Plate of honey balsamic Brussels sprouts drizzled with sauce, ready to serve

Delicious Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe Perfect for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Balsamic vinegar has a magical way of transforming ordinary dishes into something extraordinary, and when paired with the delightful crunch of Brussels sprouts, it creates a flavor experience that you won’t soon forget. These Delicious Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, offering a delectable combination of sweet and savory that…

Balsamic vinegar has a magical way of transforming ordinary dishes into something extraordinary, and when paired with the delightful crunch of Brussels sprouts, it creates a flavor experience that you won’t soon forget. These Delicious Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, offering a delectable combination of sweet and savory that will make your taste buds dance. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day, making you grateful for the simple pleasures of good food.

Why you’ll fall in love with these sprouts

  • A Flavor Symphony: The sweet richness of honey paired with the tangy balsamic vinegar creates a beautifully balanced glaze that clings to every sprout, turning them into little bites of heaven.

  • Quick and Easy Preparation: In just about 30 minutes, you can whip up this dish from start to finish, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

  • Healthy and Satisfying: Brussels sprouts are packed with nutrients, and when roasted, they develop a crispy exterior while remaining tender inside—plus, honey adds a touch of natural sweetness.

  • Versatile Side Dish: These sprouts become a perfect sidekick for roasted meats, pasta dishes, or even a cozy grain bowl, letting you combine them with whatever you have on hand.

  • A Crowd-Pleaser: Trust me, even Brussels sprouts skeptics will be won over by this dish—it’ll have everyone reaching for seconds!

Ingredients you’ll need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these sprouts sing with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1.5 pounds Brussels sprouts (about 680g): Choose fresh, firm, medium-sized sprouts for the best texture. They should have vibrant green color without any brown spots.

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: This adds richness and helps the sprouts caramelize beautifully in the oven.

  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (aged preferred): Aged balsamic has a deeper flavor and sweetness that elevates this dish. If you can find it, go for the good stuff!

  • 2 tablespoons honey (raw wildflower preferred): Honey not only sweetens the balsamic glaze but also adds a lovely floral note. Raw honey is often more flavorful and nutritious.

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a warm, aromatic kick that beautifully enhances the overall flavor profile.

  • Salt to taste: Flaky sea salt sprinkled on top right before serving elevates the flavors even more. Kosher salt is perfect for cooking, providing a balanced seasoning.

  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste: A little pepper adds depth and complexity—don’t hesitate to use your favorite pepper blend for something unique!

  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes: If you enjoy a bit of heat, these flakes will give your dish a gentle kick.

Crafting Your Perfect Delicious Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Now that you’ve got your ingredients, let’s dive into the simple yet satisfying steps to create this delightful side dish.

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Get your space ready for what’s sure to be a delicious aroma wafting through your kitchen!

  2. Trim the ends off your Brussels sprouts and slice them in half from top to bottom. This will ensure that they cook evenly and absorb that glorious glaze.

  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss until well coated, making sure each sprout gets a good drenching in olive oil.

  4. Spread the Brussels sprouts on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer, cut side down. Giving them space on the pan helps to avoid steaming and ensures that they roast to a fantastic golden brown.

  5. Roast for 20 minutes, shaking or stirring gently around the 15-minute mark to ensure even crisping. During this time, your kitchen will transform into a haven of roasted goodness.

  6. While the sprouts are roasting, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, and minced garlic in a small bowl to make the glaze. This is where the magic starts to happen!

  7. After 20 minutes, drizzle the honey balsamic glaze over the sprouts and toss gently to coat. Return to the oven for another 5 minutes to let the glaze caramelize around the sprouts.

  8. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with additional flaky salt and freshly ground pepper if desired. Add red pepper flakes for heat if you’re feeling adventurous. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!

Helpful hints for success

  • Choosing the Right Sprouts: It’s essential to select Brussels sprouts that are tightly packed and green. Avoid any that have yellowing leaves or look wilted, as they won’t roast as nicely.

  • Uniform Size Matters: If you have sprouts that are different sizes, cut larger ones into quarters so that everything cooks evenly. No one wants crunchy sprouts next to perfectly tender ones!

  • Maximize Flavor: For more depth, consider roasting a few sprigs of thyme on the sheet with the Brussels sprouts. The herbs will infuse the dish with fragrant notes.

  • Don’t Overcrowd: If you’re making a double batch, use two baking sheets rather than crowding all the sprouts onto one. This allows for proper caramelization and browning.

Ways to change it up

Feeling adventurous? Here are some creative variations to keep your Brussels sprouts game fresh:

  • Add Nuts: Toss in some toasted pecans or walnuts during the last few minutes of roasting for a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.

  • Cheesy Twist: After applying the glaze, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the sprouts and return them to the oven for a cheesy finish.

  • Sweet and Spicy: Infuse the honey with some sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for a delightful sweet-and-spicy experience.

  • Asian Inspired: Switch the balsamic vinegar for soy sauce or teriyaki sauce and toss in sesame seeds for a different flavor profile.

Presenting your dish with style

When it comes to serving, these Brussels sprouts shine as a companion to your main course. Imagine them nestled next to a hearty roasted chicken, or piled high atop a creamy polenta for a comforting vegetarian feast. Garnish them with a sprinkle of extra flaky sea salt and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving for an enticing visual appeal. For a pop of color, top with freshly chopped parsley or chives, framing your dish beautifully. Trust me, your friends and family will be gobbling them up before they’ve barely cooled!

Keeping things fresh and flavorful

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is sometimes a rarity), this dish can be stored with ease. Pop the cooled sprouts into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10 minutes, tossing them halfway through for an even warm-up. Want to save them for an even later date? You can freeze the roasted sprouts, though their texture may differ slightly once thawed.

Your questions answered

  • Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts? While fresh Brussels sprouts are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen ones; just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before roasting.

  • How can I ensure my sprouts are crispy? Make sure they’re well-coated in oil and have plenty of space on the baking sheet. If in doubt, you can even broil them for a minute or two after roasting to get that extra crunch!

  • Can I swap out ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different oils, vinegars, or sweeteners like maple syrup or agave for a unique flavor twist.

  • Do I have to include garlic? While garlic is delicious, you can omit it if you prefer a simpler flavor. Just stick to the basic honey-balsamic combination.

There you have it! These Delicious Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are not only satisfying but also an easy way to elevate your weeknight dinners. I hope you give them a try and experience the joy of bringing simple ingredients together to create something truly special. So roll up your sleeves, get those sprouts roasting, and savor every last bite!

Plate of honey balsamic Brussels sprouts drizzled with sauce, ready to serve

Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

These Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are a delightful combination of sweet and savory, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Side Dish, Vegetable
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 pounds Brussels sprouts Choose fresh, firm, medium-sized sprouts.
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil For roasting.
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar Aged balsamic preferred.
  • 2 tablespoons honey Raw wildflower preferred.
  • 2 cloves garlic Minced for flavor.
  • to taste Salt Flaky sea salt recommended.
  • to taste Freshly ground black pepper For added flavor.
  • pinch red pepper flakes Optional for heat.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. Trim the ends off your Brussels sprouts and slice them in half from top to bottom.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss until well coated.
  4. Spread the Brussels sprouts on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer, cut side down.
Cooking
  1. Roast for 20 minutes, shaking or stirring gently around the 15-minute mark.
  2. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, and minced garlic in a small bowl to make the glaze.
  3. After 20 minutes, drizzle the honey balsamic glaze over the sprouts and toss gently to coat.
  4. Return to the oven for another 5 minutes to let the glaze caramelize.
  5. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with additional flaky salt and freshly ground pepper if desired.
  6. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

For better flavor, consider roasting a few sprigs of thyme with the Brussels sprouts. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.

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