Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Zippy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Roasted Brussels sprouts with a honey balsamic glaze burst with tantalizing flavors that elevate any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

The sweet and tangy combination creates a mouthwatering side dish that surprises even vegetable skeptics.

Caramelized edges bring out a rich depth in these tiny green gems.

Crispy on the outside and tender within, these Brussels sprouts offer a delightful contrast of textures.

A simple blend of quality ingredients turns this humble vegetable into a restaurant-worthy sensation.

Bold and addictive, this recipe promises to win over Brussels sprouts doubters with its irresistible charm.

You’ll want to add this dish to your weekly dinner rotation for its incredible taste and easy preparation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 198 kcal

Servings: 9

Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Ingredient List

For Roasting Base:
  • Brussels Sprouts: Crisp vegetable superstar that caramelizes beautifully, choose fresh sprouts with tight, bright green leaves and minimal blemishes.
  • Olive Oil: Helps create golden crispiness and supports even roasting, select extra virgin for richer flavor.
  • Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning duo that enhances natural vegetable taste, freshly ground pepper provides maximum flavor punch.
For Honey Balsamic Glaze:
  • Honey: Natural sweetener that creates gorgeous caramelization, choose raw local honey for deeper complexity.
  • Balsamic Vinegar: Provides tangy depth and glossy finish, select aged balsamic for richer taste profile.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds subtle heat and helps emulsify sauce, opt for smooth, authentic French-style mustard.
  • Garlic: Brings aromatic intensity, fresh cloves deliver more robust flavor than pre-minced versions.
  • Red Pepper Chili Flakes: Introduces gentle heat and excitement, adjust quantity based on spice preference.
For Bright Finishing Touches:
  • Lemon Zest: Provides zesty brightness and cuts through richness, use fresh citrus for maximum flavor.
  • Green Onions: Adds fresh, mild onion notes and beautiful color contrast, select crisp, vibrant stalks.
  • Butter: Creates silky sauce texture and rich undertone, choose unsalted for better sauce control.

Tools That Help You Roast Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

  • Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting Brussels sprouts evenly and creating a crispy exterior.
  • Large Bowl: Perfect for tossing Brussels sprouts with olive oil and seasonings.
  • Saucepan: Ideal for preparing the honey balsamic glaze with precise heat control.
  • Sharp Knife: Necessary for trimming Brussels sprouts ends and cutting them in half.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for preparing ingredients.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure salt, honey, and other seasonings.
  • Wooden Spoon or Whisk: Great for stirring and mixing the sauce ingredients smoothly.
  • Zester or Grater: Used for creating delicate lemon zest garnish.

How to Make Sticky Sweet Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Adventure

  • Oven Prep Kitchen Warmup

Set your oven to a toasty 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and crispy results.

  • Sprout Transformation

Slice Brussels sprouts in half, creating little green boats ready for flavor exploration. Trim any sad or wilted outer leaves.

  • Seasoning Magic

Drizzle olive oil generously over the sprouts, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Massage the seasonings into each sprout like you’re giving them a delicious spa treatment.

  • Roasting Perfection

Spread sprouts cut-side down on the baking sheet, giving each one personal space. Roast for 20 minutes until edges turn golden and crispy with deep caramelized spots.

  • Sauce Creation

While sprouts roast, craft a tangy sauce by heating honey until it bubbles. Whisk in balsamic vinegar, a touch of mustard, minced garlic, and a hint of chili flakes.

  • Final Touch

Pull sprouts from the oven and drizzle with the glossy sauce. Garnish with fresh green onions and a zesty sprinkle of lemon zest for a bright finish.

Tips to Improve Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Flavor

  • Ensure maximum crispiness by patting Brussels sprouts completely dry before roasting and using a heavy-bottomed baking sheet to promote even browning.
  • Replace honey with maple syrup for a rich alternative, or use apple cider vinegar instead of balsamic for a lighter, tangier sauce variation.
  • Prepare the balsamic sauce up to three days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, reheating gently before serving with freshly roasted sprouts.
  • Transform this side dish into a complete meal by adding crispy bacon bits, toasted pine nuts, or crumbled goat cheese for extra protein and texture.

How to Serve Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Any Meal

  • Rustic Dinner Companion: Pair these tangy Brussels sprouts with roasted chicken or grilled steak for a hearty meal that balances rich protein with zesty vegetable flavors.
  • Festive Appetizer Twist: Serve the glazed Brussels sprouts on a wooden board with toothpicks for an elegant party starter that guests can easily pick up and enjoy.
  • Mediterranean Salad Boost: Chop the roasted sprouts and mix into a warm quinoa salad with feta cheese, adding Mediterranean flair and extra nutrition to your plate.
  • Breakfast Brunch Surprise: Top a crispy breakfast hash or eggs benedict with these caramelized Brussels sprouts for an unexpected and delicious morning protein kick.

Storing Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts for Freshness

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The honey balsamic glaze helps maintain moisture and flavor.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Chop Brussels sprouts and prepare sauce ingredients the night before. This cuts cooking time in half and makes weeknight dinners super quick and easy.
  • Freezer-Friendly Tip: Roasted Brussels sprouts can be frozen for up to one month. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Flavor Boost Technique: Reheat cold Brussels sprouts in a hot skillet with a splash of olive oil to restore their crispy exterior and refresh the caramelized edges. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain texture.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Mouth-watering honey balsamic brussels sprouts deliver a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Caramelized edges and rich glaze invite diners to savor this simple yet elegant side dish that complements many main courses.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2.5 lb (1.13 kg) brussels sprouts
  • ⅓ cup (79 ml) olive oil
  • 3 tbsps (42 g) unsalted butter
  • ⅓ cup (79 ml) honey
  • ⅓ cup (79 ml) balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 tsps (7.5 g) kosher salt
  • 1 tsp (2 g) red pepper chili flakes
  • green onions
  • lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 425°F, positioning rack in center for even roasting.
  2. Vegetable Prep: Trim Brussels sprouts, halving each and separating loose leaves for extra crispiness.
  3. Seasoning: Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper, ensuring comprehensive coating for maximum flavor development.
  4. Roasting: Arrange sprouts cut-side down on baking sheet, creating space between pieces to promote caramelization and prevent steaming.
  5. Baking: Roast for 20 minutes until edges turn golden brown and vegetables become tender with crispy exteriors.
  6. Glaze Creation: Combine honey, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, red pepper chili flakes, and salt in a saucepan.
  7. Sauce Finishing: Integrate butter into the mixture, simmering on medium-low heat until the glaze thickens and develops a rich, glossy consistency.
  8. Final Touch: Drizzle warm glaze over roasted Brussels sprouts or serve alongside as a dipping sauce.
  9. Garnishing: Sprinkle fresh lemon zest and chopped green onions to introduce bright, aromatic elements to the caramelized dish.

Notes

  • Prep Like a Pro: Trim Brussels sprouts symmetrically and discard any damaged outer leaves for uniform roasting and maximum crispiness.
  • Strategic Placement Matters: Position sprouts cut-side down with strategic spacing to achieve perfect caramelization without unwanted steaming.
  • Temperature Control is Key: Use high heat (425°F) to transform Brussels sprouts from ordinary to extraordinary, creating golden-brown edges and tender centers.
  • Glaze Game Strong: Simmer sauce ingredients slowly to develop complex flavors, allowing honey and balsamic to create a luxurious, glossy coating that elevates the entire dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 198
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star