This Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Vinegar & Honey recipe elevates a simple vegetable side dish into a vibrant and flavorful experience.
The natural bitterness of Brussels sprouts is beautifully balanced by the sweet honey and tangy balsamic vinegar, creating a perfect harmony of tastes.
Nutritionally, this dish is a powerhouse—packed with fiber to support digestive health and plant-based protein to keep you satiated.
It’s low in saturated fat and rich in heart-healthy olive oil, making it a great choice for clean eating.
Quick to prepare and requiring minimal ingredients, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or as a nutrient-dense addition to meal prep.
The roasting technique brings out caramelized, crispy edges that make these sprouts irresistibly satisfying, even for those who typically shy away from vegetables.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results:
Heavy-Duty Aluminum Foil
Essential for lining the baking sheet to prevent sticking and ease cleanup. Its durability withstands high oven temperatures, making it a versatile kitchen staple for roasting and grilling.
Baking Sheet
Provides a wide, flat surface for even heat distribution, ensuring that Brussels sprouts roast to golden perfection with crispy edges. A quality baking sheet is indispensable for roasting vegetables, baking cookies, and more.
Mixing Bowl
Perfect for tossing Brussels sprouts with oil, salt, and pepper before roasting. A sturdy mixing bowl streamlines prep work, keeping your hands clean and ingredients well-coated.
Measuring Spoons
Crucial for precise measurement of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to achieve consistent flavor every time. Reliable measuring spoons help maintain recipe accuracy and enhance cooking confidence.
Oven Mitts
Protect your hands when handling hot trays straight from the oven. Durable oven mitts are essential safety gear for every kitchen, preventing burns and making oven use safer.
Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Rinse the Brussels sprouts and trim off the stems and any loose, damaged outer leaves. If you have very large sprouts, cut them into quarters to ensure even cooking. Halve the rest so that all pieces are roughly the same size.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position the oven rack in the middle. Line a baking sheet with heavy-duty aluminum foil to make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.
- Season and Roast: Place the prepared Brussels sprouts directly on the lined baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle the kosher salt and black pepper evenly over them. Toss the sprouts gently with your hands or a spatula to coat every piece well. Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until they turn tender and develop golden-brown, crispy edges.
- Add the Finishing Touches: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the sprouts. Follow with the balsamic vinegar and honey, then toss everything together until the sprouts are evenly coated with the glaze.
- Taste and Serve: Give the Brussels sprouts a quick taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve warm as a flavorful, nutritious side dish
Notes
- For uniform cooking, make sure all Brussels sprouts pieces are about the same size.
- Use a sturdy baking sheet to promote even roasting and prevent warping.
- The honey and balsamic vinegar add a wonderful balance of sweetness and acidity; feel free to adjust amounts to your preference.
- This dish reheats well and makes a great addition to meal prep lunches or dinners.
- If you prefer a stronger balsamic flavor, consider using a aged balsamic vinegar.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Roasting
To achieve perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts every time, start by making sure the sprouts are cut into uniform pieces. This helps them cook evenly and develop those coveted crispy edges.
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet—giving each sprout enough space allows hot air to circulate and caramelize the surfaces rather than steam them.
Using a high oven temperature like 425°F is key for getting that golden-brown color and deep flavor.
Another pro tip: toss the sprouts halfway through roasting to encourage even browning on all sides.
Finally, adding the balsamic vinegar and honey right after roasting ensures the sprouts retain their crispness while being coated in a glossy, flavorful glaze.
Serving Suggestions to Impress Guests
Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic and honey make a versatile side that complements a variety of main dishes.
They pair beautifully with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or grilled salmon, balancing rich proteins with their tangy sweetness.
For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside quinoa or a hearty grain salad to add texture and nutrition.
You can also sprinkle toasted nuts or crumbled goat cheese on top for added flavor and contrast.
These sprouts work wonderfully in bowls or plated dinners, and their attractive caramelized finish makes them an elegant addition to any dinner party spread.
Storage Tips for Freshness and Flavor
To store leftover roasted Brussels sprouts, allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
They keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating, use an oven or air fryer instead of a microwave to maintain their crispy texture—simply warm at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes.
If you prefer, you can store raw, trimmed Brussels sprouts in a perforated plastic bag in the fridge’s crisper drawer for up to a week before cooking.
For longer storage, blanch and freeze them, but note that texture changes slightly after freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered
1. Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts instead?
Frozen Brussels sprouts can be used, but they tend to release more moisture when roasting, which may prevent crispiness. Thaw and pat dry thoroughly before roasting for better results.
2. Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes! All ingredients are plant-based, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians alike.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can roast the sprouts ahead, but for best texture, add the balsamic vinegar and honey glaze just before serving to keep the coating fresh and shiny.
4. What can I substitute for honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar work well as vegan alternatives that provide similar sweetness and consistency.
5. How do I prevent Brussels sprouts from smelling strong?
Roasting them at a high temperature and adding acidic ingredients like balsamic vinegar help neutralize sulfur compounds responsible for strong odors.
This recipe has been adapted and simplified from the original version by onceuponachef. We’ve refined the steps for a smoother cooking experience and added helpful notes, nutrition insights, and essential kitchen tools to make it even easier for home cooks.
Jessica T. Brown is the founder of KitchenHush.com, a platform born out of her deep love for cooking and the quiet joy found in the kitchen. From a young age, Jessica discovered that the kitchen wasn’t just a place to prepare meals—it was a space for connection, creativity, and comfort. Inspired by those early memories, she created Kitchen Hush to share that experience with home cooks everywhere.