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• Why You’ll Love My Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
• Recipe Variations
• Storage Instructions
• Serving Suggestions
• More Roasted Veggie Recipes
• My Favorite Baking Sheet For This Recipe
• Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe card
• Recipe Reviews

Imagine crispy roasted brussels sprouts with a game-changing upgrade… this balsamic brussels sprouts recipe is my take on a classic to the next level! Adding balsamic vinegar before cooking and a drizzle of balsamic glaze at the end adds the perfect blend of sweetness and tang to this healthy side dish . And as always with brussels sprouts, the crispy edges are my favorite part!

Why You’ll Love My Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

• Crispy outside, tender inside – A must for brussels sprouts if you ask me! It’s the only way I make them.
• Sweet and tangy flavors – The balsamic glaze pairs so well with naturally nutty brussels sprouts.
• 5 ingredients – Whip up this easy side dish with just 5 simple ingredients (plus salt and pepper). I pretty much always have these in my kitchen, and you probably do, too!
• Quick prep – This dish doesn’t waste any time! Just cut the sprouts, toss everything in a bowl, spread on a baking sheet, and roast.
• Versatile – These make a festive side for Thanksgiving or Christmas (sometimes I toss some pomegranate seeds on top for a pop of color), but they are also quick and easy enough for busy weeknights.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for roasted brussels sprouts with balsamic, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Brussels Sprouts – Choose sprouts that are firm, bright green, and about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. I prefer smaller sprouts, because they are sweeter and less bitter. Remove any wilted outer leaves, and cut them in half. Quarter any larger ones to help them cook and caramelize more evenly.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – I like extra virgin olive oil in this balsamic roasted brussels sprouts recipe, but regular olive oil or avocado oil both work fine.
• Balsamic Vinegar – Infuses the sprouts with a deep, tangy flavor as they roast. This is the heart of the flavor in this dish!
• Seasonings – Garlic powder , sea salt, and black pepper.
• Balsamic Glaze – You can use store-bought, but I prefer to make homemade balsamic glaze to avoid added sugar. If you want the glaze sweeter, I like to naturally sweeten it with Besti (or see variations below).

How To Make Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Season. In a large bowl, toss the halved sprouts with the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Assemble. Arrange the brussels sprouts in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet .

TIP: Make sure each sprout is touching the pan.

Avoid crowding them, as they need enough air flow to get crispy and cook evenly.

1. Bake. Roast balsamic brussels sprouts, tossing halfway through, until they are tender, crispy, and golden brown.
2. Drizzle. Top the roasted brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze. Use how much you like to your taste.

Recipe Variations

Brussels sprouts are one of my favorite side dishes, and there are so many ways to make them! Here are a few other ways I’ve tried to customize this balsamic brussels sprouts recipe:

• Honey – Instead of adding the olive oil and balsamic vinegar directly over the sprouts, whisk the oil and vinegar in a small bowl first and add a tablespoon of regular or natural sugar free honey . Then, pour the mixture over the sprouts, add the seasonings, and proceed with the recipe.
• Bacon – Make balsamic brussels sprouts with bacon by adding 8 slices of bacon cut into pieces before roasting. It’s similar to my roasted brussels sprouts and bacon recipe , but you’ll still use the same seasonings and balsamic glaze from this recipe. You could also wrap each sprout in bacon with the same seasonings and glaze.
• Spicy – Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the seasonings before roasting.
• Parmesan – Sprinkle shredded or grated Parmesan cheese over the Brussels sprouts during the last few minutes of roasting for a cheesy, savory finish.

Storage Instructions

• Store: Place balsamic glazed brussels sprouts in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Meal prep: Cut the sprouts in half and make the balsamic reduction. Store separately in the fridge until ready to roast.
• Reheat: The best way to reheat this balsamic brussels sprouts recipe is to spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 5-10 minutes. The microwave works okay when I’m busy around lunchtime, but they don’t come out crispy. Either way, I recommend topping them with extra glaze at the end.
• Freeze: You can freeze them for up to 3 months. However, they will be mushier after thawing and reheating.

Leftover idea!

I usually make a larger batch of balsamic glaze when I make this recipe, so that I can repurpose it. If you have extra, use it for Caprese skewers or balsamic chicken .

Serving Suggestions

Roasted balsamic brussels sprouts just need a simple protein for a complete meal! Try any of my healthy dinner recipes , or choose one of my favorites:

• Chicken – I like to make air fried boneless chicken thighs (pictured above), a juicy chicken breast in the air fryer , or my cast iron chicken thighs while the balsamic brussels are roasting in the oven.
• Seafood – When I want to impress or just have a special meal, I pair them with some lobster tail , quick sauteed shrimp , or buttery seared scallops .
• Fish – Pan seared salmon and creamy Tuscan salmon pair well with balsamic, offering a rich contrast to the tangy and slightly sweet flavors of the dish.
• Steak – Make a classic surf and turf meal, or just pair these sprouts with simple air fryer sirloin steak or even steak tips .

More Roasted Veggie Recipes

I love roasted vegetables, and balsamic glaze goes with so many of them! Try it with these favorites:

Roasted Broccoli

Oven Roasted Cauliflower

Balsamic Mushrooms

Roasted Green Beans

My Favorite Baking Sheet For This Recipe

If you use a good baking sheet like the one I use, you can skip lining it with foil! This one is completely nonstick and so easy to clean.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 1.5 lb Brussels sprouts (~6 cups; cut in half lengthwise, or quartered if they are very large) ▢
• 3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil (or regular also works) ▢
• 3 tbsp Balsamic vinegar ▢
• 1 tsp Garlic powder ▢
• 1/2 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper ▢
• 2 tbsp Balsamic glaze ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). Line a small to medium baking sheet with foil, or you can skip this if using a good non-stick pan like the one I used.
2. In a large bowl, toss the brussels sprouts with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange the brussels sprouts in a single layer on the pan(s), making sure each sprout is touching the pan.
4. Roast balsamic brussels sprouts for 25-35 minutes (depending on the size of your sprouts), tossing halfway through, until tender and browned to your liking.
5. Drizzle the brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 cup

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Fall Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

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Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
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The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

This balsamic brussels sprouts recipe combines crispy sprouts with irresistible balsamic glaze! It’s an easy, sweet upgrade to a classic side.

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/balsamic-brussels-sprouts/

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb Brussels sprouts (~6 cups; cut in half lengthwise, or quartered if they are very large)
• 3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil (or regular also works)
• 3 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Sea salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 2 tbsp Balsamic glaze

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). Line a small to medium baking sheet with foil, or you can skip this if using a good non-stick pan like the one I used.
2. In a large bowl, toss the brussels sprouts with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange the brussels sprouts in a single layer on the pan(s), making sure each sprout is touching the pan.
4. Roast balsamic brussels sprouts for 25-35 minutes (depending on the size of your sprouts), tossing halfway through, until tender and browned to your liking.
5. Drizzle the brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 cup

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Fall Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)