Is your family tired of the same old side dishes? Shake things up with crispy Hot Honey Brussel Sprouts ! This sweet, spicy, and savory side dish transforms ordinary roasted Brussels sprouts into an irresistible treat everyone will love. You can either use air-fryer or oven method to nail this classic side dish!
These sprouts are roasted until golden and crispy, bringing out their natural sweetness and nutty flavor. They're then drizzled with a homemade hot honey sauce, a delightful blend of honey and crushed red pepper flakes, which adds a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. The dish is topped with creamy crumbled goat cheese for richness and tang, and pomegranate seeds for a pop of color and a burst of juicy freshness. It's a crowd-pleasing side dish similar to shaved brussels sprouts salad that's perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or a flavorful weeknight meal!
Complement the spicy sweetness of the Brussels sprouts with a simple herb-seasoned chicken, such as lemon pepper chicken thighs—perfect for pairing with this flavorful side dish! For a comforting meal, serve it alongside a light soup like tomato bisque or spicy vegetable soup.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts, topped with crumbled goat cheese and vibrant pomegranate seeds, are a true showstopper on any table. But there’s more to love about this amazing side dish:
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is quick and hassle-free—perfect for busy weeknights or festive holiday feasts.
- Versatile Side Dish: Pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains like roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or vegetarian dishes.
- Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, these Brussels sprouts are both healthy and flavorful.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The bold, sweet, and spicy hot honey glaze is sure to win over even the most skeptical eaters.
This recipe combines ease, nutrition, and bold flavors for a side dish you’ll want to make again and again!
Why Brussels Sprouts
Let’s talk facts. Brussel sprouts don’t top many children’s favorite food list. This green mini-cabbage has even made it into a horror movie, “Ernest Scared Stupid,” as Ernest proclaims, “Pretty soon, the kids won't have to worry about eating their Brussel sprouts because the Brussel sprouts will be eating them!” Ernest has been proven wrong. It’s time we looked at the real facts and see how deliciously mouthwatering oven-roasted Brussel sprouts with hot honey can be.
All About Hot Honey
These hot honey Brussel sprouts are a flavor eruption in your mouth with a combination of the heat and the sweet that makes up the hot honey. Honey provides antioxidants for increased health, and the heat, red pepper flakes, is frequently considered a mere pizza topping, The good news is that the benefits of red pepper flakes go far beyond just being a flavoring. Red pepper flakes can provide a boost to the metabolism and may help fight prostate cancer. You can make your own sauce or purchase the Hot Honey at the store.
Hot honey can be used in a variety of ways, such as drizzled over other vegetables (be daring and try it!) and on toast for a bit of a bite. It is healthier than sugar and might help lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
If you are wondering how to make hot honey, it is remarkably easy. Combine your basic honey with your choice of heat, such as red pepper flakes, then add a light slash of apple cider vinegar.
What Makes Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts Special
Crisp honey glazed Brussels sprouts are a holiday must-have as they make the perfect side dish. Brussel sprouts are a rare winter vegetable and at the peak of their flavor in December. Serving these tiny cabbages during the holidays is simply excellent timing. It is also good to know that during the season of overeating, Brussel sprouts provide us with Vitamins A and B, manganese, as well as iron, without an abundance of calories. Roasted Brussels sprouts are a powerhouse vegetable. Toss them with goat cheese and they become a showpiece.
Ingredients
- Brussels sprouts: Take a pound and a half of Brussels sprouts and cut them in half. This recipe is flexible, but please use fresh Brussels sprouts instead of frozen.
- Olive oil: Olive oil helps the Brussels sprouts crisp up in the oven while adding a rich, smooth flavor.
- Honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and sticky consistency for the glaze, which contrasts beautifully with the roasted Brussels sprouts and complements the heat from the red pepper flakes.
- Red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes are a good choice, but so is sriracha or a touch of chili paste. Feel free to experiment.
- Seaonings: To elevate the dish and flavors you need garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Goat Cheese: This healthy side dish recipe is topped with crumbled goat cheese, offering a rich and smooth texture to the dish.
- Pomegranate seeds: An interesting and healthful addition to these Brussel sprouts. They are full of antioxidants to help with heart problems, lower cholesterol, joint pain, and they contain fiber. A pomegranate Brussel sprout dish can genuinely elevate your health.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Add the Brussel sprouts and the seasonings into a bowl. Mix well.
Spread the seasoned Brussel sprouts in a single layer. Bake.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the honey and crushed red pepper flakes.
Drizzle the hot honey over the sprouts and toss to coat.
Sprinkle the roasted sprouts with crumbled goat cheese and pomegranate seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Substitutions
- Goat Cheese: Swap with feta cheese, blue cheese, or parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Honey: Use maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan-friendly or slightly different sweetness.
- Pomegranate Seeds: Replace with dried cranberries or chopped candied pecans for a similar burst of flavor and texture.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Use cayenne pepper or chili powder for heat if red pepper flakes aren’t available.
Variations
- Crunchy Version: Sprinkle toasted almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts for extra crunch.
- Bacon Version: Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky, savory twist.
- Vegan Version: Use vegan cheese or skip the cheese altogether and substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- For Spicy Version: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin to the seasoning mix for added depth.
- Air Fryer Version: Roast the Brussels sprouts in an air fryer for a quicker and crispier alternative.
Equipment
- Baking Tray - To roast the Brussels sprouts evenly.
- Parchment Paper - For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Mixing Bowl - To toss the Brussels sprouts with seasonings.
- Microwave-Safe Bowl - To prepare the hot honey glaze.
- Measuring Spoons - For precise measurement of ingredients like olive oil, honey, and spices.
How to Store Hot Honey Brussel Sprouts
Your Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days when stored in an airtight container. This makes them a great option for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers. However, freezing the sprouts is not recommended, as the freezing process may cause the Brussels sprouts to become mushy upon reheating, losing their crisp texture.
For the best results when reheating, place the leftover Brussels sprouts in a baking dish and cover them loosely with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until they are heated through. If you want to restore some of the crispiness, remove the foil during the last 3 minutes of reheating. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an air fryer for a few minutes at 375°F (190°C) for a crispier finish.
Top Tip
Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Tray - For the best texture, make sure the Brussels sprouts are spread out in a single layer on the baking tray. Overcrowding can cause them to steam rather than roast, leading to soggy sprouts.
Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts in an Air Fryer
Follow the same preparation steps, but instead of using a baking tray, toss the seasoned Brussels sprouts into the air fryer. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. Once crispy and golden, drizzle with the hot honey glaze and serve!
FAQ
Absolutely! Simply replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar and skip the goat cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
Yes! Roast the Brussels sprouts in advance and prepare the hot honey glaze separately. Before serving, reheat the sprouts and drizzle them with the warmed glaze.
While fresh Brussels sprouts yield the best results, you can use frozen ones. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before roasting to avoid sogginess.
Yes! Try adding carrots, cauliflower, or sweet potatoes for a colorful veggie mix. Adjust roasting time based on the vegetables you use.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts:
Hot Honey Brussel Sprouts
Equipment
- Baking Tray
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb. fresh Brussel sprouts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese
- ¼ cup pomegranate seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Cut the sprouts in half and transfer them to a bowl.
- Add olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly coated.
- Spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts onto the prepared baking tray in a single layer. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the honey and crushed red pepper flakes. Microwave for 10 seconds, just until the honey becomes slightly runny and infused with the pepper flakes' flavor.
- Once the Brussels sprouts are roasted, remove the tray from the oven. Drizzle the hot honey over the sprouts and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle the roasted sprouts with crumbled goat cheese and pomegranate seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Roasting times may vary depending on the size of your Brussels sprouts and the oven’s heat, so check for crispy edges. You want them golden and slightly charred for the best texture.
- Make sure the hot honey glaze is warmed slightly before drizzling over the Brussels sprouts. This helps it spread evenly and coat them better.
- Sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese over the Brussels sprouts right before serving to keep it fresh and creamy. If you add it too early, it may melt too much and lose its texture.
Nutrition
If you try this recipe, please leave a STAR rating in the comment section below! Your feedback helps a small blogger like me stay motivated in creating content for my readers. Also, feel free to follow me at Food Exit on Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest for the latest recipe updates!
Karina says
Everyone loved these on our last steak night. The addition of pomegranate seed brought such a nice pop of flavor with the hot honey.
Abi Guna says
I m so happy yo hear that! Thank you so much for your review!
Stephanie says
This was excellent. I loved how the sweet and spicy flavors combined with the Brussels sprouts. I skipped the pomegranates because I can't eat them, but it was still very tasty.
Abi Guna says
I'm so glad you enjoyed making this brussel sprouts recipe, thank you so much!
Tina says
Love this recipe! So easy in the air fryer!!! Perfect for weeknight side!
Abi Guna says
Glad you enjoyed this recipe!
Eva says
Oh wow, this looks incredible. I love Brussels Sprouts but never thought to make them this way - thanks for the inspiration!
Abi Guna says
Try this version and I am sure you are going to make this version of brussel sprouts often!
Abi Guna says
Even the picky eaters in my family enjoy them! So easy to make and the seasoning is just right, making them a perfect side dish for any meal.