Healthy Brussel Sprouts Recipe

This roasted Brussels sprouts recipe is my go-to because it’s super easy to make and packs a flavorful punch with minimal ingredients. The combination of balsamic vinegar and a hint of honey creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it impossible not to devour the entire batch straight off the baking sheet.

I adore roasting Brussels sprouts because of their dazzling taste and healthful properties. A mere pound of these emerald beauties, a drizzle of olive oil, and a splash of balsamic vinegar transmute them into a side dish that is as fantastic as it is healthful.

We eat it frequently. I make it quite often.

Here is my version:

With garlic for the umami depth that greenery requires, with a hint of honey for the natural sweetness that any roasted vegetable should possess, with (optional but certainly worth it) a shower of Parmesan for the roasted Brussels sprout’s reason to live (i.e., the umami explosion that any good side dish should have), and with a few red pepper flakes for the amount of kick that can politely say, “Hello!” without causing a door-slamming disturbance.

Ingredients

Brussels sprouts are packed with fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K, making them a great aid for digestion and boosting immunity.

Olive oil is abundant in good fats and antioxidants, which are very beneficial.

They enable it to perform well on–and even excel at–some health fronts, especially regarding heart health.

Balsamic vinegar has flavor qualities that are unlike anything else.

It is not quite vinegar, not quite sauce.

It has rich, sweet, and sour notes that make it hard to classify.

You can drizzle it over salads, put it in a sauce for grilled veggies, and use it in a marinade for chicken.

It is also a fantastic addition to various berry desserts.

More on that later.

Let’s get saucy once again and revisit the Balsamic

Vinegar + Berries = Gout-Bustin’ Sauce!
Garlic: Enhances taste; includes allicin, which might bolster cardiovascular well-being.

Honey: Delivers a sweet flavor and natural nectar; if used, provides a sufficient amount of antioxidants.

Red pepper flakes: Spice up your food! They can help with metabolism.

Optional for savory depth; adds protein and calcium: Parmesan cheese.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Your oven should be set to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and a baking sheet should be lined with parchment paper or very lightly greased.

2. Wash the Brussels sprouts in cold water, cut off the ends, and take off any leaves that are yellow or damaged.

3. Halve the Brussels sprouts lengthwise and move them to a large mixing bowl.

4. Pour the olive oil over the Brussels sprouts, and toss them to ensure they are evenly coated.

5. Incorporate the minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, honey if you’re using it, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them, and mix everything very well with a spatula or your hands.

6. Place the well-seasoned Brussels sprouts in a single layer on the baking sheet you just prepped.

7. Place in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes. Halfway through, take them out and stir them up so that all the sides of the food have an equal chance of being golden and crispy.

8. Take the Brussels sprouts from the oven and put them in a dish for serving.

9. If one is to use, it is imperative to sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the piping hot Brussels sprouts and gently mix to combine.

10. Serve the Brussels sprouts at a warm temperature, and you will have a healthy, lightly spiced dish.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper or cooking oil (for greasing)
4. Large mixing bowl
5. Cutting board
6. Knife
7. Measuring spoons
8. Spatula or hands for mixing
9. Serving dish or bowl

FAQ

• What is the best way to prepare Brussels sprouts for this recipe?Cut the ends and remove any yellow outer leaves. Halve them to ensure even cooking.
• Can I use dried garlic instead of fresh minced garlic?Indeed, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder can be used in place of fresh minced garlic.
• Is the honey necessary in this recipe?The honey is not mandatory. It provides a delicate sweetness that tempers the flavors, but for a more straightforward taste, you can leave it out.
• What baking temperature should I use?For the best results, your oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
• Can I make this recipe vegan?Yes, omit the grated Parmesan cheese and honey or use plant-based substitutes instead.
• How can I ensure the Brussels sprouts are crispy?Make sure the items are evenly distributed on the baking sheet and that it isn’t overstuffed; putting them cut-side down is an excellent way to ensure they reach the proper level of crispiness.
• How do I store leftovers?Preserve any extra portions in a container that is sealed tight and keep it in the fridge. You can eat it again in the next three days. When you are ready for round two, the oven or the air fryer will give you the best reheat results.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutes for olive oil are avocado oil and coconut oil; they yield different law for flavor profiles in a recipe.
Apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar can serve as substitutes for balsamic vinegar. They have a different flavor profile. The taste is not affected as much, though, because most recipes that use balsamic vinegar call for it in such small amounts that you would not really notice if it were not there. And anyway, who tastes the dressing when the salad is on the plate?
If you wish, you can substitute garlic with either garlic powder or shallots.
Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used as a substitute for honey when sweetening.
Parmesan cheese can be replaced with nutritional yeast to make a vegan option, or it can be omitted altogether.

Pro Tips

1. Preheat the Baking Sheet Place the baking sheet in the oven while it preheats. This helps the Brussels sprouts start cooking immediately once placed on the sheet, leading to a crispier texture.

2. Use Fresh Brussels Sprouts Choose Brussels sprouts that are firm and bright green for the best flavor. Older sprouts can have a more pronounced, less desirable bitterness.

3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan Ensure the Brussels sprouts are in a single layer without overlapping pieces. Overcrowding can cause them to steam instead of roast, which affects their crispiness.

4. Toss Midway for Even Cooking Shake the pan or flip the Brussels sprouts halfway through the cooking time. This ensures even browning on all sides and enhances the crispy texture.

5. Finish with Citrus Just before serving, squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the Brussels sprouts. The acidity will brighten and complement the flavors, especially if you’re using Parmesan cheese.