I have to tell you, making this Caramelized Brussels Sprouts Skewers with Walnut Honey Recipe completely changed how I see this humble vegetable. After roasting the sprouts to golden perfection and drizzling them with a sweet walnut honey glaze, I couldn’t stop tasting them.
They’re crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with a rich, festive flavor that feels both cozy and elegant. You can also enjoy similar indulgent flavors in the French Onion and Apple Grilled Cheese Recipe.
I love how easy they are to assemble yet so impressive to serve. This recipe has quickly become my go-to holiday appetizer.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring these skewers to life. Each ingredient adds its own layer of flavor and texture.
- Brussels sprouts (1 lb / 450 g): Choose firm, vibrant green sprouts. Halved, they caramelize beautifully while staying soft inside.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Helps sprouts roast evenly and enhances natural flavors. Extra-virgin gives a slightly peppery, richer taste.
- Maple syrup or honey (1 tbsp): Adds natural sweetness and helps caramelize the edges. Maple syrup makes it vegan-friendly.
- Sea salt (½ tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances roasted flavor.
- Black pepper (¼ tsp): Adds subtle heat and depth.
- Toasted walnuts (⅓ cup): Adds crunch and a nutty aroma. Toasting intensifies their flavor.
- Honey (2 tbsp): Forms the sticky glaze that clings beautifully to the skewers.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tsp): Balances sweetness with a mild tang.
- Fresh thyme (optional): A fragrant garnish that adds elegance.
- Wooden skewers (8–10): For serving and presentation.
- You might also enjoy a dessert to finish the meal, like the creamy Oreo Mousse Recipe.
Note: several servings
Variations
You can easily adapt this recipe to your taste or dietary needs:
- Swap honey for maple syrup to make it fully vegan.
- Use pecans or almonds instead of walnuts for a different crunch.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes for a subtle heat.
- Use coconut sugar instead of honey for a lower-sugar option.
- Try drizzling with balsamic glaze for extra tanginess.
Cooking Time
Here’s how long each step takes:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Baking sheet: For roasting the sprouts evenly.
- Parchment paper: Makes cleanup easy.
- Large bowl: To toss sprouts with oil and seasoning.
- Small saucepan: To make the walnut honey glaze.
- Skillet: For toasting walnuts.
- Wooden skewers: For assembling and serving the skewers.
How to Make Caramelized Brussels Sprouts Skewers with Walnut Honey Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment. Trim and halve your Brussels sprouts, removing any discolored leaves. This ensures even roasting and a clean presentation.
Step 2: Coat the Sprouts
Toss the halved sprouts with olive oil, maple syrup or honey, sea salt, and black pepper. Make sure each sprout is evenly coated to create crisp, caramelized edges during roasting.
Step 3: Roast to Perfection
Arrange sprouts cut-side down on the baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be tender inside with golden, crispy edges that smell irresistible.
Step 4: Toast the Walnuts
While sprouts roast, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring often. Toasting enhances flavor and aroma, making your glaze extra special.
Step 5: Create the Walnut Honey Glaze
Warm honey and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan until bubbling. Stir in the toasted walnuts, then remove from heat. The glaze should coat the back of a spoon and cling to the skewers beautifully.
Step 6: Assemble the Skewers
Thread 4–5 roasted sprouts onto each wooden skewer. Their caramelized edges and vibrant green color make them visually striking, perfect for a festive table.
Step 7: Glaze and Garnish
Drizzle the warm walnut honey glaze over the skewers and sprinkle with fresh thyme if desired. Serve immediately for maximum shine and flavor.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
From my experience, a few small touches make all the difference:
- I always select small, firm Brussels sprouts—they caramelize faster and taste sweeter.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; each sprout needs space to crisp.
- Toast walnuts carefully; they can burn in seconds.
- I like to drizzle the glaze just before serving to keep it glossy.
- A pinch of sea salt on top after glazing really elevates the flavor.
How to Serve Caramelized Brussels Sprouts Skewers with Walnut Honey
These skewers are gorgeous on a holiday platter. Arrange them in a star shape or line them neatly on a serving tray. Add sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary around the edges for a festive touch. They pair well with roasted vegetable salads, baked cheeses, or light appetizers.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutrition per serving:
- Calories: ~150 kcal – A light but satisfying appetizer.
- Protein: 3 g – Thanks to the Brussels sprouts and walnuts.
- Carbohydrates: 14 g – Mostly from honey and sprouts.
- Fat: 9 g – Healthy fats from olive oil and walnuts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storage: Keep roasted sprouts and walnut honey separate in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezing: You can freeze roasted sprouts, but assemble skewers fresh for best texture.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes, then drizzle glaze before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why I keep making these skewers:
- Easy to prepare: Minimal steps, maximum flavor.
- Elegant presentation: Perfect for holiday tables or special dinners.
- Flexible: Vegan, sugar-free, or nut variations work beautifully.
- Flavor-packed: Sweet, earthy, and slightly tangy in every bite.
- Mindful cooking: Small effort transforms simple ingredients into something special.
These Caramelized Brussels Sprouts Skewers with Walnut Honey are festive, flavorful, and surprisingly simple. They’ve become my favorite holiday dish, and I know you’ll love how they elevate any meal or party spread.
Caramelized Brussels Sprouts Skewers with Walnut Honey Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment. Trim and halve your Brussels sprouts, removing any discolored leaves. This ensures even roasting and a clean presentation.
- Toss the halved sprouts with olive oil, maple syrup or honey, sea salt, and black pepper. Make sure each sprout is evenly coated to create crisp, caramelized edges during roasting.
- Arrange sprouts cut-side down on the baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be tender inside with golden, crispy edges that smell irresistible.
- While sprouts roast, toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring often. Toasting enhances flavor and aroma, making your glaze extra special.
- Warm honey and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan until bubbling. Stir in the toasted walnuts, then remove from heat. The glaze should coat the back of a spoon and cling to the skewers beautifully.
- Thread 4–5 roasted sprouts onto each wooden skewer. Their caramelized edges and vibrant green color make them visually striking, perfect for a festive table.
- Drizzle the warm walnut honey glaze over the skewers and sprinkle with fresh thyme if desired. Serve immediately for maximum shine and flavor.
Notes
- I always select small, firm Brussels sprouts—they caramelize faster and taste sweeter.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; each sprout needs space to crisp.
- Toast walnuts carefully; they can burn in seconds.
- I like to drizzle the glaze just before serving to keep it glossy.
- A pinch of sea salt on top after glazing really elevates the flavor.