Forget everything you thought you knew about Brussels sprouts! These aren't your grandmother's mushy, bitter vegetables. Our Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a game-changing side dish that transforms these tiny green gems into crispy, caramelized flavor bombs that will have your family and friends fighting for the last bite. With a perfect balance of sweet, tangy balsamic and a golden-brown crunch, this recipe will revolutionize your vegetable game and turn even the most stubborn veggie skeptics into true believers.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to ensure easy cleanup.
- Thoroughly wash the Brussels sprouts under cold running water. Pat them completely dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Trim the tough stem ends of the Brussels sprouts and slice each sprout in half lengthwise, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even roasting.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended.
- Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the bowl and toss gently, ensuring each sprout is evenly coated with the balsamic mixture. If using honey, drizzle it over the sprouts and mix again.
- Spread the Brussels sprouts cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded to promote proper caramelization.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- Remove from the oven when the Brussels sprouts are golden brown, crispy on the edges, and tender when pierced with a fork.
- Transfer to a serving dish and optionally drizzle with additional balsamic vinegar or honey for extra flavor. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Tips
- Moisture is the Enemy: Always thoroughly dry your Brussels sprouts after washing. Excess water prevents proper caramelization and crispy edges.
- Cut-Side Down is Key: Placing the sprouts cut-side down on the baking sheet ensures maximum browning and develops that irresistible crispy texture.
- Don't Overcrowd: Give your sprouts breathing room on the baking sheet. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting.
- High Heat is Essential: Roasting at 425°F creates those beautiful caramelized edges and brings out the natural sweetness of the Brussels sprouts.
- Optional Flavor Boost: Experiment with adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese in the last few minutes of roasting for extra depth of flavor.
- Serving Tip: Serve immediately after roasting to maintain maximum crispiness and enjoy the full flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
