Forget everything you thought you knew about boring, mushy Brussels sprouts. This is the recipe for irresistibly crispy, perfectly tender, and utterly addictive Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts. We’re talking about a restaurant-quality side dish that’s shockingly easy to make at home. The sprouts are roasted to crispy perfection before being tossed in a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes in the oven. It’s a flavor explosion that will convert even the most skeptical eaters.
This recipe transforms the humble Brussels sprout into the star of your dinner table. The edges get wonderfully charred and crunchy, the insides become tender, and the simple honey balsamic glaze brings it all together. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy, creating a side dish that’s as elegant as it is simple. Get ready for this to become a new family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe
There are so many reasons this will become your go-to method for cooking Brussels sprouts. It’s a truly foolproof recipe that delivers incredible results every single time.
- Perfectly Crispy Texture: We use high heat to ensure the outer leaves get delightfully crispy and charred while the inside remains perfectly tender.
- Incredible Flavor: The simple combination of sweet honey and tangy balsamic vinegar creates a glaze that perfectly complements the earthy flavor of the sprouts.
- Quick & Easy: With minimal prep and about 25 minutes of roasting time, this is an ideal side dish for busy weeknights. It feels gourmet but is incredibly straightforward.
- Versatile Side Dish: This dish pairs wonderfully with almost any main course, from roasted chicken to a hearty steak. For a complete meal, try it with our famous Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of pantry staples to create this show-stopping side dish. Quality ingredients are key to the best flavor.
- Fresh Brussels Sprouts: The star of the show! Look for bright green, firm sprouts that are similar in size for even cooking.
- Olive Oil: Used for roasting, it helps the sprouts get crispy and prevents them from sticking to the pan. A good quality extra virgin olive oil works best.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning. Freshly ground black pepper provides the best flavor.
- Balsamic Vinegar: This provides the signature tangy flavor of the glaze. Use a good quality balsamic vinegar for the best results.
- Honey: This balances the acidity of the vinegar and creates that delicious, sticky caramelization on the sprouts.
How to Make Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts (Step-by-Step)
Making truly delicious roasted Brussels sprouts is easy. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven is crucial for getting that perfect crispy texture. Wash and thoroughly dry your Brussels sprouts. Trim the tough ends and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Slice them in half lengthwise.
- Season the Sprouts: In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure they are evenly coated. Spread them in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Giving them space is key; don’t overcrowd the pan or they will steam instead of roast.
- Roast to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes. Toss them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. They’re done when they are tender and the outer leaves are crispy and nicely browned.
- Make and Add the Glaze: While the sprouts are roasting, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and honey in a small bowl. Once the sprouts are finished roasting, remove them from the oven and immediately drizzle the glaze over them. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. The heat from the sprouts will thicken the glaze, making it deliciously sticky.
Expert Tips for the Crispiest Brussels Sprouts
Want to guarantee your sprouts are perfectly crispy? Follow these pro tips that make all the difference.
- Dry Them Thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. After washing your sprouts, pat them completely dry with a kitchen towel before tossing them with oil.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Spread the sprouts in a single, even layer on your baking sheet. If they’re too close together, they will trap steam and become soft. Use two pans if necessary.
- Roast at High Heat: A hot oven (425°F or 220°C) is non-negotiable. This high temperature helps the exterior cook quickly and develop that desirable crispy, caramelized texture.
- Place Cut-Side Down: For maximum caramelization, place the Brussels sprouts cut-side down on the baking sheet for the initial part of roasting. This direct contact with the hot pan creates a deep, golden-brown surface.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this classic recipe is fantastic on its own, it’s also a great base for customization. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:
- Add Bacon: For a savory, smoky twist, add chopped bacon to the baking sheet during the last 10 minutes of roasting.
- Include Toasted Nuts: Toss in some toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds at the end for a delightful crunch.
- Sprinkle with Cheese: After glazing, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan or crumbled goat cheese before serving. The salty cheese is a perfect complement.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a little bit of heat.
What to Serve with Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
These versatile sprouts are the perfect accompaniment to a wide variety of main courses. They elevate a simple weeknight dinner and are special enough for a holiday meal. They pair beautifully with roasted chicken, like our Baked Italian Angel Chicken, or a perfectly cooked steak. They also complement pork dishes and seafood, such as Honey Garlic Salmon Bites, wonderfully.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Have leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, the best method is to use an oven or an air fryer. Spread the sprouts on a baking sheet and warm them at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and re-crisped. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make them soft.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can prep them ahead of time by washing, trimming, and halving the sprouts up to two days in advance. For the best texture, we recommend roasting them just before serving. However, you can roast them completely and reheat them in the oven or air fryer to restore some crispiness.
To prevent the honey and balsamic glaze from burning, we add it after the Brussels sprouts have finished roasting. The residual heat from the sprouts is enough to thicken the glaze and help it adhere without the risk of it burning in the oven.
The keys to crispy Brussels sprouts are to make sure they are completely dry, roast them at a high temperature (425°F / 220°C), and don’t overcrowd the pan. Giving them space allows the hot air to circulate and roast them rather than steam them.
No, it’s not necessary to soak Brussels sprouts before roasting. In fact, adding excess moisture will prevent them from becoming crispy. The best practice is to wash them and then dry them thoroughly.
A high temperature is best for roasting Brussels sprouts. We recommend 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps the outer leaves get crispy and caramelized while allowing the inside to become perfectly tender.
The Best Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts (The BEST Crispy Recipe!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a large baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until tender and the outer leaves are crispy and caramelized.
- While the sprouts are roasting, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and honey in a small bowl.
- Remove the sprouts from the oven, drizzle with the honey balsamic glaze, and toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Notes
Tip 2: For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a hint of spice.
Pin This Recipe for Later!
If you loved this Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts recipe, please share it! Pinning it to your favorite board on Pinterest helps us reach more food lovers like you. We can’t wait to see your amazing creations and hear how much you enjoyed this dish. Your comments and shares help our blog grow, so thank you for your support!
