Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts are crispy on the outside and tender inside, coated with a rich, tangy balsamic glaze that caramelizes beautifully during roasting. This healthy and flavorful side dish is quick to prepare, using simple ingredients to create a perfect balance of sweet and savory, ideal for weeknight dinners or festive occasions.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Red pepper flakes or cayenne, to taste (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1/4 cup toasted nuts like pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds (optional, for nutty crunch)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan or crumbled goat cheese (optional, for cheesy finish)
- Fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage (optional, for herb infusion)
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Rinse fresh Brussels sprouts thoroughly, trim off the tough ends, remove any loose or damaged outer leaves, then halve them evenly to ensure quick and uniform roasting.
- Toss with Olive Oil and Seasonings: Place the halved sprouts in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Add garlic and honey or maple syrup if using. Toss everything together until each sprout is evenly coated.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the sprouts out in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet, making sure not to overcrowd to prevent steaming and encourage crisping.
- Roast in the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast the sprouts for 20-25 minutes, flipping them once halfway through cooking, until they have a deep caramelized color and a tender interior.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from oven, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm, optionally garnished with toasted nuts, fresh herbs, or cheese for enhanced flavor and texture.
Notes
- Cut sprouts uniformly in halves for even cooking and caramelization.
- Preheat the oven fully before roasting to ensure crispy texture.
- Use a high-quality aged balsamic vinegar for richer flavor.
- Flip sprouts only once halfway through to maintain a good crust.
- Adjust the sweetness with honey or syrup gradually to balance acidity.
- Leftover sprouts can be refrigerated up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat in a cast-iron skillet or oven to restore crispness, avoid microwaving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Balsamic, Brussels sprouts, roasted vegetables, healthy side dish, gluten free, vegetarian, vegan option