Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Maple Balsamic Brussel Sprout Skewers! They’re the perfect blend of sweet and savory, and they make my heart sing every time I grill them up. Honestly, I wasn’t always a brussel sprout fan—can you believe it? But ever since I discovered this recipe, I’ve been a total convert. The way the maple syrup caramelizes while grilling gives these little gems an irresistible flavor that even the pickiest eaters can’t resist. Plus, they’re super healthy! Packed with nutrients and fiber, they make for a delightful appetizer or side dish. Trust me, you’ll want to make these for your next gathering!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb trimmed brussel sprouts
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How to Prepare Maple Balsamic Brussel Sprout Skewers
Getting these Maple Balsamic Brussel Sprout Skewers ready is super easy and totally fun! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish in no time. Let’s get grilling!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Grill
First things first, you want to preheat your grill to medium heat. This usually takes about 10–15 minutes, and it’s crucial for getting those beautiful grill marks and caramelization on your sprouts!
Prepare the Brussel Sprouts
Next, grab your brussel sprouts and trim off the ends. Make sure to remove any yellow leaves; you want these little guys to shine! Rinse them under cool water and pat them dry. This little step makes sure they’re clean and ready to soak up all those lovely flavors.
Make the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine the maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Whisk it all together until it’s well blended. You’ll love the smell—sweet and tangy!
Coat the Brussel Sprouts
Now, toss those trimmed brussel sprouts in the marinade until they’re evenly coated. I like to use my hands for this, but feel free to use a spatula if you prefer. Just make sure every sprout gets some love from that marinade!
Assemble the Skewers
Time to thread the brussel sprouts onto skewers! I usually fit about 4–5 sprouts per skewer, leaving a little space in between each one for even cooking. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
Grill the Skewers
Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for about 10–15 minutes, turning them occasionally. You’ll know they’re done when they’re tender and have those gorgeous grill marks. Keep an eye on them to avoid any flare-ups! Serve warm and enjoy the tasty goodness you’ve just created!
Nutritional Information
These Maple Balsamic Brussel Sprout Skewers are not only delicious but also a healthy choice! Each skewer packs a punch of flavor while being low in calories. Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Sugar: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 50mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, especially if you decide to add other veggies or modify the dressing. But you can always feel good knowing you’re treating yourself to something nutritious!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen brussel sprouts?
While you can use frozen brussel sprouts, I wouldn’t recommend it for this recipe. Frozen sprouts tend to have a softer texture once cooked, and they might not get that lovely char you want from grilling. Plus, they can release more moisture, which could make your skewers a bit soggy. If you can, go for fresh brussel sprouts for the best results!
What can I serve with these skewers?
These Maple Balsamic Brussel Sprout Skewers make a fantastic side dish for a variety of meals! I love serving them alongside grilled chicken or fish for a balanced dinner. They also pair well with quinoa or a light salad for a more vegetarian-friendly option. You might even consider serving them with some roasted potatoes or a creamy dip on the side. Yum!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (though I doubt it!), just let the skewers cool completely and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for about 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just pop them in the microwave for a quick reheat, or you can toss them back on the grill for a couple of minutes to warm them up and get that grill flavor back. They’re still delicious, I promise!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 30 minutes!
- Healthy ingredients that are packed with nutrients and fiber.
- The perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors from maple syrup and balsamic vinegar.
- Grilling adds a delicious char that elevates the taste of the brussel sprouts.
- Visually stunning skewers make for an impressive appetizer or side dish.
- Versatile—feel free to mix in other veggies for added variety!
- Great for meal prepping or making ahead for gatherings.
Tips for Success
- Don’t rush the marinade: Letting the brussel sprouts soak in the marinade for at least 15 minutes before grilling really helps them absorb all those delicious flavors. If you have time, marinating them longer is even better!
- Watch the grill temperature: Keeping your grill at medium heat is key. Too high, and the sprouts might char on the outside before they cook through. Too low, and they won’t caramelize nicely. Aim for that sweet spot!
- Use a grill basket: If you’re worried about the brussel sprouts slipping through the grill grates, consider using a grill basket. It keeps everything contained and makes flipping easier!
- Experiment with veggies: Feel free to mix in other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. Just keep in mind that different veggies may need slightly different cooking times, so adjust accordingly.
- Finish with a drizzle: For an extra touch of flavor, drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the skewers just before serving. It adds a beautiful shine and an extra layer of sweetness!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up these Maple Balsamic Brussel Sprout Skewers! Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Mixed Veggie Skewers: Why not throw in some colorful bell peppers, red onions, or zucchini? Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and layer them with the brussel sprouts for a vibrant, nutritious dish!
- Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade. It’ll give your skewers a zesty twist!
- Herb Infusion: Toss in some fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the marinade. It adds a lovely aroma and depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the maple syrup.
- Smoky Flavor: For a smoky twist, add a touch of smoked paprika to your marinade. It’ll give your brussel sprouts a delightful depth that’s sure to impress!
- Honey Balsamic Variation: If you want a different sweetener, swap out the maple syrup for honey! It’ll still provide that delicious sweetness, and the flavor will change just enough to keep things exciting.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your perfect skewers! The possibilities are endless, and that’s the beauty of cooking at home—making it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftover Maple Balsamic Brussel Sprout Skewers (which is rare, but hey, it happens!), you’ll want to store them properly to keep that amazing flavor intact. Let the skewers cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy those tasty bites again, you can simply reheat them in the microwave for a quick fix. If you want to bring back that delicious grilled flavor, toss the skewers back on the grill for a few minutes until warmed through. Just remember to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Trust me, they’re still delicious and totally worth it!
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Maple Balsamic Brussel Sprout Skewers: 5 Irresistible Reasons
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and healthy dish made with brussel sprouts, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar.
Ingredients
- 1 lb brussel sprouts
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium heat.
- Trim the ends of the brussel sprouts and remove any yellow leaves.
- In a bowl, mix maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Toss the brussel sprouts in the mixture until well coated.
- Thread the brussel sprouts onto skewers.
- Grill the skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the sprouts are tender.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- You can add other vegetables to the skewers if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Maple Balsamic Brussel Sprout Skewers