Crispy Sage & Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Toasted Walnuts
Perfectly caramelized Brussels sprouts with aromatic sage, sweet balsamic glaze, and crunchy toasted walnuts for a flavorful vegetarian side that elevates any meal. This american-inspired vegetarian ready in about 35 minutes pairs trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts, olive oil, finely chopped fresh sage leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz, trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped fresh sage leaves
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1/4 cup, roughly chopped walnuts
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp, grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss 12 oz halved Brussels sprouts with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper on a large baking sheet, spreading in a single layer.
- Step 2: Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until sprouts are deeply golden brown and crispy at the edges.
- Step 3: While sprouts roast, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh sage leaves and 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasting for 2-3 minutes until sage is crisp and walnuts are fragrant.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar and 1 tsp maple syrup, cooking for 1 minute until slightly thickened and fragrant.
- Step 5: Remove roasted Brussels sprouts from oven and toss immediately with the sage-walnut mixture and balsamic glaze. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese and serve hot.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crispy Sage & Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Toasted Walnuts take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Crispy Sage & Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Toasted Walnuts?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Sage & Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Toasted Walnuts?
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 Crispy Sage & Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Toasted Walnuts 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 Crispy Sage & Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Toasted Walnuts?
American 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added this to my weekly meal rotation. So satisfying.
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.