If you’re looking for a way to elevate your vegetable side dishes to something truly irresistible, this Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe is a total game changer. The perfect balance of sweet honey and tangy balsamic vinegar caramelizes beautifully in the oven, transforming humble Brussels sprouts into crisp, golden bites bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a Brussels sprouts lover or a skeptic, this recipe promises to impress with every tender yet crunchy mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe just right is all about using simple, quality ingredients that play off each other perfectly. Each element adds a unique layer: the olive oil helps everything crisp up nicely, the balsamic vinegar brings tang and depth, while the honey rounds it out with sweet warmth.
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved: Fresh sprouts ensure a tender inside and crispy exterior when roasted.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Essential for roasting and giving the sprouts that perfect golden crunch.
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar: Adds a rich, tangy flavor that caramelizes beautifully during roasting.
- 2 tbsp honey: Balances the acidity with natural sweetness for a luscious finish.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Gives a subtle savory note without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the sprouts.
How to Make Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), which is the perfect temperature to achieve crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts without drying them out. While the oven heats, trim the sprouts by cutting off their woody ends and halving them to ensure they cook evenly and absorb more of the delicious glaze.
Step 2: Toss the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the trimmed Brussels sprouts with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything thoroughly so each sprout is coated with the flavorful mixture. This step is crucial as it ensures every bite has that sweet-tangy glaze we’re aiming for.
Step 3: Arrange for Roasting
Spread the coated Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lining with parchment not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup effortless. Make sure the sprouts aren’t overcrowded to help them roast evenly and develop that sought-after crispness.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Roast the Brussels sprouts for 20 to 25 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Toss them halfway through the cooking time for even caramelization. As they roast, the balsamic vinegar and honey meld together to create an irresistible glaze on the surface.
Step 5: Add Final Flavor Boost
In the last five minutes of roasting, drizzle additional balsamic vinegar over the sprouts to amplify their tangy richness. This simple finishing touch makes all the difference, giving your Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe that mouthwatering depth of flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the sprouts are perfectly roasted, serve them hot. For an extra layer of indulgence, drizzle a little more honey over the top just before plating. This final drizzle adds a hint of sticky sweetness that beautifully contrasts with the tangy balsamic.
How to Serve Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe even more, consider sprinkling some crunchy toasted almonds, crispy bacon bits, or crumbled feta cheese on top. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme also add a pop of color and freshness that complements the glaze perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with almost any meal. Try serving it alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a cozy pasta dish. The sweet and tangy profile of these Brussels sprouts adds a fantastic contrast to richer, heartier mains.
Creative Ways to Present
For a beautiful presentation, serve the Brussels sprouts on a rustic wooden platter or in a colorful ceramic bowl. You can also toss them with some toasted pine nuts or pomegranate seeds for a festive look. If you want to get fancy, layer them on crostini with a dollop of goat cheese for a tasty appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for an easy next-day side that just needs a quick reheat to regain their crispiness.
Freezing
While freezing roasted Brussels sprouts is possible, it’s best to enjoy this recipe fresh to preserve its delicious texture. If you must freeze, flash freeze the sprouts on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and use within 1 month for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet and pop them into a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes. This will revive their crisp edges much better than microwaving, which can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts, but be sure to thaw and pat them dry first. This helps prevent excess moisture, which can make roasting less effective and prevent that crispy texture we love.
What can I substitute for honey in this recipe?
If you prefer not to use honey, maple syrup or agave nectar work great as natural sweeteners in this dish. They will still provide that lovely sweetness needed to balance the balsamic vinegar.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! This Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use a plant-based honey alternative like maple syrup or agave to keep it cruelty-free.
How do I get my Brussels sprouts extra crispy?
Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet and roast at a high temperature like 400°F. Tossing them halfway through helps them brown evenly, and using enough olive oil is key to achieving a crispy finish.
Can I prepare the Brussels sprouts ahead of time?
You can toss the Brussels sprouts with the olive oil and seasoning beforehand and refrigerate them for a few hours. Just roast them fresh when ready to cook for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe is truly one of those dishes that wins over hearts and taste buds alike. With its perfect combination of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors wrapped around tender, crispy sprouts, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and watch how it turns even the most hesitant Brussels sprouts fans into devoted converts!
Print
Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts recipe features tender, roasted Brussels sprouts glazed with a delightful balance of sweet honey and tangy balsamic vinegar. Perfectly seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, these sprouts roast to crispy golden perfection in just 35 minutes, making them an easy and delicious side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the Brussels sprouts evenly and achieve a crispy texture.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the sprouts evenly with the flavorful mixture.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then spread the coated Brussels sprouts out in a single layer to ensure they roast evenly without steaming.
- Roast the Sprouts: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the Brussels sprouts for 20-25 minutes, tossing them halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning and crispiness.
- Add Extra Balsamic: During the last five minutes of roasting, drizzle additional balsamic vinegar over the Brussels sprouts to enhance their depth of flavor and add a glossy finish.
- Serve: Remove the Brussels sprouts from the oven and serve hot. Optionally drizzle more honey on top for extra sweetness before enjoying this delicious side dish.
Notes
- Make sure to cut the Brussels sprouts evenly for uniform cooking.
- Tossing halfway through roasting helps in achieving even crispiness.
- Additional balsamic vinegar enhances the flavor, do not skip this step.
- For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
- Can be served as a side dish with meats or vegetarian meals.
