These Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts offer the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, with crispy edges and a tender interior. The combination of honey and balsamic vinegar creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates the humble Brussels sprout into a flavorful side dish. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, this dish is easy to make, yet sophisticated enough for any special occasion.
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Why You’ll Love Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful side dish, these Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are a fantastic choice. With their crispy texture and deliciously tangy-sweet sauce, they pair well with a variety of main dishes. The best part? They’re super simple to prepare—just a few ingredients and minimal hands-on time are all you need. These Brussels sprouts are ideal for fall and winter, making them a great addition to your seasonal meals.
Ingredients
• Brussels Sprouts: The star of the dish! Fresh, firm Brussels sprouts are key to achieving that perfect crispy texture when roasted.
• Cooking Oil: I prefer avocado oil to roast the Brussels sprouts, as it withstands high heat and ensures a crispy finish.
• Balsamic Vinegar: A tangy yet slightly sweet vinegar that forms the base of the sauce, adding depth and richness.
• Honey: Adds sweetness and balances the acidity of the balsamic vinegar. You can also use maple syrup for a different twist.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps balance the acidity of the balsamic vinegar in the sauce.
• Garlic: Minced or grated garlic infuses the sauce with a savory punch.
• Sea Salt and Pepper: These simple seasonings bring out the natural flavors of the Brussels sprouts.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
• Maple Syrup: If you prefer a vegan option or don’t have honey, maple syrup makes an excellent substitute for sweetness.
• Tapioca Starch: If you’d like to thicken the sauce, adding a bit of tapioca starch (mixed with water) will help.
• Other Vegetables: While this recipe is focused on Brussels sprouts, the honey balsamic sauce works wonderfully on other roasted vegetables like cauliflower or broccoli.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the Brussels sprouts in half, removing any tough outer leaves, and place them on a large baking sheet.
- Drizzle with avocado oil and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Arrange the Brussels sprouts cut-side down on the baking sheet.
- Roast for 18–20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, prepare the honey balsamic sauce.
- In a small saucepan, combine olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, and grated garlic. Whisk to combine.
- Simmer the sauce on medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Be cautious as it may rise when stirred.
- Once thickened, remove the sauce from the heat and set aside.
- When the Brussels sprouts are done, remove them from the oven and toss them in the honey balsamic sauce.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
• Maximize Crispiness: Always roast the Brussels sprouts cut-side down. This technique helps them become beautifully crispy and caramelized.
• Toss with Sauce Just Before Serving: To keep the Brussels sprouts crispy, toss them with the honey balsamic sauce right before serving. This ensures they maintain their texture and don’t become soggy.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. However, be mindful that the Brussels sprouts will lose their crispiness once refrigerated.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
These Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are perfect for holiday meals, particularly alongside roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, or a citrusy cranberry sauce. They’re also versatile enough to be paired with everyday dishes like roasted chicken, steak, or even a vegetarian main course. Serve them with additional roasted vegetables for a well-rounded side or top them with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
For a vegan version, simply swap the honey for maple syrup and enjoy the same delicious results. If you’re looking for a thicker sauce, you can easily add a bit of tapioca starch to give it a more syrup-like consistency.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Note that the Brussels sprouts will lose their crispiness once stored, but they’ll still be flavorful. Reheat them in a small saucepan over medium heat with a splash of water until warmed through.
Seasonal Appeal of Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are perfect for autumn and winter meals. The warm, sweet, and tangy flavors pair beautifully with seasonal vegetables and holiday dishes. Whether it’s a cozy dinner or a festive celebration, this dish provides a delicious balance to hearty main courses. Plus, Brussels sprouts are in season during these cooler months, making them an excellent choice for seasonal cooking.
With their crispy texture and balanced flavor, these Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts will quickly become a favorite side dish that you’ll want to make again and again!
Conclusion
Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are a perfect balance of sweet and savory, creating a side dish that is both simple and sophisticated. With their crispy texture and rich balsamic-honey sauce, they are ideal for any occasion—whether it’s a casual dinner or a holiday feast. The versatility of this recipe allows you to pair it with a variety of mains, while its easy preparation makes it a go-to for busy weeknights. Try this recipe, and you’ll quickly see why it’s become a favorite in so many homes. Enjoy the deliciousness of crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts with the perfect touch of balsamic and honey!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
While fresh Brussels sprouts are recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts if fresh ones are unavailable. However, frozen Brussels sprouts may release more moisture, which could affect their crispiness. If using frozen Brussels sprouts, be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before roasting.
2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the honey balsamic sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply reheat the sauce on the stove before tossing with the roasted Brussels sprouts.
3. How do I keep the Brussels sprouts crispy after cooking?
To maintain the crispy texture, it’s best to toss the Brussels sprouts in the honey balsamic sauce right before serving. If you need to store leftovers, keep the sauce separate until ready to eat. Reheat the Brussels sprouts in a hot pan to help revive some of the crispiness.
More Relevant Recipes
- Autumn Kale Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette: This salad combines crisp kale with a sweet and tangy maple balsamic vinaigrette, making it a perfect companion to the Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts. The rich flavors and seasonal ingredients complement each other beautifully.
- Roasted Butternut Squash Salad: A flavorful roasted butternut squash salad that pairs wonderfully with the honey balsamic flavors of the Brussels sprouts. The squash adds a rich sweetness and texture, making it a perfect autumn side dish.
- Fall Bruschetta with Roasted Vegetables: This seasonal bruschetta is topped with roasted vegetables, such as squash and zucchini, and drizzled with a balsamic glaze, making it a fantastic appetizer to serve alongside your Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts for a festive fall meal.
Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are the perfect balance between sweet and salty. Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts are tossed in a sticky, garlicky honey balsamic sauce, making them a simple yet elegant side dish perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, stems removed
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 4 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Slice the Brussels sprouts in half and place them on a large baking sheet.
- Drizzle the Brussels sprouts with avocado oil and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Toss the Brussels sprouts to coat evenly, then arrange them cut-side down on the baking sheet.
- Roast the Brussels sprouts for 18–20 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, prepare the honey balsamic sauce by combining olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, and grated garlic in a small saucepan.
- Simmer the sauce over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Be careful as the sauce may rise when stirred.
- Remove the sauce from heat and set it aside to thicken slightly.
- Once the Brussels sprouts are roasted, remove them from the oven and toss them with the honey balsamic sauce.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the Brussels sprouts are cut-side down while roasting to help them crisp up nicely.
- Toss the Brussels sprouts with the sauce right before serving to maintain their crispiness.
- For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days in the fridge, though they will lose their crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg