These caramelized Brussels sprouts skewers are a festive and flavorful side dish perfect for holiday gatherings. Roasted until golden and slightly crispy, the sprouts are coated in a sweet and savory glaze that enhances their natural flavor. Served on skewers and finished with a touch of crunch, they make a beautiful addition to any table while being simple to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Perfect holiday side dish that looks elegant on the table
• Sweet and savory caramel glaze enhances the natural flavor of Brussels sprouts
• Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
• Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside
• Great for serving at parties or family dinners
• A fun way to enjoy vegetables even for picky eaters
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
wooden skewers, soaked in water for 20 minutes
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts and remove any loose outer leaves. If the sprouts are large, cut them in half.
Place the Brussels sprouts in a large bowl. Add olive oil, salt, and black pepper, then toss until evenly coated.
Spread the Brussels sprouts on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.
While the sprouts roast, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, maple syrup, butter, and balsamic vinegar. Stir continuously until the mixture melts and thickens slightly, about 3–4 minutes.
Remove the Brussels sprouts from the oven and place them in a large bowl. Pour the warm glaze over the sprouts and toss gently to coat them evenly.
Thread the glazed Brussels sprouts onto the soaked wooden skewers.
Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the skewers for added crunch.
Honey glaze version
Replace the maple syrup with 2 tablespoons of honey for a slightly floral sweetness.
Spicy sweet version
Add 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a subtle kick.
Garlic roasted sprouts
Toss the Brussels sprouts with 2 minced garlic cloves before roasting for a savory depth of flavor.
Nut-free option
Simply omit the nuts or replace them with toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
Citrus twist
Add 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the glaze to give the skewers a bright holiday flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Storage
Place leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8–10 minutes until warmed through. This helps restore their crispy edges. You can also warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended because the sprouts can become soft and watery when thawed.
FAQs
Can I make these Brussels sprouts ahead of time?
Yes. You can roast the Brussels sprouts earlier in the day and reheat them before glazing and assembling the skewers.
Do I have to use skewers?
No. The recipe can be served as a simple glazed Brussels sprouts side dish without skewers.
Why should I soak wooden skewers?
Soaking prevents the skewers from burning in the oven.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Fresh Brussels sprouts work best because frozen ones tend to release too much moisture and won’t caramelize as well.
How do I know when Brussels sprouts are done roasting?
They should be golden brown on the outside and tender when pierced with a fork.
Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Yes. A sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese after roasting can add extra savory flavor.
What nuts work best for this dish?
Pecans and walnuts are the most common, but almonds or hazelnuts also work well.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes. Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative.
What main dishes pair well with these skewers?
They pair well with roasted chicken, grilled meats, rice dishes, or other holiday sides.
How can I make the sprouts extra crispy?
Make sure they are spread out on the baking sheet and not overcrowded, allowing them to roast instead of steam.
Conclusion
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts Christmas Skewers are a simple yet impressive dish that combines sweet, savory, and nutty flavors in every bite. Their festive presentation and rich caramelized glaze make them a wonderful addition to holiday meals or special family dinners. With easy preparation and versatile variations, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts Christmas Skewers are a festive side dish with golden roasted sprouts coated in a sweet and savory glaze, served on skewers and topped with crunchy nuts for a holiday-ready presentation.
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 20 minutes
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Trim the ends of Brussels sprouts and remove loose outer leaves. Halve large sprouts if needed.
In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
Spread sprouts on the baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and slightly crispy.
While roasting, prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, maple syrup, butter, and balsamic vinegar. Stir until melted and slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
Remove roasted sprouts from oven, place in a large bowl, and toss with warm glaze.
Thread glazed sprouts onto soaked wooden skewers.
Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over skewers for crunch.
Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
Soak wooden skewers to prevent burning in the oven.
Ensure sprouts are spread out on the baking sheet to roast properly and achieve crispy edges.
For nut-free version, omit nuts or substitute with toasted seeds.
Add orange zest or chili flakes to the glaze for flavor variations.
Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven or skillet to restore crispiness.
