These Pepper Jelly Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are a spicy-sweet side dish that's as simple as it is flavorful. Roasted in the air fryer until crisp-tender, then tossed with pepper jelly and smoky bacon, this recipe makes a perfect balance of sweet, heat, and savory flavors.
Brussels Sprouts were always on my mom's table during the holidays, but I've learned to love them all year long by adding modern twists like this. If you enjoy the sweet heat combo in recipes like my Sweet Chili Cauliflower, you'll love the bold flavors in these Brussels too.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Sweet heat: hot pepper jelly givves the sprouts a spicy-sweet glaze.
Smoky crunch: crispy bacon bits balance the heat.
Quick side: just a few steps in the air fryer and you're ready to serve.
Crowd pleaser: even those who say they don't like Brussels sprouts will be tempted by this.
Key Ingredients for Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Brussels sprouts: halved and roasted until tender with crisp edges.
- Hot pepper jelly: the star of the glaze, adding both sweetness and heat.
- Cayenne and red pepper flakes: a boost of spice layered into the jelly.
- Bacon: salty, smoky pieces that add richness to everyt bite.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for a lighter version.
- Swap honey or maple syrup for pepper jelly. Dish will be less spicy.
- Try red chili paste instead of cayenne for a different type of heat.
Tips for Perfect Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Don't skip drying: patting the Brussels sprouts dry ensures they roast, not steam.
- Flip halfway: turning the sprouts gives them even browing.
- Add bacon last: stir it in at the end so it stays crisp against the sticky glaze.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm in the oven at 375℉ for about 10 minutes or in the air fryer at 350℉ for 5 minutes, until hot and crisp again.
Serving Suggestions for Easy Side Dish Recipes
These Pepper Jelly Brussels Sprouts with Bacon pair beautifully with Air Fryer Roast Beef for a hearty dinner or alongside Baked Haddock for a lighter seafood meal, They're also delicious with Quick Dinner Rolls on the side. For dessert, finish the meal with my Magic Pudding Dessert.
More One Pan Meals You'll Love
If you enjoy simple sides and mains cooked all in one pan, you'll also love my Air Fryer Green Bean Casserole, my Broccoli Rice and Cheeses Casserole, this One Pot Alfredo with Bacon and Peas, and my Instant Pot Corned Beef.
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Pepper Jelly Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
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Ingredients
- 1 pound brussel sprouts
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- ⅓ cup sweet hot pepper jelly
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup bacon chopped
Instructions
- In a small bowl add pepper jelly, cayenne powder, and red pepper flecks. Mix until ingredients are incorporated throughout and set aside.
- Fill a medium pot halfway with water, add salt, and bring it to a boil.Add the Brussel sprouts and parboil for 5 minutes.
- Pour the Brussels into a strainer and rinse in cold water for 3 minutes or until cold enough to touch.
- Pat dry the Brussel sprouts and transfer them to a cutting board.Trim and cut Brussels in half.
- Covering the surface with aluminum foil, place the Brussel sprouts in an even layer on an air fryer basket or tray and cook at 400℉ for 4 minutes.
- Flip the Brussels and cook for an additional 4 minutes or until desires crisp-tender texture.
- Once finished cooking, transfer the brussel sprouts to a large bowl.
- Using a rubber spatula pour the pepper jelly mixture on top of the brussel sprouts and mix, occasionally scraping any excess jelly from the sides.
- Sprinkle in the bacon bits, stir until evenly distributed, and enjoy!
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