If you’ve been searching for a way to transform humble Brussels sprouts into an irresistible treat, then you’re in for a real delight with this Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts: A Deliciously Sweet and Savory Side Dish Recipe. This dish perfectly balances the natural earthiness of Brussels sprouts with the rich tang of balsamic vinegar and the gentle sweetness of honey, creating a flavor combination that feels both comforting and gourmet. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner upgrade or a stunning holiday side, these roasted sprouts deliver crisp edges, tender insides, and a glossy, luscious glaze that’s downright addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet essential—they each bring a unique taste, texture, or burst of color that makes this dish stand apart. From the vibrant green Brussels sprouts to the sweet and tangy glaze, every component plays a starring role in your kitchen masterpiece.
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved: The star of the dish, these little veggies roast beautifully, gaining a crispy exterior and tender center.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the sprouts crisp up in the oven while adding a silky richness.
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar: Provides a deep, tangy flavor that complements the natural bitterness of Brussels sprouts perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness that bounces against the balsamic’s acidity.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Gives the glaze a subtle kick and helps emulsify the mixture.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Classic seasoning that amplifies every layer of flavor.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional): For crunch and a toasty note that adds great texture contrast.
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional): Introduces a creamy, salty element that pairs wonderfully with the sweet glaze.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal hint.
How to Make Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts: A Deliciously Sweet and Savory Side Dish Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Sprouts
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), setting the stage for roasting. While the oven warms, rinse the Brussels sprouts thoroughly to wash away any dirt. Trim off tough stems and peel away any less-than-perfect outer leaves. Halve each sprout lengthwise—this helps them cook evenly and caramelize beautifully.
Step 2: Make the Honey Balsamic Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard until smooth. This glaze is the magic behind the deliciously sweet and savory taste, balancing tang and sweetness in every bite. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and pepper, tasting as you go to make sure it sings.
Step 3: Coat the Brussels Sprouts
Transfer your prepared sprouts into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over them and toss gently so every bit is slick and ready to roast. Pour the honey balsamic glaze over the sprouts and give them a thorough mix—each piece should be evenly coated with that gorgeous, glossy finish. Now’s the time to add chopped walnuts if you’re including them—they’ll toast during roasting for extra crunch.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Lay the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; this prevents sticking and encourages even browning. Pop them into the oven and roast for about 20-25 minutes. Toss the sprouts halfway through roasting to encourage all sides to caramelize beautifully. Watch closely near the end—the sprouts should be tender inside with crisp, browned edges that signal pure bliss.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pan from the oven and let those sprouts cool just a couple of minutes. If using feta cheese, sprinkle it over while the Brussels sprouts are warm so it softens slightly but doesn’t melt away. Finish with a scatter of fresh parsley for color and brightness, then transfer your masterpiece to a serving platter. This Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts: A Deliciously Sweet and Savory Side Dish Recipe is now ready to impress.
How to Serve Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts: A Deliciously Sweet and Savory Side Dish Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic finishing touch, adding a lively green contrast and subtle herbal notes. You could also sprinkle some toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans to enhance texture. For an extra burst of flavor, a pinch of flaky sea salt or a light drizzle of extra honey right before serving adds that warm, pop-of-sweetness appeal.
Side Dishes
These sprouts pair beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon, bringing balance with their sweet and tangy profile. For a vegetarian feast, serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a quinoa pilaf to soak up all those sticky, flavorful juices. They’re also fantastic on holiday tables, complementing rich mains and hearty sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts: A Deliciously Sweet and Savory Side Dish Recipe in a rustic wooden bowl or bright white platter to let those caramelized edges pop visually. You can even turn these sprouts into a warm salad by adding dried cranberries or toasted seeds and tossing with a handful of peppery arugula. The options for turning this dish into a showstopper are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sprouts keep their flavor well but may soften a bit after chilling.
Freezing
It’s best to freeze Brussels sprouts before adding the balsamic glaze to maintain texture. Blanch the sprouts briefly, freeze on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. After thawing, toss with the glaze and reheat.
Reheating
To enjoy leftover Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts: A Deliciously Sweet and Savory Side Dish Recipe, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to restore crispness or pop them in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the sprouts perfectly textured.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
While fresh Brussels sprouts are ideal for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen ones if thawed and patted dry first, though they may be softer and less crisp after roasting.
What can I substitute for honey in this recipe?
If you prefer, pure maple syrup or agave nectar work beautifully as a natural sweetener and will blend well with the balsamic and mustard.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Just leave out the feta cheese or swap it with a vegan cheese alternative or toasted nuts for that savory contrast.
How can I make the Brussels sprouts crispier?
Ensure the sprouts are well dried before roasting, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, and roast at a high temperature to encourage caramelization and crisp edges.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and reheat it later?
Yes, you can roast and glaze the sprouts ahead, then gently reheat in a skillet or oven to maintain their wonderful texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts: A Deliciously Sweet and Savory Side Dish Recipe that makes eating your veggies genuinely exciting. It’s a wonderful way to brighten up any meal with its balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re a Brussels sprout enthusiast or someone looking to finally fall in love with them, this recipe is definitely one to bookmark and share. So grab your ingredients, fire up that oven, and get ready for a side dish that’s as delicious as it is charming!
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Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts: A Deliciously Sweet and Savory Side Dish Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts offer a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, perfect as a side dish for any meal. Roasted to tender caramelized perfection and enhanced with a tangy honey balsamic glaze, this easy recipe can be customized with crunchy walnuts and creamy feta cheese for extra texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the Brussels sprouts.
- Prepare Brussels Sprouts: Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water to clean them thoroughly. Trim the ends and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves, then cut each sprout in half lengthwise for even cooking.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard until the mixture is smooth. Add a pinch of salt and pepper and adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Coat Brussels Sprouts: Place the halved Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat them evenly. Next, pour the honey balsamic glaze over the sprouts and toss again until all pieces are evenly covered.
- Add Walnuts: If using, chop the walnuts and add them to the bowl with the Brussels sprouts, tossing gently to combine.
- Arrange for Roasting: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer to ensure even roasting.
- Roast: Roast the Brussels sprouts in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Toss them halfway through the cooking time to promote even caramelization and tenderness. Watch closely in the final minutes to avoid burning and to achieve a perfect caramelized finish.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the Brussels sprouts from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. If using feta cheese, sprinkle it over while the sprouts are still warm to allow the cheese to soften slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added color and freshness.
- Enjoy: Transfer the glazed Brussels sprouts to a serving platter and serve warm or at room temperature as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- Customize by adding chopped walnuts for crunch and crumbled feta for creaminess.
- Make sure to toss the Brussels sprouts halfway through roasting for even cooking and caramelization.
- Use fresh Brussels sprouts and trim off any damaged leaves for the best texture and flavor.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it great for make-ahead meals.
- Adjust the honey quantity if you prefer a sweeter glaze.
