When purchasing your vegetables for this balsamic-glazed Brussels sprouts recipe, select sprouts that are firm and vibrant green for the ripest varieties. Remove any tough outer leaves before starting to cook.
You can substitute the maple syrup for honey in this recipe, if preferred. Whichever ingredient you choose, make sure not to skip this step as the syrup or honey helps the balsamic vinegar to caramelize and form a crispy glaze over the sprouts.
If you can’t find Brussels sprouts at your local grocery store, you could use cabbage in the recipe above instead. There are a couple of key differences between the two, with sprouts often being a little bitter, but you can use either as needed.
It’s the perfect side dish for holiday celebrations and pairs well with other traditional recipes, such as mashed potatoes and sweet potato casserole. Or, surprise friends and family at your next get-together in the backyard during the summer months, and enjoy grilled Brussels sprouts as an alternative vegetable on the barbecue.
Oven vs. Pan-Roasting: What to Choose
In this recipe for Brussels sprouts with balsamic vinegar, we’ve shared an oven cooking method to roast and caramelize the vegetables. If you’re making this side dish for a large group of people over the holidays, the oven is definitely the best option. You can make large batches of the dish, and leave the sprouts to cook and crisp up in the oven while you prepare other elements of the feast.
Pan-roasting, however, will produce slightly softer sprouts, and cook them much faster. You’ll only need around 15 minutes to sear and cook the sprouts through. If you’re hosting a smaller group of people, pan-roasting can be a good option to cook the vegetables quicker and allow you to retain greater control over the texture of the dish.
Toppings and Pairings for a Gourmet Twist
Thanksgiving and the holidays are a great excuse to elevate your recipes and add a gourmet touch to dishes. For these balsamic-roasted Brussels sprouts, try adding a creamy ball of burrata cheese to the top of the dish when serving. A soft cheese that’s best reserved for special occasions, burrata provides an added element of entertainment for guests to burst it open and mix into the sprouts.
Alongside dried cherries, pomegranate seeds bring an inviting pop of color to this side dish, along with a welcome sweetness to offset the slight bitterness of the sprouts. Toasted nuts, such as pecans, offer a new crunchy texture, and elevate the presentation of the dish.
Or, for an even fancier touch, drizzle truffle oil or sprinkle truffle salt over the top of the sprouts before serving. Together, the flavors of the truffle and sprouts blend perfectly to create a rich, earthy, and complex holiday side dish that’s made for those special moments with family and friends.
