Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

If you’re looking for a side dish that’s not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor, you’ve come to the right place! These Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are my go-to recipe for impressing friends and family alike. I love how they transform simple ingredients into a delicious dish that pairs beautifully with any meal. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these sprouts steal the show every time!

What makes this recipe special is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy from the honey and balsamic glaze. The crispy texture adds that delightful crunch, making these Brussels sprouts irresistible. Trust me; once you try them, they will become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few steps, you can whip up this impressive side dish in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Even those who claim they don’t like Brussels sprouts will be begging for seconds!
• Versatile: Perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to holiday feasts.
• Healthy & Delicious: Packed with nutrients and flavor, this dish is as good for you as it is tasty.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the glaze in advance to save time on busy days.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make these Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts shine! Don’t worry; you likely have many of these items in your pantry already.

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 (optional)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily switch things up or add your favorite flavors.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some toasted walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Spice it Up: Try adding some chili powder or cayenne pepper for a kick of heat.
• Mix in Other Veggies: Feel free to combine Brussels sprouts with other vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes.
• Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the glaze for an aromatic twist.

How to Make Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven is key to achieving that golden, crispy exterior we all love!

Step 2: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts. Make sure to pat them completely dry; this helps them roast better by allowing them to crisp up instead of steam.

Step 3: Season Them Up

In a large bowl, toss the halved sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. This step ensures each sprout gets coated evenly with oil and seasoning, which enhances their flavor during roasting.

Step 4: Roast Until Crispy

Spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Be careful not to overcrowd them; this allows hot air to circulate around each sprout, resulting in maximum crispiness. Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through until they’re golden brown.

Step 5: Make Your Glaze

While your sprouts are roasting, let’s whip up that delicious glaze! In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard (if using). Simmer for about 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. If you’re using garlic, stir it in after simmering—this adds a lovely depth of flavor!

Step 6: Combine & Serve

Once your Brussels sprouts are done roasting, toss them immediately with the warm glaze. Serving them hot allows that sweet-and-tangy goodness to soak into every bite. Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top if you want an extra pop of flavor.

Enjoy your Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts as a delightful side dish that will elevate any meal!

Pro Tips for Making Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

For the best results, follow these pro tips to ensure your Brussels sprouts turn out perfectly crispy and delicious every time!

• Pat them dry: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. After washing, make sure to thoroughly dry the Brussels sprouts to achieve that coveted crunch.

• Use high heat: Roasting at 425°F (220°C) helps caramelize the sprouts quickly, enhancing their natural sweetness and creating a delightful texture.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Giving each sprout enough space allows for even roasting. Overcrowding can result in steaming rather than roasting, leading to soggy sprouts.

• Flip halfway through cooking: Turning the Brussels sprouts during roasting ensures they brown evenly on both sides, resulting in a consistent crispy texture all around.

• Serve immediately: These sprouts taste best fresh out of the oven! The glaze will keep them flavorful and hot, but they can lose their crispness if left sitting too long.

How to Serve Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Presenting your Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts beautifully can make all the difference. Here are some ideas to elevate your dish!

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that complements the sweet-and-tangy flavors.
• Toasted nuts: A handful of toasted walnuts or almonds provides a lovely crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing the overall experience.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with these sprouts, adding a protein-rich element to your meal.
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes complements the balsamic glaze while offering a hearty side that’s also packed with nutrients.
• Lemon Garlic Green Beans: Bright and zesty green beans sautéed with garlic create a vibrant contrast that balances the richness of the Brussels sprouts.
• Creamy Mashed Cauliflower: For a lighter alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, this creamy cauliflower mash provides comfort without weighing you down.

With these serving suggestions and tips in hand, you’re ready to impress family and friends with your delicious Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts! Enjoy every crispy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are not only a delightful dish to serve fresh, but they also make for an excellent meal prep option! You can easily prepare them in advance, making weeknight dinners even simpler.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the Brussels sprouts to cool completely.
• Transfer them to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Roast the Brussels sprouts as per the recipe.
• Cool them completely before freezing.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring all air is removed.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy, about 10-15 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until heated through and crisp.

FAQs

If you have questions about these delicious Brussels sprouts, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I make Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts without honey?

Absolutely! You can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness without using honey.

How do I keep my Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts from getting soggy?

To ensure your sprouts remain crispy, make sure they are completely dry before tossing with oil. Also, avoid overcrowding on the baking sheet when roasting.

Can I use other vegetables for this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like cauliflower or carrots. Just adjust the cooking time as needed depending on their size.

What can I serve with Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts?

These flavorful sprouts pair wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or as part of a vegetarian spread alongside grains like quinoa or farro.

Are Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts suitable for vegan diets?

Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan-friendly since it contains no animal products. Enjoy guilt-free!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts as much as I do! Their unique combination of crunch and sweetness makes them truly special. Whether served at a family dinner or enjoyed as a quick snack, they are sure to impress everyone at the table. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try — I’m excited for you to experience this delicious dish!