Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Halving Brussels sprouts and roasting them cut-side down gives you a flat surface that caramelizes against the hot sheet pan. A drizzle of balsamic in the last five minutes adds sweetness and tang without burning. Done right, they're crispy outside and tender inside — nothing like boiled sprouts.

Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts — finished dish

Side · Vegan • 25 min

Servings:
4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

Steps

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F with a rack in the middle position. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment.
  2. In a large bowl, toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and several grinds of pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Arrange sprouts cut-side down in a single layer on the baking sheet. Don't crowd — every sprout needs pan contact.
  4. Roast without disturbing for 15 minutes. Check: the cut sides should be deeply browned. Continue roasting until the leaves are crisp and charred in spots, 5–10 minutes more.
  5. While hot, toss with balsamic vinegar and honey (if using). Taste for salt and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Make Ahead

Trim and halve the sprouts up to 24 hours ahead. Store in a zip-top bag in the refrigerator. Roast just before serving.

Storage

Brussels sprouts lose their crispness in the fridge but are still good for up to 3 days. Reheat on a baking sheet at 400°F for 5–7 minutes to re-crisp. Great cold in grain bowls.

Substitutions

Add 4 ounces of crumbled bacon or pancetta to the pan halfway through roasting. Shredded Parmesan tossed on for the last 5 minutes adds a salty, umami crust. A splash of lemon juice can replace the balsamic for a brighter finish.

Reviews

Reviews coming soon! In the meantime, let us know what you think of this recipe.