Sweet Crispy Brussels Sprouts

There was a time I thought Brussels sprouts were the bitter little vegetables everyone pretended to like just because they sounded fancy. But my entire opinion flipped after I nailed this one recipe for sweet crispy Brussels sprouts. The magic happens when caramelized sugar and a perfect crispy texture come together, transforming those little green buds into addictive poppable bites packed with flavor. You’ll want to keep making this over and over. The primary keyword, sweet crispy Brussels sprouts, isn’t just a recipe name—it’s a game changer for how these veggies can steal the spotlight on your dinner table.

Sweet Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Why It Works & Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat

Here’s why this combination works so well. Using both butter and olive oil is a personal favorite trick of mine. Butter carries that rich, creamy flavor that cuts through the slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts, while olive oil raises the smoke point, helping achieve that much-coveted crispy edge without burning. Brown sugar is the secret to the sweet layer; its molasses notes deepen the caramelization instead of just adding sweetness like white sugar would. The balsamic vinegar adds an acidic punch to balance all the sugar and fat, creating a lively contrast on your palate. Salt and black pepper season everything properly, and garlic powder infuses warmth without overpowering the sprouts. This recipe edges on a sweet-savory dance that makes you forget you’re eating a vegetable.

Sweet Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Sweet Crispy Brussels Sprouts with perfect crunch and sweetness to satisfy your hunger and delight your taste buds

• Author: molly
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Side Dish
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

0.5 cup packed brown sugar

0.25 cup balsamic vinegar

0.5 teaspoon salt

0.25 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Rinse your Brussels sprouts thoroughly, trim off the stem ends, and slice them in half lengthwise. Dry them well with a kitchen towel—moisture is the enemy of crispiness.

Place a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes. Add the olive oil and butter, letting the butter melt and sizzle gently.

Lay the Brussels sprouts cut side down in a single layer. You might have to do this in batches so they don’t crowd the pan. Let them cook without stirring for 6-8 minutes until the cut side is golden-brown and crispy.

Toss the sprouts and sprinkle the salt, pepper, and garlic powder evenly over them. Stir gently and cook another 3-4 minutes until evenly cooked through.

Reduce heat to low and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly on top. Then drizzle the balsamic vinegar over and let it bubble and thicken for roughly 2-3 minutes while stirring gently to caramelize and coat the sprouts.

If desired, sprinkle red pepper flakes to taste right before serving. Enjoy warm, crispy, sweet bites immediately for the best texture.

Notes

Sweet crispy Brussels sprouts transform the often-misunderstood vegetable into addictive poppable bites with caramelized sugar and a perfect crispy texture. This recipe balances sweet and savory flavors that will keep you making it over and over.

Sweet Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Brussels sprouts: Rinse your Brussels sprouts thoroughly, trim off the stem ends, and slice them in half lengthwise. Dry them well with a kitchen towel—moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
2. Preheat the pan: Place a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes. Add the olive oil and butter, letting the butter melt and sizzle gently.
3. Cook the sprouts: Lay the Brussels sprouts cut side down in a single layer. You might have to do this in batches so they don’t crowd the pan. Let them cook without stirring for 6-8 minutes until the cut side is golden-brown and crispy. Resist the urge to move them around too soon!
4. Flip and season: Toss the sprouts and sprinkle the salt, pepper, and garlic powder evenly over them. Stir gently and cook another 3-4 minutes to get everything evenly cooked through.
5. Add the sweetness and acidity: Reduce heat to low and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly on top. Then drizzle the balsamic vinegar over and let it bubble and thicken for roughly 2-3 minutes while stirring gently. The sugar will caramelize and coat those crispy leaves in a sticky glaze—you’ll smell that irresistible scent immediately.
6. Final touch: If you like a little kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes to taste right before serving. Enjoy these warm, crispy, sweet bites immediately for the best texture.

Sweet Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Tips for Success

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Spreading the Brussels sprouts out in a single layer is key for that beautiful caramelized crust. Crowding causes steaming, which ruins crispiness.
• Dry thoroughly before cooking: Any water on the sprouts will create steam instead of crisping. Pat them completely dry.
• Be patient with browning: Let the sprouts cook undisturbed cut-side down until you see a deep golden crust. Flipping too early interrupts caramelization.
• Use a heavy pan: A cast iron or stainless steel skillet works best because it retains heat and promotes even browning.
• Adjust sweetness to your taste: If you prefer less sweet, reduce the brown sugar or balance with a little extra balsamic vinegar.

Sweet Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Storage & Reheating

Sweet crispy Brussels sprouts are delicious fresh and warm, but leftovers can still hold their charm. Store your cooled Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F for 8-10 minutes in the oven—this helps bring back some crunch without making them soggy. Steaming them in the microwave isn’t the best choice, as revisiting that crispiness is tricky and can leave them mushy.

Sweet Crispy Brussels Sprouts: FAQ

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

Using frozen Brussels sprouts won’t deliver quite the same crispy results because they often release more water during cooking, which can cause steaming. If you do use frozen, thaw completely and dry them thoroughly before cooking to maximize crispiness.

What’s the best pan to cook sweet crispy Brussels sprouts in?

A heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron or stainless steel is ideal because it heats evenly and holds high temperatures well, making the sprout surfaces crisp up beautifully. Non-stick pans tend to steam rather than brown.

Can I make sweet crispy Brussels sprouts vegan?

You can easily swap the butter for more olive oil or a vegan butter alternative. The sugars and vinegar will still create that sweet glaze that defines this recipe.

Why do my Brussels sprouts sometimes get mushy instead of crispy?

The main culprits are extra moisture, overcrowding the pan, or stirring too often. Dry them well, give them space, and let them develop that crisp crust by not flipping too soon.

How do I adjust sweetness for my taste?

You can reduce the brown sugar or substitute maple syrup for a slightly different flavor. Adding a splash of lemon juice at the end can also brighten the dish if you find it too sweet.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving (based on four servings):

• Calories: 220
• Fat: 15g (mostly from butter and olive oil)
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 18g (with 12g sugars)
• Fiber: 5g

Keep in mind, these values can vary slightly depending on exact ingredient brands and portion sizes. This recipe balances indulgence with nutrients, giving you a flavorful veggie side without the guilt.

Sweet Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Every time I make sweet crispy Brussels sprouts, my kitchen fills with that cozy caramelized scent that promises comfort food at its best. This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a flavor experience that brings out the best in an often-misunderstood vegetable. If you try it out, be sure to tell me how it turns out and share your twists. I love hearing how other kitchens make this recipe their own.