Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic and Honey

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Roasted Brussels sprouts achieve a deep, sweet-bitter complexity when balanced with balsamic glaze and a touch of honey. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 30 minutes pairs Brussels sprouts, olive oil, balsamic vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 2 cups halved Brussels sprouts with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Step 2: Spread sprouts in a single layer and roast at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes, stirring once at the 10-minute mark, until edges are golden and caramelized.
  3. Step 3: Check for doneness: sprouts should be tender when pierced with a fork but still hold their shape, with a slight bitterness balanced by sweet glaze.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic and Honey take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic and Honey?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep brussels sprouts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic and Honey?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic and Honey for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic and Honey?

Mediterranean vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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