Irresistibly Sweet & Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Roasted Brussels sprouts with a caramelized crispy maple glaze dance between savory and sweet, creating a side dish that challenges everything you thought you knew about these tiny green vegetables.

These golden-brown morsels burst with unexpected flavor and crunch.

Every bite promises a delightful culinary surprise that elevates simple vegetables into something extraordinary.

The maple glaze adds a luxurious richness that turns humble Brussels sprouts into a show-stopping accompaniment.

Weeknight dinners and special occasions alike deserve this simple yet impressive recipe.

Serve these irresistible sprouts and watch as even vegetable skeptics become instant fans.

Sweet Crispy Brussels Sprouts – The Appeal

• Minimal steps transform Brussels sprouts from boring to delicious with just a few ingredients and basic kitchen skills.
• Bacon adds savory depth, honey creates sweet caramelization, and roasting develops incredible crispy texture that changes how people think about vegetables.
• Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer that appeals to both vegetable lovers and skeptics with its irresistible combination of crispy edges and rich flavors.
• Nutrient-dense Brussels sprouts get a delicious upgrade with a cooking method that makes them genuinely crave-worthy, turning a potentially bland vegetable into a star side dish everyone will enjoy.

What’s in Sweet Crispy Brussels Sprouts

• Brussels Sprouts: Fresh green vegetables with a slightly bitter taste that become wonderfully crispy when roasted.
• Honey: A natural sweetener that creates a delicious caramelized glaze on the sprouts.
• Bacon: Adds a savory, smoky flavor and crispy texture to the dish.

• Thyme, Salt, Pepper: Classic herbs and seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the Brussels sprouts.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Provides a tangy contrast to the sweet honey and adds depth to the overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Helps the Brussels sprouts roast evenly and creates a crispy exterior.

Tools for Sweet Crispy Brussels Sprouts

• Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan for roasting brussels sprouts evenly.
• Sharp Knife: For precisely cutting sprouts in half and removing stems.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for preparing vegetables safely.
• Small Bowl: Used for mixing honey and vinegar glaze.
• Mixing Spoon: To toss sprouts with oil and seasonings, and stir glaze.
• Oven Mitts: Protect hands when handling hot baking sheet.

Sweet Crispy Brussels Sprouts – Prep Steps

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Turn on the oven and set the temperature to 400°F or 200°C.

Make sure the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven for even cooking.

Step 2: Prepare Brussels Sprouts

Wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly under cool running water.

Trim off the stem end and remove any yellowed or damaged outer leaves.

Slice each sprout in half from top to bottom, creating two equal halves.

Step 3: Season the Sprouts

• Olive oil
• Fresh thyme leaves
• Crispy bacon pieces
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper

Toss the Brussels sprout halves with these ingredients, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.

Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts cut-side down on the baking sheet.

This positioning helps create a beautiful caramelized surface and ensures maximum crispiness.

Step 5: First Roasting Session

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 15 minutes.

The sprouts will start to turn golden and develop deep, rich flavors.

Step 6: Create Honey Glaze

• Honey
• Balsamic vinegar

Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth, glossy mixture.

Step 7: Apply Glaze

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and drizzle the honey glaze over the partially roasted Brussels sprouts.

Use a spatula to gently stir and coat each sprout with the glaze.

Step 8: Final Roasting and Crisping

Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for an additional 10 minutes.

For the final touch, switch the oven to broil and cook for 1 minute to create an irresistibly crispy exterior.

Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Sweet Crispy Brussels Sprouts – Kitchen Tips

• Cut Brussels sprouts cleanly in half for even cooking and maximum caramelized surface.
• Use thick-cut bacon for extra crunch and deeper flavor infusion into the sprouts.
• Arrange sprouts cut-side down to achieve golden-brown, crispy edges that add incredible texture.
• Drizzle honey-vinegar mixture carefully to create a perfect balance of sweet and tangy coating.
• Watch closely during final broiling minute to prevent burning while achieving maximum crispiness.

New Ways to Make Sweet Crispy Brussels Sprouts

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace bacon with crispy roasted almonds or pumpkin seeds for a plant-based protein crunch.
• Maple Herb Version: Swap honey for pure maple syrup and add rosemary instead of thyme for a woodsy flavor profile.
• Spicy Mediterranean Option: Use olive oil, sprinkle za'atar spice blend, and finish with a drizzle of tahini sauce for a Middle Eastern-inspired dish.
• Low-Carb Keto Alternative: Eliminate honey, increase bacon amount, and add extra olive oil to maintain fat content while reducing sugar.

Serving Sweet Crispy Brussels Sprouts Boldly

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Pair these sweet crispy brussels sprouts with hearty proteins that complement their caramelized goodness.
• Protein Perfect Match: Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or pan-seared pork chops for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Garnish and Glamour: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or crumbled goat cheese on top to add extra texture and enhance the dish's rich flavor profile.
• Side Dish Spectacular: Create a balanced plate by adding these brussels sprouts to a quinoa or rice base for a delightful vegetable-forward dining experience.

Storing Sweet Crispy Brussels Sprouts

• Store cooled brussels sprouts in airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture buildup.
• Transfer completely cooled sprouts to freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, storing them for 2-3 months without losing flavor quality.
• Spread sprouts on baking sheet, warm at 350F for 8-10 minutes to restore original crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Quickly sauté leftover sprouts in hot pan with small amount of oil for 3-4 minutes, maintaining their delicious caramelized texture.

FAQs

• Why should I cut Brussels sprouts in half?

Cutting them in half helps expose more surface area, allowing better caramelization and creating crispy edges during roasting.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the bacon and use olive oil for roasting. The thyme and honey glaze will still provide excellent flavor.

• How do I know when Brussels sprouts are perfectly roasted?

Look for golden brown edges and a crispy exterior. The sprouts should be tender inside but have a nice caramelized crunch on the outside.

• Is the honey glaze necessary for the recipe?

While optional, the honey and vinegar glaze adds a delicious sweet-tangy dimension that elevates the Brussels sprouts from good to exceptional, creating a more complex flavor profile.

Sweet Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 41 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Roasted sweet crispy brussels sprouts blend savory and caramelized flavors from Mediterranean cuisine. Maple syrup and olive oil create a golden, irresistible coating that makes brussels sprouts delightful for you.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (907 grams) brussels sprouts
• 8 strips bacon

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Liquid and Oil Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) honey
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) cider or balsamic vinegar

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F/200°C to ensure optimal roasting temperature.
2. Meticulously trim brussels sprouts by halving each, discarding tough stems and any blemished outer leaves.
3. Transfer sprouts to a baking sheet, generously coating with olive oil, fragrant thyme, crispy bacon pieces, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Strategically arrange sprouts facing cut-side downward to maximize caramelization and develop rich, golden edges.
5. Roast in the heated oven for approximately 15 minutes, allowing the sprouts to develop deep, nutty flavors.
6. While roasting, quickly whisk together honey and balsamic vinegar in a small mixing bowl to create a glossy, sweet-tangy glaze.
7. Remove sprouts from oven, drizzle with prepared honey mixture, and gently toss to ensure even coating.
8. Return to oven for an additional 10 minutes, then activate the broiler for a final 60-90 seconds to achieve irresistibly crisp, caramelized edges.

Notes

• Maximize caramelization by ensuring sprouts are completely dry before roasting to achieve extra crispy texture.
• Customize for vegetarian diets by replacing bacon with smoked paprika or nutritional yeast for similar depth of flavor.
• Prevent burning by using a light hand with honey glaze and watching closely during final broiling minute.
• Enhance leftovers by chopping cold sprouts into salads or reheating in a skillet for restored crispiness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 26 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 246
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 590mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 22mg