Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe
I love Brussels sprouts and can make a meal out of them. And anything doused in balsamic, even better. Rather than frying them, these Brussels sprouts are roasted at a high temp so that wonderful caramelization develops and they’re so fast and easy to make. Halfway through baking, flip them over and drizzle with balsamic glaze or balsamic reduction (not the same as just straight balsamic vinegar) and a pinch of brown sugar to boost the caramelization factor. A balsamic glaze or reduction is simply balsamic vinegar that’s been cooked down (reduced) on the stove with sugar and it becomes thicker and more flavorful. I have an easy balsamic reduction recipe, but for these roasted Brussels sprouts I used Trader Joe’s balsamic glaze. Or look in the vinegar aisle of your regular grocery store for balsamic reductions and glazes. The outer edges of the balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts are crunchy and crisp, while the inside is perfectly firm and juicy from the balsamic that seeps down. If you know someone who doesn’t like Brussels sprouts, try this recipe and they’ll likely change their mind. Freshly shaved parmesan or toasted pistachios sprinkled on top are a nice touch for the ultimate in Brussels sprouts.
What’s in These Balsamic Brussels Sprouts?
To make these roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic, you’ll need:
Brussels sprouts Olive oil Salt and pepper Balsamic reduction or glaze Light brown sugar
How to Roast Brussels Sprouts
To make these balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts, preheat the oven to 400ºF and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil (makes for much easier cleanup!). Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts, then spread them out on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat. Arrange the sprouts with the cut-side facing down and roast until the tops start turning golden brown. Remove the baking tray from the oven, flip the Brussels sprouts over, and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Then, sprinkle with brown sugar. Return the balsamic Brussels sprouts to the oven and continue roasting until they reach your desired level of caramelization.
Can I Prep These in Advance?
If you want to make these balsamic Brussels sprouts for a holiday party or family gathering, I recommend trimming and halving the sprouts ahead of time and storing them in a sealed bag in the fridge. When you’re ready to roast the Brussels sprouts with balsamic, simply season them and pop them in the oven.
Can I Use Frozen Brussels Sprouts?
I don’t recommend doing that, no. Fresh Brussels sprouts roast beautifully, and I’m not sure how well frozen sprouts would taste in this recipe.
Tips for Making Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Before roasting the balsamic vinegar Brussels sprouts, it’s important that you take the time to flip each one so it’s facing cut-side down. Same rule applies for flipping the sprouts halfway through the roasting time. Trust me, it makes a big difference! If desired, you can toss these balsamic Brussels sprouts with chopped, toasted nuts or crumbled bacon prior to serving them. Both would add extra oompf to this dish. One last note: these balsamic Brussels sprouts are best warm and fresh. Roasted veggies don’t reheat well, especially not Brussels sprouts.
More Easy Vegetable Sides:
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts — The air fryer makes these Brussels sprouts perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and the mildly spicy honey butter glaze makes them IRRESISTIBLE! An EASY side dish for busy weeknights, family dinners, or Thanksgiving that’s ready FAST! Oven baking instructions also provided. Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes! Lemon Rosemary Coconut Oil Roasted Vegetables – Trying to eat more vegetables? Try them roasted with coconut oil for a healthy, fast, and easy dish! Roasted Cauliflower with Creamy Parmesan Dip – Even people who say they don’t like cauliflower will love this version! Healthy and easy! Honey-Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Honey-Cinnamon Dip – The honey glaze and the creamy cinnamon dip make these potatoes irresistible!! Herb-Roasted Tri-Colored Carrots – Lightly caramelized around the edges, crisp-tender in the center, and seasoned with rosemary, thyme, and parsley! Roasted Sweet Potato Salad — Goodbye mayo-loaded, mushy, boring potato salad. Hello to a Mexican-inspired potato salad full of flavor and texture with corn, black beans, peppers, and cilantro! (Great for outdoor events and lunchboxes because there’s no mayo!) Cheesy Roasted Asparagus – Even picky eaters will LOVE asparagus when it’s roasted with onions and covered with melted CHEESE! Rainbow Roasted Vegetables – Trying to eat more vegetables? Seeing the rainbow should do the trick!! FAST, EASY, and as HEALTHY as it gets!! Parmesan Balsamic Roasted Broccoli — This is a super simple side dish that’s perfect for anything from busy weeknights to holiday celebrations.
