Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe
If you’ve ever found yourself craving a vegetable dish that strikes the perfect balance between savory and sweet, prepare to fall in love with Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts. This dish brings together perfectly roasted sprouts, a glossy glaze of tangy balsamic and golden honey, toasty nuts, and just a hint of red pepper for a punch of excitement. Every bite is irresistibly crispy, caramelized, and bursting with flavor – the kind of side that could easily steal the spotlight from the main event!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish is in its unfussy, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one does its share of heavy lifting to create a symphony of flavors and textures you won’t soon forget. Here’s what brings Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts to life:
- Brussels sprouts: Choose fresh, firm sprouts and halve them for optimal caramelization and bite-sized appeal.
- Olive oil: Helps to crisp and brown the sprouts in the oven – don’t be tempted to skimp!
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds bold, tangy depth to the glaze that makes these sprouts utterly addictive.
- Honey: Offers a delicate sweetness that balances the balsamic’s tartness and helps achieve that coveted sticky finish.
- Garlic: Infuses every bite with aromatic, savory undertones – fresh-minced makes a world of difference.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to wake up all the other flavors.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little kick, a sprinkle brings subtle heat and extra vibrance.
- Toasted sliced almonds or chopped pecans (optional): Toss these on at the end for beautiful crunch and a toasty, nutty note.
How to Make Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Oven
Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s thoroughly heated by the time you’re ready to roast. This high temperature is key for getting those coveted crispy, golden edges that make brussels sprouts so delectable.
Step 2: Toss the Brussels Sprouts
In a large bowl, combine your trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Toss them well to ensure every sprout is nicely coated – this is the secret to even roasting and big flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Arrange and Roast
Spread the coated sprouts out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Don’t crowd them! Space means crispiness. Slide the sheet into the oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, giving them a good stir halfway through. You’re looking for sprouts that are deeply golden, tender in the middle, and irresistibly crispy at the edges.
Step 4: Create the Glaze
While the sprouts roast, grab a small bowl and whisk together the balsamic vinegar and honey. This simple glaze is what transforms the dish from tasty to absolutely crave-worthy, clinging to every leaf and crease.
Step 5: Toss and Finish
When the Brussels sprouts are done, return them to your mixing bowl. Drizzle over the honey balsamic mixture and gently toss to coat. If you’d like, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice and finish with toasted nuts for that perfect crunchy contrast. Serve immediately for maximum flavor and texture!
How to Serve Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Garnishes
For a beautiful finish and added complexity, scatter a handful of toasted sliced almonds or chopped pecans over your warm Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts. A pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving also brings out the natural sweetness of the honey and the nuttiness of the sprouts. Fresh lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice offers an extra burst of brightness if you love a citrusy twist.
Side Dishes
These sprouts pair beautifully with classic holiday mains like roast chicken, turkey, or glazed ham. They also hold their own alongside weeknight favorites like grilled salmon, pork chops, or even a hearty mushroom risotto. Don’t be surprised if you start making Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts just as an excuse to eat more vegetables!
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your side dish into something special by serving your Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts on a stunning platter, topped with a shower of microgreens or pomegranate seeds for color. For gatherings, skewer individual sprouts with toothpicks for an irresistible appetizer. Or toss them into a warm grain bowl with cooked quinoa, goat cheese, and dried cranberries for a fancy lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, let the Brussels sprouts cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days, maintaining much of their flavor and texture.
Freezing
Technically, you can freeze Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts, but be aware that freezing will soften their crispy outer leaves. If you do plan to freeze them, let them cool completely first, then spread on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring to freezer bags for up to 2 months. They’ll taste best if reheated under the broiler or in an air fryer so you can bring back a hint of that original crispiness.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your sprouts in a 400 degree Fahrenheit oven or under the broiler for just a few minutes, turning once, until they’re warmed through and edges are re-crisped. The microwave works in a pinch, but you might lose a little bit of that beloved texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Fresh Brussels sprouts will always give the best texture, but you can use frozen in a pinch. Just be sure to thoroughly defrost and pat them dry before roasting to minimize excess moisture.
Can I substitute maple syrup for the honey?
Absolutely! Maple syrup is a fantastic alternative to honey and will provide a slightly deeper, more robust sweetness to the glaze. Use it in equal amounts for a subtly different variation on classic Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts.
How do I make this dish vegan?
To make your Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts vegan, simply swap the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. The result will be just as delicious and completely plant-based.
Do I need to trim the Brussels sprouts?
Trimming and halving the Brussels sprouts not only makes them easier to eat but also promotes even roasting and extra surface area for those crispy, caramelized edges. Don’t skip this step!
What if I don’t like nuts?
No problem at all! The nuts are a fun finishing touch, but the Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are full of flavor on their own. You can simply leave them out or try a sprinkle of toasted seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for crunch without the nuts.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tried Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts, you may just find yourself sneaking them straight from the pan. Whether you’re making them for a crowd or a cozy dinner at home, this crowd-pleasing side brings color, flavor, and a big dash of joy to any table. Give them a try, and let them surprise you — they just might become your new favorite way to enjoy veggies!
Print
Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are roasted to perfection, creating a flavorful and nutritious side dish that pairs well with any meal. The combination of sweet honey, tangy balsamic vinegar, and roasted Brussels sprouts makes for a delicious and easy-to-make dish.
Ingredients
Brussels Sprouts:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
Seasoning:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons toasted sliced almonds or chopped pecans for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Toss Brussels Sprouts: In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Roast Sprouts: Spread the sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown and tender.
- Prepare Balsamic Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and honey.
- Coat Brussels Sprouts: Once roasted, transfer the sprouts back to the bowl and drizzle with the honey balsamic mixture. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Final Touches: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and toasted nuts if using. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra caramelization, broil the Brussels sprouts for the last 2 minutes of roasting.
- You can substitute maple syrup for honey if preferred.
- Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving brightens the flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
