Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Roasted Brussels sprouts with a rich balsamic glaze are a perennial favorite for good reason. This simple yet sophisticated side dish delivers a mouthwatering balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that perfectly complement a wide variety of main courses. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just looking for a quick and easy weeknight accompaniment, these balsamic Brussels sprouts are sure to become a new family staple.
The key to this recipe’s success lies in the interplay between the caramelized Brussels sprouts and the silky balsamic reduction. As the sprouts roast to a gorgeous golden-brown, the balsamic vinegar transforms into a thick, syrupy glaze that coats each bite. The result is a side dish that’s equally at home on a fancy dinner table or a casual weeknight spread.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
Beyond their mouthwatering flavor, these balsamic Brussels sprouts offer several additional benefits that make them a must-try. First and foremost, Brussels sprouts are a powerhouse of nutrition, packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. This recipe allows you to enjoy their health benefits without sacrificing taste.
The straightforward preparation also makes this an incredibly accessible dish. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you can have a restaurant-quality side on the table in under an hour. And because the sprouts can be roasted in advance, this recipe is perfect for meal prepping or entertaining with minimal last-minute stress.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze ❓
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
The beauty of this roasted Brussels sprouts recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of nutty Brussels sprouts, tangy balsamic vinegar, and sweet honey creates a bold, flavor-packed side dish that has made Brussels sprout recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts with the olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
• Step 3: Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway, until the sprouts are tender and browned on the edges.
• Step 4: While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, make the balsamic glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze has thickened slightly.
• Step 5: Remove the roasted Brussels sprouts from the oven and transfer them to a serving bowl. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top and toss gently to coat the sprouts evenly.
• Step 6: Serve the roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze immediately, while still warm. Enjoy!
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
• Total time: 35-40 minutes
Compared to traditional Brussels sprout recipes that can take up to an hour to prepare, this roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze saves you 20-25% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 255mg
These roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze provide approximately 30% of your daily vitamin C requirements and 20% of your daily vitamin K needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Reduce the honey in the balsamic glaze or substitute a low-calorie sweetener.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Omit the Dijon mustard or use a dairy-free substitute.
• Added protein: Toss the roasted Brussels sprouts with chopped nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add roasted cauliflower or broccoli florets to the baking sheet for a more substantial vegetable side dish.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 15% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with mashed potatoes, quinoa, or wild rice for a hearty, well-rounded side dish.
• Complement the Brussels sprouts with a fresh green salad or a bowl of creamy soup for a light yet satisfying lunch or dinner.
• For a holiday gathering, create an impressive veggie platter with the balsamic Brussels sprouts as the centerpiece, surrounded by roasted root vegetables and a creamy dip.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Not trimming the sprouts: Be sure to trim the tough ends and remove any damaged outer leaves from the Brussels sprouts. This will help them cook evenly and maximize the caramelized exterior.
• Skipping the balsamic glaze: Don’t be tempted to skip the balsamic glaze – it’s the key to the recipe’s signature sweet-and-tangy flavor profile. The glaze takes just a few minutes to prepare but makes a big impact on the final dish.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the Brussels sprouts up to the roasting step, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the sprouts to a resealable freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Roast from frozen, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.
• Freezing baked: Allow the roasted Brussels sprouts to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
• Reheating: To restore the crisp texture, reheat the roasted Brussels sprouts in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and lightly crisped.
❓ FAQs
Can I prepare the Brussels sprouts ahead of time?
Absolutely! The Brussels sprouts can be trimmed and halved up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to roast. You can also roast the Brussels sprouts up to 3 days in advance and reheat them in the oven before serving.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
While balsamic vinegar is the classic choice for this recipe, you can experiment with other types of vinegar as well. Red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even sherry vinegar would all work well, though they may result in a slightly different flavor profile.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian and can be made vegan by omitting the Dijon mustard or using a plant-based alternative. Simply substitute the honey in the balsamic glaze with an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar.
What if my Brussels sprouts don’t get crispy?
If your Brussels sprouts aren’t achieving the desired crispy texture, try the following troubleshooting tips: ensure the sprouts are in a single layer on the baking sheet, increase the oven temperature by 25°F (13°C), and roast for an additional 5-10 minutes. Avoiding overcrowding is key to achieving those delicious caramelized edges.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add diced sweet potatoes, carrots, onions, or even sliced mushrooms to the baking sheet along with the Brussels sprouts. Just be sure to adjust the roasting time as needed to ensure everything cooks through evenly.
Conclusion
These roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a holiday side dish or a quick weeknight accompaniment, they’re sure to impress with their caramelized texture and bold, tangy-sweet taste. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these balsamic Brussels sprouts demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the roasting process. So why not give this delicious side dish a try and experience the magic of Brussels sprouts transformed by the power of balsamic vinegar and honey?
