Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Savory Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe: A Sweet Twist

Crispy roasted brussels sprouts drizzled with a luscious honey balsamic glaze promise a mouthwatering side dish that elevates your dinner game.

Caramelized edges and a sweet-tangy punch make these veggies irresistible to even the most stubborn vegetable skeptics.

Minimal ingredients combine for maximum flavor in this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Complex notes of rich balsamic vinegar dance perfectly with golden honey’s natural sweetness.

We’re talking about a vegetable transformation that turns ordinary sprouts into a crave-worthy delicacy.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crisp texture and intense, deep flavors.

Come discover how a few smart techniques can turn humble brussels sprouts into a star-worthy side dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Why Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Are Worth Making

  • Crush Flavor Intensity: Bold honey balsamic sauce transforms ordinary Brussels sprouts into a mouthwatering side dish with deep, complex flavors that dance on your taste buds.
  • Maximize Healthy Eating: Packed with nutrients and roasted to crispy perfection, these Brussels sprouts offer a nutritious alternative to traditional vegetable preparations while keeping calories in check.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: From prep to plate, this recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple cooking techniques, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels who want restaurant-quality results.
  • Versatile Serving Potential: Perfect as a standalone side dish or can be easily integrated into salads, grain bowls, or as a complementary accompaniment to proteins like roasted chicken or grilled fish.

Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Ingredient Breakdown

Main Ingredients:
  • Brussels Sprouts: Fresh green vegetables with a nutty flavor that caramelize beautifully when roasted.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the Brussels sprouts.
  • Avocado Oil: A high-heat cooking oil that helps create crispy roasted edges.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Honey, Balsamic Vinegar, Olive Oil, Garlic: A sweet and tangy sauce combination that adds rich flavor and glossy coating to the roasted Brussels sprouts.

Steps For Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 400°F, getting it ready for some serious roasting magic.

Step 2: Prepare Brussels Sprouts

Slice each Brussels sprout perfectly in half. Spread them out on a spacious baking sheet. Drizzle with:
  • Avocado oil
  • Sea salt
  • Black pepper

Toss everything until each sprout is deliciously coated. Arrange them cut side down for maximum crispiness.

Step 3: Roast to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven. Roast for 18-20 minutes until the edges turn beautifully golden and crispy.

Step 4: Craft the Tangy Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine:
  • Olive oil
  • Honey
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Grated garlic

Whisk these ingredients together over medium heat, creating a luxurious sauce.

Step 5: Simmer and Thicken

Reduce heat to medium-low. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch carefully to prevent boiling over.

Step 6: Cool the Sauce

Remove from heat. Allow the sauce to rest and naturally thicken as it cools down.

Step 7: Combine and Serve

Transfer roasted Brussels sprouts to a serving dish. Pour the balsamic sauce over the top. Toss gently to coat. Serve immediately and savor each crispy, tangy bite!

Useful Cooking Tips For Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

  • Roast Brussels Sprouts Perfectly: Cut sprouts in half to maximize caramelization and crispy edges for amazing texture.
  • Balance Sauce Sweetness: Adjust honey and balsamic vinegar ratio to create a personalized glaze that suits your taste preferences.
  • Prevent Burning Sauce: Watch the honey-balsamic mixture closely while simmering, stirring occasionally to avoid scorching and maintain smooth consistency.
  • Ensure Even Cooking: Arrange sprouts cut-side down on the baking sheet to guarantee golden browning and prevent uneven roasting.
  • Add Extra Flavor Boost: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or crispy bacon bits over finished dish for additional crunch and depth of flavor.

Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Twist Ideas

  • Spicy Sriracha Glazed Sprouts: Replace honey with sriracha sauce for a fiery kick, adding red pepper flakes for extra heat.
  • Maple Dijon Brussels: Swap balsamic vinegar with maple syrup and whole grain mustard, creating a sweet and tangy glaze.
  • Vegan Herb-Infused Option: Use agave nectar instead of honey, add fresh thyme and rosemary for a plant-based version with robust flavor.
  • Lemon Garlic Parmesan Variation: Incorporate lemon zest into the sauce, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese after roasting for a zesty, cheesy alternative.

Pairings For Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Complement the caramelized, tangy Brussels sprouts with a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah, which can match the dish's intense flavor profile and stand up to the balsamic reduction.
  • Create Protein Harmony: Serve alongside grilled chicken or seared salmon to balance the sweet and acidic notes of the Brussels sprouts, creating a complete and satisfying meal with contrasting textures.
  • Enhance with Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds over the dish to add a delightful crunch and earthy undertone that elevates the caramelized balsamic glaze and roasted vegetable flavors.

How To Store Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Right

  • Store leftover Brussels sprouts in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Keep sauce separate to maintain crispiness.
  • Spread sprouts on a baking sheet, bake at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Drizzle with reserved sauce after reheating.
  • Warm sprouts in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
  • For best texture, consume reheated Brussels sprouts within 1-2 days. Avoid repeated reheating to prevent soggy or mushy results.

Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Q&A

  • Why use avocado oil for roasting?

Avocado oil has a high smoke point, which means it can withstand high oven temperatures without burning, helping Brussels sprouts develop a crispy exterior and golden color.

  • Can I substitute the honey?

If you’re vegan or don’t have honey, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a similar sweet alternative that will provide the same caramelization effect in the sauce.

  • How do I prevent Brussels sprouts from becoming soggy?

Roasting them cut-side down and not overcrowding the baking sheet ensures they get crispy edges and caramelize properly, avoiding a mushy texture.

  • What makes the balsamic sauce special?

The combination of honey and balsamic vinegar creates a perfect balance of sweetness and tangy acidity that enhances the natural flavor of the roasted Brussels sprouts.

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Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe


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4.7 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling honey balsamic brussels sprouts bring a delightful twist to classic roasted vegetables. Caramelized edges and a sweet-tangy glaze make this dish irresistible for anyone craving a gourmet side that elevates simple ingredients into a memorable culinary experience.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) Brussels sprouts (stems removed)

Cooking Oils:

  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic (grated)

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 400°F, positioning rack in middle section for even roasting.
  2. Halve Brussels sprouts lengthwise, ensuring uniform size for consistent cooking.
  3. Spread sprouts on large rimmed baking sheet, ensuring they’re not overcrowded.
  4. Drizzle avocado oil across sprouts, then generously season with sea salt and cracked black pepper.
  5. Arrange sprouts cut-side down to maximize caramelization and crispy edges.
  6. Roast for 18-20 minutes until edges turn golden brown and surfaces become crispy.
  7. During roasting, create sauce by combining honey, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and minced garlic in small saucepan.
  8. Whisk sauce ingredients together over medium-low heat, allowing flavors to meld for approximately 5 minutes.
  9. Stir sauce occasionally, watching carefully to prevent scorching or rapid boiling.
  10. Remove sauce from heat, letting it rest and naturally thicken for 2-3 minutes.
  11. Transfer roasted sprouts to serving dish, drizzling warm balsamic mixture over top.
  12. Gently toss to ensure even sauce distribution, then serve immediately while warm and crisp.

Notes

  • Prep Brussels sprouts carefully by trimming stem ends and removing any yellowed or damaged outer leaves for maximum flavor and presentation.
  • Use high-quality balsamic vinegar to enhance the sauce’s depth and richness, preferably aged balsamic for more complex taste profile.
  • Cut Brussels sprouts precisely in half to ensure even caramelization and crispy edges during roasting, which creates delightful textural contrast.
  • Experiment with alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar for gluten-free, vegan-friendly versions that maintain the dish’s signature sweet-tangy balance.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 176 kcal
  • Sugar: 11 g
  • Sodium: 590 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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