Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe That Wows

Brussels sprouts revolutionize from mundane to magnificent when drizzled with a luxurious honey balsamic glaze that elevates their natural earthiness.

These miniature cruciferous gems carry a robust flavor profile that surprises even vegetable skeptics with their caramelized charm.

Roasting intensifies their inherent sweetness while creating irresistibly crispy edges that crunch with delightful texture.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate how simple ingredients can dramatically enhance these tiny green vegetables.

The harmonious blend of sweet honey and tangy balsamic vinegar creates a sophisticated coating that complements the sprouts’ inherent nuttiness.

Seasonal ingredients shine brightest when treated with respect and minimal manipulation, allowing their true character to emerge.

Each bite promises a complex interplay of flavors that dance across your palate.

Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts: Why They Work

• Transformative Roasting Technique: Achieves deeply caramelized edges and tender interiors by roasting Brussels sprouts cut-side down at high heat, creating incredible depth of flavor without constant flipping.
• Flavor-Packed Honey Balsamic Glaze: Combines sweet honey, tangy balsamic vinegar, spicy Dijon mustard, and subtle heat from chili flakes, delivering a complex sauce that elevates humble Brussels sprouts into a gourmet side dish.
• Quick and Simple Preparation: Takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or impressive dinner party sides that look and taste professionally prepared.
• Versatile Serving Options: Can be served with the glaze spooned directly over sprouts or on the side, allowing guests to customize their experience, while bright garnishes like lemon zest and green onions add freshness and visual appeal.

Ingredients for Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Main Ingredients:

Brussels Sprouts: Fresh, green vegetable with a slightly bitter taste that becomes sweet and caramelized when roasted. Choose firm, compact sprouts with bright green color and minimal blemishes.

Olive Oil: Helps Brussels sprouts roast evenly and develop a golden, crispy exterior. Extra virgin olive oil provides the best flavor and health benefits.

Sauce Ingredients:

Honey: Natural sweetener that creates a glossy, caramelized finish on the roasted vegetables. Local, pure honey offers the best flavor and quality.

Balsamic Vinegar: Adds tangy depth and rich complexity to the sauce. Choose a high-quality, aged balsamic for the best results.

Dijon Mustard: Provides a sharp, tangy element that balances the sweetness of honey. Smooth, classic Dijon works best in this recipe.

Flavor Enhancers:

Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and pungent flavor to the sauce. Fresh garlic cloves deliver the most intense taste.

Red Pepper Chili Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat and slight kick to the dish. Adjust amount based on personal spice preference.

Butter: Creates a smooth, rich texture in the sauce and adds luxurious flavor. Unsalted butter allows better control of the dish’s saltiness.

Green Onions, Lemon Zest: Bright, fresh garnishes that add color and citrusy, sharp notes to finish the dish.

Flavor Tips for Better Brussels Sprouts

• Maximize Caramelization: Ensure Brussels sprouts are completely dry before roasting to achieve deep golden-brown edges and crispy exterior.
• Prevent Overcrowding: Space sprouts evenly on the baking sheet so they roast instead of steam, creating better texture and deeper flavor.
• Control Honey Browning: Watch honey carefully when heating to avoid burning, removing from heat quickly when it starts bubbling.
• Balance Sauce Intensity: Adjust balsamic and chili flakes based on personal taste preferences, starting with smaller amounts and tasting as you go.
• Enhance Freshness: Add lemon zest and green onions just before serving to maintain their bright flavor and vibrant color.

Store and Reheat Tips for Brussels Sprouts

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled Brussels sprouts to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat in Oven: Spread leftover sprouts on a baking sheet, drizzle with a little olive oil, and warm at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Microwave Option: Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each, to prevent soggy texture and maintain flavor.

What to Serve with These Sprouts

• Pair with Protein Perfection: Grilled chicken or pan-seared salmon complement the sweet and tangy Brussels sprouts, creating a balanced meal with rich, caramelized flavors that dance on your palate.
• Wine Wonderland: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir cuts through the dish's sweetness, enhancing the roasted vegetable's earthy undertones while providing a refreshing contrast.
• Bread Buddy Boost: Crusty sourdough or rustic ciabatta are ideal for soaking up the honey balsamic sauce, adding texture and helping to capture every delicious drop of the glaze.
• Nutty Companion Crunch: Sprinkle toasted almonds or pine nuts over the Brussels sprouts to introduce a delightful crunch and nutty depth that elevates the entire dish's sensory experience.

Recipe Variations for Honey Balsamic Brussels

• Spicy Maple Kick: Replace honey with pure maple syrup and increase red pepper flakes for a fiery, sweet-heat version that complements the caramelized Brussels sprouts.
• Smoky Bacon Infusion: Crumble crispy bacon over roasted Brussels sprouts and swap balsamic vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a rich, savory profile that adds depth and crunch.
• Asian-Inspired Glaze: Substitute honey with rice syrup, add soy sauce and sesame oil to the sauce, and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for an umami-packed, East Asian-inspired rendition.
• Herb-Crusted Mediterranean: Mix dried oregano and thyme into the olive oil coating, use lemon-infused honey in the glaze, and finish with crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-style transformation.

Instructions for Cooking Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Gather fresh Brussels sprouts, olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, honey, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, red pepper chili flakes, butter, lemon, and green onions.

Step 2: Preheat Oven

Set oven temperature to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 3: Trim And Slice Sprouts

• Wash Brussels sprouts thoroughly
• Cut off stem ends
• Slice each sprout in half lengthwise
• Remove any damaged or loose outer leaves

Step 4: Season Sprouts

• Drizzle olive oil over sprouts
• Sprinkle kosher salt
• Add freshly ground black pepper
• Toss ingredients until sprouts are evenly coated

Step 5: Roast Sprouts

Arrange sprouts cut-side down on baking sheet. Space them out to ensure crispy edges. Roast for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and tender.

Step 6: Create Honey Balsamic Sauce

• Warm honey in saucepan over medium heat
• Add balsamic vinegar
• Mix in Dijon mustard
• Crush minced garlic
• Sprinkle red pepper chili flakes
• Stir in butter
• Simmer sauce until slightly thickened

Step 7: Finish And Serve

Drizzle warm sauce over roasted sprouts. Garnish with fresh lemon zest and chopped green onions. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe

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• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Honey balsamic brussels sprouts offer a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, elevating the humble vegetable into a restaurant-worthy side dish. Crispy roasted leaves caramelize with golden honey and rich balsamic, creating an irresistible complement you’ll crave at every meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2.5 pounds (1.13 kilograms) Brussels sprouts
• ⅓ cup (79 milliliters) olive oil
• 3 tablespoons (42 grams) unsalted butter

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1.5 teaspoons (7.5 grams) kosher salt
• ⅓ cup (79 milliliters) honey
• ⅓ cup (79 milliliters) balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon (2 grams) red pepper chili flakes

Garnish:

• Green onions
• Lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a scorching 425°F, ensuring a perfectly crisp vegetable roast.
2. Meticulously trim Brussels sprouts, halving each one and separating any delicate loose leaves for potential crispy garnishes.
3. In a spacious mixing vessel, generously coat Brussels sprouts with olive oil, seasoning thoroughly with salt and black pepper to create an even, flavorful exterior.
4. Strategically arrange Brussels sprouts cut-side down on a baking sheet, maintaining ample spacing to guarantee optimal caramelization without steaming.
5. Roast the vegetables in the blazing oven for approximately 20 minutes, allowing them to transform into golden, tender morsels with deep, rich edges.
6. Simultaneously craft the glaze by gently heating honey until it bubbles and transforms into a molten liquid.
7. Incorporate balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, red pepper chili flakes, and additional salt into the honey, creating a complex, tangy sauce.
8. Introduce butter to the sauce, simmering on medium-low heat until the mixture thickens and develops a luxurious consistency.
9. Drizzle the robust glaze directly over the roasted Brussels sprouts or present it as an accompanying condiment.
10. Elevate the dish with bright, zesty lemon zest and finely chopped green onions, adding fresh, aromatic notes to the caramelized vegetables.

Notes

• Roasting brussels sprouts cut-side down creates a golden, caramelized exterior that enhances their natural nutty flavor.
• Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to ensure each sprout roasts evenly and develops a crispy texture.
• The honey balsamic sauce transforms simple roasted vegetables into a restaurant-quality side dish with complex sweet and tangy notes.
• Cooking the sauce allows ingredients to meld together, creating a rich, glossy glaze that clings perfectly to the sprouts.
• Optional crispy leaves can be roasted separately for an addictive, chip-like snack with extra crunch.
• Bright garnishes like lemon zest and green onions add freshness and visual appeal to the final dish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg