Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Bring a burst of flavor to your table with these Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts. This delightful side dish combines the sweet richness of honey with the tangy depth of balsamic vinegar, creating a mouthwatering glaze that enhances the crispy roasted sprouts. Perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, this recipe is quick to prepare and sure to impress your family and guests alike. With their vibrant color and irresistible crunch, these Brussels sprouts are not just a side; they’re the star of the meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey and balsamic vinegar creates a unique glaze that elevates the natural flavors of Brussels sprouts.
- Versatile Side Dish: Pair these sprouts with roasted meats, or toss them into salads for an extra pop of flavor.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with nutrients, Brussels sprouts are low in calories but high in fiber and vitamins.
- Impressive Presentation: Their vibrant color and glossy finish make them a stunning addition to any meal.
Tools and Preparation
To make Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts successfully, you will need a few essential tools. These will help ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Grater
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking sheet: Provides ample space to roast the Brussels sprouts evenly while allowing air circulation for crispiness.
- Small saucepan: Ideal for preparing the balsamic glaze without taking up too much space on your stove.
- Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly for a consistent sauce texture.
- Grater: Makes it easy to prepare fresh garlic, enhancing flavor without large chunks.
Ingredients
For the Brussels Sprouts
- 1 lb brussels sprouts (stems removed)
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
For the Glaze
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 4 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic (grated)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for roasting Brussels sprouts until they are golden brown.
Step 2: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
- Halve the Brussels sprouts and place them on a large baking sheet.
- Drizzle with avocado oil and season with sea salt and black pepper.
- Toss to coat evenly, ensuring every sprout gets seasoned.
Step 3: Roast the Sprouts
Arrange the sprouts cut side down on the baking sheet. Roast for 18-20 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them towards the end!
Step 4: Make the Balsamic Glaze
In a small saucepan over medium heat:
Combine extra virgin olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, and grated garlic.
Whisk together until well combined.
Simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Once roasted, transfer the sprouts to a serving dish. Toss them with the balsamic sauce before serving warm. Garnish with fresh parsley for an added touch!
Enjoy your delicious Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts!
How to Serve Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
These Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are versatile and can complement a variety of meals. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or enjoying a casual family meal, these sprouts can enhance your dining experience.
As a Standalone Side
- They shine on their own, offering a delightful crunch and sweetness that pairs well with any main dish.
Tossed into Salads
- Add them to mixed greens or grain salads for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Paired with Roasted Meats
- Their sweet and tangy profile complements roasted chicken, beef, or pork beautifully.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Top with fresh parsley or thyme to enhance the dish’s flavor and presentation.
Served with Dips
- Pair them with creamy dips like ranch or yogurt-based sauces for a fun appetizer twist.
How to Perfect Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Achieving the perfect Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts is all about technique and timing. Follow these tips for the best results.
- Choose Fresh Brussels Sprouts: Look for bright green sprouts that are firm and compact for optimal flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Give each sprout some space on the baking sheet to ensure even roasting and crispiness.
- Adjust Sweetness: Experiment with honey quantities to suit your taste. You can also try maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Add Garlic at the Right Time: Incorporate grated garlic towards the end of the glaze preparation to prevent it from burning.
- Serve Immediately: These sprouts are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven for maximum crunch.
- Experiment with Nuts: For added crunch, consider tossing in walnuts or pecans just before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts pair well with various dishes. Here are some excellent side options to consider:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes provide a comforting contrast to the sprouts’ crunch.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes complements the honey glaze beautifully.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds protein and balances out the rich flavors of the sprouts.
- Grilled Asparagus: Smoky grilled asparagus makes a great pairing, bringing a different texture to your plate.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful contrast that enhances the overall meal experience.
- Crispy Tofu Bites: For a vegetarian option, crispy tofu bites add protein while keeping things light and flavorful.
- Cauliflower Rice: Lightly seasoned cauliflower rice serves as a healthy base that absorbs all the delicious flavors.
- Baked Macaroni and Cheese: This classic comfort food is cheesy and creamy, making it an indulgent companion to your sprouts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts from good to great.
- Skipping the Preheat: Always preheat your oven. This ensures even roasting and helps achieve that crispy texture.
- Overcrowding the Pan: Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet. Give the sprouts space to roast properly; otherwise, they will steam instead of becoming crispy.
- Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Using stale ingredients like old honey or vinegar can dull flavors. Always opt for the freshest ingredients for best results.
- Ignoring the Size of Sprouts: Cut Brussels sprouts to uniform sizes. Uneven pieces may cook at different rates, leaving some overcooked and others undercooked.
- Forgetting to Toss in Sauce: After roasting, don’t forget to toss the sprouts in the balsamic sauce. This step ensures every bite is flavorful.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Enjoy within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
- Allow them to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe bags or containers and consume within 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for 10-15 minutes, ensuring they remain crispy.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds until warmed through but be cautious as this may soften them.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts.
Can I make Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sprouts ahead of time, roast them, and then reheat when ready to serve.
What can I serve with Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts?
These Brussels sprouts pair wonderfully with roasted meats or can be added to salads for extra flavor.
How to make balsamic glaze for Brussel sprouts?
To make a balsamic glaze, simmer balsamic vinegar until it thickens. Adding honey enhances its sweetness, perfect for glazing your sprouts.
Are there alternatives to honey in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option while still achieving a sweet glaze.
Final Thoughts
Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are a delightful addition to any meal. Their sweet and tangy flavor makes them versatile enough for both everyday dinners and special occasions. Don’t hesitate to customize by adding nuts or adjusting sweetness levels according to your taste!
Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Elevate your dining experience with these Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts, a delightful side dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the tangy richness of balsamic vinegar.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts (stems removed)
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey
- 4 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic (grated)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Halve the Brussels sprouts and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with avocado oil and season with salt and pepper; toss to coat.
- Roast the sprouts cut side down for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, and grated garlic. Whisk until well combined and simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.
- Toss roasted sprouts in the balsamic sauce before serving warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
