Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts Recipe is an absolute game changer for anyone looking to transform humble Brussels sprouts into a crowd-pleasing side dish. Imagine tender, caramelized edges that perfectly capture a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze, making each bite rich, flavorful, and irresistibly addictive. This dish is not only easy to make but also elevates any meal, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive holiday spread. Once you try this, these Brussels sprouts might just become your new favorite vegetable!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating the magic behind this Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing flavor, texture, and color, resulting in a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- 1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved: Fresh sprouts ensure tenderness on the inside with a slight crunch and caramelized exterior.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This helps the sprouts roast evenly and develop that gorgeous golden color.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural sweetness and balances the glaze.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick to complement the balsamic’s tang.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: The star of the glaze, bringing a perfect blend of tartness and sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: Sweetens the glaze for that caramelized shine and rich flavor.
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional): Gives the glaze depth and a bit of savory warmth.
How to Make Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring it’s hot enough to roast the Brussels sprouts to perfection. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper—not only does this prevent sticking, but it also makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Toss Brussels Sprouts with Olive Oil and Seasoning
In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with the olive oil, salt, and black pepper. This step is key for even roasting and flavor development. The oil helps the sprouts crisp up nicely while the seasoning primes them for the rich balsamic glaze.
Step 3: Roast Cut-Side Down
Arrange the sprouts in a single layer, cut-side down, on the baking sheet. This technique maximizes caramelization, creating those deliciously browned edges everyone loves. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes until they’re tender inside and beautifully caramelized outside.
Step 4: Prepare the Balsamic Glaze
While the sprouts roast, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and minced garlic, if using. This glaze will add a vibrant punch of flavor that perfectly complements the roasted sprouts.
Step 5: Drizzle and Finish Roasting
Once the Brussels sprouts come out of the oven, drizzle them evenly with your balsamic glaze. Toss gently to coat, then return the sprouts to the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This final roast allows the glaze to thicken and cling to every caramelized bite.
Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Take the Brussels sprouts out of the oven and serve immediately while they’re still warm and glossy. This is where the magic happens—each piece bursting with sweet, tangy, and savory flavor.
How to Serve Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, consider finishing your Brussels sprouts with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which adds a salty, creamy note. Toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts also bring a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the balsamic glaze.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as a side, especially when paired with roasted chicken, seared steak, or even a savory pork loin. It also complements holiday feasts perfectly — think Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners where you want a delicious vegetable that can hold its own next to traditional mains.
Creative Ways to Present
For a modern touch, serve the glazed Brussels sprouts on a wooden board garnished with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. You can also toss them with cooked quinoa or farro for a hearty warm salad, making this balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts recipe even more versatile.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Brussels sprouts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re cooled to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain their texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this dish as the texture tends to become mushy once thawed, especially because of the glaze. For best results, enjoy freshly made or refrigerate for short-term use.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the Brussels sprouts in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until heated through and slightly crisp again. Avoid microwaving as it can make them limp and less appetizing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Fresh Brussels sprouts work best to achieve that perfect caramelized texture, but if you only have frozen, thaw and pat them dry before roasting. The outcome won’t be quite the same, but still tasty!
Is there a substitute for balsamic vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar on hand, a mix of red wine vinegar and a small amount of brown sugar or honey can mimic the sweet and tangy profile.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Use maple syrup instead of honey and skip the Parmesan garnish, or switch to a vegan cheese alternative to keep everything plant-based.
How can I add more crunch to this dish?
Adding toasted nuts or seeds after roasting is a fantastic way to introduce extra crunch and texture contrast to the balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts recipe.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes either while tossing the sprouts before roasting or mix them into the glaze for a gentle heat that complements the sweetness.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so satisfying about the combination of tender Brussels sprouts and that luscious, tangy-sweet balsamic glaze. This Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts Recipe is an easy, flavorful way to elevate your vegetable game and impress guests with minimal effort. I hope you’ll whip up a batch soon and discover just how delicious these little green gems can truly be!
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Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts are tender on the inside, caramelized on the outside, and finished with a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze. This easy side dish pairs perfectly with chicken, beef, or holiday meals, offering a delicious balance of savory and sweet flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Brussels Sprouts
- 1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Balsamic Glaze
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Prepare Brussels Sprouts: In a large bowl, toss the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper, ensuring they are evenly coated to enhance flavor and roasting quality.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, placing them cut-side down to maximize caramelization and browning during roasting.
- Roast Brussels Sprouts: Roast the sprouts in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until they become tender inside and caramelized on the outside, turning golden brown for optimal texture.
- Make Balsamic Glaze: While the Brussels sprouts roast, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and minced garlic (if using) in a small bowl to create a tangy-sweet glaze.
- Glaze Brussels Sprouts: Remove the roasted Brussels sprouts from the oven and drizzle the balsamic glaze evenly over them, coating thoroughly for a flavorful finish.
- Final Roast: Return the glazed Brussels sprouts to the oven and roast for an additional 5 minutes to set the glaze and intensify the flavors.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and serve the balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts warm as a delicious side dish to complement your main meal.
Notes
- Roast cut-side down for best browning and caramelization.
- Adjust sweetness of the glaze by varying the amount of honey or maple syrup to taste.
- Finish with grated Parmesan cheese or toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture and flavor if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
