Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts: A Flavorful Roasted Delight
✨ What Makes This Recipe Special
These Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are a delightful twist on a classic veggie side dish. The combination of sweet maple syrup and tangy balsamic vinegar creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that perfectly complements the caramelized, crispy brussels sprouts. Roasting the sprouts brings out their natural sweetness, while the drizzle of maple-balsamic glaze adds a touch of elegance and sophistication. Enjoy these as a side for a weeknight dinner or as a stunning addition to your holiday spread.
🍽️ Ingredients
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
The beauty of this Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of sweet maple syrup and tangy balsamic vinegar creates the French-inspired flavor profile that has made roasted vegetable recipes perennially popular.
🔥 Let’s Get Cooking
• Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the brussels sprouts with the olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated.
• Step 3: Spread the brussels sprouts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the sprouts are tender and caramelized, tossing halfway through.
• Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
• Step 5: Drizzle the maple-balsamic glaze over the roasted brussels sprouts and toss to coat evenly.
• Step 6: Serve the Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts warm, garnished with additional black pepper if desired.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes
Compared to traditional roasted brussels sprouts which can take up to 45 minutes to prepare, this Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts recipe saves you 10 minutes of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
💪 Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 230mg
These Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts provide approximately 15% of your daily vitamin C requirements and 20% of your daily vitamin K needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
• Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or a hearty winter salad
• Complement with a bowl of comforting soup for a cozy, nourishing dinner
• For a holiday feast, serve the Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts alongside roasted root vegetables and cranberry sauce
• Create a beautiful vegetable platter with the sprouts, roasted carrots, and sautéed mushrooms for a stunning side dish
❗ Cooking Pitfalls to Skip
• Undercooking the sprouts: Roast the brussels sprouts until they are tender and caramelized on the edges. Undercooked sprouts will be tough and bitter.
• Skipping the maple-balsamic glaze: The sweet and tangy glaze is the star of this dish, so don’t forget to drizzle it over the roasted sprouts for maximum flavor.
• Reheating improperly: To avoid soggy sprouts, reheat them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until they regain their crispy texture.
📦 Storage & Leftovers
These Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the sprouts up to the roasting step, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or resealable bag and store for up to 3 months. Roast from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
• Freezing baked: Allow the roasted sprouts to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or resealable bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat the sprouts in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until they regain their crispy texture. Microwaving can make them soggy.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts in advance. Follow the recipe up to the roasting step, then store the uncooked sprouts in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, roast the sprouts as directed, then toss with the maple-balsamic glaze.
Can I use frozen brussels sprouts instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen brussels sprouts work great in this recipe. Simply toss the frozen sprouts with the olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
How can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
To make this recipe vegan or dairy-free, simply substitute the maple syrup with an equal amount of agave nectar or date syrup. You can also use a plant-based milk or unsweetened almond milk in place of the Dijon mustard.
What can I do if my brussels sprouts are bitter?
If your brussels sprouts taste overly bitter, try tossing them with a bit of lemon juice or white wine vinegar before roasting. The acidity can help balance out the bitterness. You can also try roasting the sprouts at a slightly lower temperature (375°F/190°C) for a longer time to allow for more caramelization.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts recipe is highly versatile. You can easily add diced sweet potatoes, carrots, or red onions to the mix for extra color and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the roasting time accordingly.
🎉 Final Thoughts
These Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a weeknight side dish or as part of a holiday feast, they’re sure to impress with their caramelized, crispy texture and irresistible sweet-tangy glaze.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these roasted brussels sprouts demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the roasting process. So why not give this recipe a try and experience the magic of Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts for yourself?
