Brussels sprouts used to be the veggie everyone avoided at dinner. But I’m here to change that completely!
This honey butter brussel sprouts recipe changes those little green cabbages into something people crave. The sweet honey paired with rich butter creates this incredible caramelized coating that makes Brussels sprouts taste like candy.
I love how flexible this dish is, too. You can whip it up for a quick weeknight dinner, or it works perfectly for holiday gatherings when you want to impress guests.
Plus, I’ll show you some simple tweaks and serving ideas that’ll make this honey butter Brussels sprouts recipe work for almost any dietary need.
Ready to make Brussels sprouts the star of your table?
Top Ingredients for Delicious Honey Butter Brussel Sprouts
I love how simple this recipe is; just a few key ingredients create something truly special. The magic happens when sweet honey meets rich butter and those tender Brussels sprouts.
Let me break down exactly what you’ll need and how to make this work for different dietary needs.
A. Ingredient Breakdown
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Brussels sprouts | 1.5 lbs (trimmed, halved) |
| Unsalted butter | 3 tablespoons |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic | 2 cloves (minced) |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
B. Nutritional Value at a Glance
Honey Butter Brussels Sprouts – Per Serving (100g)
- Calories: 85
- Carbs: 12g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 3.5g
These little green powerhouses pack vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. Plus, that fiber keeps you feeling satisfied longer.
Step-By-Step Cooking Guide of Honey Butter Brussel Sprouts
I’ve made these honey butter Brussels sprouts countless times, and I can tell you the secret is all in the technique.
Getting that perfect caramelized exterior while keeping the inside tender, that’s what makes people fall in love with Brussels sprouts.
Let me walk you through my foolproof method of cooking honey butter brussel sprouts.
Roasting to Perfection
First, I preheat my oven to 425°F. This high heat is crucial for getting those crispy, golden edges we’re after.
Here’s how I prep the Brussels sprouts:
- Trim the stem ends and remove any yellow outer leaves
- Cut each sprout in half lengthwise
- Pat them completely dry with paper towels (moisture is the enemy of crispiness!)
Now for my favorite trick, I use a cast iron skillet or a heavy baking sheet. The cast iron holds heat better and gives you that restaurant-quality char.
My roasting process:
- Toss halved Brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Season with salt and pepper
- Place cut-side down on the hot cast iron (this is key!)
- Roast for 20-25 minutes without moving them
- They’re done when the cut sides are deep golden brown
Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan. I’d rather use two pans than have soggy sprouts!
Making the Honey Butter Glaze
While the Brussels sprouts roast, I make the glaze. This timing is perfect because you want to add the glaze while everything’s still hot.
Here’s my glaze method:
- Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds (just until fragrant)
- Stir in honey and lemon juice
- Let it bubble for about 1 minute, then remove from the heat
The moment those Brussels sprouts come out of the oven, I drizzle the warm glaze over them. The heat helps the glaze coat every surface and creates this beautiful glossy finish.
I toss everything gently with tongs, making sure each sprout gets coated. The warm glaze soaks in slightly while still leaving that shiny coating on top. This whole process takes about 30 minutes, but the results are worth every second!
Flavor Pairings That Make It a Meal
I get so excited talking about all the ways you can serve these honey butter Brussels sprouts! Once you master the basic recipe, the fun begins. These pairings have become my go-to combinations when I want to turn a simple side into something special.
1. With Garlic Mashed Potatoes
This is pure comfort food heaven. I love how the crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts contrast with fluffy, creamy potatoes. The sweet honey glaze balances perfectly with the savory garlic, and you get this wonderful mix of textures in every bite. It’s like having the best parts of Thanksgiving dinner any night of the week.
- Flavor Profile: Sweet meets savory with buttery richness throughout
- Texture: Crispy Brussels sprouts against smooth, velvety potatoes
| Calories | Carbohydrates | Protein | Fiber | Sugar | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 390 kcal | 44 g | 7 g | 8 g | 9 g | 22 g |
2. Over Creamy Polenta
I found this pairing by accident, and now it’s one of my favorites for dinner parties. The warm polenta acts like a cozy base while the honey butter Brussels sprouts add this bright, sweet pop on top. The honey butter glaze melts slightly into the polenta, creating these little pockets of flavor.
- Flavor Profile: Earthy corn notes with sweet caramelized vegetables
- Texture: Silky polenta topped with tender-crisp Brussels sprouts
| Calories | Carbohydrates | Protein | Fiber | Sugar | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 420 kcal | 46 g | 8 g | 7 g | 8 g | 24 g |
3. As a Topping for Grilled Chicken
This changes plain grilled chicken into something restaurant-worthy. I pile the glazed Brussels sprouts right on top of the hot chicken, and the honey butter creates this incredible sauce. The vegetables add moisture and make each bite more interesting.
Pair it with White Wine Sangria with Vodka to turn it into a perfect date night meal.
- Flavor Profile: Savory protein with sweet-tangy vegetable topping
- Texture: Juicy chicken is increased by caramelized, slightly firm vegetables
| Calories | Carbohydrates | Protein | Fiber | Sugar | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 480 kcal | 21 g | 32 g | 6 g | 7 g | 29 g |
4. In Grain Bowls (Quinoa/Rice)
My weekday lunch game changed completely when I started adding these Brussels sprouts to grain bowls. They work with both quinoa and brown rice, adding this burst of flavor to what could be a boring healthy meal. I often add some nuts and dried cranberries too.
- Flavor Profile: Nutty grains with sweet-savory vegetables and bright acidity
- Texture: Chewy grains contrasted by tender Brussels sprouts with crispy edges
| Calories | Carbohydrates | Protein | Fiber | Sugar | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 520 kcal | 53 g | 14 g | 9 g | 8 g | 26 g |
5. Next to Balsamic Pork Chops
This might be my favorite dinner combination ever. The tangy balsamic from the pork chops plays beautifully with the sweet honey glaze. I let the juices from both dishes mingle on the plate – it creates this incredible sauce that ties everything together.
- Flavor Profile: Sweet honey and tart balsamic create a perfect balance
- Texture: Tender pork with caramelized vegetables that have a slight crunch
| Calories | Carbohydrates | Protein | Fiber | Sugar | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 550 kcal | 18 g | 36 g | 5 g | 6 g | 34 g |
Each of these pairings brings out something different in the Brussels sprouts. That’s what I love most about this recipe: it’s versatile enough to work with so many different meals!
Wrap Up
I’ve watched this honey butter brussel sprouts recipe work its magic on so many Brussels sprouts skeptics.
There’s something special about that sweet-salty glaze that just clicks. Even my pickiest eaters come back for seconds!
You now have a base recipe that works with almost anything. Try it with your favorite protein, mix it into grain bowls, or create your flavor combinations. I’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own.
Drop a comment and tell me about your favorite pairing or any creative twists you’ve tried. Let’s turn more people into Brussels sprouts believers together!
