Name: Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey

Why You’ll Love Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Whether you’re serving a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, these sprouts deliver big flavor with minimal effort. The roasting brings out rich caramelization, the glaze adds sweet and tangy depth, and the crunchy walnut-cheese topping elevates every bite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 pounds small Brussels sprouts, halved if large
Extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and black pepper
⅓ cup walnuts, chopped
Zest of 1 lemon plus 2 tablespoons lemon juice
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ ounce Parmesan cheese, finely grated (about ¼ cup)
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or agave

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450°F. On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss the Brussels sprouts with oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20–25 minutes until deeply browned and tender.
While the sprouts roast, toast the walnuts: heat a skillet over low heat with a bit of oil and a pinch of salt, stirring until golden, about 4–6 minutes. Transfer nuts and oil to a small bowl and mix with lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan; set aside.
Wipe the skillet clean and heat over medium. Melt the butter, then add balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and honey. Bring to a rapid simmer and whisk to emulsify and slightly thicken.
Drizzle the glaze over the roasted Brussels sprouts and toss to coat evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Transfer to a serving platter and top with the walnut-Parmesan mixture. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Serves 4.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Nut-free: Skip the walnuts or substitute with roasted seeds like sunflower or pumpkin.
Dairy-free: Omit Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
Extra spicy: Increase red pepper flakes to your heat preference.
Maple glaze: Substitute honey with pure maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.
Add protein: Mix in crispy pancetta or bacon for a heartier side.
Herb twist: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the glaze for added aroma.
Asian-inspired: Swap balsamic with soy sauce and sesame oil for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat gently on the stovetop to preserve crispness. If the glaze has thickened too much, warm it slightly before tossing with the sprouts again.

FAQs

How do I choose the best Brussels sprouts?

Look for firm, bright green sprouts without blemishes. Smaller sprouts tend to be sweeter and more tender.

Can I halve all the sprouts?

Yes. Halving ensures even roasting and caramelization, especially for larger sprouts.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes. The balsamic glaze can be made a few hours ahead and kept at room temperature or refrigerated for up to 2 days.

What can I substitute for walnuts?

Pecans or toasted almonds are excellent alternatives for crunch and flavor.

Is there a vegan option?

Replace butter with a plant-based alternative and use agave instead of honey to keep this vegan.

Can I add bacon?

Yes — crispy bacon bits added after roasting complement the balsamic glaze beautifully.

How do I prevent the sprouts from burning?

Toss them in enough oil and spread them in a single layer; keep an eye on them toward the end of roasting.

Can this be served cold?

It’s best served warm, but cooled leftovers can be enjoyed at room temperature or lightly reheated.

What pairs well with these sprouts?

They’re great with roasted meats, poultry, or as part of a festive holiday spread.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing is not recommended for best texture; refrigerate and reheat instead.

Conclusion

This Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts recipe turns a simple vegetable into a memorable side dish with bold, balanced flavors. With a sweet-tangy glaze, crunchy topping, and easy preparation, it’s sure to become a favorite at your table.