Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

If you’re looking for a side dish that will win hearts at the dinner table, these Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are just the ticket! They strike the perfect balance between sweet and savory, and their delightful crunch is simply irresistible. This recipe is a favorite of mine because it’s so easy to whip up, yet it feels special enough for holidays or family gatherings. Whether you’re in need of a quick weeknight fix or aiming to impress your guests, this dish always comes through with flying colors!

What I love most about these Brussels sprouts is how they can transform a simple meal into something extraordinary. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you’ll be on your way to creating a show-stopping side that everyone will rave about!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: Even those who claim they don’t like Brussels sprouts will be begging for seconds after tasting this dish!
• Versatile: Great as a side dish for any meal, it’s also fantastic served cold as a salad topping or snack.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the glaze in advance and simply toss it with the sprouts before serving.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of honey and balsamic vinegar creates a mouthwatering glaze that elevates the sprouts beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For these Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts, you’ll only need simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Let’s gather what we need:

For the Brussels Sprouts

• 1½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Glaze

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1½ tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 small garlic clove, finely minced (optional)
• Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans during roasting for an extra crunch.
• Change up the sweetness: Swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option.
• Spice it up: Add some cayenne pepper to the olive oil mixture if you like a little heat!
• Mix in other veggies: Try adding carrots or sweet potatoes for added color and nutrition.

How to Make Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven is essential for getting those crispy edges on your Brussels sprouts.

Step 2: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Trim and halve your Brussels sprouts, making sure they are nice and dry. Patting them down helps achieve that coveted crispiness when roasting.

Step 3: Season with Olive Oil

In a large bowl, toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. This step not only adds flavor but also helps them roast evenly.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet without overcrowding. Roasting them in one layer allows them to get perfectly golden brown and crispy. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

While your sprouts are roasting, grab a small saucepan. Combine balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard (if using). Simmer this mixture for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. If you’re using garlic, stir it in right before taking it off the heat.

Step 6: Toss with Glaze

As soon as your Brussels sprouts come out of the oven, toss them in the warm glaze. This step ensures every sprout gets coated in that delicious sweet-and-tangy goodness.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve these beauties hot! If you like a little kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before digging in. Enjoy every crispy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Elevate your cooking game with these helpful tips that ensure your Brussels sprouts turn out perfectly crispy and flavorful every time!

• Dry Thoroughly Before Roasting: Make sure to pat the Brussels sprouts dry after washing. Excess moisture can steam them instead of allowing them to roast, which prevents that delicious crunch.

• Use a Hot Oven: Preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) is crucial for achieving that golden-brown exterior. The high heat helps caramelize the natural sugars in the sprouts, enhancing their flavor.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Giving the Brussels sprouts enough space on the baking sheet allows hot air to circulate around them, promoting even roasting. Overcrowding can lead to soggy sprouts instead of crispy ones.

• Flip Halfway Through Cooking: Turning the sprouts halfway through ensures they brown evenly on both sides. This simple step makes a big difference in texture!

• Serve Immediately After Tossing with Glaze: For the best experience, toss the roasted Brussels sprouts with the honey balsamic glaze right after baking. Serving them fresh keeps them warm and allows the glaze to stick beautifully.

How to Serve Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

These Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for the eyes! Here are some fun ideas on how to present this dish elegantly.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a burst of color and freshness, enhancing both presentation and flavor.
• Toasted Nuts: Adding toasted walnuts or pecans offers an extra crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet glaze.
• Zest of Lemon: A light dusting of lemon zest just before serving provides a zesty contrast that brightens up this rich dish.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the Brussels sprouts while adding a nutritious boost.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes create a comforting side that balances well with the tangy sweetness of the Brussels sprouts.
• Grilled Chicken Thighs: Juicy grilled chicken thighs seasoned with herbs make for a protein-packed option that pairs nicely with this vegetable side dish.
• Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots tossed in olive oil and herbs provide a colorful contrast and harmonize beautifully with the sweetness from the honey balsamic glaze.

Enjoy these delightful Brussels sprouts as part of an impressive meal or as a standout snack!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are not only delicious but also fantastic for meal prep! You can whip them up ahead of time and enjoy their delightful flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the Brussels sprouts to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They can be enjoyed within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

• For longer storage, you can freeze the roasted Brussels sprouts.
• Spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) for reheating.
• Spread the sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer.
• Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe!

Can I make Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can roast the Brussels sprouts ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Just reheat them in the oven before serving for that perfect crunch.

What makes these Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts so special?

The combination of honey and balsamic vinegar creates a sweet-and-tangy glaze that perfectly complements the crispy texture of the roasted Brussels sprouts, making it a standout side dish!

Are there any substitutes for honey in this recipe?

Yes! If you’re looking for a vegan option, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Both will provide sweetness without compromising flavor.

Can I add other vegetables to my Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in other veggies like carrots or sweet potatoes alongside the Brussels sprouts for added variety and colors.

How do I get my Brussels sprouts extra crispy?

Make sure they are completely dry before roasting, spread them out evenly on the baking sheet, and don’t overcrowd them. This helps achieve that irresistible crispy texture!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts as much as I do! They bring together wonderful flavors and textures that are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe and feel free to make it your own. Happy cooking!