Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

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Brussels sprouts often get an unfair reputation, but once you try these Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts, you’ll see them in a whole new light. Caramelized to perfection, each sprout boasts a crispy outer layer with a tender center, glazed beautifully with a sticky, slightly tangy honey-balsamic sauce. The natural earthiness of the sprouts is elevated by the sweet and savory balance of flavors, making this dish completely irresistible.

Perfect for a hearty side or even as the star of a veggie-focused meal, these sprouts will transform any dinner spread. Whether you’re looking for an exciting addition to your holiday table or a quick weeknight dish bursting with flavor and texture, Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts deliver with style and deliciousness.

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Why You’ll Love This Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

The magic of this recipe lies in the perfect contrast between crispy edges and the sticky, tangy glaze. You’ll love it because it’s incredibly simple yet feels gourmet, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients, making it a healthier alternative to heavy sides. Versatile enough to pair with meats, pastas, or grain bowls, these sprouts are an easy favorite that will win over even the skeptics.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use for Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Before diving into cooking, setting up the right tools will make your experience smoother and your results better. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large Baking Sheet: A spacious baking sheet allows the Brussels sprouts to roast evenly without overcrowding, which is essential for achieving that signature crispy texture.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: These prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze, while also helping to evenly distribute heat.
• Mixing Bowl: Tossing the sprouts with oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl ensures every piece gets well coated.
• Tongs or Spatula: Essential for flipping the sprouts halfway through baking to promote even caramelization on all sides.
• Small Saucepan: Used to make the luscious honey balsamic glaze that coats the crispy Brussels sprouts.
• Sharp Knife: For halving the Brussels sprouts quickly and safely.
• Measuring Spoons: To accurately measure the honey, balsamic vinegar, and seasoning ingredients.

Choosing the right tools isn’t just about convenience — it guarantees even cooking, ideal texture, and maximum flavor!

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Preparation Tips

• Trim and Halve Properly: Cut off the stem end and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Halving the sprouts ensures even cooking and allows the edges to crisp up beautifully.
• Dry Thoroughly: After rinsing, make sure the Brussels sprouts are completely dry. Moisture will cause them to steam rather than roast, preventing crispiness.
• Preheat the Oven Fully: A hot oven is critical. Let it reach 400–425°F before putting the sprouts in for that quick, intense roasting.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Spread the sprouts in a single layer with space between them. If they’re too close, they’ll steam instead of crisp.
• Roast Cut-Side Down: Placing the cut side down on the baking sheet helps develop a deeply caramelized surface.
• Prepare Glaze During Roasting: Save time by making your honey balsamic glaze while the sprouts are roasting, so it’s ready to toss immediately after baking.

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Ingredients for Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

To make these perfectly crispy and flavorful sprouts, you’ll need just a handful of fresh and pantry-staple ingredients:

• 1½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, for roasting
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, good quality
• 1½ tablespoons honey, for that sticky sweetness
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a slight tangy kick)
• 1 small garlic clove, finely minced (optional, for extra aromatic depth)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, if you like a hint of heat)

Each ingredient plays an important role: the olive oil encourages crisping, the honey caramelizes for extra flavor, and the balsamic vinegar cuts through the richness with its tangy brightness. Optional add-ins like garlic and mustard can bring even more dimension if you’re feeling adventurous.

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Step 1: Prep the Brussels Sprouts

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Trim the stems of the Brussels sprouts and remove any loose, yellowing outer leaves. Cut each sprout in half lengthwise to maximize surface area for caramelization. Pat them dry thoroughly to remove any moisture that could hinder crisping.

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Step 2: Season and Arrange

In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Spread them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are cut-side down and spaced apart to allow airflow and proper roasting.

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Step 3: Roast to Crispy Perfection

Roast the sprouts in the preheated oven for about 20–25 minutes.
At around the 12-minute mark, use tongs or a spatula to gently flip them. Continue roasting until the edges are beautifully browned and crispy.

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Step 4: Prepare the Honey Balsamic Glaze

While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, add balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard (if using) to a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the glaze slightly thickens. Stir in the minced garlic during the last 30 seconds, if desired.

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Step 5: Toss and Serve

Once the Brussels sprouts are out of the oven, immediately transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm honey balsamic glaze over them and toss until well coated.
Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice, and serve hot!

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Notes

• Balsamic Quality Matters: Use a high-quality balsamic vinegar for a richer, more complex flavor. Lower-quality vinegars can taste overly acidic.
• Honey Swap: If you prefer, maple syrup can be substituted for honey for a slightly different sweetness.
• Dijon Bonus: Adding Dijon mustard to the glaze is optional but highly recommended for a little tang and depth.
• Roast Immediately After Tossing: Once the sprouts are oiled and seasoned, get them into the oven quickly. Waiting too long can cause them to release moisture.
• Glaze Timing: Only add the glaze after roasting, never before, to prevent burning and bitterness.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcrowding the Pan: If the Brussels sprouts are too close together, they’ll steam rather than roast, leading to soggy sprouts instead of crispy ones.
• Not Drying the Sprouts Thoroughly: Any water left on the sprouts will create steam and prevent crispiness.
• Using Low Heat: A low oven temperature won’t achieve the caramelized, crispy edges you’re after. Always roast at high heat — 400°F or higher.
• Skipping the Flip: Turning the sprouts halfway through roasting ensures even browning on both sides.
• Overcooking the Glaze: If the honey balsamic glaze is cooked too long, it can harden into a sticky mess instead of staying pourable.
• Adding Glaze Before Roasting: Honey can burn easily at high temperatures. Always glaze after the sprouts are roasted.
• Ignoring Size Consistency: Try to cut the Brussels sprouts into similar sizes for even cooking. Smaller ones can burn while larger ones remain undercooked if not uniform.
• Not Tasting Before Serving: Always taste for seasoning after tossing with the glaze. A sprinkle of extra salt or a crack of pepper might be needed to finish the dish perfectly.

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What to Serve With Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

These flavorful Brussels sprouts are incredibly versatile and can complement a wide range of main dishes. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner, they fit right in!

8 Delicious Recommendations:

1. Roast Chicken:
   The juicy, savory flavors of roast chicken pair perfectly with the sweet-tangy notes of the sprouts.
2. Grilled Salmon:
   A fresh, flaky salmon filet balances beautifully against the rich caramelized Brussels sprouts.
3. Steak or Prime Rib:
   Serve them alongside a juicy steak or a slow-roasted prime rib for a hearty, satisfying meal.
4. Pasta Primavera:
   Add them to a colorful pasta dish for an extra punch of flavor and texture.
5. Pork Tenderloin:
   The mild sweetness of pork complements the honey balsamic glaze in a wonderfully cohesive way.
6. Quinoa or Grain Bowls:
   Mix the sprouts into a quinoa or farro bowl with roasted vegetables, feta cheese, and a light vinaigrette.
7. Stuffed Acorn Squash:
   A vegetarian-friendly option where the sprouts act as a robust, savory stuffing partner.
8. Burgers or Sliders:
   Believe it or not, these sprouts make a fantastic topping for burgers, adding crunch and flavor in one bite.

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts tasting fresh and delicious even after cooking, follow these simple storage tips:

• Refrigeration:
  Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheating:
  For best results, reheat the sprouts in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 5–7 minutes until they regain their crispness. You can also use an air fryer for extra crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make them soggy.
• Freezing (Not Recommended):
  Brussels sprouts can be frozen, but they often lose their crispy texture once thawed. It’s best to enjoy them freshly made or refrigerated rather than frozen.
• Glaze Storage Tip:
  If you anticipate leftovers, consider glazing only the portion you plan to eat immediately. This way, the roasted sprouts can be stored separately and glazed fresh when reheated for better texture and flavor.

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Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a rough estimate per serving (based on a recipe serving about 4 people):

• Calories: 150 kcal
• Protein: 4 grams
• Fat: 8 grams
• Saturated Fat: 1 gram
• Carbohydrates: 18 grams
• Fiber: 5 grams
• Sugar: 9 grams
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 150 mg

Note: Nutrition values can vary based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes you use.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

Frozen Brussels sprouts aren’t ideal for this dish because they tend to retain too much water, making it hard to achieve the crispy texture. Fresh Brussels sprouts work best for a perfect roast.

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2. How do I make these Brussels sprouts even crispier?

Dry them thoroughly after washing, don’t overcrowd the pan, and roast them at high heat with the cut side facing down. You can also finish them with a few minutes under the broiler if you want extra crisp edges.

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3. Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Yes! The honey balsamic glaze can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before tossing it with the roasted sprouts.

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4. What can I substitute for honey if I’m vegan?

You can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar to keep the glaze sweet and sticky without using honey.

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5. Why are my Brussels sprouts mushy?

If the sprouts are mushy, it’s usually because of excess moisture or overcrowding on the pan. Make sure they are dry, give them enough space, and roast them at a high temperature.

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6. How spicy are they if I add red pepper flakes?

The heat is very mild when you sprinkle a little red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.

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7. Can I cook them on the stovetop instead?

Yes, you can pan-fry the Brussels sprouts over medium-high heat until crispy, then drizzle the glaze over them. However, roasting gives them a deeper, more even caramelization.

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8. Are these Brussels sprouts good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can roast a batch and store them in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for a quick, flavorful side dish all week long.

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Conclusion

Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are the kind of dish that turns skeptics into fans with just one bite. Their irresistible combination of crispy texture, savory-sweet flavor, and beautiful caramelization make them a must-try recipe for any season. Whether you’re adding them to your weeknight rotation or showcasing them at a special dinner, they promise to steal the show. Simple to make, loaded with nutrients, and endlessly versatile, these Brussels sprouts will become a staple in your kitchen repertoire.

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