If you’re on the hunt for a side dish that’s bursting with flavor and will have even the picky eaters asking for seconds, you’ve got to try this Garlic Honey Butter Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe. This recipe combines the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a little kick of heat, all wrapped up in tender-crisp Brussels sprouts that are roasted to golden perfection. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to veggie side for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Balanced Flavor: The honey and garlic butter glaze creates a sweet and savory profile that makes Brussels sprouts irresistible.
- Easy and Quick to Make: You can whip this up in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crispy, Tender Texture: Roasting at a high temp gives you sprouts that are caramelized outside and tender inside.
- Family Favorite: I’ve watched Brussels sprout skeptics turn into fans with just one bite of these.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Garlic Honey Butter Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe come together beautifully—fresh sprouts, rich butter, fragrant garlic, a touch of honey for sweetness, and parmesan to finish. You’ll want fresh garlic for the best aroma and flavor, and I always suggest grabbing Brussels sprouts that are firm and vibrant green to ensure a great roast.
- Brussels sprouts: Choose firm, small to medium-sized ones for even cooking and a sweeter taste.
- Olive oil: This helps the sprouts roast up crispy without drying out.
- Butter: Adds richness—don’t skip it, it’s the star of the glaze.
- Fresh garlic cloves: Minced for that punch of aromatic flavor that really elevates the dish.
- Honey: Just a few teaspoons for the perfect hint of sweetness, balancing the garlic and heat.
- Cayenne pepper: Adds a subtle kick; start light and adjust to your taste.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Sprinkled at the end for that savory, umami finish that melts beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the sprouts’ best flavors.
Variations
I love that this Garlic Honey Butter Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe is so flexible. Depending on your mood or what you have on hand, there are plenty of easy swaps or additions you can try to keep it exciting. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!
- Adding nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch, making it an even more special side dish for holidays.
- Lemon zest or juice: A splash of brightness can cut through the richness and add depth.
- Vegan version: Replace butter with plant-based margarine and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a dairy-free option.
- Spicy twist: Try smoked paprika or a dash of chili flakes for a smoky heat.
How to Make Garlic Honey Butter Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Roast Your Brussels Sprouts
Start by preheating your oven to 450ºF and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil sprayed with cooking spray to prevent sticking. While the oven’s heating up, trim the ends off your Brussels sprouts, cut them in half, and toss them in a bowl with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and a generous pinch of black pepper. Spread them evenly on your baking sheet in a single layer, then roast them for 18-20 minutes. Toss them halfway through roasting to ensure they get crispy on all sides. This high heat is key to caramelizing the outsides while keeping the insides tender.
Step 2: Whip Up That Heavenly Garlic Honey Butter
About 5 minutes before your Brussels sprouts are done roasting, it’s time to make the magic sauce! In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of butter, 4-6 minced garlic cloves, 3-4 teaspoons of honey, and ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (more if you like it spicy). Heat it for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring occasionally, until the butter is completely melted and everything is combined into a luscious glaze. The garlic infuses that butter with so much flavor, and the honey adds a subtle sweetness that makes your sprouts irresistible.
Step 3: Toss, Sprinkle, and Finish Roasting
Once your Brussels sprouts are crisp and caramelized, take them out and immediately toss them in your warm garlic honey butter sauce—this step is where the magic really happens. After tossing until well coated, sprinkle 3 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese evenly over the sprouts. Pop the pan back into the oven for another 5 minutes. This melts the cheese just enough to add a wonderful savory finish that pairs beautifully with the glaze. Serve these warm for the best experience.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Honey Butter Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- High Heat Roasting: Roasting at 450ºF crisps the sprouts beautifully without turning them mushy—don’t skip this step!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the sprouts space so they roast rather than steam, ensuring they get that perfect caramelization.
- Timing Is Everything: Add the garlic honey butter near the end so the garlic doesn’t burn and the honey stays sweet, not bitter.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Grate your own for the best melt and flavor – pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
How to Serve Garlic Honey Butter Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with a sprinkle of extra grated parmesan or a few red pepper flakes if we want more heat. Sometimes, I toss on toasted sliced almonds or a bit of fresh parsley for color and crunch. These little touches brighten the dish and add an extra layer of texture that my family really loves.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Honey Butter Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled steaks, or even a cozy pasta bake. I often serve it alongside mashed potatoes or quinoa to round out the meal. It’s one of those sides that feel fancy but is so quick and easy to pull together.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve these sprouts in a beautiful shallow bowl with a drizzle of extra honey butter sauce over the top and a scattering of microgreens. It makes the dish look elegant and invites everyone to dig in. You can also line a serving platter with lemon wedges for guests to squeeze on fresh juice if they want a little zing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover roasted Brussels sprouts are fantastic chilled or reheated. I transfer mine to an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. They keep their flavor really well, though the texture is crispiest right after roasting.
Freezing
I don’t typically freeze roasted Brussels sprouts because they tend to get mushy when thawed, but if you’re in a pinch, pop them in a freezer-safe container for up to a month, then reheat gently. Just know they won’t have the same crisp texture as fresh-roasted.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, I recommend reheating them in a hot oven at 400ºF for about 5-7 minutes or in a hot skillet with a splash of olive oil. This helps restore some of that crispiness and keeps the garlic honey butter coating delicious.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
While fresh Brussels sprouts yield the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen ones in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before roasting to avoid soggy sprouts. Adjust roasting time as needed to ensure they get crispy.
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How do I prevent garlic from burning in the butter?
Great question! I like to make the garlic honey butter mixture only in the last 5 minutes of roasting and heat it gently in the microwave to prevent burning. Adding it at the end means the garlic doesn’t roast in the high oven heat, keeping it flavorful without bitterness.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for a vegan butter substitute or olive oil, and instead of parmesan, sprinkle on nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative to keep that cheesy, savory note.
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What’s the best way to get Brussels sprouts crispy?
Roasting at a high temperature (450ºF) and avoiding overcrowding the baking sheet are key. Tossing the sprouts halfway through helps all sides caramelize. Also, cutting them in halves rather than quarters keeps them from drying out.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Honey Butter Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe is one of those dishes I find myself making again and again because it hits all the right notes—sweet, savory, a little spicy, and totally comforting. I used to struggle finding a Brussels sprouts recipe that my whole family would enjoy, but this one has turned skeptics into fans. So next time you want something quick and delicious, give this a try—you might just fall in love like I did. Seriously, once you taste that sticky-sweet garlic honey butter coating those sprouts, you’ll understand why it’s a keeper.
Print
Garlic Honey Butter Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts are crispy, flavorful, and topped with a sweet and spicy garlic honey butter sauce and parmesan cheese. Roasted to perfection in the oven, they make a delicious side dish that even Brussels sprout skeptics will enjoy.
Ingredients
Brussels Sprouts
- 1 ½ – 1 ¾ pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and cut in half
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garlic Honey Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4-6 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 3 – 4 teaspoons honey
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
- 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prep: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 450ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil sprayed with cooking spray. In a bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and a big pinch of black pepper to season evenly.
- Roast the Brussels Sprouts: Spread the sprouts on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 18-20 minutes, tossing halfway through to ensure even crisping and browning.
- Make Garlic Honey Butter: About 5 minutes before the sprouts finish roasting, combine butter, minced garlic, honey, and cayenne pepper in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the butter completely melts. Stir to blend all ingredients well.
- Toss Sprouts in Sauce: When the Brussels sprouts are done roasting, transfer them to a large bowl and toss with the warm garlic honey butter sauce. Then sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the sprouts and toss again to distribute the cheese evenly.
- Finish in Oven: Return the sauced Brussels sprouts to the baking sheet and bake for another 5 minutes or until the parmesan cheese melts and becomes slightly golden.
- Serve: Serve the garlic butter Brussels sprouts warm as a delicious, flavorful side dish.
Notes
- These Brussels sprouts are flavorful enough to win over even those who usually dislike them.
- Tossing the sprouts in the garlic honey butter right after roasting maximizes the flavor absorption.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity to control the dish’s spiciness.
- Using fresh garlic provides a bright, zesty flavor to the butter sauce.
- Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty finish that complements the sweetness and spice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe (about 4-5 Brussels sprouts with sauce)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
