Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic

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Why Make This Recipe

Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic are a delightful side dish that highlights the natural flavors of these small cabbages. If you think you don’t like Brussels sprouts, you might change your mind after trying them roasted. When roasted, Brussels sprouts develop a crispy texture on the outside while becoming tender and flavorful on the inside. Adding balsamic vinegar enhances their taste, bringing a lovely sweetness that balances the slight bitterness of the sprouts. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also nutritious, making it a perfect addition to any meal.

Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamins K and C and full of fiber. This makes them a fantastic choice for anyone looking to eat healthier. Roasting them brings out their natural sugars, making them delicious and appealing, even to those who might be hesitant about these green veggies. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner or at a holiday gathering, roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic are sure to impress your guests.

How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic

Making roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic is straightforward and requires minimal prep. This dish takes only about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an easy addition to your weeknight dinners or special occasions. Below are the ingredients and directions for this delicious recipe.

Ingredients:

Brussels sprouts
Balsamic vinegar
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Garlic (optional)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures that the Brussels sprouts will roast nicely, becoming crispy and golden.
Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts. Start by removing the outer leaves if they look wilted or damaged. Then, cut each sprout in half from top to bottom. This helps them cook evenly and allows the seasoning to penetrate better.
In a bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and minced garlic if using. The oil helps the sprouts to roast rather than steam, while balsamic adds a sweet tanginess. Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to your personal taste.
Spread the sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure they aren’t crowded to allow for proper roasting, which leads to better caramelization.
Roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown, stirring halfway through. Stirring ensures they cook evenly and get that nice crispy texture.
Remove from the oven and serve warm. The aroma will be incredibly inviting, making it hard to resist diving right in!

How to Serve Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic

Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic make for a versatile side dish that pairs well with many main courses. You can serve them alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even a hearty vegetarian lasagna. They also complement grains beautifully, so consider serving them with quinoa, brown rice, or couscous.

For a more festive presentation, drizzle extra balsamic glaze over the top right before serving. You can also sprinkle some toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can add a pop of color and flavor, making the dish even more appealing.

Another excellent way to serve roasted Brussels sprouts is as a part of a seasonal salad. Combine the sprouts with mixed greens, goat cheese, and dried cranberries for a delightful fall-inspired dish. The balance of flavors in this combination will wow your family and friends!

How to Store Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic

If you have leftovers, storing them properly is key to maintaining their delicious taste and texture. After the roasted Brussels sprouts have cooled down, transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

When you’re ready to eat them again, you can reheat the Brussels sprouts in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to help them regain their crispy texture. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, though the sprouts may lose some of their crispiness.

If you plan to have leftovers for several days, consider storing the sprouts and balsamic separately to keep them from becoming soggy. You can always drizzle fresh balsamic over them just before serving!

Tips to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic

Don’t Skip the Oil: Make sure to use enough olive oil in your mixture. It helps achieve that crispy outer layer while keeping the sprouts moist inside.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh Brussels sprouts yield the best results. Look for firm, bright green sprouts that are tightly closed.
Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to customize the seasoning to your taste. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the dish a spicy kick, while a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese right before serving can add creaminess.
Cut Uniformly: Try to cut your Brussels sprouts into halves that are of similar sizes. This ensures even cooking, making sure some do not overcook while others are undercooked.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Spread the sprouts out on the baking sheet. If they are too bunched up, they will steam instead of roast, losing that lovely crispy texture.

Variation

There are many variations of roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic that you can try to keep things interesting. Here are a few ideas:

With Bacon: For a savory twist, add diced bacon to your Brussels sprouts before roasting. The bacon fat will enhance the flavor and add an irresistible crispiness.
With Honey: If you prefer a sweeter taste, drizzle some honey over the Brussels sprouts along with the balsamic vinegar. This combination creates a delicious glaze that is superb.
With Nuts: Add some chopped nuts, like almonds or hazelnuts, to the mix. The nuts add texture and a nuttier flavor that pairs beautifully with the sprouts.
With Cheese: Topping the sprouts with crumbled feta or goat cheese right before serving can elevate the dish, giving it a creamy, tangy flavor.

Mixing these variations is simple and allows you to personalize the dish according to your or your guests’ preferences!

FAQs

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts, but they may not get as crispy as fresh ones. Ensure to thaw and drain them well before seasoning and roasting.
How do I know when the Brussels sprouts are done?
They should be golden brown and crispy on the edges. You can also taste them to check if they’re tender inside.
Can I prepare the sprouts in advance?
Yes, you can trim and halve the Brussels sprouts ahead of time. Just store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container until you’re ready to roast.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Roasted Brussels sprouts pair well with other vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, or bell peppers. Just be sure to cut them to similar sizes for even cooking.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
When reheating, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10 minutes. This will help maintain their crispiness. You can also use the air fryer if available for a quicker method!

Roasting Brussels sprouts with balsamic is an easy, healthy, and flavorful way to prepare this often-overlooked vegetable. Give them a try, and you may find your new favorite side dish!