Description
A simple yet elegant side dish featuring Brussels sprouts that are boiled, smashed for extra crispiness, roasted until caramelized, and finished with a sweet and tangy balsamic reduction.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 to 2 pounds Brussels sprouts
- Water (for boiling)
- 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
- 3–4 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1–2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Pinch of salt (for glaze)
Instructions
- Wash the sprouts, trim the bottom stems, and remove any wilted outer leaves.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add sprouts and boil for 8-10 minutes until fork-tender but not mushy. Drain immediately.
- Pat the boiled sprouts dry with a towel to remove excess moisture.
- Place sprouts on parchment-lined baking sheets. Smash each sprout gently with the bottom of a heavy glass or masher to break up internal layers.
- Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss to coat evenly.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Roast sprouts for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until deeply browned and crispy.
- While sprouts roast, combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until syrupy.
- Remove glaze from heat and stir in butter and a pinch of salt.
- Drizzle the warm balsamic reduction over the hot roasted sprouts and serve immediately.
Notes
Do not skip boiling the sprouts first to ensure tender interiors. Pat them dry thoroughly before roasting to maximize crispiness. Do not crowd the baking sheet; use two pans if necessary to allow air circulation. The balsamic reduction should coat the back of a spoon when done. For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup and omit the butter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/4 of
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 5
Keywords: brussels sprouts, balsamic reduction, roasted vegetables, crispy sprouts, weeknight dinner, healthy side dish, gluten-free