Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe: Crispy Veggie Magic

Balsamic Brussels sprouts enhance ordinary vegetables into a culinary revelation that surprises even the most skeptical palates.

These miniature green gems pack intense flavors and remarkable nutritional power, challenging traditional vegetable stereotypes.

Roasting brings out their natural sweetness while creating a delightful caramelized exterior that beckons hungry diners.

Crispy edges and tender centers make these Brussels sprouts a textural marvel that elevates any meal.

The rich, tangy balsamic glaze adds depth and complexity, turning a simple side dish into a memorable experience.

Perfectly balanced between sweet and savory, these Brussels sprouts offer a sophisticated twist on a classic vegetable.

Nutrition and taste combine in this easy-to-make recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes Balsamic Brussels Sprouts So Good

• Caramelize with Ease: Transform ordinary Brussels sprouts into a sweet and tangy side dish with minimal effort, creating restaurant-quality results right in your home kitchen.
• Texture Magic: Achieve perfectly crispy edges and tender centers through high-heat roasting, delivering a delightful contrast that makes each bite exciting and satisfying.
• Flavor Explosion: Combine balsamic vinegar's rich tanginess, honey's natural sweetness, and sea salt's savory notes to elevate the Brussels sprouts from basic to absolutely irresistible.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this gorgeous side dish in under 40 minutes, making it an ideal option for busy families seeking delicious and nutritious vegetable recipes.

Key Ingredients in Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Main Ingredients:

Brussels Sprouts: Fresh, green vegetables with a slightly bitter taste that caramelize beautifully when roasted. Choose firm, compact sprouts without yellow leaves or brown spots.

Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor that helps create a rich glaze on the sprouts. Italian-style balsamic works best for deeper flavor complexity.

Roasting Enhancers:

Olive Oil: Helps Brussels sprouts achieve a crispy exterior and prevents sticking to the baking sheet. Extra virgin olive oil provides the best flavor.

Honey: Creates a subtle sweetness and helps the sprouts caramelize with a golden-brown color. Local honey offers the most robust taste.

Sea Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances the natural flavors and adds seasoning depth. Freshly ground black pepper provides more intense flavor.

Garnish and Texture:

Pecans: Adds a nutty crunch and richness to the dish. Toast pecans beforehand for enhanced flavor.

Cranberries, Pomegranate Arils: Provide a burst of tartness and bright color. Dried cranberries or fresh pomegranate seeds work well.

Fresh Parsley: Offers a fresh, herbal finish and visual appeal. Flat-leaf parsley has the most vibrant flavor.

Instructions for Roasting Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Surface

Crank the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Trim And Slice Brussels Sprouts

Wash Brussels sprouts thoroughly. Slice each sprout in half lengthwise, removing any discolored outer leaves. Place halved sprouts on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Create Flavor Coating

• Olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Honey

Sprinkle with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Gently toss to ensure every sprout gets coated.

Step 4: Position Sprouts For Roasting

Arrange sprouts cut side down, leaving space between each piece. This ensures crispy edges and even cooking.

Step 5: Roast To Golden Perfection

Slide baking sheet into preheated oven. Roast for 20-30 minutes until sprouts turn golden brown and become tender. Cooking time depends on sprout size.

Step 6: Add Delightful Toppings

• Toasted pecans
• Dried cranberries
• Fresh parsley

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Plate the Brussels sprouts immediately while warm. Watch as everyone devours this delicious side dish.

Brussels Sprouts Cooking Tips and Tricks

• Select Fresh Sprouts: Choose Brussels sprouts that are firm, compact, and vibrant green without yellow leaves or blemishes for the best flavor and texture.
• Maximize Caramelization: Position sprouts cut-side down to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that develops deep, rich flavor during roasting.
• Control Moisture: Pat Brussels sprouts completely dry before seasoning to ensure they roast instead of steaming, which helps create perfect crispy edges.
• Space Strategically: Spread sprouts in a single layer with small gaps between each piece, preventing overcrowding that leads to soggy, steamed vegetables.
• Balance Sweetness: Adjust honey and balsamic vinegar ratios to create a harmonious blend of tangy and sweet notes that complement the sprouts' natural earthiness.

How to Store and Reheat Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the pecans and cranberries separate to maintain their crunch.
• Reheat: Warm sprouts in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy edges. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy texture. Sprinkle fresh pecans on top before serving for added crunch.
• Repurpose: Transform cold leftovers into a delicious salad by chopping sprouts and mixing with fresh greens, additional nuts, and a light vinaigrette dressing.

Brussels Sprouts Pairing Ideas for Dinner

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: A bold Pinot Noir or Zinfandel complements the caramelized, sweet-tangy flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts, enhancing the balsamic and honey notes.
• Match with Hearty Protein: Serve alongside grilled lamb chops or roasted chicken breast, as the rich, slightly bitter sprouts balance the meat's savory profile and add textural contrast.
• Create Seasonal Cheese Board: Add these Brussels sprouts to a charcuterie platter with aged cheddar, goat cheese, and crusty sourdough bread, letting the nuts and cranberries provide additional depth and complexity.
• Craft Vegetarian Main Course: Transform the dish into a complete meal by tossing roasted sprouts with quinoa, crumbled feta, and a light lemon vinaigrette for a nutritious, satisfying vegetarian option.

Delicious Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Variations

• Citrus-Infused Sprouts: Add orange or lemon zest to the olive oil and balsamic mixture for a bright, tangy flavor profile that complements the caramelized Brussels sprouts.
• Spicy Maple Version: Replace honey with maple syrup and sprinkle red pepper flakes before roasting to create a sweet and spicy combination that elevates the vegetable's natural richness.
• Parmesan Crisp Upgrade: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese during the last 5 minutes of roasting to develop a crispy, savory crust that adds depth and texture to the Brussels sprouts.
• Mediterranean Style: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and a dash of dried oregano after roasting to bring Mediterranean flavors to this classic side dish.

Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Balsamic brussels sprouts bring Italian-inspired zest to roasted vegetables with caramelized edges and tangy sweetness. Crispy, golden leaves and rich balsamic glaze create an irresistible side dish that makes you crave more green goodness.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• ⅓ cup toasted pecan halves
• 2 tablespoons dried cranberries or pomegranate arils

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 ½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley leaves

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Instructions

1. Arrange oven rack in the middle position and heat to 425°F, preparing a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure effortless cleanup and prevent sticking.
2. Meticulously halve Brussels sprouts, ensuring each piece is uniform for consistent roasting, and spread them across the prepared baking sheet with deliberate spacing.
3. Cascade olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey over the sprouts, using a gentle tossing motion to create an even, glistening coating that will caramelize during roasting.
4. Sprinkle sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper across the surface, massaging the seasonings into the Brussels sprouts to enhance their natural flavors.
5. Position the sprouts cut-side down, allowing maximum surface contact with the hot baking sheet to develop deep golden-brown edges and crispy texture.
6. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan midway to ensure uniform browning and checking for a rich, caramelized appearance.
7. While sprouts are roasting, lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet until fragrant and golden, releasing their nutty essence.
8. Once Brussels sprouts are tender and beautifully caramelized, transfer to a serving platter and gently fold in toasted pecans and vibrant cranberries or pomegranate arils.
9. Finish by scattering fresh parsley across the top, adding a bright, herbaceous note and visual appeal before serving warm.

Notes

• Perfectly caramelized Brussels sprouts come alive with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze that transforms this humble vegetable into a gourmet side dish.
• Cut sprouts in half to maximize crispy edges and ensure even roasting, creating a delightful contrast between crunchy exterior and tender interior.
• Arrange sprouts cut side down on the baking sheet to achieve maximum golden-brown caramelization and develop deep, rich flavor profiles.
• Drizzling honey and balsamic vinegar creates a glossy, complex coating that balances the natural earthiness of the Brussels sprouts with sweet and acidic notes.
• Toasted pecans and cranberries add a luxurious crunch and burst of festive color, elevating this simple vegetable to an elegant and irresistible side dish.
• Fresh parsley brings a bright, herbal finish that cuts through the richness and provides a vibrant visual and flavor contrast to the roasted sprouts.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg