These Maple-Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts will make you forget memories of mushy, blah Brussels sprouts. Just roast them with a touch of sweet maple syrup and a splash of tangy balsamic vinegar for a simple side dish or veggie-packed snack.
Since I’m an only child, I spent a lot of my childhood around adults. At family gatherings, I could only get away with stealing adults (hi, Kim) to play with me for so long. Not that I blame anyone. I fully understand that sometimes it’s a lot more appealing to linger around the dinner table or crash on the couch than get your hair ripped out by your five-year old hairstylist or walk around the yard balancing a fake egg on a spoon for the amusement of a kid, no matter how much you love them.
But that means that I was part of (or at least around for) a lot of adult-y conversations. One of my great-grandpa’s favorite lines was asking young, clueless me to lead the discussion at dinner. I was shy and had no idea what to say, so this almost always failed, but I still stuck around for whatever conversation did occur.
If I remember correctly, it was usually about the things you’re not supposed to talk about: politics, religion, and money. Sometimes I joined. Mostly, I listened. I’ve always been interested in philosophical stuff, politics, and government, and several of my independent research projects in high school focused on them. Between my own reading, family debates, columns my dad saved for me from The Wall Street Journal, and Sunday political shows, I developed my own opinions.
On developing your own opinions - even on produce. #bgbcommunity #fitfluential Share on XThe point? I’ve always felt free to do just that. There’s a lot of room in my family for education and discussion and evolution of opinion on big topics, and I know that’s not the case for everyone. I’m pretty lucky.
That said, on smaller issues (like vegetables) it was not quite the same.
If you’ve been reading for a while, you’ve probably heard me mention that I didn’t grow up eating Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes because my parents hate both.
I know. I don’t get them either. 😉
I could get them to try (and enjoy) spaghetti squash and zoodles. They were up for any dish I wanted to make, really… as long as it didn’t have sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts.
That means that, aside from trying a Brussels sprout or two at my grandparents‘ house and not actively disliking them, I didn’t know what my own opinions about Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes were. No worries, though. It turns out that Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes are two of about five things that my dining hall doesn’t do horribly, so I ate a ton of them my freshman year. Now, I know the truth: I like love them.
And Maple-Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts are my favorite Brussels sprouts! There are zero things wrong with just tossing them with the oil, salt, and pepper, and roasting them. Those are delicious. However, add the maple syrup and balsamic vinegar and you get an explosion of sweet and tangy awesomeness that’s way more interesting.
I snack on these straight off the tray or serve them with steak or roasted chicken. And a whole tray rarely lasts me more than a day – they’re addictive! Hey, at least I’m eating my veggies, right?
- 3/4 lb. Brussels sprouts, trimmed**
- 1 T. coconut oil, melted*
- 1/4 t. salt
- 1/2 t. black pepper
- 1/2 T. maple syrup
- 1 T. balsamic vinegar
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut your Brussels sprouts to be about the same size. I halve or quarter mine, depending on size. It's okay if some leaves fall off. I like to roast them because I love how crispy they get. If you're not into charred leaves, put them in a salad or throw them away.
- In a large bowl, toss cut Brussels sprouts with melted coconut oil, salt, pepper, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar.
- Spread seasoned Brussels sprouts onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 25-35 minutes, depending on desired crispiness.
- *You can use another oil, too. I just like the extra crispiness that comes with the coconut oil.
- **Not a fan of Brussels sprouts? This works nicely with broccoli and cauliflower, too!
Click to view nutrition facts for Maple-Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
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It’s week 2 of the Autumn Produce Challenge with Kayla and Priya! We’d love it if you’d share your best Brussels sprouts recipes with us!
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Your turn:
How many siblings do you have?
Does your family talk politics?
Do you like Brussels sprouts?
I didn’t grow up eating brussels sprouts either. My mom was a good cook, but she really just made a few basic dishes. I try a lot more exotic things now. I do LOVE some brussels sprouts though. I usually roast a pan once a week and use them all week long, if I don’t snack on them all when I first take them out of the oven 😉
Haha these ones rarely last longer than a day for me. ? Right out of the oven is my favorite!
Now I’m curious! I’ve always thought I don’t like brussel sprouts, but last week I was talking with a friend who told me I just hadn’t had them done the right way. I need to try these!
I have one and a half siblings, haha! A sister two years younger than me (who also goes to Carleton; it’s the best) and a two and a half year old half brother who is the cutest lil thing in the world. 🙂
That’s what I always tell people who say they don’t like Brussels sprouts!
Aww it’s so sweet that your sister goes to Carleton, too.
Also I know this post is older now but I’m just checking in to say that we made these tonight and they are SO. GOOD. We ate them all in one sitting! 😛
I’ll take comments and love on any post, old or not ?
And that makes me SO happy. I love these!
Brussels sprout life!!!! The first time I had them was at my grandparents house and I fell in love!!! It wasn’t surprising though, I loved EVERYTHING as a kid and would try anything! Needless to say, my momma started buying brussels sprouts all the time from that point on!
The rare unpicky child ?
For a long time, I thought that Brussel sprouts wouldn’t taste good, because people said they didn’t like them. Then I tried them, and I was sold! These look like a perfect way to eat them.
And I love talking about issues like politics and religion (politics …. to a certain extent), and I think it’s important to have an open avenue to discuss them in a loving way.
I like discussing those things, too, just not when it involves heavy judging and fights ?
Enjoying Brussels sprouts has definitely been a more recent thing for me, too, and I think it still somewhat depends on the way they’re cooked. I think I usually prefer them mixed with other veggies, too. But no sweet potatoes either? Not even baked sweet potato fries? Gah. Good thing there are so many other veggies to enjoy, too, I guess 🙂
Hahaha I can now get my mom to try sweet potato fries and chips, but that’s about it.
Only child over here too! I definitely got exposed to ‘adulty’ subjects quite early on (and have a distinct memory of being sat in the solicitor’s office aged 8 or 9 as my parents drew up the ins and outs of a property investment…) but it is something I am really grateful for as it has given me the confidence to hold conversations with ‘important/ higher up’ people with a bit more ease.
I also love Brussell sprouts but luckily so do my parents so they have been a staple Sunday roast veggie for as long as I can remember!
xx
I agree! I think for a long time (maybe still…?) I had more confidence with people much older than me than my own age.
I kind of understand your parents not liking brussel sprouts, but sweet potatoes, whaaaat?! Actually, come to think of it, I think my mom used to hate brussel sprouts, until I made them for her. She only likes them when they’re roasted and REALLY crispy! Great recipe! I love the flavor of maple on my brussels!
I love crispiness in my veggies, too. Thanks, Kayla!
I’ve never considered using coconut oil for roasting before. Genius!
It’s my favorite for roasting! It makes everything extra crispy!
I don’t think I’ve ever actually eaten brussel sprouts (my gut and cruciferous veggies don’t really agree!) but I think I need to test them out seeing as how I’ve had so many stomach successes lately!
I’d never thought of that as being a problem! Hmm I wonder if I eat too many cruciferous veggies. But yay for stomach successes! Nothing like a whole new world of food opening up to you 🙂
Absolutely hate brussel sprouts. I mean my mom made them every year for Thanksgiving and Christmas. She would never use frozen, always fresh and from off of the stalk so I know that they were good from the start. BUT for the life of me I couldn’t eat them. The smell was what really messed with me.
I can respect that. Sounds like you’ve given them a fair shot. And hey, not everyone likes everything! 🙂