Prepare to transform the humble Brussels sprout from a childhood nightmare into a culinary masterpiece that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds! These Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are not just a side dish; they're a flavor explosion that will revolutionize how you think about vegetables. Imagine crispy, caramelized edges, a perfect balance of sweet and tangy glaze, and a roasted perfection that turns these little green gems into an irresistible delicacy that even the pickiest eaters will devour.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly under cool running water. Trim off the tough stem ends and remove any yellow or discolored outer leaves.
- Cut each Brussels sprout in half lengthwise, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking. Pat the halved sprouts dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and maple syrup. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well incorporated.
- Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the bowl and toss gently, ensuring each sprout is evenly coated with the maple-balsamic mixture.
- Spread the Brussels sprouts cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Ensure they are not overcrowded to allow proper caramelization.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, sprinkling evenly over the sprouts.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and dark brown, and the sprouts are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish and drizzle with any remaining maple-balsamic glaze from the baking sheet.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish, garnishing with additional fresh cracked pepper if desired.
Tips
- To ensure the most delectable Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts, keep these pro tips in mind:
- Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Always pat your Brussels sprouts completely dry before roasting to achieve those coveted crispy edges.
- Cut-side down is crucial: Placing the Brussels sprouts cut-side down on the baking sheet allows for maximum caramelization and a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Give your sprouts some breathing room to ensure they roast and crisp up rather than steam.
- Use fresh, high-quality balsamic vinegar and pure maple syrup for the most robust flavor profile.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or red pepper flakes before roasting for a personalized touch.
- Let the Brussels sprouts rest for a few minutes after roasting to allow the caramelized glaze to set and intensify the flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 94kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 1g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
