If you love a dish that brings together a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with a satisfying crunch, you are going to adore this Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe. This recipe transforms humble Brussels sprouts into a mouthwatering side that’s caramelized to perfection, boasting a deep, rich glaze from honey and balsamic vinegar. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful way to enjoy a vegetable that often gets overlooked, making it a standout addition to any meal or holiday table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering quality ingredients is key to achieving that irresistible blend of flavors in this Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role, from bringing vibrant color to adding luscious texture and a burst of aromatic goodness.
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved: Freshness matters here to ensure crisp edges and tender centers after roasting.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps the sprouts roast evenly while adding a subtle, rich flavor.
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar: Provides a tangy depth that balances the sweetness of honey perfectly.
- 2 tbsp honey: Adds a natural sweetness and beautiful caramelization to the Brussels sprouts.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Gives a savory kick that enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavor of the sprouts.
How to Make Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
The very first step in your Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe is to warm up your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is what helps those sprouts get perfectly golden and crispy on the outside while staying tender inside. Setting the right temperature is absolutely key for achieving that delightful texture.
Step 2: Toss the Brussels Sprouts
In a large bowl, take the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts and mix them with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until every piece is evenly coated. This step is where the magic begins as the combination of ingredients starts to infuse flavor into each sprout, setting them up for caramelization in the oven.
Step 3: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Spread the coated Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Making sure they’re not crowded is so important because this allows the hot air to circulate and roast them evenly, resulting in that perfect crispiness on the edges we all love.
Step 4: Roast Until Golden Brown
The sprouts go into the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. At around halfway through roasting, toss them gently to make sure they cook evenly on all sides. Watch as the edges turn that irresistible golden brown color, signaling that caramelized glaze developing from the honey and balsamic vinegar.
Step 5: Add an Extra Flavor Boost
In the last five minutes of roasting, drizzle a little more balsamic vinegar over the Brussels sprouts for an enhanced punch of tangy sweetness. This final touch helps deepen the flavors and adds a beautiful glossy finish to the dish.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once finished roasting, serve the Brussels sprouts hot. For an extra touch of sweetness and shine, drizzle some more honey right on top. Every bite is a perfect harmony of crisp texture and rich, vibrant flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
How to Serve Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe, consider sprinkling toasted nuts like pecans or almonds for crunch, or a handful of dried cranberries for festive sweetness. Fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme also add a lovely fresh note and pop of color that make the dish even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with roasted meats like chicken or pork, alongside creamy mashed potatoes, or even a wholesome grain like quinoa. It also works wonderfully as a flavorful veggie side for a holiday feast or a casual midweek dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get creative, try serving these Brussels sprouts on a platter garnished with edible flowers for a stunning presentation. Alternatively, mix them into a warm salad bowl with roasted sweet potatoes and a sprinkle of goat cheese to transform this simple side into an appealing, hearty dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Storing them promptly will help maintain their flavor and texture, so you can enjoy this delicious dish even after the initial meal.
Freezing
While Brussels sprouts are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, you can freeze leftovers by first cooling them completely. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind the texture might soften a bit after freezing, but the flavor will still remain tasty.
Reheating
To reheat your leftovers, the best method is to spread the sprouts on a baking sheet and pop them back into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. This will help bring back some of the crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Absolutely! Minced fresh garlic can add a wonderful aroma and slightly sharper taste. Just be cautious with the amount since fresh garlic is more potent and can burn during roasting. Adding it at the start or halfway through roasting works best.
Are frozen Brussels sprouts okay to use for this recipe?
You can use frozen Brussels sprouts in a pinch, but fresh is definitely preferable for this Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe. Frozen ones tend to release more moisture, which may prevent them from getting as crispy when roasted.
How do I make this dish vegan?
This recipe is naturally close to vegan, but ensure your honey substitute is something like maple syrup or agave nectar to keep it entirely plant-based without sacrificing sweetness or caramelization.
What can I do if the sprouts aren’t caramelizing?
Make sure you’re roasting at a high enough temperature with enough oil and honey coating each sprout evenly. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan so they roast rather than steam. Give them a good toss halfway through to promote even browning.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Root vegetables like carrots or parsnips can be roasted alongside Brussels sprouts. Just cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking and toss them in the same honey balsamic mixture for a harmonious flavor combo.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe this Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe is a game-changer when it comes to making vegetables exciting and delicious. Its simple ingredients come together to create something special that’s both comforting and elegant. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy Brussels sprouts!
Print
Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously caramelized Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts roasted to crispy perfection with a sweet and tangy glaze of honey and balsamic vinegar, enhanced with garlic powder and olive oil for a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the Brussels sprouts.
- Prepare Brussels Sprouts: In a large bowl, combine the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss thoroughly until all pieces are evenly coated with the mixture.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to ensure even cooking and easy cleanup.
- Roast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, tossing the Brussels sprouts halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning and crispiness.
- Enhance Flavor: During the last five minutes of roasting, drizzle additional balsamic vinegar over the Brussels sprouts to deepen the flavor and add a tangy glaze.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot. Optionally, drizzle more honey over the top to add extra sweetness before serving.
Notes
- Make sure Brussels sprouts are halved evenly for uniform cooking.
- Tossing the sprouts halfway through roasting ensures even caramelization.
- Adjust honey to taste if a sweeter dish is desired.
- Paring down the salt is recommended if using salted balsamic vinegar.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and facilitate easier cleanup.
