Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are the perfect combination of sweet, tangy, and crispy. This easy-to-make recipe is packed with flavor, offering a delightful crunch from the roasted Brussels sprouts coated in a luscious honey-balsamic glaze. Whether you’re looking for a healthy side dish or a new favorite vegetable recipe, this one is sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into why these Brussels sprouts are a hit and how you can make them yourself!

Why Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are a Must-Try

Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are not just delicious, but they also boast several strengths that make them a great choice for any meal:

• Irresistible Crunch: The Brussels sprouts are roasted to perfection, giving them a crispy exterior while maintaining a tender interior. The golden brown edges provide the perfect crunch.
• Sweet and Tangy Glaze: The honey-balsamic glaze enhances the Brussels sprouts’ natural flavor, adding just the right amount of sweetness and tanginess to every bite.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight or last-minute gatherings.
• Health Benefits: Brussels sprouts are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making this recipe a healthy addition to any meal.
• Versatile: These crispy sprouts pair wonderfully with a wide variety of mains, including roasted meats, grilled fish, or even grain bowls.

Ingredients for Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

To make these delicious sprouts, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Brussels Sprouts: Fresh Brussels sprouts provide the best texture for a crispy, crunchy bite.
• Olive Oil: Helps achieve that irresistible crispy surface during roasting.
• Salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the Brussels sprouts.
• Black Pepper: Adds depth and warmth to the dish.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Brings a tangy, slightly sweet depth to the glaze.
• Honey: Adds sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize on the sprouts.
• Dijon Mustard (optional): Adds a tangy complexity to the glaze, though it can be skipped for a simpler taste.
• Garlic (optional): Gives the glaze an aromatic richness for extra flavor.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re missing any of the ingredients or want to make substitutions, here are some options:

• Honey: Replace with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly version.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Try apple cider vinegar for a slightly different tang.
• Dijon Mustard: You can skip this if you prefer a smoother glaze.
• Garlic: Skip it if you prefer a milder flavor or substitute with shallots for a different aromatic layer.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Making Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts is simple with these easy-to-follow steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is key to achieving the crispy texture of the Brussels sprouts.
2. Prepare the Brussels sprouts by trimming off the stems and cutting them in half. Remove any yellow leaves for better flavor and presentation.
3. Dry the Brussels sprouts thoroughly with a paper towel. This step is crucial to ensure they roast rather than steam, which helps achieve the crispy texture.
4. Toss the sprouts in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
5. Arrange the Brussels sprouts cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Make sure there is enough space between them to promote even roasting.
6. Roast the Brussels sprouts in the oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and become golden brown and crispy.
7. While the sprouts are roasting, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey, and heat until the mixture thickens slightly. If using Dijon mustard and garlic, add them to the glaze at the end of the cooking process.
8. Once the Brussels sprouts are done roasting, toss them in the warm honey-balsamic glaze. For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes to the glaze before tossing.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Expert Tips & Tricks for Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

To ensure your Brussels sprouts turn out perfectly crispy and delicious, follow these expert tips:

• Dry the sprouts well: After washing, make sure the Brussels sprouts are completely dry before tossing them with oil. This is a key step for achieving the desired crispy texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Spread the sprouts out evenly to allow for optimal air circulation while roasting. Overcrowding will cause them to steam and become mushy.
• Flip halfway through: To ensure even roasting, flip the Brussels sprouts halfway through the cooking time. This promotes an even, golden-brown crisp on all sides.
• Reheat the glaze gently: If you prepare the glaze ahead of time, reheat it gently before tossing it with the Brussels sprouts to ensure it stays pourable.

Pairing Ideas and Variations for Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

These Brussels sprouts are delicious on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of main dishes. Here are a few ideas:

• Roasted Chicken: The savory flavors of roasted chicken complement the sweet and tangy Brussels sprouts beautifully.
• Grilled Salmon: The buttery richness of salmon pairs perfectly with the crispy sprouts.
• Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad adds a nutty flavor and extra texture, offering a wholesome contrast to the crispy sprouts.
• Creamy Polenta: The creamy texture of polenta balances the crispiness of the Brussels sprouts, making for a satisfying combination.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with crispy garlic bread to soak up any leftover honey-balsamic glaze.
• Red Wine: A glass of velvety red wine enhances the earthy flavors of the Brussels sprouts.

Variations to Try

• Dairy-Free: Swap honey for maple syrup to make the recipe vegan.
• Apple Cider Twist: Replace balsamic vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a fruity tang.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the glaze for a fiery twist.
• Garlic Lovers: Include roasted garlic cloves in the glaze for an extra-rich flavor.

Storing and Reheating Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them:

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to regain their crispy texture.
• Freezer: To freeze, spread the cooled sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Glaze: Store any leftover honey-balsamic glaze in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently before using.
• Conclusion
• Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are more than just a side dish—they’re a flavorful experience that combines the perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and crunch. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a dish that will leave everyone at the table asking for more. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or looking to impress guests at a dinner party, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a try, and enjoy the irresistible flavors of perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts coated in a delightful honey-balsamic glaze!

Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts FAQs

More Relevant Recipes

• Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Easy, Flavor-Packed Weeknight Dinner
• Fall Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
• Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Wedges Recipe: A Simple and Flavorful Side Dish

Print