Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts: The Crispy, Sweet, and Tangy Side Dish You'll Crave

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Forget everything you thought you knew about bland, boring Brussels sprouts. This recipe for Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts transforms the humble vegetable into a show-stopping side dish that’s irresistibly crispy, perfectly sweet, and delightfully tangy. They are so delicious, they might just steal the spotlight from the main course. We’re talking deeply caramelized edges, a tender interior, and a flavor-packed glaze that hits all the right notes. Get ready to have this on repeat for every holiday, weeknight dinner, and special occasion.

Whether you’re a lifelong Brussels sprouts lover or a hopeful convert, this simple yet elegant recipe is the one you’ve been searching for. It requires minimal ingredients and delivers a massive return on flavor, making you look like a culinary genius with very little effort.

A bowl of freshly glazed honey balsamic Brussels sprouts being tossed, with the glossy glaze coating each sprout. — Tossing the hot sprouts in our simple honey balsamic glaze.

Why This Is The Best Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe

We’ve tested every trick in the book to create the absolute best Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts. This recipe stands out for a few key reasons:

Ultimate Crispiness: We use a high-heat roasting method that guarantees those deep brown, shatteringly crisp leaves everyone fights over. No sogginess here!
Perfectly Balanced Glaze: The glaze is a simple combination of rich balsamic vinegar and sweet honey, creating a flavor that is complex without being overpowering. It caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
Incredibly Simple: With just a handful of common ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible to even the most novice home cook. It’s the definition of low-effort, high-reward.
Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is elegant enough for a holiday feast but quick enough for a Tuesday night. It pairs wonderfully with almost any main course, from juicy baked chicken drumsticks to flaky fish.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a few quality ingredients to achieve flavor perfection.

Brussels Sprouts: Look for fresh, firm, and bright green sprouts. Smaller sprouts tend to be a bit sweeter and more tender.
Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil is used for roasting and helps the sprouts get nice and crispy.
Balsamic Vinegar: This is the star of the glaze! A decent quality balsamic will provide a rich, tangy flavor that cheap versions can’t match.
Honey: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar and complements the earthy flavor of the sprouts.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning. Freshly cracked black pepper is always best.
Optional Garlic: A little minced garlic or garlic powder tossed with the sprouts before roasting adds a lovely aromatic depth.

An extreme close-up shot of crispy roasted Brussels sprouts, highlighting the deep caramelization and charred edges from roasting. — Look at those crispy, caramelized edges!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the most delicious roasted vegetables you’ve ever had. The key is in the preparation and the high-heat roasting.

Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven is crucial for getting a good char and crispy texture. Wash your Brussels sprouts, trim the tough bottom ends, and remove any yellowed or damaged outer leaves. Slice them in half lengthwise.
Season the Sprouts: In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure they are evenly coated. Spread them in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Giving them space is key to roasting, not steaming!
Roast to Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes. You’ll want to toss them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. They’re done when they’re tender and deeply golden brown with crispy, almost blackened, edges.
Make the Glaze: While the sprouts are roasting, prepare the honey balsamic glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and honey until smooth.
Combine and Serve: Once the sprouts are perfectly roasted, 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 everything evenly. Serve warm and enjoy the applause!

Pro Tips for Ultra-Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Want to take your Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts to the next level? Here are some expert tips.

Don’t Crowd the Pan: This is the most important rule! Spread your sprouts in a single layer with plenty of space between them. Use two pans if you have to. This allows the hot air to circulate, roasting them to crispy perfection instead of steaming them into mush.
Place Cut-Side Down: For the best caramelization, place as many sprouts as you can cut-side down on the baking sheet. The direct contact with the hot pan creates a deep, golden-brown crust.
Ensure They Are Dry: After washing, make sure to pat the Brussels sprouts completely dry. Excess moisture will create steam and prevent them from crisping up.
High Heat is Your Friend: Don’t be afraid to crank up the oven. 425°F (220°C) is the ideal temperature for achieving that coveted crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside texture.

Variations and Add-Ins

While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also a great canvas for creativity. Try some of these delicious variations:

Add Bacon: Toss some chopped bacon onto the baking sheet with the sprouts for the last 10 minutes of roasting for a smoky, salty kick.
Include Nuts: For extra crunch and flavor, add a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the bowl when you toss the sprouts with the glaze.
Cheese Please: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled goat cheese over the finished dish adds a wonderful creamy and savory element.
A Hint of Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a little bit of heat to contrast the sweetness.

What to Serve with Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

These versatile sprouts are the perfect partner for a wide range of main courses. Their sweet and tangy flavor profile complements rich and savory dishes beautifully. Consider pairing them with a perfectly cooked garlic parmesan crusted halibut or a hearty Mississippi pot roast (coming soon). They are also an excellent addition to any holiday table, sitting perfectly alongside turkey, ham, or prime rib.

Storage and Reheating

Have leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For reheating, the best method is to use an air fryer or a hot oven (around 400°F) for a few minutes to help them crisp up again. Microwaving will work in a pinch, but they will lose their crispy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts ahead of time?

Yes, you can. The best way is to roast the sprouts as directed and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat them in a hot oven or air fryer to crisp them up again before tossing them with the freshly made glaze.

How do you get Brussels sprouts to be crispy, not soggy?

The keys to crispy Brussels sprouts are high heat (425°F / 220°C), ensuring they are completely dry before roasting, and not overcrowding the pan. Give them plenty of space so they roast, not steam.

Should I soak Brussels sprouts before roasting?

No, it’s not necessary to soak Brussels sprouts before roasting. In fact, adding excess water can make them steam in the oven and prevent them from getting crispy. Just wash and dry them thoroughly.

What can I add to Brussels sprouts for more flavor?

You can add many things! Crumbled bacon, toasted pecans or walnuts, grated Parmesan cheese, or a pinch of red pepper flakes are all excellent additions to enhance the flavor and texture of your sprouts.

What temperature is best for roasting Brussels sprouts?

A high temperature is best. We recommend 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps the exterior get deeply caramelized and crispy while the inside becomes perfectly tender.

The Perfect Side Dish Awaits

This Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts recipe is a true game-changer, turning a simple vegetable into a gourmet side dish with minimal effort. The combination of crispy textures and the sweet and tangy glaze is simply irresistible. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a new favorite go-to for any occasion. We’d love to hear how it turns out for you in the comments below! Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest so you can find it later!