If you love a side dish that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, get ready to fall in love with this Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Walnuts and Feta Recipe. Each bite offers a beautiful mix of caramelized Brussels sprouts, crunchy walnuts, and creamy feta, all enhanced by a luscious honey balsamic glaze. This dish elevates humble Brussels sprouts into something truly special that you’ll want to serve again and again, whether for a weeknight dinner or a festive occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, fresh ingredients is all it takes to create this stunning dish. Each component is essential—bringing together vibrant color, contrasting textures, and that magical blend of sweet and tangy notes that make the Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Walnuts and Feta Recipe so irresistible.
- Brussels sprouts: Fresh and firm, these little green gems form the base and star of the dish.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the sprouts roast to a perfect golden brown.
- Balsamic vinegar: Provides the tangy depth that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of honey.
- Honey: Just the right touch of natural sweetness to caramelize and brighten flavors.
- Dijon mustard: Adds subtle complexity and a gentle kick to the glaze.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Walnuts (optional): Offer a satisfying crunch and earthy richness that contrasts the tender sprouts.
- Feta cheese (optional): Crumbled on top for a creamy, salty finish that balances the sweetness.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of green for a fresh, herbaceous note and pop of color.
How to Make Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Walnuts and Feta Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Brussels Sprouts
Start by rinsing the Brussels sprouts under cold water to remove any dirt. Trim the ends, peel off any yellow or damaged leaves, and then slice each sprout in half lengthwise. This prep is key to ensuring even roasting and caramelization.
Step 2: Make the Honey Balsamic Glaze
Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl until smooth and glossy. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This glaze is the magic that gives the sprouts their signature sweet and tangy flavor.
Step 3: Toss and Coat the Brussels Sprouts
In a large bowl, drizzle the olive oil over the halved Brussels sprouts. Toss well to coat them evenly. Next, pour the honey balsamic glaze over the sprouts and toss again until every sprout gleams with the flavorful mixture. If you’re using walnuts, chop them roughly and add now for some extra texture.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Spread the sprouts in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes, tossing halfway through. You want the sprouts tender inside with edges caramelized to a tantalizing golden brown.
Step 5: Finish and Cool
Remove the pan from the oven and let the Brussels sprouts cool for a couple of minutes. This resting helps the glaze set slightly while you get ready to add the final touches.
How to Serve Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Walnuts and Feta Recipe
Garnishes
For extra freshness and color, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish just before serving. Finish with crumbled feta cheese for a salty creaminess that pairs beautifully with the sweet and tangy sprouts. A few extra chopped walnuts on top add a crunchy contrast and look inviting.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as a side for roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon. Its robust flavors complement protein-packed mains and can round out any meal beautifully. For vegetarian comfort, serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a grain bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these Brussels sprouts warm over a bed of quinoa or farro, drizzling extra glaze on top. They also make a fantastic topping for a pizza or flatbread. For a party, offer the dish in small bowls with toothpicks for easy nibbling—it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Walnuts and Feta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after a day, making great leftovers for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
Because of the fresh texture and delicate cheese, freezing is not recommended for this dish. The sprouts and walnuts may become mushy, and feta will lose its creaminess after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through to help retain some of the original crispness. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the sprouts soggy. Adding a small drizzle of olive oil during reheating helps bring back that roasted charm.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
While fresh Brussels sprouts yield the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen if needed. Just make sure to thaw and dry them thoroughly before roasting to avoid steaming instead of caramelizing.
How do I make the dish vegan?
Simply omit the feta cheese and ensure that your honey substitute is suitable for vegans, like maple syrup or agave nectar. The dish will still have fantastic flavor and texture!
What if I’m allergic to walnuts?
You can substitute walnuts with pumpkin seeds or pecans for a different but equally delicious crunch. Alternatively, leave nuts out completely and focus on the contrast between the sprouts and feta.
Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?
Yes! Prepare and roast the Brussels sprouts a few hours ahead, then reheat gently before serving. Add the feta and parsley just before presenting to keep the fresh textures intact.
How sweet is this dish?
The honey provides a gentle sweetness that balances nicely with the tangy balsamic vinegar. It’s never overly sweet, just a perfect harmony of sweet and savory notes that make the sprouts irresistible.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Walnuts and Feta Recipe is a game changer for anyone who thinks Brussels sprouts are boring. Its simple ingredients come together in a way that feels special and satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking for an easy but impressive side, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try and watch these sprouts steal the spotlight at your next meal!
Print
Honey Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Walnuts and Feta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, enhanced by a tangy balsamic glaze and a hint of honey. This easy-to-make side dish features roasted Brussels sprouts caramelized to tender perfection, optionally garnished with crunchy walnuts, creamy feta cheese, and fresh parsley for extra texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the Brussels sprouts.
- Prepare Brussels Sprouts: Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water to clean them thoroughly, then trim the ends and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Cut each sprout in half lengthwise for even cooking.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Coat Brussels Sprouts: In a large mixing bowl, drizzle olive oil over the halved Brussels sprouts and toss to coat evenly. Pour the honey balsamic glaze over them and toss again to ensure all sprouts are well coated.
- Add Nuts (Optional): If using, add the chopped walnuts to the bowl and gently mix to combine with the coated sprouts.
- Arrange for Roasting: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer to ensure even roasting.
- Roast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through to achieve caramelization and even cooking.
- Finish and Serve: Monitor the sprouts in the final minutes to ensure they become tender and caramelized without burning. Remove from the oven, allow to cool for a few minutes, then optionally sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra crunch, walnuts can be toasted lightly before adding.
- If you prefer a more intense balsamic flavor, use a balsamic reduction instead of regular balsamic vinegar.
- Leftovers reheat well in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness.
- Adjust honey amount based on desired sweetness.
- This recipe can be made vegan by omitting feta cheese or using a plant-based alternative.
