Hot honey brussels sprouts
Welcome to my kitchen, friends! If you have picky eaters at home, you know the struggle of serving green vegetables. For years, my middle child treated every vegetable like a chore.
However, everything changed when I first served these hot honey brussels sprouts. The kitchen smelled like a dream. The kids gathered around the island, curious about the sizzling sound from the oven.
I watched their eyes light up as they tasted that perfect mix of sweet heat and crispy edges. Now, my family begs for these every single week. These hot honey brussels sprouts prove that food is truly a language of love.
When you put a little extra care into a simple side dish, everyone feels nourished. This recipe transforms the humble sprout into a star. You won’t believe how quickly they disappear from the table! Truly, these hot honey brussels sprouts are a game-changer for any home cook looking to spice up their routine.
Why You’ll Love This Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts Recipe
You will absolutely adore these hot honey brussels sprouts for so many reasons. First, they strike the perfect balance between spicy, sweet, and salty. The hot honey glazes each sprout beautifully.
Consequently, every bite offers a complex flavor profile that satisfies the palate. Second, this recipe is incredibly simple. You only need a handful of ingredients to create a restaurant-quality side dish.
Busy moms like me appreciate a recipe that requires minimal prep time. Third, the texture is phenomenal. We roast these at a high temperature to ensure the outer leaves get extra crispy.
Inside, however, the sprouts remain tender and buttery. Furthermore, hot honey brussels sprouts are naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegetarian or vegan. This makes them an excellent choice for holiday gatherings or dinner parties.
Finally, this dish feels fancy without the fuss. You can serve hot honey brussels sprouts alongside a simple roast chicken or a holiday ham. Your guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen, but you and I will know the secret!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the best hot honey brussels sprouts, you need fresh ingredients. I always recommend buying the sprouts whole rather than pre-shredded. Whole sprouts stay fresher and hold up better in the high heat of the oven.
Quality olive oil also makes a big difference in the final taste. Of course, the star of the show is the hot honey itself. If you cannot find it at your local grocery store, do not worry.
I have a simple hack for that! Additionally, a pinch of flaky sea salt at the end elevates the entire dish. Check the table below for everything you need to gather before you start cooking.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brussels Sprouts | 1.5 lbs | Trimmed and halved |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 3 tbsp | High quality is best |
| Hot Honey | 2-3 tbsp | Adjust for spice level |
| Kosher Salt | 1 tsp | To taste |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 tsp | Freshly cracked |
| Red Pepper Flakes | 1/2 tsp | Optional for extra heat |
| Balsamic Vinegar | 1 tbsp | For a tangier finish |
hot honey brussels sprouts
These hot honey brussels sprouts strike the perfect balance between spicy, sweet, and salty, featuring extra crispy caramelized edges and a tender, buttery interior.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
1.5 lbs Brussels Sprouts
3 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2.5 tbsp Hot Honey
1 tsp Kosher Salt
0.5 tsp Black Pepper
0.5 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
1 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
1 pinch Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C)
- Wash the brussels sprouts thoroughly and pat them completely dry to ensure they roast rather than steam
- Trim the woody ends and slice each sprout in half vertically
- Place the sprouts on a large rimmed baking sheet
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper
- Toss the sprouts until evenly coated and spread them out in a single layer, ensuring they are cut-side dow
- Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, giving the pan a shake or flipping the sprouts halfway through
- Remove the pan from the oven and immediately drizzle with hot honey and balsamic vinegar
- Toss while still on the hot pan so the glaze melts and coats everything evenly
- Transfer to a serving bowl, finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and serve immediately
Notes
Do not crowd the pan; use two baking sheets if necessary to prevent mushy sprouts.
Always add the hot honey after roasting to prevent the sugars from burning in the high heat.
To make a DIY hot honey, mix 3 tbsp regular honey with 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper and heat gently.
For a vegan version, swap honey for maple syrup and add a dash of sriracha.
Leftovers can be reheated in an oven at 350°F or an air fryer at 375°F to restore crispiness.
Substitutions & Variations
While I love these hot honey brussels sprouts exactly as written, I know sometimes you need to work with what you have. If you don’t have store-bought hot honey, simply mix 3 tablespoons of regular honey with 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Heat it gently in a small saucepan until combined.
Moreover, if you want a vegan version, swap the honey for maple syrup and add a dash of sriracha. This creates a delicious “hot maple” glaze that works perfectly. For those who love a bit of crunch, try adding toasted pecans or walnuts during the last five minutes of roasting.
You can also toss in some crispy bacon bits for a smoky flavor. This addition makes the hot honey brussels sprouts even more indulgent. If you prefer a more acidic profile, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving cuts through the sweetness beautifully.
Finally, feel free to add other vegetables like halved shallots or baby carrots. They roast at a similar rate and complement the hot honey brussels sprouts flavor perfectly.
If you enjoy experimenting with different flavor profiles, you might want to try crafting your own signature spicy infusion at home. You can follow this simple Hot honey recipe to customize the spice levels for your sprouts exactly how you like them.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to achieve the perfect hot honey brussels sprouts every time. First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). High heat is essential for getting those crispy, caramelized edges we all love.
While the oven warms up, prepare your sprouts. Wash them thoroughly and pat them completely dry. If they are wet, they will steam instead of roast.
Next, trim the woody ends and slice each sprout in half vertically. Place them on a large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Use your hands or a spatula to toss them until every sprout is evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer, ensuring they are cut-side down. This contact with the hot pan creates the best golden-brown color.
Note: This video is for demonstration purposes and may use a slightly different method.
Slide the pan into the oven and roast for about 20 to 25 minutes. About halfway through, give the pan a good shake or flip the sprouts with a spatula. You want them to be tender when pierced with a fork and dark brown on the outside.
Once they are done, remove the pan from the oven. Immediately drizzle the hot honey over the roasted sprouts. Toss them while they are still on the hot pan so the honey melts and coats everything evenly.
If you are using the optional balsamic vinegar, add it now. Transfer your hot honey brussels sprouts to a serving bowl and finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. Serve them immediately while they are at their peak crispiness!
Pro Tips for Success
Achieving the perfect hot honey brussels sprouts requires a few insider secrets. First, do not crowd the pan. If the sprouts are too close together, they trap moisture.
Consequently, they will turn out mushy rather than crispy. If you have a lot of sprouts, use two baking sheets. Second, place the cut side down.
This direct contact with the metal pan produces the most delicious caramelization. You will see a beautiful dark brown crust when you flip them. Third, always add the hot honey after roasting.
If you add it before, the sugars in the honey will burn in the high heat of the oven. By adding it at the end, you maintain the bright flavor and prevent a charred mess. Furthermore, make sure your sprouts are roughly the same size.
If some are huge and others are tiny, they will cook unevenly. I often quarter the very large ones to keep things consistent. These small details make your hot honey brussels sprouts stand out as a truly professional dish.
Planning your kitchen time efficiently allows you to focus on healthy eating habits even during the most hectic mornings. While you wait for your vegetables to roast, consider prepping these Protein breakfast bars for a nutritious start to your next day.
Storage & Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers, you can store your hot honey brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days. However, keep in mind that they will lose some of their initial crispiness as they sit.
To bring them back to life, avoid the microwave! Microwaving makes them soft and soggy. Instead, reheat them in the oven or an air fryer.
For the oven, spread them on a baking sheet at 350°F for about 5 to 10 minutes. For the air fryer, heat them at 375°F for 3 to 4 minutes. This method restores the texture and makes the hot honey brussels sprouts taste almost as good as the day you made them.
You can also enjoy leftover hot honey brussels sprouts cold in a grain bowl or salad. They add a wonderful punch of flavor to quinoa or farro dishes the next day!
What to Serve With This Recipe
These hot honey brussels sprouts are incredibly versatile. They pair beautifully with a variety of main courses. For a classic family dinner, serve them alongside a juicy roasted chicken or grilled pork chops.
The sweetness of the honey complements the savory meat perfectly. They also make a fantastic side for pan-seared salmon or baked cod. If you are hosting a holiday meal, these hot honey brussels sprouts deserve a spot next to the mashed potatoes and stuffing.
They provide a much-needed pop of brightness and heat to a heavy plate. For a vegetarian option, try serving them over a bed of creamy polenta or goat cheese grits. The contrast between the spicy sprouts and the creamy base is heavenly.
You can even toss hot honey brussels sprouts into a pasta dish with some toasted garlic and parmesan cheese. No matter how you serve them, they are bound to be the highlight of the meal!
Serving these sprouts alongside a lean protein makes for a complete and satisfying meal that keeps you full for hours. For those looking to maintain their energy levels throughout the afternoon, pairing dinner with these High protein snacks is a great strategy.
FAQs
Can I make hot honey brussels sprouts in the air fryer?
Yes, you certainly can! Air frying is a great way to get them even crispier. Cook the sprouts at 380°F for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes.
Just like the oven method, toss them in the hot honey once they finish cooking. This version of hot honey brussels sprouts is perfect for quick weeknight meals.
Is this dish too spicy for kids?
Most children handle the heat well because the honey balances it out. However, if your little ones are very sensitive, you can use half hot honey and half regular honey. This allows you to control the spice level while still enjoying the signature flavor of hot honey brussels sprouts.
Why did my sprouts turn out mushy?
Mushy sprouts usually happen for two reasons: they were wet when they went into the oven, or the pan was overcrowded. Ensure you dry them thoroughly after washing. Also, give them plenty of space on the baking sheet so the air can circulate. This ensures your hot honey brussels sprouts are perfectly roasted.
Can I use frozen brussels sprouts?
I do not recommend frozen sprouts for this specific recipe. Frozen vegetables contain more moisture, which makes it very difficult to achieve the desired crispiness. For the best hot honey brussels sprouts, stick with fresh produce from the market.
The culinary popularity of these miniature cabbages has surged as chefs find new ways to highlight the unique texture of Brussels sprouts. When roasted at high temperatures, their leaves caramelize beautifully, providing a perfect canvas for the spicy and sweet notes of chili-infused honey glazes.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Brussels sprouts are a nutritional powerhouse. They are packed with fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K. This recipe keeps things relatively light while providing a ton of flavor. Below is the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of hot honey brussels sprouts.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 145 kcal |
| Total Fat | 9g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Sodium | 210mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5g |
| Sugars | 9g |
| Protein | 4g |
I hope your family loves these hot honey brussels sprouts as much as mine does. It is such a joy to see everyone eating their greens with a smile. Remember, food is love, and cooking for your family is a beautiful way to show you care. Happy roasting!
