Zesty Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe: A Flavor Explosion

Brussels sprouts often get a bad rap, but this balsamic Brussels sprouts recipe will change everything you know about these tiny green gems.

The deep caramelization and tangy balsamic glaze create a mouthwatering harmony of flavors that’ll make even veggie skeptics come back for seconds.

Each crispy, golden-edged sprout bursts with rich, complex notes that dance between sweet and savory.

Roasted to perfection, these Brussels sprouts develop a gorgeous char that adds depth and complexity to every single bite.

Simple ingredients and a quick cooking method make this dish a weeknight dinner superhero.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness, turning humble Brussels sprouts into a show-stopping side that steals the spotlight from any main course.

Get ready to fall in love with vegetables all over again.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

• Brussels Sprouts: Sweet and nutty vegetable with crispy edges when roasted, choose firm and bright green without yellow leaves.
• Olive Oil: Helps create golden crispiness and enhances flavor absorption, select extra virgin for best taste.
• Sea Salt: Enhances natural vegetable sweetness, use flaky texture for better distribution.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth, freshly ground provides more robust flavor.

• Balsamic Vinegar: Provides tangy sweetness and caramelization, choose aged variety for richer taste.
• Honey: Creates beautiful glossy coating and balances vinegar's acidity, use local raw honey for deeper flavor profile.

• Pecans: Adds delightful crunch and earthy richness, toast beforehand to intensify nutty flavor.
• Cranberries, Pomegranate Arils: Introduces bright burst of tartness and color, select plump and vibrant fruits.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides fresh herbal notes and visual appeal, choose bright green leaves with crisp texture.

Equipment for Roasting Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

• Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan for even roasting of Brussels sprouts.
• Parchment Paper: Non-stick liner for easy cleanup and preventing burning.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for cleanly halving Brussels sprouts.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing ingredients safely.
• Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for tossing sprouts with oil and seasonings.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise tools for adding olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey.
• Tongs or Spatula: Useful for arranging and flipping sprouts during roasting.
• Serving Dish: Attractive plate for presenting the final roasted Brussels sprouts.

Roasting Instructions for Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

• Oven Preparation Cozy kitchen setup with a clean baking sheet ready for roasting.
• Brussels Sprout Selection Fresh, crisp green sprouts carefully trimmed and halved for maximum flavor absorption.
• Flavor Infusion Generously coat sprouts with liquid goodness, ensuring each piece gets a delightful flavor massage.
• Roasting Magic Strategic placement on baking sheet allows each sprout to caramelize perfectly, creating crispy golden edges.
• Final Touch Elegant garnish with crunchy nuts and bright fruity elements transforms simple roasted vegetables into a gourmet side dish perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Tips to Crisp Up Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

• Slice Brussels sprouts evenly to ensure consistent cooking and beautiful caramelization across the entire batch.
• Swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar for different sweetness levels, creating unique taste variations that complement various main dishes.
• Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese, crispy bacon bits, or toasted almond slivers right before serving to add exciting texture and depth to the roasted sprouts.
• Prepare Brussels sprouts up to a day in advance and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to maintain their crispy edges and rich balsamic glaze.

Serve Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Style

• Festive Party Platter: Create a stunning appetizer spread by arranging these balsamic Brussels sprouts alongside creamy goat cheese, crispy bacon bits, and toasted bread crostini for a delightful gathering starter.
• Hearty Side Dish Companion: Pair these roasted sprouts with grilled chicken, herb-crusted salmon, or a juicy steak to elevate your main course with a burst of tangy, caramelized flavors.
• Salad Transformation: Chop the roasted Brussels sprouts and mix them into a warm quinoa salad with crumbled feta, toasted almonds, and a light lemon vinaigrette for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
• Gourmet Grain Bowl Base: Use these balsamic-glazed sprouts as a flavorful foundation for a protein-packed grain bowl, topped with roasted chicken, brown rice, and a drizzle of extra balsamic reduction.

How to Keep Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Tasty

• Advance Prep Strategies: Chop Brussels sprouts up to 2 days before cooking and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for maximum freshness and convenience.
• Refrigerator Survival Guide: Leftover roasted Brussels sprouts stay delicious for 3-4 days when sealed in a sturdy container with a tight-fitting lid, maintaining their crispy texture and robust flavor.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Cool completely before transferring roasted sprouts to freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen Brussels sprouts remain tasty for up to 2 months, perfect for quick meal additions.
• Reheating Magic: Restore crispiness by warming leftovers in a hot oven at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, avoiding microwave methods that can turn vegetables soggy and bland.

Crispy Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts shine with a tangy balsamic glaze that elevates this simple side dish. Home cooks can quickly prepare this flavorful vegetable medley to complement main courses with rich, caramelized depth.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• ⅓ cup pecans, toasted
• 2 tbsps olive oil, extra-virgin
• 1 ½ tbsps balsamic vinegar
• 2 tsps honey or maple syrup
• 2 tbsps dried cranberries or pomegranate arils
• ½ tsp sea salt
• Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
• Parsley leaves, fresh

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Align oven rack to middle position and preheat to 425°F. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Vegetable Preparation: Halve Brussels sprouts evenly, ensuring uniform size for consistent roasting. Distribute sprouts across baking sheet with strategic spacing.
3. Seasoning: Drizzle olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey over sprouts. Toss gently to create an even, glossy coating that will caramelize during roasting.
4. Flavor Enhancement: Generously dust sea salt and freshly ground black pepper across sprouts. Massage seasonings into vegetables to intensify natural flavors.
5. Roasting Technique: Arrange sprouts cut-side down to maximize direct heat contact, promoting crispy edges and deep golden-brown caramelization.
6. Cooking Process: Roast for 20-25 minutes, rotating pan midway to ensure uniform browning. Monitor for rich, caramelized appearance and tender texture.
7. Nut Preparation: Simultaneously toast pecans in a dry skillet until golden and fragrant, releasing their robust nutty essence.
8. Final Assembly: Transfer roasted sprouts to serving platter. Gently incorporate toasted pecans and vibrant cranberries or pomegranate arils for textural contrast.
9. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish, adding a bright, herbaceous finish and visual appeal. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• Precision Cutting: Halve Brussels sprouts uniformly to guarantee even roasting and consistent caramelization across all pieces.
• Strategic Positioning: Place sprouts cut-side down on the baking sheet to develop maximum crispy, golden-brown edges and enhance overall texture.
• Flavor Layering: Massage seasonings directly into sprouts to intensify natural flavors and create a more complex taste profile.
• Nut Toasting Technique: Toast pecans in a dry skillet briefly to unlock their rich, nutty essence and elevate the dish’s overall complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg