Few side dishes combine crunch, sweetness, and tang as beautifully as Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts. This easy roasted vegetable recipe turns everyday Brussels sprouts into golden, caramelized bites coated in a luscious honey-balsamic glaze. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, these sprouts deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
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Why You’ll Love This Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe
There’s something irresistible about roasted Brussels sprouts — that tender inside and crispy, golden outside. When you toss them in a sticky-sweet honey balsamic glaze, they become completely addictive.
Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot on your table:
- Perfectly crispy texture — thanks to high-heat roasting and drying the sprouts well.
- Balanced flavor — sweet honey, tangy balsamic, and savory notes from Dijon mustard and garlic.
- Quick and easy — ready in about 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Healthy yet indulgent — a naturally vegetarian side dish full of fiber and antioxidants.
- Versatile — pairs beautifully with meats, grains, or holiday mains.
Ingredients for Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Brussels Sprouts Base
- 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts — trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil — for crisp roasting
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Honey-Balsamic Glaze
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar — provides tang and depth
- 2 tablespoons honey — balances acidity with natural sweetness
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional) — adds mild heat and body
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional) — enhances savory aroma
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Vegan option: Replace honey with pure maple syrup or agave nectar for a plant-based glaze.
- Oil swap: Avocado oil or grapeseed oil also work well for high-heat roasting.
- Low-sodium tip: Reduce salt to ½ teaspoon and add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme after roasting for flavor.
- Add crunch: Sprinkle with toasted pecans, almonds, or pumpkin seeds before serving.
- Add heat: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes gives a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the honey glaze.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prep the Brussels Sprouts
Trim the stems and remove any yellow or damaged leaves. Cut the sprouts in half lengthwise. Pat them completely dry using paper towels — moisture prevents crisping, so this step is key.
Step 2 – Season for Roasting
Place the Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl. Add olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss until every piece is evenly coated.
Tip: Make sure the sprouts are well coated but not dripping in oil — this ensures perfect caramelization.
Step 3 – Roast Until Crispy
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the sprouts cut-side down in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd them — spacing is what gives that crispy texture.
Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp on the edges.
Step 4 – Make the Honey-Balsamic Glaze
While the sprouts roast, heat balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently and simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add Dijon mustard and minced garlic if using, and cook for 30 seconds more. Remove from heat.
Step 5 – Combine and Serve
Transfer the roasted Brussels sprouts to a serving bowl. Drizzle the warm honey-balsamic glaze over the top and toss gently to coat.
Serve immediately while hot and crisp. For a finishing touch, garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
Pro Tips for Success
- Dry thoroughly — Moisture is the enemy of crispness; dry sprouts before tossing in oil.
- Use a hot oven — 425°F ensures that the outside crisps while the inside stays tender.
- Don’t overcrowd — Space out the sprouts to let hot air circulate for even roasting.
- Flip halfway — This helps both sides caramelize perfectly.
- Glaze last minute — Tossing the glaze right before serving keeps the coating shiny and prevents sogginess.
- Double the glaze — It stores beautifully in the fridge for future roasted veggies or salads.
Flavor Variations
- Maple Dijon Twist: Replace honey with maple syrup and add a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Garlic Parmesan Version: Toss roasted sprouts with grated Parmesan and minced garlic before glazing.
- Spicy Sweet Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey for a touch of heat.
- Citrus Balsamic: Stir a teaspoon of orange zest into the glaze for a bright, refreshing note.
- Nutty Crunch: Top with toasted almonds or pecans for texture and richness.
Serving Suggestions
- With main dishes: Perfect alongside roasted chicken, salmon, or steak.
- As a holiday side: A standout addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas spreads.
- In grain bowls: Combine with quinoa, lentils, or farro for a hearty vegetarian meal.
- As a salad topper: Use leftover glazed sprouts to add crunch and flavor to leafy greens.
- Appetizer style: Serve on small skewers for an elegant party bite.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a 400°F oven for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving — it softens the texture.
- Freeze: Not recommended, as Brussels sprouts lose their crispness after thawing.
If you have leftover glaze, refrigerate it separately for up to a week and reheat gently before using again.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 17g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sugars | 8g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 9g |
| Sodium | 250mg |
FAQ About Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
What makes Brussels sprouts crispy in the oven?
Crispness comes from roasting at high heat and ensuring the sprouts are dry before adding oil. Laying them cut-side down helps caramelize the edges beautifully.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
You can, but fresh sprouts yield the best texture. If using frozen, thaw completely, pat dry, and roast a few extra minutes to remove excess moisture.
What can I use instead of honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar both provide natural sweetness and blend perfectly with balsamic vinegar for a vegan-friendly version.
How do I keep the glaze from being too thick?
If your glaze reduces too much, simply whisk in a teaspoon of warm water to loosen it before tossing with the sprouts.
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes! Roast the Brussels sprouts up to a day in advance. Reheat in the oven, then toss with freshly warmed glaze just before serving.
Print
Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Few side dishes combine crunch, sweetness, and tang as beautifully as Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts. These golden, caramelized bites coated in honey-balsamic glaze bring restaurant-quality flavor to any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts — trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
Instructions
- Trim and halve Brussels sprouts, removing any damaged leaves. Pat dry completely.
- In a large bowl, toss sprouts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange sprouts cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp and golden.
- While roasting, heat balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add Dijon and garlic if using, then remove from heat.
- Transfer roasted sprouts to a bowl, drizzle with honey-balsamic glaze, and toss gently to coat.
- Serve immediately and garnish with parsley or grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
For vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey. Don’t overcrowd the pan — spacing ensures perfect crisping. Glaze just before serving to keep the coating shiny and crisp.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Oven Roasted
- Cuisine: American
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Final Thoughts
Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. With their caramelized edges, glossy glaze, and irresistible balance of sweet and tangy, they’ll turn even Brussels sprout skeptics into fans. Whether for a quick weeknight side or a holiday table centerpiece, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.