Name: Honey Balsamic Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 lb. Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved; 1/3 cup olive oil; 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided; Black pepper, to taste; 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. unsalted butter; Green onions, sliced; Lemon zest

If you’re looking for a side dish that hits all the right notes—sweet, tangy, and with that perfect crunch—you’ve got to try this Honey Balsamic Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll steal the spotlight at any meal.

A white plate holds a single layer of roasted Brussels sprouts, all halved and browned with crispy, dark caramel edges and tender green inner leaves. Bright green sliced scallions are scattered on top, adding a fresh touch. Light yellow zest is sprinkled over the dish, giving it a textured look. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Balsamic Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Honey Balsamic Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Honey Balsamic Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve always loved Brussels sprouts, but this honey balsamic twist turned them into something irresistible. Every bite has that gorgeous caramelized edge with a silky glaze that elevates them from simple veggies to a crave-worthy treat.

Perfect balance of flavors: The sweetness of honey blends beautifully with tangy balsamic vinegar and a hint of heat from chili flakes.
Crispy yet tender: Roasting on a hot pan makes sure the sprouts get that deliciously crispy exterior without getting mushy.
Simple but impressive: Minimal ingredients, straightforward steps, but a flavor profile that feels gourmet.
Versatile side dish: Pairs wonderfully with everything from chicken and salmon to shrimp or even a hearty grain bowl.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before we dive in, here’s a quick rundown of the ingredients and why they’re essential. When shopping, look for fresh, firm Brussels sprouts without yellowing leaves, and real, good-quality balsamic vinegar for that deep, rich flavor.

Flat lay of fresh halved Brussels sprouts with vibrant green leaves, two whole uncracked garlic cloves, a bright lemon with fresh yellow zest strands, a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy golden honey, a small white bowl holding dark, rich balsamic vinegar, a small white bowl of smooth pale Dijon mustard, a small white bowl of clear golden olive oil, a small heap of red chili flakes, a few fresh green onions with vibrant stalks, and a chunk of unsalted creamy butter placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Brussels sprouts: The star of the dish—fresh and halved for even roasting and caramelization.
Olive oil: Helps the sprouts crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create that luscious glaze.
Balsamic vinegar: Provides a tangy depth that pairs perfectly with honey’s sweetness.
Dijon mustard: Brings subtle sharpness and emulsifies the sauce.
Garlic: For aromatic warmth and savory depth.
Red pepper chili flakes: Just enough heat to keep things interesting.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps thicken the glaze to a silky finish.
Green onions and lemon zest: Fresh, bright garnishes that lift the dish beautifully.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about the Honey Balsamic Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want to dial up the heat or add a fresh twist, this recipe welcomes your creativity!

Spicy Kick: If you love a little extra heat, I sometimes double the red pepper chili flakes. It adds a delightful warmth that pairs beautifully with the honey’s sweetness.
Nutty Twist: Toasted pecans or walnuts make a fantastic crunchy topping. I sprinkle some on right before serving for an added texture contrast.
Vegan Version: Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use maple syrup in place of honey. The balsamic and mustard still shine perfectly!
Seasonal Flair: During the fall, I like to toss in some roasted butternut squash cubes with the Brussels sprouts for an extra layer of cozy, caramelized flavor.
Herbaceous Upgrade: Fresh thyme or rosemary stirred into the honey balsamic sauce can add a lovely aromatic note that elevates the whole dish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Honey Balsamic Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a grilled Brussels sprout held by a silver fork. The Brussels sprout is golden brown and slightly charred with visible layers of softened green leaves and a glossy, glazed surface. The background contains more Brussels sprouts with similar browning and hints of green leaves spread around on a white plate. The setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat for Crispy Perfection

Set your oven to 425°F and place a baking sheet inside to heat through. This little trick ensures your Brussels sprouts hit the hot surface immediately, locking in that irresistible crispiness. While the oven warms, get your sprouts ready — this multitasking will save you precious time.

Step 2: Prep Those Brussels Sprouts

Trim the bottoms and slice each Brussels sprout in half. Don’t toss out those loose leaves — roasting them separately makes for addictive little chips! Once trimmed, toss the sprouts in a bowl with olive oil, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and a pinch of black pepper until each piece is beautifully coated.

Step 3: Roasting to Golden Goodness

Carefully spread the sprouts cut side down on your preheated baking sheet — remember, don’t overcrowd. If your batch is big, use two sheets so every sprout has room to crisp up. Slide them in the oven and roast for 20 minutes without flipping. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re tender inside with a gorgeous deep golden color on the edges.

Step 4: Whip Up That Honey Balsamic Sauce

While the sprouts roast, heat the honey over medium-high heat in a small saucepan until it just begins to bubble—about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, red pepper chili flakes, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Bring the sauce back to medium-low heat, add the butter, and stir gently until it thickens to a luscious glaze—around 5 minutes.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Once your Brussels sprouts are roasted to crispy, tender perfection, toss them gently in the warm honey balsamic glaze—or if you prefer, serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Finish with a sprinkle of sliced green onions and fresh lemon zest for that extra pop of brightness. Serve immediately and watch these irresistible sprouts disappear!

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect Honey Balsamic Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe is all about balancing crispness and flavor. These tips come from my own kitchen experiments and will help you get that irresistible caramelized finish every time.

Preheat the Baking Sheet: I always place the baking sheet in the oven while it preheats to 425°F. This ensures the sprouts hit a hot surface, giving them that amazing crispy bottom instead of steaming.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: I've learned the hard way that when Brussels sprouts are too crowded, they steam rather than roast. Using two baking sheets if needed helps them get golden and crunchy all over.
Roast Cut-Side Down Without Flipping: Leaving the sprouts cut-side down for the entire 20 minutes creates deep caramelization. Resist the urge to toss or flip mid-roast!
Use Fresh Garlic and Butter in the Glaze: Adding minced garlic and butter to the honey balsamic sauce really elevates the flavor. I avoid shortcuts here because it makes all the difference in that luscious, glossy finish.

How to Serve Honey Balsamic Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe

A white plate full of bright green Brussels sprouts piled high, each sprout round with tightly closed leaves and light beige cut stems facing outward, sitting on a white marbled surface. In the blurred background, there are two bottles: one bottle has an orange label with

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes add brightness and a pop of color that make this dish even more inviting. I love sprinkling sliced green onions for a mild sharpness and a bit of lemon zest to add a subtle citrus zing that cuts through the sweetness beautifully. For an extra crunch, a handful of toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts can be a fun twist!

Side Dishes

This honey balsamic Brussels sprouts recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains. It’s fantastic alongside grilled salmon, roasted chicken, or sautéed shrimp. For a vegetarian meal, serve it with quinoa or a creamy polenta to round out the textures and flavors on the plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The honey balsamic glaze keeps them flavorful, though they’ll soften as they chill.

Freezing

Freezing is not ideal for this recipe since the sprouts tend to lose their crisp texture after thawing. I recommend enjoying them fresh or within a few days refrigerated for the best experience.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the sprouts onto a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes to help restore some crispness. Reheat the honey balsamic sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave and drizzle over the sprouts just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply swap the unsalted butter in the honey balsamic sauce for a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegetarian-friendly.

How do I avoid mushy Brussels sprouts?

The key is roasting at a high temperature on a preheated baking sheet without overcrowding. Roast them cut-side down and don’t stir during cooking to keep them crispy and caramelized.

Can I substitute the balsamic vinegar?

Yes! Sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar are great alternatives that still provide a nice tangy depth to the glaze.

How spicy is this recipe?

The red pepper chili flakes add a gentle heat that balances with the honey’s sweetness. You can easily adjust the amount of chili flakes to your preferred spice level.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Balsamic Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe has become a go-to side dish in my kitchen for a reason—it’s quick, flavorful, and downright addictive. Every bite offers a wonderful balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes with that perfect crispy texture. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast, I hope these sprouts bring a little extra joy (and a lot of yum) to your table!