Are you ready to transform humble Brussels sprouts into a sublime culinary experience? Look no further than these incredible Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts! This recipe delivers gloriously caramelized sprouts, perfectly roasted and coated in a sweet and tangy glaze that will have even the most skeptical eaters asking for seconds. For anyone searching for a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make vegetable side dish that’s packed with flavor, this recipe is a must-try. It’s the ideal way to bring restaurant-quality taste right to your dinner table, perfect for weeknight meals or holiday feasts.
Key Ingredients for Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
To create these irresistible Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts, you’ll need the following components. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the dish’s balanced sweet, savory, and tangy profile.
- 1 ½ pounds (about 680g) Brussels Sprouts: Fresh, firm, and bright green are best. Trim the tough ends and cut any larger sprouts in half through the core to ensure even cooking. Smaller sprouts can be left whole.
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil: Go for a good quality extra virgin olive oil. It helps coat the sprouts for even roasting and adds a nice foundational flavor.
- ½ teaspoon Sea Salt: Or kosher salt. Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the Brussels sprouts and balancing the sweetness.
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground preferred, for a subtle hint of spice.
- ¼ cup Balsamic Vinegar: A good quality, aged balsamic vinegar will make a significant difference here, offering a richer, less acidic tang.
- 2 tablespoons Honey: Local honey is always a good choice, providing natural sweetness and helping the glaze caramelize beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard: This secret ingredient adds a touch of sharpness and emulsification to the glaze, making it incredibly well-rounded.
- 1-2 cloves Garlic, minced: Freshly minced garlic adds an aromatic depth that perfectly complements the other flavors.
How to Make Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
This dish is a masterclass in simplicity meeting sensational flavor. In just about 35 minutes, you’ll have perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts that are tender on the inside, crispy on the outside, and coated in a dazzling sweet and tangy honey balsamic glaze. It’s a remarkably easy side that impresses without demanding hours in the kitchen, making it a perfect addition to any meal rotation.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Prepare your Brussels sprouts by trimming the tough ends and removing any loose outer leaves. Cut any larger sprouts in half through the core to ensure they cook evenly.
- Toss with Oil and Seasoning: In a large bowl, combine the trimmed Brussels sprouts with the olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss well to ensure all the sprouts are evenly coated. This step is crucial for achieving that desirable crispy exterior.
- Roast the Sprouts: Spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, use two baking sheets. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the sprouts are tender and beautifully caramelized, with slightly crispy edges. Halfway through roasting (around the 10-12 minute mark), give them a good stir to ensure even browning.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic in a small bowl. This creates the flavorful honey balsamic glaze that will perfectly coat your sprouts.
- Glaze and Finish: Once the Brussels sprouts are done roasting and have reached your desired tenderness and crispiness, carefully remove them from the oven. Pour the prepared honey balsamic glaze directly over the roasted sprouts on the baking sheet. Toss gently using tongs or a spatula until every sprout is thoroughly coated in the glistening glaze.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the glazed Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts to a serving dish and serve hot. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of red pepper flakes can add a lovely finishing touch if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe
You’ll quickly fall in love with these Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts because they transform a sometimes-intimidating vegetable into an absolute star. The main highlight is undeniably the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with the honey providing a delicate sweetness that beautifully mellows the robust balsamic and the earthy notes of the Brussels sprouts.
Creating this dish at home offers significant cost savings compared to dining out, where a similar side could easily add a hefty sum to your bill. Plus, you get to control the quality of the ingredients, ensuring the freshest and most flavorful outcome. The caramelized edges of the roasted sprouts, combined with the vibrant, garlicky balsamic glaze, create a delightful texture and taste sensation that will convert even the most ardent Brussels sprout skeptics.
If you enjoy the sweet and savory notes in this recipe, you’d probably adore our Maple Glazed Carrots recipe as well – it’s another fantastic way to elevate a simple vegetable. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into your kitchen and give these incredible Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts a try tonight! Your taste buds, and your wallet, will thank you.
What to Serve Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts With
These versatile Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts pair wonderfully with a variety of main courses, making them an ideal side dish for almost any meal. Their sweet and tangy profile complements rich meats and brightens lighter fare.
- Roasted Meats: They are a classic pairing with roasted chicken, turkey breast, pork loin, or beef tenderloin. The acidity of the balsamic cuts through the richness of the meat.
- Fish and Seafood: For a lighter option, serve them alongside baked salmon, seared scallops, or grilled cod.
- Grains and Rice Dishes: Mix them into a quinoa salad, serve alongside wild rice pilaf, or with a simple lemon herb couscous for a complete vegetarian meal.
- Pasta: Incorporate them into a creamy pasta dish, or serve them as a vibrant side to a pesto or marinara-based pasta.
- Vegetarian Mains: A delicious complement to lentil loaves, mushroom wellingtons, or hearty grain bowls.
Top Tips for Perfecting Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Achieving perfectly roasted and glazed Brussels sprouts is simple with a few helpful pointers.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for crispy Brussels sprouts. If the pan is too crowded, the sprouts will steam instead of roast, leading to a soggy texture rather than a crisp, caramelized one. Use two baking sheets if necessary, ensuring a single layer.
- Even Sizing Matters: Trim and halve larger sprouts so they are roughly the same size. This promotes even cooking, preventing some sprouts from being raw while others are burnt.
- High Heat is Key: Roasting at 400°F (200°C) is essential for developing those delicious crispy, caramelized edges. Lower temperatures will result in softer sprouts.
- Quality Balsamic Vinegar: Invest in a good quality balsamic vinegar. The flavor profile is significantly richer and less acidic than cheaper alternatives, deeply impacting the glaze.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste your glaze before tossing. If you prefer it sweeter, add a touch more honey. If you like it tangier, a tiny splash more balsamic vinegar can do the trick.
- Fresh Garlic is Best: While garlic powder can work in a pinch, freshly minced garlic provides a much more vibrant and aromatic flavor that elevates the glaze significantly.
- Don’t Add Glaze Too Early: Adding the glaze too soon will prevent the sprouts from caramelizing properly. Toss them with the glaze only after they are fully roasted and tender. The residual heat will warm the glaze beautifully.
- Optional Spices: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sprouts before roasting or to the glaze. A sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary before roasting also adds a lovely herbaceous note.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To ensure your Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts remain delicious even as leftovers, proper storage and reheating are key.
- Storage: Allow any leftover Brussels sprouts to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh and flavorful for 3-4 days.
- Reheating (Oven Method): The best way to reheat these sprouts for optimal texture is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet (you can line it with parchment paper). Reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and crisp around the edges. This method helps restore some of their original crispiness.
- Reheating (Microwave Method): While quicker, the microwave will make the sprouts softer and less crispy. Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freezing roasted Brussels sprouts with the glaze is not recommended. The texture of the sprouts can become mushy upon thawing and reheating, and the glaze might separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days from the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
These Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are more than just a side dish; they’re a revelation. They beautifully demonstrate how simple, quality ingredients, combined with the right techniques, can transform an often-misunderstood vegetable into something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re a longtime Brussels sprout enthusiast or looking for a way to introduce them to your family, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. The perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, coupled with the satisfying texture of caramelized sprouts, makes this dish unforgettable. So go ahead, give it a try – you might just discover your new favorite way to eat your greens!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts FAQs
Q1: Can I make Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts ahead of time?
A1: While they are best served immediately for optimal crispiness, you can roast the Brussels sprouts a few hours in advance and prepare the glaze separately. Toss them together and warm in the oven just before serving. For best results, don’t glaze them until serving.
Q2: Are Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts healthy?
A2: Yes! Brussels sprouts are packed with vitamins (especially C and K), fiber, and antioxidants. This recipe uses healthy fats from olive oil and natural sweetness from honey, making it a nutritious and delicious side.
Q3: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
A3: While fresh is always preferred for crispiness, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts. Do not thaw them. Toss them with oil and seasonings and roast directly from frozen, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. They may be slightly less crispy but still delicious.
Q4: How can I make this recipe vegan?
A4: To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the honey with an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar. The glaze will still be incredibly flavorful.
Q5: What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
A5: Dijon mustard adds a crucial zing and helps emulsify the glaze. If you don’t have it, you can try a tiny pinch of mustard powder mixed with a few drops of water, or simply omit it, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
Q6: My Brussels sprouts aren’t getting crispy. What am I doing wrong?
A6: The most common reasons are overcrowding the baking sheet (which steams them) or not roasting at a high enough temperature. Ensure a single layer and a hot oven (400°F/200°C). Tossing halfway also helps.
Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the trimmed Brussels sprouts with the olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss well to ensure all sprouts are evenly coated.1.5 pounds Brussels Sprouts, 3 tablespoons Olive Oil, 0.5 teaspoon Sea Salt, 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper
- Spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through.1.5 pounds Brussels Sprouts
- While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic in a small bowl to create the glaze.0.25 cup Balsamic Vinegar, 2 tablespoons Honey, 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard, 1-2 cloves Garlic
- Once roasted, remove the Brussels sprouts from the oven. Pour the prepared honey balsamic glaze over them and toss gently until thoroughly coated.1.5 pounds Brussels Sprouts
- Transfer to a serving dish and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.