Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Sides | Published Sep 15, 2021 | Updated Sep 15, 2021 | By Tawnie
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You guys, I can’t stop thinking about these Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts.
Like. I haven’t been this excited about something in months.
Ok, fine. Maybe that’s a little white lie because I am utterly obsessed with my 7 month old daughter, but you get it.
Things I need you to know about these Brussels sprouts: the oven roasted magic creates the most ultimate flavor, they’re crispy and crunchy on the outside but perfectly tender and irresistible on the inside, and the finishing touch of lemon zest and green onions adds a bright and addictive finish!
Table of contents
This recipe will be sure to turn any Brussels sprouts skeptics into lovers, trust me!

Ingredient Notes
- Brussels Sprouts: When buying Brussels, look for bright green Brussels with compact heads. Try to purchase Brussels in a uniform and consistent size so they can cook evenly. They are in season from late August through March and are high in vitamins A and C and are a good source of iron.
- Olive oil: extra virgin olive oil is preferred but you can also use something like an avocado oil as well.
- Honey: Since Brussels sprouts are more on the bitter side, the sweetness of honey is the perfect compliment to this side dish.
- Balsamic: the balsamic vinegar and honey combination is going to convert all of the veggie haters into a serious obsession with this cruciferous veg!
- Red Pepper Chili Flakes: a little shake of red pepper chili flakes helps to balance out the sweetness from the honey.
- Dijon: It’s the tangy-sweet pairing for me! Dijon+Honey is a match made in heaven. You’ll see!
- Other ingredients needed: salt, pepper, garlic, lemon zest, butter and green onions/scallions.

Step by Step Directions:

- Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and then cut in half. Place in a large mixing bowl.
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil and season with a generous amount of salt and pepper.
- Arrange Brussels sprouts, cut side down, on a baking sheet and roast in oven for ~20 minutes or until Brussels sprouts are tender.
- Meanwhile make the honey balsamic sauce. Heat honey in a saucepan until it begins to bubble. Remove from heat and add in balsamic, chili flakes, Dijon, garlic, butter and a pinch more salt. Return to heat and cook until sauce thickens.
- Spoon glaze over roasted golden brown Brussels and toss to coat or serve sauce on the side. Garnish honey balsamic Brussels with lemon zest and green onions.

Expert Tips:
- Preheat the baking sheet: while you trim the Brussels, stick the sheet pan in the oven while it’s preheating. This will create a hotter surface for the Brussels and make them extra crispy and crunchy!
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. This recipe calls for 2 1/2 lbs. Brussels so if you need to use 2 baking sheets, feel free! If there are too many Brussels on a pan they can have a hard time crisping up perfectly.
- When trimming the Brussels sprouts: peel off any loose leaves, trim the bottom, and cut in half. If larger, you can cut into quarters. Their tightly packed leaves will help them keep their shape even if you cut them.
- Don’t flip them while they are roasting. I know, it’s hard to leave them alone! But this will help get the deep golden, roasted look.
- If you’re not a fan of the honey balsamic sauce, use this same roasting method and use your favorite teriyaki sauce instead!
- Make a little extra for meal prep!

FAQ
They won’t caramelize or get the nice golden brown look, so I wouldn’t recommend using frozen. Fresh Brussels sprouts are best in this recipe!
Brussels sprouts need to be roasted at a high oven temperature to achieve that perfect caramelization. I recommend 425°F.
Check on them around 18 minutes. Flip over to see if it’s crisp and tender. We are looking for a golden caramelization look and want to avoid burnt or mushy brussels. Overall the cook time will depend on the size and density of the Brussels sprouts you purchased. I wouldn’t roast them any longer than 25 minutes.

the goods
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Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lb. Brussels sprouts
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. red pepper chili flakes
- 3 Tbsp. butter, unsalted
- garnish: green onions and lemon zest
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F and set a baking sheet to the side.
- Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and then cut in half. Remove any flimsy leaves if necessary. (I like roasting the leaves that go rogue, they are like addicting little chips after they get roasted!)
- Toss Brussels sprouts in a large bowl with olive oil, 1 tsp. salt and black pepper until lightly and evenly coated.
- Arrange Brussels sprouts, cut side down, on a baking sheet (use 2 baking sheets if needed if Brussels seem crowded). Roast in oven for ~20 minutes. They should be tender and deeply golden. Be sure not to flip Brussels while roasting.
- Meanwhile make the honey balsamic sauce. Heat honey in a saucepan over medium-high heat until it honey begins to bubble, about 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and add in balsamic, Dijon, garlic, chili flakes, and the remaining 1/2 tsp. salt.
- Return to medium-low heat, add the butter and cook until sauce thickens. About 5 additional minutes.
- Spoon glaze over roasted Brussels and toss to coat or serve sauce on the side. Garnish Brussels with lemon zest and green onions, if desired. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- The sauce pairs well with most proteins. We love it with salmon, chicken and shrimp! Makes ~2/3 cup sauce so you can spoon it over whatever else you’d like, or just douse it all on the brussels sprouts!
- Leftovers will keep in fridge for up to 3 days.
- Preheat the baking sheet: while you trim the Brussels, stick the sheet pan in the oven while it’s preheating. This will create a hotter surface for the Brussels and make them extra crispy and crunchy!
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. This recipe calls for 2 1/2 lbs. Brussels so if you need to use 2 baking sheets, feel free! If there are too many Brussels on a pan they can have a hard time crisping up perfectly.
- Can swap the balsamic vinegar for sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar if preferred.
- Recipe adapted and inspired from: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/roasted-brussels-sprouts-with-warm-honey-glaze
Nutrition
Hi, I’m Tawnie!
Welcome to my tiny “korner” on the Internet! I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who loves cookies as much as kale. (OK, maybe I like cookies a little bit more but shh, don’t tell anyone). I am so glad you’re here! Follow along for hassle free, realistic and approachable recipes.
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This was the BEST Brussels I’ve ever had! They cooked so perfectly. The texture was amazing, and I loved the sauce. But my favorite part was HOW EASY it was!!! Thanks so much!
Oh my goodness KIM! Thank you sooo so much. We’re pretty obsessed over here too. Thank you!
Can I make it ahead of time and serve them at room temperature or should I reheat?
Hi! I would recommend serving these fresh so they don’t get soggy or anything! 🙂
I cut my Brussel Sprouts & washed them the night before so they were dry! Oh my goodness these are awesome
My husband requests this now. We didn’t used to be Brussels sprout fans.
This was delicious! My husband isn’t a fan of brussels sprouts but he really enjoyed this recipe. The sweet and tangy sauce is reduced and potent, making it perfect for drizzling on the sprouts. The fresh green onions were a perfect topping that paired well with the dish. Will definately make again. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Leslie! I am so glad this recipe converted him into a fan!! So glad you enjoyed it – thank you!!
Absolutely Delicious. FAMILY and Friends loved them
I’m so glad! Thank you!!
Made this today for lunch – ohhhhhh my goodness, so very good. And HELLOOOO to Brussel sprout chips!!! Yum!!
Vanessa! Thank you so much! Those little crispy bits are my favorite too! So glad you enjoyed this one. xo, Tawnie
So good! We both loved it! Will make it again. I had some sauce left over because I only cooked one lb. Brussel sprouts. I plan to serve the rest of the sauce on asparagus!
Thank you so much Marsha! I bet the sauce will pair perfectly with asparagus too, mmm! xo, Tawnie
I like Brussel sprouts now! Thanks!!
OMG yay! I’m so glad. Thank you!
I made these in my new air fryer and they were amazing! I actually could not stop eating them—I ate the whole bag that I had made. I especially liked the red pepper kick! One of my new favorite recipes!
Hi Christy! Love that they turned out in the air fryer, I gotta try them that way soon! & They are addicting right!?! haha, Thank you so much! I’m so glad you enjoyed em’. xo, Tawnie
My family really enjoyed these, and they were quick to make. We omitted the pepper flakes, and really only needed half of the sauce. They have a great flavor and texture.
Thank you so much Nancy!! SO glad you enjoyed them!