Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts: A Delicious and Easy Side Dish
Brussels sprouts often get a bad rap, but when roasted to perfection and drizzled with a sweet and tangy honey balsamic glaze, they transform into a culinary delight. This recipe for Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, yet delivering maximum flavor. It’s the perfect side dish for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of roasted Brussels sprouts, balsamic vinegar, honey, and a touch of garlic creates a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal prep time and only a handful of ingredients. Simply toss the Brussels sprouts with the glaze and roast them in the oven until tender and slightly caramelized.
* **Versatile:** Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts pair well with a variety of main courses, including chicken, pork, beef, and fish. They’re also a great addition to salads and grain bowls.
* **Healthy:** Brussels sprouts are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a nutritious and delicious addition to your diet.
* **Perfect for any Occasion:** This recipe is simple enough for a quick weeknight meal, but elegant enough to grace your holiday table.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Brussels Sprouts:** 1.5 pounds, fresh, trimmed and halved (or quartered if large)
* **Balsamic Vinegar:** 3 tablespoons. Use a good quality balsamic vinegar for the best flavor. A thicker, syrupy balsamic glaze can also be used, adjusting the honey accordingly.
* **Honey:** 2 tablespoons. Adjust to taste based on your preferred sweetness.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons. Extra virgin olive oil is recommended.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Adds a savory depth to the glaze.
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Balsamic glaze (for drizzling), toasted nuts (such as pecans or walnuts), crumbled goat cheese, red pepper flakes.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Large Bowl:** For tossing the Brussels sprouts with the glaze.
* **Baking Sheet:** A large baking sheet to roast the Brussels sprouts in a single layer.
* **Parchment Paper (optional):** For easy cleanup.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons**
* **Knife and Cutting Board**
* **Garlic Press (optional)**
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to make these delectable Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts:
**1. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts:**
* Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture will help them roast properly and develop a nice caramelized crust.
* Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts. Cut off the tough, brown ends. You don’t need to remove too much, just the very bottom.
* Halve or quarter the Brussels sprouts. If the Brussels sprouts are small to medium-sized, simply halve them by cutting them in half through the stem. If they are large, quarter them to ensure they cook evenly. Cutting them into similar sizes helps them cook at the same rate.
**2. Make the Honey Balsamic Glaze:**
* In a large bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Make sure the honey is well combined with the other ingredients to create a smooth and emulsified glaze. Taste the glaze and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You may want to add a little more honey for extra sweetness or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
**3. Toss the Brussels Sprouts with the Glaze:**
* Add the prepared Brussels sprouts to the bowl with the honey balsamic glaze. Toss them thoroughly to ensure that each sprout is evenly coated with the glaze. Use your hands or a spatula to gently coat the Brussels sprouts, making sure the glaze gets into all the crevices.
**4. Arrange the Brussels Sprouts on a Baking Sheet:**
* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure the oven is fully preheated before placing the Brussels sprouts inside.
* Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper (optional, but recommended for easy cleanup). Parchment paper prevents the Brussels sprouts from sticking to the baking sheet and makes cleanup a breeze.
* Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this will steam the Brussels sprouts instead of roasting them. If necessary, use two baking sheets to ensure they are in a single layer. Arrange them cut-side down for maximum caramelization.
**5. Roast the Brussels Sprouts:**
* Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and slightly caramelized. Check on them halfway through cooking and toss them gently to ensure even browning. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of your Brussels sprouts and your oven.
* For extra crispiness, you can broil the Brussels sprouts for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning. Broiling will add a nice char and crispy edges.
**6. Garnish and Serve:**
* Remove the roasted Brussels sprouts from the oven and transfer them to a serving dish.
* Drizzle with additional balsamic glaze (optional). A drizzle of extra balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and acidity.
* Garnish with toasted nuts (such as pecans or walnuts), crumbled goat cheese, or red pepper flakes (optional). These garnishes add texture and flavor to the dish.
* Serve immediately and enjoy! Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts are best served warm.
## Tips for Perfect Roasted Brussels Sprouts
* **Use Fresh Brussels Sprouts:** Fresh Brussels sprouts will have the best flavor and texture. Avoid using frozen Brussels sprouts, as they tend to be mushy.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet:** Overcrowding the baking sheet will steam the Brussels sprouts instead of roasting them. Make sure to spread them in a single layer.
* **Roast at a High Temperature:** Roasting at a high temperature (400°F/200°C) will help the Brussels sprouts caramelize and develop a crispy exterior.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked Brussels sprouts will be mushy and bitter. Roast them until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
* **Adjust the Glaze to Your Liking:** Feel free to adjust the amount of honey and balsamic vinegar to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add more honey. If you prefer a tangier glaze, add more balsamic vinegar.
* **Experiment with Different Garnishes:** Get creative with your garnishes! Try adding toasted nuts, crumbled goat cheese, or red pepper flakes.
* **Toss Halfway Through:** Toss the Brussels sprouts halfway through the roasting process to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides.
* **Use a Large Enough Baking Sheet:** Choose a baking sheet that is large enough to accommodate all the Brussels sprouts in a single layer without overcrowding.
* **Consider Adding Other Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the roasting pan along with the Brussels sprouts, such as chopped onions, carrots, or sweet potatoes. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **For Extra Flavor, Add Bacon:** Crispy bacon bits add a salty and savory element that complements the sweetness of the honey and the tanginess of the balsamic vinegar. Cook the bacon separately and crumble it over the Brussels sprouts before serving.
## Variations
* **Maple Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts:** Substitute maple syrup for honey for a slightly different flavor profile.
* **Spicy Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a touch of heat.
* **Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts:** Omit the honey and balsamic vinegar and toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, minced garlic, and grated Parmesan cheese.
* **Lemon Herb Roasted Brussels Sprouts:** Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
* **Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Pecans:** Add dried cranberries and toasted pecans for a festive and flavorful twist.
## Serving Suggestions
Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:
* **Roasted Chicken:** Serve alongside roasted chicken for a complete and satisfying meal.
* **Pork Tenderloin:** Pair with pork tenderloin for a delicious and elegant dinner.
* **Beef Steak:** Serve as a side dish with a grilled or pan-seared steak.
* **Salmon:** Complement the flavor of salmon with the sweet and tangy glaze.
* **Vegetarian Mains:** Serve with vegetarian dishes like lentil loaf or stuffed bell peppers.
* **Salads:** Add to salads for extra flavor and texture.
* **Grain Bowls:** Incorporate into grain bowls for a nutritious and delicious meal.
## Storage Instructions
* **Store:** Leftover Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** To reheat, spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.
* **Freeze:** While not ideal, you can freeze roasted Brussels sprouts. Keep in mind that freezing can alter the texture, making them softer. To freeze, spread the cooled Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours, or until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per serving, based on a recipe serving 6)
* Calories: Approximately 120-150
* Fat: 7-9g
* Saturated Fat: 1g
* Cholesterol: 0mg
* Sodium: 200-250mg
* Carbohydrates: 12-15g
* Fiber: 3-4g
* Sugar: 6-8g
* Protein: 2-3g
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
## Conclusion
Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a delicious and easy side dish that will convert even the most ardent Brussels sprout skeptics. With their sweet and tangy glaze and perfectly roasted texture, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So, give this recipe a try and discover the amazing potential of Brussels sprouts! They are a fantastic addition to any meal and offer a delightful flavor experience. This recipe is simple, customizable, and sure to become a new favorite. Enjoy!