Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts
Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts are a quick and easy summer side dish. Pan-seared Brussels sprouts, cooked to crispy perfection, then coated in a warm, chili infused honey that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory.
These Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts are undeniably one of the most irresistible recipes I’ve ever made. Perfect for weeknight meals, holiday dinners, or as a tasty snack. Try this recipe today and spice up your summer veggie game!
For more delicious summer side dishes, try Creamy Jalapeño Corn, Apple Pie Baked Beans, Buffalo Crispy Cauliflower Bites.
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Brussels Sprouts
- Irresistible flavor- The combination of sweet and spicy flavors create an addictive taste that is unforgettable.
- Crispy texture- Caramelizing the Brussels sprouts in a hot pan gives them the perfect sear, while maintaining a tender texture and bright green color.
- Easy to make- Whip up this mouthwatering side dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor in no time.
- Hot Honey goodness- Adds a tantalizing blend of sweetness and heat to these brussel sprouts, elevating their flavor.
Ingredient Notes
Below are ingredient notes. For the complete list and quantities, please refer to the recipe card located at the bottom of the page.
- Brussels sprouts- Opt for fresh Brussels sprouts for the best flavor and texture. Look for ones that are firm with tightly packed leaves and vibrant green color.
- Olive oil- Choose a high-quality olive oil for roasting the Brussels sprouts. It adds richness and helps achieve a crispy exterior.
- Garlic powder- Lends a savory flavor to the brussel sprouts which helps balance out all the flavors.
- Honey- The type of honey that you use is completely up to you. Personally, I prefer a simple clover honey that’s not overly floral.
- Crushed red pepper flakes- These flakes provide a subtle heat to balance the sweetness of the honey. Adjust the amount according to your preference for spiciness.
- Apple cider vinegar- Adding a splash of vinegar provides a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the honey. You’re welcome to leave it out if you prefer.
Substitutions
- Crushed red pepper flakes- This hot honey recipe also tastes fantastic with fresh chili peppers such as jalapeños, Thai red chilis or Serranos.
- Honey- Another excellent option to consider is orange blossom honey.
- Vinegar- If you do have apple cider vinegar on hand, feel free to use white wine vinegar or champagne vinegar.
What Is Hot Honey
Hot honey is a very popular condiment that combines the natural sweetness of honey with a spicy kick, typically from chili peppers or red pepper flakes. It’s made by infusing honey with chili peppers or incorporating chili pepper flakes directly into the honey, resulting in a perfect balance of sweet and heat.
Whether drizzled over pizza, glazed on chicken wings, or mixed into cocktails, hot honey adds a delightful twist to any culinary creation.
Step By Step Instructions
STEP 1: Heat the honey. Add the honey and crushed red pepper flakes to a small sauce pan. Heat over medium heat until the honey slowly comes to a gentle simmer. Then, remove pan from heat.
STEP 2: Rest. Let the honey rest for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
STEP 3: Strain. Strain the honey through a fine mesh strainer into a clean storage jar. Then, stir in the apple cider vinegar.
STEP 4: Prepare the Brussels sprouts. Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half lengthwise. Remove any outer leaves that are wilted or discolored.
STEP 5: Season the Brussels sprouts. Place the Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl. Add 2 tbsp olive oil, garlic powder, 1 tbsp hot honey, salt and pepper. Toss until the Brussels sprouts are evenly coated.
STEP 6: Sear. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the Brussels sprouts and place them flat side down. Cook the sprouts for 5-7 minutes, undisturbed, until they develop a dark, caramelized sear.
With a spatula, flip the Brussels sprouts. Continue cooking, stirring every few minutes, until the Brussels sprouts are browned all over and just tender, about 3-4 additional minutes. Then, season with salt and pepper.
STEP 7: Finish. Remove the pan from the heat, then transfer them to a dish and drizzle with an additional 1-2 tablespoons of hot honey.
Expert Tips
Selecting Brussels sprouts. When selecting, make sure the sprouts are similar in size to ensure even cooking. Choose firm, bright green sprouts with tightly packed leaves. Avoid those with yellowing leaves or soft spots.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer in the skillet. Overcrowding will cause the Brussels sprouts to steam.
Heat the pan. Make sure to heat the pan before adding the Brussels sprouts. As soon as the oil is hot and shining, but before it starts smoking, carefully add them into the pan.
Cook just until tender. Do not overcook the sprouts or else they turn mushy and lose their vibrant green color. They should be just tender with a deep caramelized color. Use a fork to check for doneness.
Variations
- Citrus twist- Add lemon or orange zest to the hot honey sauce for a citrusy kick.
- Nutty crunch- Toast chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, walnuts or pine nuts and sprinkle them over the finished dish for added texture.
- Cheesy finish- Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese of crumbled feta cheese over the Brussels sprouts for a savory touch.
- Crispy bacon- Crumble crispy cooked bacon over the hot honey sprouts for a salty, smoky addition.
- Herb infusion- Toss the Brussels sprouts with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage.
- Festive touch- Add pomegranate or dried cranberries during the holiday season for color and sweet-tart flavor, adding a festive twist to the dish.
FAQ
I don’t recommending using frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe. Fresh Brussels sprouts yield a better texture and flavor, becoming crispy and caramelized.. Frozen Brussels sprouts tend to retain more moisture, leading to a soggier final dish.
Absolutely! Store-bought hot honey is a convenient option and works perfectly for this recipe. Feel free to use your favorite brand.
These Brussels Sprouts pair well with grilled or roasted meats, fish or can be enjoyed as a stand-alone vegetarian dish. They also complement grain-based dishes like quinoa or farro.
Yes, Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamins and fiber, and using honey and olive oil adds natural sweetness and healthy fats. Just be mindful of the amount of hot honey used to keep the dish balanced.
Spread them into a single layer to prevent overcrowding. If they’re too close together, they’ll steam instead of caramelize. Also, make sure your pan and oil are both hot before adding the Brussels sprouts.
Storing and Reheating
Store any leftover Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days.
Reheating
- Oven- Preheat oven to 375℉. Spread Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet and reheat for 10-15 minutes until crispy.
- Air Fryer- Preheat to 350℉. Heat for 3-5 minutes, shaking halfway.
Helpful Tools and Equipment
- Chef’s knife- For trimming and halving the Brussels sprouts. Make sure your knife is sharp to create clean cuts.
- Large cast iron skillet or frying pan- Make sure your pan is large enough to hold all the Brussels sprouts without overcrowding.
- Fine mesh strainer- For straining the hot honey sauce to remove the red pepper flakes.
- Large mixing bowl- For tossing the Brussels sprouts.
- Saucepan- If making the hot honey sauce from scratch, use a small saucepan to heat the honey mixture.
- Jar with lid- For storing the homemade hot honey sauce. Choose a jar that seals tightly to keep the hot honey fresh.
More Mouthwatering Side Dishes To Try
What To Serve with Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts:
- Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs
- Baked Tuscan Chicken
- Lemon Pepper Pasta with Ricotta and Breadcrumbs
- Miso Butter Salmon
- One Pot French onion Pasta
After trying out this recipe, I’d love to hear your feedback. Please consider leaving a star review on the recipe card below. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram and follow me on Pinterest for more mouthwatering recipes. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Hot Honey Brussel Sprouts
Ingredients
Hot Honey
- 1/2 cup Honey, Clover or any mild/sweet honey
- 1 tbsp Crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp Apple cider vinegar
Pan-Seared Brussels Sprouts
- 1 1/2 lbs Brussels sprouts, washed, trimmed and cut in half lengthwise
- 1/4 cup Olive oil , divided
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Hot honey, plus more finishing
- Salt and pepper , to taste
Instructions
Hot Honey
- Add the honey and crushed red pepper flakes to a small sauce pan. Heat over medium heat until the honey slowly comes to a gentle simmer. Then, remove pan from heat.
- Let the honey rest for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Strain the honey through a fine mesh strainer into a clean storage jar. Then, stir in the apple cider vinegar.
Pan-Seared Brussels Sprouts
- Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half lengthwise. Remove any outer leaves that are wilted or discolored.
- Place the Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl. Add 2 tbsp olive oil, garlic powder, 1 tbsp hot honey, salt and pepper. Toss until the Brussels sprouts are evenly coated.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the Brussels sprouts and place them flat side down. Cook the sprouts for 5-7 minutes, undisturbed, until they develop a dark, caramelized sear.
- With a spatula, flip the Brussels sprouts. Continue cooking, stirring every few minutes, until the Brussels sprouts are browned all over and just tender, about 3-4 additional minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Remove the pan from the heat, then transfer them to a dish and drizzle with an additional 1-2 tablespoons of hot honey.