caramelize Use a good extra virgin olive oil for best flavor
• Honey: Provides that irresistible sticky glaze and gentle sweetness I prefer local wildflower honey
• Bacon: Smoky salty bacon contrasts the honey and soft vegetables Choose thick-cut bacon for hearty texture
• Dried cranberries: Chewy tart pops of flavor try to find unsweetened for best balance
• Feta cheese: Creamy and tangy this cuts through the sweetness Crumble your own from a block for best freshness

Instructions

Prep and Crisp the Bacon:

Fry bacon slices until deeply golden and crisp Remove and crumble once cooled Save the rendered bacon fat for another use if you like

Prepare the Veggies:

Trim the stems and halve all Brussels sprouts Peel and cube the butternut squash into even pieces for uniform roasting

Coat with Flavor:

In a large mixing bowl toss the vegetables with olive oil honey salt and black pepper Massage everything well so each piece glistens and no dry spots remain

Roast to Caramelize:

Arrange the coated veggies in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet Make sure there is room for air to circulate Roast in a fully preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes flipping halfway until everything is golden and tender

Finish and Serve:

As soon as the baking sheet leaves the oven scatter on the crumbled bacon and sprinkle in the dried cranberries Let the warm veggies soak up all the flavor Before serving toss gently and top with a final shower of crumbled feta cheese

The butternut squash in this recipe always reminds me of making holiday dinners with my mom She would insist on roasting a little extra because everyone would pick it out of the pan first The honey brings all the memories of fall to the kitchen

Storage and Leftover Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and they will keep fresh up to three days Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop to bring back the crispy edges The feta might melt a bit but it just adds creaminess This dish is easy to double for potlucks or meal prep and is delicious tossed into warm grain bowls

Easy Ingredient Swaps

If you do not have butternut squash try sweet potato for a similar texture and sweetness Maple syrup can replace the honey if you prefer a different sweetness level Goat cheese works nicely instead of feta Bacon can be left out for a vegetarian version and smoked paprika adds great depth

Perfect Ways to Serve This

Pile this right next to your holiday ham or roast turkey It is beautiful at Thanksgiving but also great with a simple grilled chicken on an ordinary night Sometimes I spoon it over cooked farro for a satisfying lunch bowl The sweet and savory combo stands up well to everything from beef to pork or even as a centerpiece for brunch

The day I used smoked honey in place of regular is still a family legend Every bite tasted like cozy campfire and turned plain veggies into something special

Recipe Q&A

→ How do you achieve caramelization on the vegetables?

Roasting Brussels sprouts and butternut squash at 400°F with honey and olive oil helps promote browning and caramelization for richer flavor.

→ Can you substitute other vegetables?

Yes, diced sweet potatoes or carrots can replace butternut squash, and broccoli florets can be used instead of Brussels sprouts.

→ Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

You can omit the bacon or use plant-based alternatives to keep the dish vegetarian while maintaining savory notes.

→ When should feta cheese be added?

Sprinkle feta cheese over the roasted vegetables just before serving for a creamy, tangy finish.

→ What is the best way to serve this dish?

Serve warm as a flavorful side or pair it with a main protein for a complete meal. It's also delicious at room temperature.