Best Apricot Glazed Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipes

Apricot glazed roasted brussels sprouts recipes are a delicious and easy way to incorporate this nutrient-dense vegetable into your diet. The combination of the savory roasted brussels sprouts and the sweet apricot glaze creates a mouth-watering flavor that will leave you wanting more. This dish is perfect for a family dinner, holiday gathering or a fancy dinner party with friends.

The Benefits of Eating Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are part of the cruciferous vegetable family, which includes other powerhouse vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower. They are packed with nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants that promote overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Brussels sprouts are also low in calories, making them an excellent choice for anyone on a weight loss journey.

Preparing and Roasting Brussels Sprouts

The first step in making apricot glazed roasted brussels sprouts is to prepare the fresh brussels sprouts. Start by trimming off the end of each sprout and removing any yellow or brown leaves. Rinse them under cool water and pat dry with a paper towel. For the best results, it's important to roast the brussels sprouts until they are caramelized and slightly crispy. To do this, preheat your oven to 425°F and place the sprouts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Then, roast them for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.

Making the Apricot Glaze

The star of this dish is the apricot glaze that gives the roasted brussels sprouts their signature flavor. To make the glaze, start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add in apricot preserves, honey, apple cider vinegar, and dijon mustard, stirring until well combined. Let the mixture come to a simmer and cook for a few minutes until the glaze has thickened slightly. Once the roasted brussels sprouts are done, toss them with the apricot glaze until they are evenly coated.

Serving Suggestions

Apricot glazed roasted brussels sprouts can be enjoyed as a side dish with your favorite protein or as a standalone snack. For a heartier meal, try serving them with roasted chicken, steak, or grilled tofu. You can also top them with chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for an extra crunch.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy brussels sprouts, apricot glazed roasted brussels sprouts are a must-try. This dish is full of flavor and nutrients, making it a healthy and delicious addition to any meal. With just a few simple ingredients and some easy steps, you can impress your family and friends with this tasty recipe.

Brussels sprouts are a type of cruciferous vegetable that has gained immense popularity in recent years. They are not only nutritious but also flavorful, especially when roasted with some seasonings and glazes. One way to elevate the flavor profile of roasted Brussels sprouts is by adding an apricot glaze. It gives them a sweet and tangy taste that complements their robust earthy flavor. If you want to make an apricot glazed roasted Brussels sprouts recipe, here are some valuable tips to ensure you get the best results.

Tip 1: Choose fresh and firm Brussels sprouts

When making apricot glazed roasted Brussels sprouts, it's essential to begin with fresh, firm, and evenly sized sprouts. Fresh Brussels sprouts should have vibrant green leaves that are tightly packed together. Avoid sprouts that feel soft, mushy, or have yellowing leaves, as they may have lost their freshness and nutrients.

Tip 1a: Clean Brussels sprouts properly

Before roasting Brussels sprouts, it's important to clean them thoroughly to get rid of any dirt or debris. Rinse them in cold running water and pat dry with a kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.

Tip 2: Cut Brussels sprouts evenly

When roasting Brussels sprouts, it's crucial to cut them evenly to ensure they cook evenly. Cutting them into uniform sizes and shapes will help them cook at the same rate, resulting in tender but not overcooked sprouts. Aim for pieces that are about the size of a ping pong ball.

Tip 2a: Remove the outer leaves

Before cutting the Brussels sprouts, it's advisable to remove the outer leaves that may be tough or damaged. You can do this by trimming the stem end and peeling off any loose leaves.

Tip 3: Choose a suitable roasting dish

The choice of a roasting dish for your apricot glazed Brussels sprouts can significantly impact the final flavor and texture. A shallow roasting dish with low sides allows for better air circulation and browning, resulting in crispy sprouts. Avoid overcrowding the dish, as this can lead to steaming the sprouts rather than roasting them.

Tip 3a: Use a non-stick or parchment-lined pan

Using a non-stick or parchment-lined roasting dish can help prevent the sprouts from sticking to the bottom of the pan or burning.

Tip 4: Season the Brussels sprouts well

Seasoning your Brussels sprouts is essential to enhance their natural taste and complement the apricot glaze. You can use a variety of seasonings, including salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, paprika, thyme, or rosemary. Be careful not to over-season the sprouts, as this can overpower the flavor of the apricot glaze.

Tip 4a: Toss the Brussels sprouts in oil

Before seasoning the Brussels sprouts, it's best to toss them in some oil to ensure an even coating of seasonings. Olive oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil are great choices.

Tip 5: Make the apricot glaze from scratch

Making the apricot glaze from scratch is a great way to control the ingredients and get the desired flavor and consistency. You can use dried or fresh apricots, apricot jam, or preserves, maple syrup or honey, vinegar, and spices to make the glaze. Simmer the ingredients in a saucepan until they thicken and form a glaze.

Tip 5a: Adjust the sweetness and tartness of the glaze

When making the apricot glaze, it's essential to adjust the sweetness and tartness to your liking. Taste the glaze as you cook and add more honey or vinegar as needed.

Tip 6: Use the right temperature and cooking time

Roasting Brussels sprouts with an apricot glaze requires the right temperature and timing to get the desired texture and tenderness. Preheat the oven to 400°F and roast the sprouts for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork. Be careful not to cook them for too long, as they may become mushy and lose their flavor.

Tip 6a: Check the sprouts periodically during cooking

It's advisable to check the sprouts periodically during cooking to avoid overcooking or burning them. You can toss them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Conclusion

Making apricot glazed roasted Brussels sprouts is a great way to increase your intake of cruciferous vegetables while enjoying a delicious and nutritious meal. By following the tips outlined above, you can ensure that your Brussels sprouts are flavorful, tender, and not overcooked. Remember to choose fresh and firm sprouts, cut them evenly, season them well, make the apricot glaze from scratch, use a suitable roasting dish, and bake them at the right temperature and timing.