01 -
First things first, get those Brussels sprouts ready! Trim off the very bottom of each sprout and remove any loose, yellowed outer leaves. Then, slice each one in half lengthwise. This is crucial for getting those flat edges to caramelize beautifully. I usually dump them all into a big bowl, and honestly, sometimes a few rogue leaves escape to the floor—don't worry about it, that's just kitchen life.
02 -
Toss the halved sprouts with a good drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a grind of black pepper on a large baking sheet. Make sure they're in a single layer, giving them plenty of space. Overcrowding is a rookie mistake I made early on, and it leads to steamed, not crispy, sprouts. Pop them into a hot oven, around 400°F (200°C), and let them roast. You're looking for tender insides and those gorgeous, slightly charred edges, about 20-25 minutes.
03 -
While your sprouts are doing their thing, let's make that irresistible glaze! In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. This is the flavor powerhouse. I sometimes get a little messy here, with honey drips everywhere, but it’s worth it. The smell of the garlic and honey together is just fantastic, a real kitchen mood-setter.
04 -
Once the sprouts are tender and starting to crisp, pull them out of the oven. Pour that glorious honey garlic mixture right over them. Toss everything together right on the baking sheet until each sprout is coated. Then, back into the oven they go for another 5-10 minutes. This is where the glaze gets sticky and caramelized, making those Crispy Honey Garlic Brussels Sprouts truly shine.
05 -
Keep a close eye during this final roasting step. The honey can go from perfectly sticky to slightly burnt pretty quickly, so don't wander off like I did that one time! You want a deep golden brown, with some of that glaze bubbling and clinging to the sprouts. They should look glossy and inviting. This stage makes the whole kitchen smell like a dream, seriously.
06 -
Once they're done, immediately transfer your Crispy Honey Garlic Brussels Sprouts to a serving dish. If you're using red pepper flakes, sprinkle them on now for a little color and a hint of warmth. I usually sneak a few right off the pan – they’re just too good to resist. They're best served warm, straight out of the oven, when that crispiness is at its peak. Get ready for compliments!