Crispy Vegan Brussels Sprouts with Maple-Balsamic Glaze – Sweet & Savory Holiday Side 🍂
Transform Brussels sprouts into caramelized holiday magic with this plant-based twist featuring sweet maple and tangy balsamic.
Roasted Brussels sprouts have never been more glamorous! This vegan recipe caramelize the tiny green gems with a glossy maple-balsamic glaze, creating a sweet-and-savory side dish that steals the spotlight at holiday feasts. The perfect balance of crispy textures and festive flavors, these brussels sprouts are sure to convert even the most skeptical guests.
As the centerpiece of a Thanksgiving spread or a festive winter dinner, these vibrant green and golden sprouts bring both crunch and elegance. The maple adds a comforting sweetness while the aged balsamic provides a rich, tangy depth that ties everything together.
What makes this recipe exceptional? It delivers culinary theater in every bite - the sprouts roast to perfect crispiness, their natural sugars intensify with caramelization, and the glossy glaze forms an irresistible sheen. Best of all, it's ready in just 40 minutes with only 5 simple ingredients (no special equipment needed!).
Health-conscious eaters will appreciate the nutritional benefits - Brussels sprouts are packed with fiber, vitamins C and K, and phytonutrients, while the maple offers natural sweetness without refined sugars and the balsamic provides probiotic benefits.
Whether you're hosting a Thanksgiving potluck, attending a holiday dinner party, or simply want to elevate your weeknight meals, this vegan side dish will become a permanent staple in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs Brussels sprouts (about 2½ cups chopped)
- ¼ cup olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional, for umami depth)
- 2 tbsp chopped slivered almonds (plus extra for garnish)
*For allergens: To make nut-free, substitute chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds.
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep The Brussels Sprouts Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts, removing any brown outer leaves. Place sprouts in a large bowl.
Tip: For extra crispiness, blanch sprouts for 30 seconds in boiling water before roasting. (Skip if short on time.) - Step 2: Make The Maple-Balsamic Glaze In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, both vinegars, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and ¼ cup of the olive oil. The glaze should have a syrupy consistency.
Substitution: Replace 1 tbsp maple syrup with agave or date syrup for similar results. - Step 3: Toss And Roast Add the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil and chopped almonds to the sprouts. Drizzle the glaze and toss well to coat. Spread in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Pro tip: Use two baking sheets if sprouts are crowding to ensure even cooking. - Step 4: Roast Until Caramelized Bake at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway, until sprouts are crispy golden and glaze is bubbly. Stir in nutritional yeast (if using).
Don't skip stirring halfway - this ensures even caramelization! - Step 5: Finish & Garnish Remove from oven and immediately toss with extra chopped almonds for coating. Transfer to serving dish, sprinkle with additional almonds and a drizzle of balsamic reduction if desired.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Effortless Holiday Prep
This one-bowl wonder needs just 10 minutes of hands-on work and delivers restaurant-quality results. Perfect for busy holiday hosts who want to serve something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
💰 Budget-Friendly Elegance
For under $5 per serving, you get a gourmet-style dish that looks and tastes far more expensive than the ingredients cost. A 1½ lb bag of Brussels sprouts is typically on sale for $2-$3 at major grocery stores.
👥 Inclusive For Every Guest
Fully vegan and easily made nut-free, this dish accommodates common dietary restrictions while appealing to both health-conscious and flavor-focused diners. The sweet-spicy glaze masks any strong sprout flavors that might turn people off.
🌟 Crowd-Pleasing Flavor
The maple-balsamic combo hits all the right notes - sweet, tangy, umami, and salty. Caramelized edges add another layer of texture, making this one of those rare side dishes people ask for seconds of.
Crispy Vegan Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Holiday-approved vegan masterpiece with sweet maple and balsamic
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1½ lbs Brussels sprouts
- - ¼ cup olive oil
- - 3 tbsp maple syrup
- - 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- - 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- - ½ tsp garlic powder
- - ½ tsp smoked paprika
- - ½ tsp salt
- - ¼ tsp pepper
- - 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- - 2 tbsp slivered almonds
👨🍳 Instructions
Prep The Brussels Sprouts: Trim and halve sprouts, discarding outer leaves. Place in large bowl.
💡 Use kitchen shears for faster trimming while holding each sprout in hand.
Make The Maple-Balsamic Glaze: Whisk maple syrup, both vinegars, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and ¼ cup olive oil.
💡 For smokier flavor, add ½ tsp smoked paprika to glaze.
Toss And Roast: Add remaining olive oil, chopped almonds, and glaze. Toss to combine and spread on baking sheet.
💡 Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Roast Until Bubbly: Bake at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway.
💡 Check for doneness: sprouts should be deeply browned but not burnt.
Finish And Serve: Toss with extra chopped almonds and serve warm.
💡 Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for extra color.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Brussels Sprouts
The star of this show - look for firm, compact sprouts with no yellowing leaves. Smaller sprouts tend to cook faster and more evenly than larger ones.
Substitutions: Cauliflower or broccoli florets work well in the same preparation for a different texture.
Maple Syrup
Provides both sweet flavor and caramelization ability. Grades B or C are ideal for their robust flavor profile.
Substitutions: Agave nectar, date syrup, or turbinado sugar dissolved in water work similarly - adjust liquid quantities accordingly.
Balsamic Vinegar
Choose a aged balsamic for its sweet-tangy complexity. For a lower-sugar option, use white balsamic or blend with red-wine vinegar.
Substitutions: Substitute with 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar + 1 tbsp rice vinegar + 1 tsp honey.
Slivered Almonds
Add crunch and nutty flavor. You can toast them before adding to enhance their taste - just be careful not to burn (toast in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes).
Substitutions: Substitute with walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds for nut-free alternatives.
Pro Tips for Perfect Brussels Sprouts
💡 Crispy Guarantee
Roast at high heat (425°F-450°F) for maximum crisping. For extra crunch, spread sprouts in a single layer with space between them.
💡 Flavor Enhancers
Sprinkle with smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for a warm spice kick. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end adds bright acidity.
💡 Make Ahead Magic
Mix the glaze in advance and store in the fridge. The sprouts should be tossed just before roasting for best results.
💡 Creative Variations
Try adding dried cranberries, chopped pistachios, or even crumbled tofu for extra umami. A pinch of cinnamon in the glaze gives a festive touch!
Variations & Customizations
Global Fusion
Add 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp grated ginger to the glaze for an Asian-inspired version. Serve with sticky rice for a complete dish.
Dairy-Free Twist
Stir in ¼ cup melted vegan butter with the glaze for richer flavor. Works beautifully as a make-ahead component.
Spicy Upgrade
Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the glaze for a kick. Add chopped fresh jalapeños in step 5 for visible flair!
Citrus Zest
Toss with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice after roasting for extra brightness. Garnish with microgreens or edible flowers for a elegant presentation.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Roast Turkey (pairs beautifully with the maple-balsamic depth of this dish)
- Herbed Sweet Potato Casserole (complementary autumn flavors)
- Stuffing with Apples and Pecans (textural contrast and flavor harmony)
- Vegan Mushroom Risotto (both offer savory umami richness)
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Go for a Chardonnay or Apple Cider - both complement the sweet notes in the glaze. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling grape juice or a ginger ale.
Complete the meal by pairing with this pin: "Roast Turkey with Maple Glaze" (ID: DSH10158), "Herbed Sweet Potato Casserole" (DSH10161), and "Apple-Cranberry Bread" (DSH10168).
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Mix the glaze and chop the almond garnish up to 5 days ahead. Store glaze in airtight container in fridge. Brussels sprouts should be tossed with glaze just before roasting.
Refrigerator Storage
Leftovers will keep in airtight container for 3-4 days. Best to reheat individual portions rather than rewarming the whole dish.
Freezer Storage
Freeze leftovers in single layer (place on baking sheet first, then transfer to container once frozen). Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat on parchment-lined baking sheet at 375°F for 10-15 minutes for optimal crispiness. Microwave will soften the texture - not recommended.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes - all ingredients are inherently gluten-free. Just ensure your balsamic and any optional additions are certified gluten-free.
Q: Why aren't my sprouts getting crispy?
A: Common cause: too much moisture. Make sure sprouts are perfectly dry before roasting. Also ensure they're spread in a single layer with space between each sprout.
Q: Can I prepare these ahead of time?
A: While best served fresh, you can roast up to 2 hours ahead. Reheat in oven as instructed to restore crispiness.
Q: Why is the glaze burning too fast?
A: Reduce oven temperature to 400°F and cover sprouts with aluminum foil during first half of roasting. Remove foil for final roasting to allow caramelization.
Final Thoughts
These maple-balsamic Brussels sprouts represent the perfect intersection of seasonal cooking and modern flavor profiling. The marriage of sweet, sour and crunchy textural elements creates something greater than the sum of its parts - a true star in any fall or holiday dining table.
From their jewel-like colors to their satisfying crunch in every bite, this dish brings both visual appeal and sensory satisfaction. Whether you're hosting a Thanksgiving dinner or just want to impress weekend guests with restaurant-quality cooking, these sprouts deliver all that and more.
