Irresistible Easy Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Brussels sprouts have transformed my weeknight maple balsamic dinners into something magical.

Crispy edges and sweet-tangy notes make these little green gems irresistible.

Seasonal produce becomes extraordinary with just a few simple ingredients.

Roasting brings out incredible caramelized flavors that surprise even vegetable skeptics.

My kitchen smells incredible when these sprouts hit the hot pan.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of maple sweetness and balsamic depth.

You won’t believe how quickly this dish comes together.

Come experience a side dish that might just steal the entire meal’s spotlight.

Why Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Hit the Spot

• These brussels sprouts transform boring vegetables into a mouthwatering side dish with minimal kitchen effort.
• Takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy home cooks wanting a nutritious vegetable option without complicated preparation.
• Maple and balsamic create a sweet-tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully, turning plain brussels sprouts into a gourmet-tasting dish everyone will love.
• Packed with nutrients, low-calorie, and appealing to both veggie lovers and skeptics, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or potluck gatherings.

Ingredients Needed for These Brussels Sprouts

• Brussels Sprouts: Crispy green vegetable that roasts perfectly with sweet and tangy glaze, best when fresh and firm with tight, bright green leaves.
• Maple Syrup: Natural sweetener that caramelizes beautifully during roasting, pure maple syrup provides rich depth of flavor.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds tangy complexity and helps create a glossy, delicious coating for the sprouts.

• Olive Oil: Helps Brussels sprouts crisp up and brown evenly, provides rich flavor and helps seasonings stick.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the roasted vegetables, freshly ground pepper recommended.

• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Optional aromatics that can add extra depth and subtle heat to the dish, finely minced garlic works best.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional topping that adds salty, nutty finish to the roasted Brussels sprouts, best when freshly grated.

How to Make Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Prepare Baking Surface

Place parchment paper on a large baking sheet or lightly coat with cooking spray, ensuring full coverage to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Trim and Clean Brussels Sprouts

Wash brussels sprouts under cool water. Cut off the tough stem end and remove any discolored outer leaves. Slice each sprout in half lengthwise for even roasting.

Step 3: Season Brussels Sprouts

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Ensure each sprout is evenly coated by gently mixing in a large mixing bowl.

Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Spread seasoned brussels sprouts cut-side down on prepared baking sheet. Arrange in a single layer without overcrowding to help them crisp up perfectly.

Step 5: Roast in Oven

Place baking sheet in preheated oven at 425°F. Roast for 20-25 minutes until edges are dark brown and crispy.

Step 6: Create Maple Balsamic Glaze

• Maple syrup
• Balsamic vinegar
• Dijon mustard

Blend until smooth and well combined.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Remove brussels sprouts from oven. Drizzle maple balsamic glaze over hot sprouts. Gently toss to coat evenly. Transfer to serving platter and enjoy immediately.

Roasting Tips for Brussels Sprouts Perfection

• Roast for Maximum Crispiness: Spread Brussels sprouts in a single layer without overcrowding to ensure they caramelize and get golden brown edges instead of steaming.
• Boost Flavor Intensity: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or garlic powder to the maple balsamic mixture for an extra depth of taste that complements the natural sweetness.
• Choose Fresh Sprouts: Select firm, compact Brussels sprouts with bright green leaves to guarantee the best texture and most robust flavor in your final dish.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap honey for maple syrup if you prefer, or use a vegan maple syrup alternative to make the recipe suitable for different dietary preferences.
• Balance Sweet and Tangy: Adjust the maple and balsamic ratio to your liking- more balsamic for tang, more maple for sweetness, creating a personalized flavor profile.

Best Way to Store Leftover Brussels Sprouts

• Store leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm Brussels sprouts at 350F for 8-10 minutes, spreading them in a single layer on a baking sheet to maintain crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Quickly revive sprouts in a hot skillet with a touch of olive oil, stirring occasionally for 3-4 minutes until heated through and edges become crisp again.
• Skip microwave reheating, as it can make the sprouts soggy and diminish their delightful caramelized texture.

Dishes to Serve with Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

• Pair these caramelized brussels sprouts with a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the sweet maple and tangy balsamic notes.
• Serve alongside grilled chicken or roasted pork tenderloin, allowing the rich maple glaze to enhance the meat's natural flavors.
• Crumble some sharp blue cheese or aged gouda on top to add a creamy, salty element that balances the sprouts' sweet and acidic profile.
• Sprinkle toasted pecans or sliced almonds over the dish to introduce a delightful crunch and earthy undertone that elevates the entire eating experience.

Try These Versions of Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

• Vegan Friendly Option: Replace honey with maple syrup and use plant-based butter for a completely vegan brussels sprouts recipe.
• Nut Lover's Edition: Sprinkle toasted chopped almonds or pecans over the roasted brussels sprouts for added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute maple syrup with a low-carb sweetener like monk fruit or stevia to reduce sugar content while maintaining a sweet glaze.
• Spicy Kick Version: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the balsamic maple mixture for those who enjoy a bit of heat with their roasted vegetables.

Questions About Brussels Sprouts? Read Here

• Are Brussels sprouts good for my health?

Yes! They’re packed with vitamins K and C, have high fiber content, and contain powerful antioxidants that support heart health and reduce inflammation.

• How do I choose the best Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

Select firm, compact sprouts with bright green color and no yellow leaves. Smaller sprouts tend to be sweeter and more tender, which works perfectly for roasting.

• Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts instead of fresh?

Fresh is best for this recipe, but if using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Frozen sprouts might release more water and prevent proper caramelization.

• What if my Brussels sprouts taste bitter?

Roasting helps reduce bitterness. Adding maple syrup and balsamic vinegar balances the flavor. Cutting sprouts in half and removing the tough core can also minimize bitter notes.

Easy Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Roasted maple balsamic brussels sprouts dance with sweet-savory harmony, bringing caramelized perfection to your dinner table. Crispy edges and rich glaze make these sprouts an irresistible side dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds (680 grams) Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved)

Seasoning and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 ½ tablespoons pure maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Toppings and Garnish:

• ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for crunch)
• ¼ cup dried cranberries (for a festive touch)
• 2 tablespoons crumbled feta or goat cheese (for extra creaminess)
• 4 slices crispy bacon, crumbled (because bacon makes everything better!)

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Instructions

1. Arrange the oven rack in the middle position and heat to a high-temperature setting of 425°F, creating an ideal roasting environment for the Brussels sprouts.
2. Prepare a rimmed baking sheet by covering it with parchment paper or applying a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
3. Thoroughly wash the Brussels sprouts under cool running water, removing any dirt or debris from the outer leaves.
4. Trim the stem ends of the sprouts and slice each vegetable in half lengthwise, creating a flat surface that will caramelize beautifully during roasting.
5. Place the halved Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl, positioning them cut-side up to maximize potential flavor development.
6. Drizzle maple syrup and balsamic vinegar over the sprouts, using a gentle tossing motion to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the sweet and tangy glaze.
7. Season the Brussels sprouts with salt and pepper, distributing the seasoning uniformly to enhance the overall taste profile.
8. Transfer the glazed sprouts to the prepared baking sheet, arranging them cut-side down to promote optimal caramelization and crispy edges.
9. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to ensure even browning and prevent burning.
10. Remove from the oven when the Brussels sprouts have developed a deep golden-brown color and crispy exterior, signaling they are perfectly roasted and ready to serve.

Notes

• Slice Brussels sprouts in half for maximum caramelization and even roasting, ensuring crispy edges and tender centers.
• Use fresh, firm Brussels sprouts with bright green leaves to guarantee the best flavor and texture during roasting.
• Arrange sprouts cut-side down on the baking sheet to achieve a golden-brown, slightly charred surface that enhances their natural sweetness.
• Adjust maple syrup and balsamic vinegar quantities based on personal taste preferences, creating a balanced sweet and tangy glaze that complements the vegetable’s earthy profile.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 10mg