Crispy Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts (2024)

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Crispy roasted balsamic Brussels sprouts are an easy and delicious appetizer or side dish. If you didn’t like Brussels sprouts before, these will change your mind! So will these.

Crispy Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts (1)

Recipe originally published March 21, 2014 and updated September 13, 2019.

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Hi there! We’re Linda and Alex, the mother daughter duo and creators of Veganosity. Thanks for visiting us, we’re so happy you’re here. If you’re looking for Southern inspired vegan comfort food recipes, you’ve come to the right place.

We love vegan comfort food and we’re really good at making it. Take a tour through our site and you’ll find all of the recipes that scream, stretchy pants required!

The good news, they’re all plant-based recipes, so you don’t need to feel guilty eating them. Now sit back, relax, and eat happy. 🙂

Also, in case you didn't know, we're published cookbook authors. We've written two vegan cookbooks that will help you make amazing vegan BBQ (you don't even need a grill) and everyday meals, from breakfast to dessert.

Click on the titles to check them out. GREAT VEGAN BBQ WITHOUT A GRILLCrispy Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts (2) and THE ULTIMATE VEGAN COOKBOOKCrispy Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts (3).

Crispy Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts (4)

CRISPY BRUSSELS SPROUTS ARE ONE OF OUR FAVORITE VEGAN SIDE DISH RECIPES

Pan roasted brussels sprouts are a game changer.

There was a time, not that long ago, when I would have turned up my nose at the idea of eating Brussels sprouts.

When I was growing up they were either steamed or boiled until they were a stinky, mushy, unappetizing, sorry excuse for a veggie.

Roasted brussels sprouts with a balsamic reduction, now that’s what I’m talking about!!

The syrupy balsamic vinegar lends a tangy rich flavor and the sugar in the vinegar helps to make crunchy brussels sprouts.

These are not your grandma’s Brussels sprouts.

WHY PAN-FRIED BRUSSELS SPROUTS WILL MAKE YOU A BELIEVER

First of all, they’re not mushy. They’re crispy and crunchy.

They taste a little smoky, a little tangy, and caramelized.

The rogue crispy Brussels sprouts leaves that WILL fall off of the sprouts, get extra crunchy and add to the deliciousness of this snack.

You can serve them as a side dish or an appetizer.

HOW TO TRIM BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Brussels sprouts are a cruciferous vegetable, like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower; therefore, you need to do a little prep work to get them ready for cooking.

  1. Wash them well and peel the outer leaves off to ensure that there isn’t any dirt in your sprouts.Keep the leaves that fall off, they’re fabulous roasted!.
  2. Trim the tough end off of the sprouts and discard.
  3. Slice the sprouts in half lengthwise. This will help them get nice and crispy.

HOW TO MAKE ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS

STEP ONE

Trim the sprouts and put them in a large bowl or on/in the pan you’re going to roast them in.

STEP TWO

Drizzle the olive oil, balsamic glaze, and salt and pepper over the sprouts and toss until they’re completely coated in the oil and balsamic.

STEP THREE

Place the flat side down on the pan and roast them for 15 minutes, then shake the pan a bit and roast for another 15 minutes, or until they’re a rich golden brown and crispy on the edges.

STEP FOUR

Drizzle a little more balsamic on top while they’re hot out of the oven, along with another grind of sea salt and black pepper, and toss.

Enjoy them while they’re hot.

Crispy Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts (13)

TIPS FOR MAKING THE CRISPIEST ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS

  • Slice them in half, don’t roast them whole.
  • If you want your sprouts to be really crispy, you need to coat them in oil.
  • Don’t put the sprouts in the oven until it’s completely preheated, and make sure the oven is set for 425°F (218°C), a hot oven is what will make them get crispy!
  • Depending on how your oven is calibrated, you may need to roast them for less than or more than 30 minutes. You want them to be a deep golden brown, so use your discretion when roasting.
  • Enjoy them as soon as they’re cool enough to eat. The longer they sit, the less crispy they’ll become.

Crispy Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts (14)

WHAT IS A BALSAMIC REDUCTION?

You may call it a reduction; others may call it a balsamic glaze, and then there are those that call it a balsamic syrup.

Regardless of the name, it’s the same thing.

A balsamic reduction is exactly what it sounds like. It’s balsamic vinegar that’s been reduced to a thick syrup.

It’s perfect for drizzling over a vegan caprese salad, or any salad for that matter.

To make a balsamic reduction, pour about one cup of good quality balsamic vinegar in a sauce pan, and bring to a boil, then reduce to a medium-low heat and stir until it reduces to a thick syrup.

When it clings to the back of a spoon, it’s ready.

MORE ROASTED VEGETABLE RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE

ROASTED RADISHES

ROASTED ROSEMARY AND SAGE HOME FRIES

SAVORY ROASTED SWEET POTATO AND BEET GALETTE

MIDDLE EASTERN SPICED ROASTED CAULIFLOWER

ROASTED TRI-COLOR BABY CARROTS WITH DILL

Make our roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze and let us know what you think. We love to hear from you! And, don’t forget to take a picture of your gorgeous creation and tag us @veganosity on Instagram.

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Crispy Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts (15)

Crispy Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts (16)

Crispy Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

This easy and delicious Brussels sprouts recipe makes a great appetizer or side dish. The sprouts are crispy and savory, just like they should be.

4.31 from 13 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Vegan

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 Servings

Calories: 92kcal

Author:

Cost: $8

Equipment

  • Oven

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds Brussels Sprouts peel outside leaves off, trim the end off, and slice in half lengthwise
  • 3 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoon balsamic glaze some call it balsamic syrup, divided
  • Salt and pepper to taste

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).

  • Remove the outer layer of the Brussels sprouts and discard the dirty leaves. Trim the end off of each sprout and then slice in half vertically.

  • Put the sprouts in a large bowl, a large (14 to 19-incskillet, or on a parchment lined (optional, but makes for easy clean-ubaking sheet and drizzle the 3 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoon of vinegar over the sprouts. Salt and pepper to taste and then toss until the sprouts are coated with the oil and balsamic.

  • Spread them evenly out on the pan flat side down. You don’t want them to touch or they’ll end up steaming instead of roasting.

  • Roast for 15 minutes and then shake the pan and roast for another 15, or until they’re caramelized and the edges are crispy. (SEE NOTE)

  • Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of balsamic over the sprouts and toss.

  • Best when eaten hot.

Video

Notes

NUTRTIONAL DISCLAIMER
Depending on how your oven is calibrated, you may need to roast them for less than or more than 30 minutes. You want them to be a deep golden brown, so use your discretion when roasting.

Nutrition

Serving: 5cup | Calories: 92kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 21mg | Potassium: 331mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 641IU | Vitamin C: 72mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg

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Crispy Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts (17)

Crispy Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts (2024)

FAQs

Why won't my Brussels sprouts get crispy? ›

Roast the Brussels Sprouts at high heat

If you don't hear them crisping up in the oven, add a little more oil and roast them for a few more minutes until your desire crispiness is achieved!

Is it better to roast Brussels sprouts whole or cut in half? ›

To maximize the flat areas, which get the most crispy surface area, cut your Brussels sprouts in half. If your Brussels sprouts are very small, you can leave them whole (and if they are very large, quarter them).

Are roasted Brussels sprouts healthy? ›

Eating a lot of Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous veggies may help protect against cancers of the stomach, lungs, kidney, breast, bladder, and prostate. Crunchy veggies like Brussels sprouts may also help you stave off other health issues, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes.

Why do you soak Brussels sprouts before cooking? ›

The soak time tenderizes the sprouts so the middles are softer. Don't worry, they won't be soggy! I would never do that to you. If, like me, you don't mind some chew to your sprouts, you don't need to soak the Brussels sprouts prior to cooking.

Why are my oven roasted brussel sprouts mushy? ›

Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.

There's nothing wrong with soft and chewy Brussels, but if your goal is the type of crispy Brussels that they're serving at your favorite bistro you MUST thoroughly dry the surface of the sprouts before sautéing and/or roasting them. If they are wet they will steam instead of crisp.

Should you parboil Brussels sprouts before roasting? ›

Unlike other vegetables, Brussels sprouts can be parboiled (even a day ahead) to reduce the roasting time without hurting their texture. That means the sprouts can be popped in the oven while the meat is resting before carving. Of course, if the main course is grilled or pan-cooked, the oven will be free for roasting.

Why are my Brussels sprouts still hard after cooking? ›

Not using enough oil.

We like to use olive oil, but plain vegetable oil is great too. If the sprouts are well-coated, they'll caramelize and char instead of simply softening in the oven. Follow this tip: For every 1 pound of Brussels sprouts, you'll want to use 2 tablespoons of oil.

Do you need to trim Brussels sprouts before roasting? ›

No matter how you're going to cook your Brussels sprouts, you'll want to trim them first. At the base of each sprout is the spot where it was originally connected to the plant. Unless you've just cut the sprouts off the stalk yourself, this area will have become dry and browned during storage.

Why do bodybuilders eat brussel sprouts? ›

The chemical compound sulforaphane in sprouts also reduces cell death, which is crucial to sustaining muscle mass and facilitating fast recovery after a heavy session. A tasty bit of nutritional science, we're sure you'll agree.

Is it OK to eat Brussels sprouts everyday? ›

Is it OK to eat Brussels sprouts everyday? Go for it. “If you enjoy sprouts and can tolerate them, absolutely! They're lower in calories and contain a myriad of important nutrients” says Snyder.

Which is healthier broccoli or brussel sprouts? ›

While broccoli may have a higher count of calories, fat, and carbs, it is richer in calcium, iron, and pantothenic acid (a B vitamin that does wonders for healthy hair), and has a bit more potassium. Brussels sprouts, on the other hand, are lower in sodium.

Why are my roasted brussels sprouts not crispy? ›

Why Are My Brussel Sprouts Not Crispy? Spread them out into a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet to avoid overcrowding. If they're too close together, they'll steam instead of roast which stops the crisping process.

Do you roast brussel sprouts face up or down? ›

Place the sprouts cut-side down: Trim and halve the sprouts and roast them with their cut side against the baking sheet. The cut side will caramelize beautifully while the outer leaves crisp.

Do you need to wash Brussels sprouts before roasting? ›

To prepare brussel sprouts, you should rinse them well or even soak them if you have enough time. Trim the bottoms and outer leaves off, then cut them in half to prep them for roasting.

How do you crisp soggy brussel sprouts? ›

It's as simple as spreading the leftover Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet (use two to avoid overcrowding if there's a lot) and heating them in a 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes. When the sprouts come out of the oven they'll be hot and crispy all over.

Why are my Brussel sprouts soft? ›

Any disdain you may harbor for Brussel Sprouts probably originated by eating them steamed or boiled. Steaming and boiling use moist heat, and moist heat can make Brussel Sprouts mushy and stinky—not a good combo. Give them the treatment they deserve by roasting them instead.

Why are my brussel sprouts not forming? ›

The usual cause is poor soil, lack of growth and especially the use of non-hybrid cultivars. Only hybrid cultivars can be relied on to produce firm sprouts. Excessive nitrogen fertiliser is not implicated in loose sprout formation.

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