Roasted Balsamic Glaze Brussels Sprouts (2024)

Roasted balsamic glaze brussels sprouts turn even the veggie haters into veggie lovers. They're an easy weeknight dinner side and special enough for a holiday menu. Roasting brings out their nutty flavor and the balsamic glaze gives them a glossy burnished color and savory sweet flavor. You've got to try these, made in about 30 minutes.

Balsamic brussels sprouts are terrific with chicken, roast turkey, ham or a pork roast. Focus on other tasks while they are roasting as it's mostly hands off. The balsamic glaze takes them over the top.

Why You'll Like This Recipe

• Simple ingredients, easy recipe, done in the oven.
• Prep ahead for faster cooking, trim brussels sprouts and refrigerate in an airtight container.
• Three options for the balsamic glaze.

For another delicious recipe, try lemon thyme Brussels sprouts or brussels sprouts with bacon and cranberries.

Recipe Ingredients

Here's how to make balsamic glazed brussels sprouts.

• Brussels sprouts: Choose fresh, whole, larger sized and similar sized.
• Oil: I use extra virgin olive oil but avocado or a healthy neutral oil like this works too.
• Herbs: Buy fresh thyme springs and strip the leaves. Many recipes work with dried herbs but fresh are best for these roasted Brussels sprouts.
• Balsamic glaze: It's simply reduced, concentrated Balsamic vinegar with a syrupy texture that clings nicely to foods. See options below.

Please see the recipe card for all ingredients and quantities.

Chef's Tip: buying brussels sprouts. Go for the medium to larger size, because you will trim them. Choose bright green heads with no brown or black spots, and no withered yellow edges (often a sign of age or mold).The heads should feel firm and fairly hard, not soft. While the sprouts on the stalk look neat, I skip them as the sizes vary a lot. Consistent size means consistentroasting and even results. While you'll find brussels sprouts in stores year round, they are at peak season from fall into early spring.

Substitutions and Variations

• If fresh thyme is not available, try fresh oregano, marjoram or savory. Dried herbs are not the best option as they need time to rehydrate, but if that is your only option, do it. They will still be good and you'll still be pleased with the results.

If you love brussels sprouts, try them thinly sliced as a warm salad.

Balsamic Glaze Options

Whether store-bought or homemade, balsamic glaze is great for more than roasted brussels sprouts. It's terrific with other vegetables too, like these easy roast carrots.

• Homemade Balsamic Glaze: Make a balsamic reduction. Reduce a decent balsamic vinegar and add a little brown sugar or coconut sugar for a little added sweetness and caramel-y flavor. Its easy and you control the ingredients. Try my recipe in the link.
• A good quality aged balsamic vinegar: Higher quality, more expensive balsamic vinegar usually has a syrupy quality and marvelous taste from being aged in barrels. If you've never treated yourself to a nice bottle of balsamic, now is the time! Here's one of my favorites, a good balsamic vinegar that won't break the bank (plain one).
• A bottled store brand. Find them on the vinegar shelf. Read labels. Some brands have added gums giving them a gummy texture. Can't find it at your local store? There are many balsamic glaze options on Amazon, and try Trader Joe's Balsamic Glaze if there's a store near you.

Recipe Instructions

Pre-heat a hot oven to 400°F and line a sheet pan with either parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy clean up.

Serving Suggestions

Balsamic glaze brussels sprouts are wonderful served withwhole roast chickenorroast chicken breasts. A versatile side dish, brussels are a perfect holiday side dish served along sidefluffy mashed potatoes made with russets.

Garnishes

• Add an extra drizzle of balsamic glaze.
• Sprinkle with some fresh chopped parsley
• Add toasted pine nuts or soft dried cranberries for a colorful option.
• Crisply cook and crumbled bacon.
• A sprinkle of good grated parmesan cheese

Recipe FAQs

More Tasty Side Vegetable Recipes

For more recipe ideas, check out the vegetable recipes and side dishes category page.

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