Brussels sprouts with balsamic vinegar - Without a doubt one of the best roasted Brussels sprouts recipes you'll make; a simple, highly flavorful way to enjoy them! The sprouts are both savory and sweet, highly aromatic, and provides a unique mouth experience for the holidays or easy weeknight side.
I never had brussels sprouts as a kid. It was not a food in the rotation of items cooked by my grandparents. I was keenly aware of them though given their negative reputation in pop culture. I remember watching a "Leave It To Beaver" episode with my grandfather in which a young Beaver Clever refused to eat sprouts for dinner.
But that was then and what is now is that in recent years, many chefs have worked to change perceptions of Brussel sprouts by developing clever recipes for their restaurants. Though these are some of the best Brussels sprouts I've ever had, invariably most of these recipes are flavored with butter or bacon which are tasty, welcome additions to any dish let alone sprouts.
I'm of the mindset that if you don't like brussels sprouts, it's because you haven't had them cooked the right way. And it's possible to cook great tasting sprouts and enjoy the many health benefits.
Roasted Sprouts Ingredients
- Brussel Sprouts
- Grapes
- Olive Oil
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Salt
- Pepper
- Dried Thyme
- Coriander (optional)
- Ground Fennel (optional)
For this roasted brussels sprouts recipe, I wanted the rich flavor produced in restaurants but wanted to create a recipe that was a bit more for everyday consumption, especially for a busy weeknight. Translation - a healthier profile and very little prep and cooking. So I left out butter, bacon, and sugar but ramped up the flavor profile.
The grapes also provide a great eating experience assuming you roast them whole vs. halving. Biting into them releases an explosion of delectable wine-like juice.
How to make Brussel Sprouts with balsamic and grapes (step by step)
The key lies in layering flavors with different simple ingredients. I started with a spice mix consisting of kosher salt, pepper, fennel, and coriander, but you can keep it as simple as just salt and pepper.
Basic steps are season, sear, then roast. A good sear locks in that flavor while roasting intensifies the natural flavors of both the grapes and sprouts as well as concentrating the sweetness in the balsamic vinegar.
Step 1: Prepare the Sprouts
Toss the sprouts in a mixing bowl with oil. Season with spices
Step 2: Saute the Sprouts
Heat skillet to medium-high heat. Add oil to the hot pan then add the sprouts and cook striving for deep caramelization. Cook for 3-4 minutes then add vinegar, grapes, and additional seasoning.
Step 3: Roast
Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place skillet into the oven and cook for 20-25 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
These make for a great weeknight or holiday side. They're easy cook and basically hands free cooking. Serve them with fish, lamb, or chicken.
How do purple brussels sprouts differ from green ones?
Purple brussels sprouts are a cross between traditional green sprouts and purple cabbage. These beauties come in shades of purple from dark purple to violet, mixed in with some bright green. Purple brussels sprouts tend to have more compact, rounded leaves and do not grow in a uniformed fashion like their green counterparts. Flavorwise purple brussels sprouts offer a slightly nutty and much sweeter flavor than their green counterpart.
What are the health benefits of brussels sprouts?
Brussels sprouts provide plenty of antioxidants, help fight both cancer and heart disease, and restores healthy digestion. They also have a surprisingly high amount of protein for a vegetable. Like their green relatives purple sprouts are a very good source of Fiber, folate, and vitamins A, C, K, and B6; also the purple pigment provides added antioxidants.
Cooking Tips for making the best Brussel Sprouts
- I prefer my Brussels sprouts to have crispy edges, so I halve the sprouts and sear/brown them on the cut side before roasting.
- For next-level flavor, if using coriander and fennel seeds, then toast them prior to grinding
- Keep it light with the spices/seasonings as purple sprouts are naturally sweet and cooking will easily bring this out as well as that nutty flavor.
- For additional flavor and crunchy texture add nuts like pecans.
- Green Brussel sprouts work fine in this recipe, so feel free to substitute them freely.
For similar Brussel sprouts recipes you might like, try these:
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Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussel sprouts, ends trimmed and halved
- 1 cup sweet red seedless grapes, washed
- ½ tablespoon kosher salt
- ½ tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds optional
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to about 375 degrees.
- Using a spice or coffee grinder, grind the fennel and coriander seeds.
- Toss Brussel sprouts with olive oil in a mixing bowl. Season with half the fennel, coriander, salt and pepper.
- Heat cast iron skillet on medium high heat. Add sprouts and brown for 2-3 minutes. During the last minute add remaining seasoning, the grapes and balsamic vinegar and stir well.
- Turn off heat and place the skillet of sprouts and grapes into the oven. Roast in the oven until sprouts are fork tender or can be pierced with a knife (about 20 minutes)
Video
Notes
- I prefer my Brussels sprouts to have crispy edges, so I halve the sprouts and sear/brown them on the cut side before roasting.
- For next-level flavor, if using coriander and fennel seeds, then toast them prior to grinding
- Keep it light with the spices/seasonings as purple sprouts are naturally sweet and cooking will easily bring this out as well as that nutty flavor.
- For additional flavor and crunchy texture add nuts like pecans.
- Green Brussel sprouts work fine in this recipe, so feel free to substitute them freely.
Michele
Monday 22nd of November 2021
What a great way to serve Brussels sprouts. I will be adding this to my side dishes to make.
Aya
Sunday 21st of November 2021
This Brussels recipe is so easy and flavorful! I loved the use of thyme. I’m definitely making it again!
Veronika
Sunday 21st of November 2021
Such an easy and delicious recipe! Made it last night and everyone loved it!
Jacqueline Debono
Sunday 21st of November 2021
I didn't much like sprouts as a kid because they were only ever served boiled!! But, roasted brussels sprouts are something else! I'm addicted to them. This recipe with grapes sounds divine. I'm not sure I can find purple sprouts here in Italy, but if not I'll try with normal ones. I have some really nice balsamic vinegar and coriander seeds from my homegrown coriander!
Tammy
Friday 19th of November 2021
Another great combo for Brussels Sprouts! I would never have thought of roasted with grapes..I love this combo though of the slight sweetness. Looks delicious and beautiful!