Forget everything you thought you knew about boring, mushy Brussels sprouts. This is the recipe that transforms them into an irresistibly delicious side dish. We’re talking about incredibly Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with perfectly caramelized edges and a tender inside, all tossed in a sweet and tangy glaze. This simple, flavor-packed dish is so good, it will convert even the most skeptical eaters. It’s the perfect healthy side for any weeknight dinner but impressive enough for a holiday feast.
Why This Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe Works
The magic of this recipe lies in the balance of texture and flavor. We use high heat to achieve that sought-after crispiness without overcooking the sprouts. The simple honey balsamic glaze, added at the very end, coats each sprout in a glossy, flavorful layer without ever making them soggy. It’s the ultimate combination of sweet, savory, and tangy.
By following a few key steps, like ensuring the sprouts are dry and not overcrowding the pan, you guarantee a perfectly crispy result every time. This recipe isn’t just a list of instructions; it’s a foolproof method for vegetable perfection.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of pantry staples to bring this vibrant dish to life. The focus is on quality ingredients to create a truly memorable flavor.
For the Brussels Sprouts
Fresh Brussels Sprouts: Look for bright green, firm sprouts that are similar in size for even cooking.
Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil helps the sprouts crisp up beautifully and adds flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning. Coarse sea salt and freshly ground black pepper work best.
For the Honey Balsamic Glaze
Balsamic Vinegar: This is the star of the glaze, providing a deep, tangy flavor.
Honey: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar.
Garlic Powder: For a subtle, savory undertone that complements the other flavors.
How to Make Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to achieve roasted perfection. The key is preparing the sprouts properly and roasting them at high heat before adding the glaze.
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). High heat is crucial for getting that crispy exterior.
Prep the Brussels Sprouts: Wash and thoroughly dry the Brussels sprouts. Trim the ends and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Slice each sprout in half lengthwise.
Season the Sprouts: In a large bowl, toss the halved sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure each sprout is evenly coated.
Roast for Maximum Crispiness: Spread the sprouts in a single layer on a large baking sheet. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan, so use two if needed. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are tender and the outer leaves are deeply golden and crispy.
Prepare the Glaze: While the sprouts are roasting, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
Combine and Serve: Once the sprouts are perfectly crispy, remove them from the oven and immediately transfer them back to the large bowl. Pour the honey balsamic glaze over the hot sprouts and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Finished with a honey balsamic glaze for the perfect sweet and tangy flavor.
Pro Tips for the Crispiest Brussels Sprouts
Want to guarantee restaurant-quality results? These are the non-negotiable tips for achieving the ultimate crispy texture.
High Heat is Key: Roasting at 425°F (220°C) is the sweet spot. It allows the outside to get crispy and caramelized while the inside becomes tender.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your sprouts space! If they’re too close together, they will steam instead of roast, resulting in a softer texture. Use two pans if you’re making a large batch.
Dry Them Thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. After washing your sprouts, pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Glaze at the End: Never roast the sprouts with the balsamic glaze. The honey will burn in the high heat before the sprouts have a chance to get crispy. Tossing them in the glaze while they’re hot from the oven is the perfect finishing touch.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also a great base for customization. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:
Add Bacon: For a savory, smoky flavor, add some chopped bacon to the baking sheet during the last 10 minutes of roasting.
Sprinkle with Cheese: After tossing with the glaze, sprinkle with crumbled feta, goat cheese, or shaved Parmesan for a creamy, salty bite.
Include Nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts add a wonderful crunch. Add them when you toss the sprouts with the glaze.
A Touch of Spice: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze mixture.
Perfectly roasted until golden and crisp, creating the ideal texture.
What to Serve with Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
These versatile sprouts pair well with a wide variety of main courses. Their sweet and savory flavor profile complements almost any protein. They are a classic side for a beautiful Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken or pair wonderfully with fish, like these simple Honey Garlic Salmon Bites. For a hearty meal, serve them alongside a juicy steak from this Grilled Steak Bowl recipe. They can even make a simple soup like this Creamy Broccoli and Potato Soup feel like a complete meal.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Instructions
Follow these tips to enjoy your Brussels sprouts later without sacrificing texture.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: For the best results, avoid the microwave. Reheat the sprouts on a baking sheet in a 375°F (190°C) oven or in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes, until they are warmed through and have regained some of their crispiness.
Make-Ahead: You can wash, trim, and halve the sprouts up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to roast. You can also whisk the glaze together ahead of time.
The keys to crispy Brussels sprouts are high heat (425°F / 220°C), ensuring they are completely dry before roasting, and giving them enough space on the baking sheet so they roast instead of steam.
The best temperature for roasting Brussels sprouts to get them crispy on the outside and tender on the inside is 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is crucial for caramelization.
No, you should not soak Brussels sprouts before roasting. Soaking adds moisture, which is the enemy of crispiness. For the best results, wash and then dry them as thoroughly as possible.
Yes, you can prep them ahead of time by washing, trimming, and halving the sprouts up to 2 days in advance. However, for the best texture, you should roast them just before serving.
The glaze is added after roasting because its main ingredients, honey and balsamic vinegar, contain sugars that would burn at the high temperature needed to make the sprouts crispy. Adding it at the end ensures a perfect glaze without a burnt taste.
Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe
FL Recipes
Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts (The Only Recipe You Need)
Discover the secret to perfectly Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts! This easy recipe delivers oven-roasted sprouts with caramelized edges and a sweet and tangy glaze. The ultimate healthy and delicious side dish for any meal.
Wash, trim, and thoroughly dry the Brussels sprouts. Slice them in half lengthwise.
In a large bowl, toss the halved sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Spread the sprouts in a single layer on a large baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and crispy.
While the sprouts roast, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
Remove the roasted sprouts from the oven, place them back in the large bowl, and pour the glaze over them. Toss to coat and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Calories: 125kcalProtein: 4gFat: 7gFiber: 4g
Notes
Tip 1: For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the glaze. Tip 2: Ensure sprouts are completely dry before tossing with oil; this is the key to getting them crispy.
And there you have it—a simple, elegant, and incredibly delicious Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen. We’re confident this will be your new favorite way to enjoy this amazing vegetable. If you make this recipe, we’d love to see it! Snap a photo and share your masterpiece on Pinterest. Your feedback and creations inspire our community!
The only Crispy Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts recipe you'll ever need!
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
