If you have ever been on the fence about Brussels sprouts, this Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe will change your mind forever. Imagine tender, caramelized sprouts with perfectly crisp edges, beautifully coated in a sweet and tangy honey balsamic glaze that elevates their natural earthiness. It is a dish bursting with flavor and texture, simple yet sophisticated enough to impress at any dinner table. Trust me, once you try this recipe, Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe will become your go-to side that everyone asks for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe is wonderfully straightforward because the ingredients are humble but packed with punch. Each element plays a starring role—olive oil ensures a crispy roast, honey adds gentle sweetness, balsamic vinegar brings vibrant tang, and garlic infuses it all with warm aroma. These basics come together to make a truly unforgettable dish.
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts: Fresh and firm sprouts give the perfect base for roasting and caramelizing.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This coats the sprouts to help achieve that golden crispness.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Adds natural sweetness that balances the tang of balsamic vinegar beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: Delivers a rich, tangy depth that makes the glaze irresistible.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the sprouts evenly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle kick and layers of flavor complexity.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses warmth that complements the balsamic and honey glaze perfectly.
How to Make Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Brussels Sprouts
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) for that perfect roast temperature. Next, trim off the tough ends of your Brussels sprouts and peel away any bruised or damaged outer leaves. This prep ensures each sprout cooks evenly and looks beautiful on the plate.
Step 2: Halve and Toss with Olive Oil
Cut each Brussels sprout in half lengthwise. This not only helps them cook fully but also exposes more surface area to caramelize deliciously. Toss the halved sprouts in a large bowl with olive oil, making sure every piece gets a nice, even coating.
Step 3: Season and Arrange
Sprinkle salt and black pepper over your oil-coated sprouts and mix lightly to distribute the seasoning. Then, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet—overcrowding will steam them instead of roasting, so give them room to crisp up!
Step 4: Roast Until Golden Brown
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and let the Brussels sprouts roast for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, give them a gentle stir to brown all sides evenly. Keep an eye out for those gorgeous crispy edges and deep golden color that signal they are perfectly roasted.
Step 5: Whip up the Honey Balsamic Glaze
While the sprouts roast, combine honey, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Whisk them together until smooth and glossy. This glaze will add a luscious shine and layer of complex sweetness and acidity to your sprouts.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Once the Brussels sprouts are roasted to perfection, remove them from the oven and transfer back to your mixing bowl. Pour the honey balsamic glaze over the warm sprouts and toss gently to coat every crispy piece in that wonderful flavor. Serve immediately for the best experience!
How to Serve Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts adds a delightful crunch that complements the tender sprouts. For a fresh finish, a handful of freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese can brighten flavors and add a lovely color contrast.
Side Dishes
This Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even alongside a hearty grain like quinoa or wild rice. Its sweet and tangy profile is versatile enough to complement comfort foods as well as more elegant mains.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by serving these sprouts atop a bed of creamy polenta or drizzling a little extra glaze over the plated dish. You can also stuff them into warm pita pockets with feta cheese and fresh herbs for a tempting vegetarian snack or appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to three days, making a quick and tasty addition to next day’s lunch or dinner.
Freezing
While Brussels sprouts are best enjoyed fresh roasted, you can freeze the cooked sprouts if needed. Lay them flat on a baking sheet to flash freeze first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Use within 1-2 months for best flavor.
Reheating
To bring back that crispiness, reheat leftovers in a hot oven or toaster oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes rather than microwaving. This method restores their caramelized texture and boosts flavors beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Frozen Brussels sprouts can be used in a pinch, but fresh ones will deliver the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, thaw and pat them dry before roasting to avoid sogginess.
Is there a substitute for balsamic vinegar?
Yes! You can swap balsamic vinegar for red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar mixed with a little honey for similar sweetness and tanginess, though the flavor profile will vary slightly.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Absolutely! Simply use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey to keep that sweet glaze without any animal products.
How can I make the sprouts crispier?
Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet and roast at a high temperature. Also, tossing the sprouts halfway through roasting helps all sides get crispy.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Root vegetables like carrots or parsnips roast well alongside Brussels sprouts and pair nicely with the honey balsamic glaze.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with this Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe—it’s a deliciously simple way to turn a humble vegetable into the star of the meal. Sweet, tangy, and perfectly crisp, these sprouts will win over even the most skeptical eaters. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved classic on your dinner table.
Print
Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously caramelized Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts roasted to a perfect golden crisp and tossed in a sweet and tangy honey balsamic glaze. This easy and flavorful side dish is perfect for any meal, combining the earthiness of Brussels sprouts with a delightful balance of sweetness and acidity.
Ingredients
Brussels Sprouts
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Glaze
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the Brussels sprouts.
- Prepare Brussels Sprouts: Trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and remove any damaged outer leaves to ensure only fresh parts are cooked.
- Halve the Sprouts: Cut the Brussels sprouts in half lengthwise, this promotes even cooking and a crispy texture on the cut sides.
- Toss with Olive Oil: Place the halved Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss thoroughly so all pieces are well-coated.
- Season: Add salt and black pepper to the coated Brussels sprouts and mix well to evenly distribute the seasoning.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts out in a single layer on a baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded for proper roasting.
- Roast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to promote even browning. Roast until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges.
- Prepare Honey Balsamic Glaze: While roasting, whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic in a small bowl to create the flavorful glaze.
- Coat Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Once roasted, remove the Brussels sprouts from the oven and return them to the mixing bowl. Pour the honey balsamic glaze over and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the glazed Brussels sprouts warm to enjoy their crispness and vibrant flavor at its best.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, make sure the Brussels sprouts are spread out well on the baking sheet without overlapping.
- You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan twist, but keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey to 1/2 tablespoon.
- Make sure to stir the Brussels sprouts halfway through roasting to prevent burning and to brown evenly.
- This dish pairs well with roasted chicken, pork, or a hearty grain bowl.
