As I stood in my kitchen, the first chill of autumn creeping in through the window, I craved something heartwarming yet vibrant. That’s when I remembered a simple, dazzling dish I often prepared: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic. These little green gems transform under the heat of the oven, caramelizing to perfection while still retaining a satisfying crunch. The sweet and tangy balsamic vinegar adds a sophisticated touch that makes this side dish anything but boring.
Whether you’re swapping out takeout for a cozy homemade meal or searching for a new way to jazz up your weeknight dinners, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between ease and flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll create a crowd-pleasing side that even the pickiest eaters will adore. Follow along, and let’s make these roasted sprouts your new go-to dish!
Why are Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic so loved?
Simplicity makes this recipe a breeze—perfect for busy weeknights.
Irresistible flavor comes from the sweet and tangy balsamic, elevating the natural earthiness of Brussels sprouts.
Versatile enough to pair with any main dish, this side never gets old.
Nutritious without sacrificing taste, it’s a great option for healthy eaters.
Crowd-pleasing, even the little ones will beg for seconds!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic.
For the Roasted Brussels Sprouts
• Brussels sprouts – 1 lb, trimmed and halved for optimal roasting and caramelization.
• Extra virgin olive oil – 3 tbsp, promotes a lovely golden brown exterior and adds richness.
• Balsamic vinegar – 3 tbsp, providing that irresistible sweet-tangy glaze that brings the dish to life.
• Salt – ½ tsp, enhancing all the flavors and balancing the sweetness.
• Freshly cracked black pepper – ½ tsp, offering a touch of warmth to each bite.
• Garlic cloves – 3, minced to infuse the dish with a robust, aromatic flavor.
• Honey (optional) – 1 tbsp, adding a delightful sweetness that complements the balsamic beautifully.
How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature ensures that your Brussels sprouts roast to crispy perfection while developing their sweet flavors.
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Prepare Brussels sprouts by trimming off the ends and halving them. This step allows for even cooking and creates a delightful texture as they caramelize.
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Combine ingredients in a large bowl: add the halved Brussels sprouts, olive oil, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and honey (if using). Toss until every sprout is beautifully coated with this delicious mixture.
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Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave space between the sprouts; this allows them to roast rather than steam, achieving that perfect crispy bite.
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Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even caramelization. Look for a lovely golden brown color, which means they’re ready to shine on your table!
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Drizzle with balsamic vinegar once they’re golden brown and toss gently before serving warm. This last step adds that exquisite glaze, perfectly enhancing the flavor of your roasted Brussels sprouts.
Optional: Top with grated parmesan for an extra touch of indulgence.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Variations
Dive into the delightful world of customization, where you can tweak this recipe to match your taste buds!
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Vegan: Omit honey and increase balsamic vinegar slightly for extra sweetness without using any animal products.
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Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the mixture before roasting for a fiery twist that tantalizes the tongue.
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Nuts & Seeds: Toss in a handful of chopped walnuts or pumpkin seeds during the last 5 minutes of roasting for added crunch and healthy fats.
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Maple Sweetness: Swap honey for maple syrup to create a unique, naturally sweet glaze that complements the Brussels sprouts beautifully.
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Cheesy Delight: Crumble feta or sprinkle grated parmesan on top right after roasting; the warmth will melt it slightly, adding a creamy texture.
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Herby Infusion: Enhance flavor with fresh thyme or rosemary; sprinkle atop before roasting for a fragrant herbal aroma and taste.
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Cranberry Burst: Add dried cranberries in the last few minutes of cooking for a pop of sweetness and a lovely tang that balances the savory notes.
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Citrus Zest: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the sprouts right before serving to add a bright, zesty finish that elevates the dish.
What to Serve with Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic?
As you savor the warm, caramelized goodness of roasted Brussels sprouts, you’re bound to want delightful companions that enhance the experience.
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of these potatoes pairs perfectly, soaking up any extra balsamic sauce for a comforting bite.
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Grilled Lemon Chicken: The bright citrus notes from lemon chicken balance the earthiness of the Brussels sprouts, creating a harmonious plate.
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Quinoa Salad: A fresh quinoa salad loaded with herbs and veggies adds a light crunch, making an enticing contrast against the tender sprouts.
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Herbed Couscous: With its fluffy texture and fragrant herbs, couscous complements the savory depth of Brussels while adding an elegant touch.
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Pork Tenderloin: The juicy, roasted flavors of pork tenderloin harmonize beautifully with the sweet tang of balsamic, creating a satisfying meal.
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Red Wine: A smooth, fruity red wine enhances the entire dining experience, bringing out the rich flavors of both the Brussels sprouts and your main dish.
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Apple Crisp: For dessert, a warm apple crisp lets you transition from savory to sweet, with cinnamon notes playing nicely with balsamic’s sweetness.
Make Ahead Options
These Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic are absolutely perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can wash and trim the Brussels sprouts up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. Additionally, you can mix the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, and honey (if using) in a separate bowl and refrigerate for up to three days. When you’re ready to serve, simply toss the sprouts with the prepared mixture, spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and roast as directed. This way, you’ll enjoy delicious roasted Brussels sprouts with minimal effort, making busy weeknights feel a lot more manageable!
Storage Tips for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic
Room Temperature: Store leftover Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic at room temperature for up to 2 hours; beyond that, they should be refrigerated to maintain freshness.
Fridge: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For the best texture, reheat them rather than eating cold.
Freezer: If you want to freeze, place cooked Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crisp again, enjoying the delicious flavors.
Expert Tips for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic
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Choosing Brussels Sprouts: Look for bright green, firm sprouts with tightly packed leaves. Avoid yellowed or wilting ones for the best flavor in your roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic.
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Even Cooking: Ensure sprouts are cut to a uniform size; this promotes even cooking and helps them caramelize beautifully.
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Avoiding Soggy Sprouts: Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet! Leaving space between each sprout allows them to roast rather than steam, leading to that delightful crispy texture.
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Additions & Variations: Feel free to mix in nuts or dried cranberries for an added crunch and sweetness. Just toss them in during the last 5 minutes of roasting.
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Perfect Balsamic Finish: Drizzle balsamic vinegar as soon as they come out of the oven to maintain its bright flavor—don’t skip this step for optimal taste!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting Brussels sprouts?
Absolutely! Choose Brussels sprouts that are bright green, firm, and feature tightly packed leaves. Avoid any with yellow spots or dark blemishes; these can indicate old or spoiled sprouts, which can detract from the flavor of your roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic.
How do I store leftover Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic?
For the best storage, place your leftover Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic in an airtight container in the fridge where they’ll maintain quality for up to 3 days. To enjoy their crispness again, it’s better to reheat them rather than eating cold; simply pop them in the oven for a few minutes until warmed through.
Can I freeze Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic?
Yes, you can! To freeze, first, spread your cooked Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then freeze them for about an hour until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they’ll last for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat from frozen or let them thaw in the fridge overnight.
What should I do if my Brussels sprouts are soggy after roasting?
Very! If your Brussels sprouts turned out soggy, it’s usually because they were overcrowded on the baking sheet, preventing them from roasting properly. Next time, ensure there’s ample space between the sprouts, or consider roasting them in smaller batches. Also, make sure they’re completely dry before adding oil; moisture can lead to steaming rather than roasting!
Are Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic safe for pets?
While Brussels sprouts can be safe in small quantities for dogs, they should never be seasoned or have added ingredients like garlic or honey. Garlic can be harmful to pets. If you’re considering sharing with your furry friend, it’s best to offer plain, cooked Brussels sprouts as an occasional treat. Always heed portion sizes and consult your vet if in doubt!
Can I make Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic ahead of time?
Absolutely! If you want to prep ahead, you can wash, trim, and halve your Brussels sprouts the day before, storing them in the fridge until you’re ready to roast. Just keep in mind that the fresh flavors are best enjoyed the same day; for optimal taste, prepare them close to mealtime.
Irresistibly Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare Brussels sprouts by trimming off the ends and halving them.
- Combine Brussels sprouts, olive oil, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and honey in a large bowl; toss to coat.
- Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between sprouts.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar after roasting and toss gently before serving.
