Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

These Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are a delightful combination of crisp, caramelized vegetables and a sweet, tangy glaze that’s irresistibly good. Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight dinner or a special holiday spread, this dish will steal the spotlight.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Blend of Sweet and Savory: Honey and balsamic vinegar create a mouthwatering glaze that enhances the natural flavor of Brussels sprouts.
• Crispy Perfection: Roasting at high heat ensures a beautifully caramelized exterior with a tender interior.
• Quick and Simple: Only 30 minutes from start to finish!
• Versatile Side Dish: Pairs seamlessly with a variety of main courses or can stand alone as a vegetarian treat.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants for a guilt-free indulgence.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment

To make this recipe perfectly every time, you’ll need:

• Baking Sheet: Ensures even roasting for crispy sprouts.
• Sharp Knife: For trimming and halving the Brussels sprouts.
• Mixing Bowl: Helps coat the sprouts evenly with oil and seasonings.
• Small Saucepan: For simmering the honey balsamic glaze to the perfect consistency.
• Whisk: Essential for blending the glaze ingredients into a smooth, cohesive mixture.
• Spatula or Tongs: Makes it easy to toss the sprouts in the sauce without breaking them.

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Importance of Each Tool

• Baking Sheet: A large surface area prevents overcrowding, allowing the sprouts to roast instead of steam.
• Small Saucepan: Enables you to heat the glaze gently without burning.
• Whisk: Ensures the garlic, honey, and balsamic vinegar combine evenly for a silky sauce.

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Preparation Tips

• Choose Quality Sprouts: Opt for firm, bright green Brussels sprouts with tightly packed leaves. Avoid any with yellowing or wilting.
• Uniform Size: Halve larger sprouts so they roast evenly alongside smaller ones.
• Dry the Sprouts Thoroughly: Moisture can hinder crisping, so pat them dry with a clean towel after rinsing.
• Preheat the Oven: Start with a fully heated oven to ensure a crispy, golden exterior.

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Ingredients

Gather these simple, wholesome ingredients:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, stems removed
• 1 tbsp avocado oil
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp honey
• 4 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, grated

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven is key to achieving perfectly roasted, crispy Brussels sprouts.

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2. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

• Trim the stems and discard any yellow or damaged outer leaves.
• Slice the sprouts in half lengthwise.
• Place them on a large baking sheet in a single layer.
• Drizzle with avocado oil and season with sea salt and black pepper.
• Toss to coat evenly, then arrange the sprouts cut side down on the baking sheet.

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3. Roast

• Roast the sprouts in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes.
• Halfway through, shake the baking sheet or flip the sprouts to ensure even browning.
• Remove when the edges are golden brown and crispy.

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4. Make the Balsamic Sauce

• While the sprouts are roasting, prepare the glaze.
• In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine:
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 4 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, grated
• Whisk to combine, then simmer the mixture over medium-low heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly—it will thicken as it cools.

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5. Combine and Serve

• Once the Brussels sprouts are roasted to perfection, transfer them to a serving dish.
• Drizzle the honey balsamic sauce over the sprouts and toss gently to coat.
• Serve immediately and enjoy the sweet and savory goodness!

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Notes

• Storage Tip: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep in mind that they may lose some crispiness.
• Make It Ahead: Prepare the sauce up to a day in advance, then warm it gently before tossing with freshly roasted sprouts.
• Optional Additions: For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle the finished dish with toasted nuts, crumbled bacon, or grated Parmesan cheese.

Serving Suggestions

These sprouts are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

• Holiday Dinners: Serve alongside roasted turkey, honey-glazed ham, or prime rib for a festive feast.
• Weeknight Meals: Pair with baked salmon, grilled chicken, or stuffed pork chops for an easy, wholesome dinner.
• Vegetarian Option: Add them to a grain bowl with quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, and chickpeas for a hearty plant-based meal.
• Party Appetizer: Serve as finger food by adding toothpicks to each sprout.

Pro Tip: Drizzle extra balsamic glaze over the entire plate for a gourmet presentation.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

1. Overcrowding the Pan

• Mistake: Crowding the Brussels sprouts prevents proper roasting, leaving them steamed and soggy.
• Fix: Use a large baking sheet, ensuring each sprout has space. Roast in batches if needed.

2. Skipping the Preheat

• Mistake: Placing the sprouts in a cold oven can result in uneven cooking.
• Fix: Always preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for crispy perfection.

3. Using Too Much Sauce

• Mistake: Overdressing the sprouts can make them soggy.
• Fix: Gradually drizzle the glaze and toss, adding more as needed.

4. Burning the Sauce

• Mistake: Balsamic vinegar and honey can burn quickly if cooked over high heat.
• Fix: Simmer the glaze on medium-low heat and stir occasionally to avoid scorching.

5. Not Tossing the Sprouts

• Mistake: Neglecting to toss the sprouts while seasoning can result in uneven flavor.
• Fix: Use your hands or a spatula to coat each sprout thoroughly.

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Perfect Side Dish Recommendations

To create a well-rounded meal, pair these Brussels sprouts with complementary dishes. Below are some of our top recommendations:

1. Roasted Chicken

Crispy-skinned, herb-roasted chicken enhances the savory notes of the Brussels sprouts.

2. Baked Salmon

The sweet glaze pairs beautifully with the buttery richness of baked or grilled salmon.

3. Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Creamy, slightly sweet mashed sweet potatoes balance the tanginess of the balsamic glaze.

4. Garlic Butter Rice

A simple, flavorful rice dish acts as a neutral base to highlight the sprouts’ bold flavors.

5. Herb-Crusted Pork Chops

Tender, juicy pork chops seasoned with rosemary or thyme complement the sprouts perfectly.

6. Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

For a vegetarian option, serve alongside mushrooms filled with spinach, cheese, and breadcrumbs.

7. Quinoa Salad with Cranberries

Add a light, refreshing touch with a citrusy quinoa salad featuring dried cranberries and nuts.

8. Cheesy Polenta

Creamy polenta with a hint of Parmesan offers a comforting, indulgent pairing.