Crispy, tender, and perfectly sweet-spicy — the ultimate appetizer for sharing
If you’ve ever thought Brussels sprouts were boring, these Hot Honey Roasted Brussels Sprout Skewers are about to change your mind. This easy, crowd-pleasing brussels sprouts recipe transforms humble veggies into something crispy, sticky, and totally irresistible.
Think honey roasted Brussels sprouts threaded onto skewers, kissed with red pepper flakes, and finished with a warm drizzle of hot honey. Whether you roast them in the oven, toss them in your air fryer, or even grill them outdoors, you’ll end up with brussels sprouts crispy on the outside, tender inside, and loaded with that addictive sweet spicy kick.
As a nutrition coach, I love this recipe because it’s a perfect example of “indulgent balance.” You get fiber, antioxidants, and flavor all in one, and a veggie dish that feels festive, not forced.
Ingredients (with substitutions)
-
1½ lbs (680 g) fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
Halve large ones so they roast evenly, smaller sprouts can stay whole. -
2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
Or avocado oil for high-heat roasting or grilling. -
½ tsp garlic powder
Or 1 fresh minced clove for a deeper flavor. -
½ tsp salt
Flaky sea salt gives the best texture. -
¼ tsp black pepper
Add red pepper flakes for extra heat. -
¼ cup (60 ml) hot honey — store-bought or homemade
You can make your own trying my recipe. -
¼ cup (25 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Or try nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. -
Cooked bacon (optional) — chopped into small pieces
A smoky, salty touch that pairs perfectly with brussels sprouts honey glaze. -
Wooden or metal skewers
Soak wooden ones for 15 minutes if baking to prevent burning.
Step-by-Step Method
ONE. Preheat your oven or air fryer:
Heat oven to 400°F (200°C) or your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Coach tip: Hotter temperatures = better caramelization for brussels sprouts crispy edges.
TWO: Prep the sprouts:
Wash, trim, and halve Brussels sprouts. Pat them completely dry.
Coach tip: Moisture prevents crisping — dry sprouts roast better and brown beautifully.
THREE: Season generously:
In a large bowl, toss sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and half the Parmesan.
Coach tip: This doubles as a brussel sprout marinade that enhances both texture and taste.
FOUR: Assemble skewers:
Thread 5–6 sprouts (and bacon, if using) onto each skewer, cut side facing out.
FIVE: Roast or air fry:
- Oven method: Place skewers on a parchment-lined tray and roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air fryer method: Cook for 12–14 minutes, shaking halfway for even crisping.
Coach tip: If sprouts aren’t browning, increase the heat slightly or add a few more minutes — that’s how you get that perfect crispy, golden finish.
SIX: Finish & serve:
Transfer skewers to a platter, drizzle with hot honey, sprinkle remaining Parmesan, and top with pepper flakes if you like it spicier.
Optional: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or serve with a simple brussels sprouts dipping sauce like garlic yogurt, aioli, or ranch.
Tips & Variations
-
Sweet-spicy balance: If your sprouts honey glaze feels too sweet, add more chili flakes or a dash of vinegar for balance.
-
Bacon lovers: Mix chopped bacon directly onto the skewers or scatter over the top before serving for that smoky-sweet bite.
-
Grilled option: For summer gatherings, try roasting Brussels sprouts on the grill, you’ll get a lovely char and subtle smoky flavor.
-
Meal idea: Slide sprouts off the skewers and toss into grains or greens for a warm roasted brussel sprout salad.
FAQs
Q: How to roast Brussels sprouts on the grill?
Thread seasoned sprouts on skewers, then grill over medium heat (around 400°F / 200°C) for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until charred and tender.
Q: Why are my Brussels sprouts not crispy?
They may have too much moisture or be too crowded on the tray. Always dry them well and give each sprout room to roast.
Q: How long should Brussels sprouts be roasted for?
About 20–25 minutes in the oven or 12–14 minutes in the air fryer, depending on size. They should be fork-tender and golden brown.
Q: How to make hot honey?
Combine ¼ cup honey with ½ tsp chili flakes and a pinch of salt. Warm gently, stir, and let sit for a few minutes before drizzling.
Q: Is hot honey good on Brussels sprouts?
Yes! It’s amazing, the sweet spicy glaze brings out the natural caramelized flavor of honey Brussels sprouts and makes them shine.
Storage, Serving & Reheating
-
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
-
Reheat: Use the air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to crisp them up again.
-
Serve with: A creamy dip like garlic yogurt or lemon aioli. They also pair beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu.
Coach tip: These honey brussels sprouts are perfect for meal prep, reheat beautifully and taste just as good the next day!
Hot Honey Roasted Brussels Sprout Skewers
Crispy, tender, and perfectly sweet-spicy, the ultimate appetizer for sharing!
If you’ve ever thought Brussels sprouts were boring, these Hot Honey Roasted Brussels Sprout Skewers are about to change your mind. This easy, crowd-pleasing brussels sprouts recipe transforms humble veggies into something crispy, sticky, and totally irresistible.
Think honey roasted Brussels sprouts threaded onto skewers, kissed with red pepper flakes, and finished with a warm drizzle of hot honey. Whether you roast them in the sprouts oven, toss them in your air fryer, or even grill them outdoors, you’ll end up with brussels sprouts crispy on the outside, tender inside, and loaded with that addictive sweet spicy kick.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs (680 g) fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved. Halve large ones so they roast evenly — smaller sprouts can stay whole.
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil - Or avocado oil for high-heat roasting or grilling.
- ½ tsp garlic powder Or 1 fresh minced clove for a deeper flavor.
- ½ tsp salt - Flaky sea salt gives the best texture.
- ¼ tsp black pepper - Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- ¼ cup (60 ml) hot honey — store-bought or homemade.
- ¼ cup (25 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese - Or try nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
- Cooked bacon (optional) — chopped into small pieces. A smoky, salty touch that pairs perfectly with brussels sprouts honey glaze.
- Wooden or metal skewers- Soak wooden ones for 15 minutes if baking to prevent burning.
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven or air fryer:
Heat oven to 400°F (200°C) or your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Coach tip: Hotter temperatures = better caramelization for brussels sprouts crispy edges.
2. Prep the sprouts:
Wash, trim, and halve Brussels sprouts. Pat them completely dry.
Coach tip: Moisture prevents crisping — dry sprouts roast better and brown beautifully.
3. Season generously:
In a large bowl, toss sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and half the Parmesan.
Coach tip: This doubles as a brussel sprout marinade that enhances both texture and taste.
4. Assemble skewers:
Thread 5–6 sprouts (and bacon, if using) onto each skewer, cut side facing out.
5. Roast or air fry:
Oven method: Place skewers on a parchment-lined tray and roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Air fryer method: Cook for 12–14 minutes, shaking halfway for even crisping.
Coach tip: If sprouts aren’t browning, increase the heat slightly or add a few more minutes — that’s how you get that perfect crispy, golden finish.
6. Finish & serve:
Transfer skewers to a platter, drizzle with hot honey, sprinkle remaining Parmesan, and top with pepper flakes if you like it spicier.
Optional: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or serve with a simple brussels sprouts dipping sauce like garlic yogurt, aioli, or ranch.
Notes
- Sweet-spicy balance: If your sprouts honey glaze feels too sweet, add more chili flakes or a dash of vinegar for balance.
- Bacon lovers: Mix chopped bacon directly onto the skewers or scatter over the top before serving for that smoky-sweet bite.
- Grilled option: For summer gatherings, try roasting Brussels sprouts on the grill — you’ll get a lovely char and subtle smoky flavor.
- Meal idea: Slide sprouts off the skewers and toss into grains or greens for a warm roasted brussel sprout salad.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 3 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 142Total Fat: 7.1gSodium: 210mgCarbohydrates: 16.3gFiber: 4.2gSugar: 8.1gProtein: 5.2g
Looking for more Thanksgiving Appetizers? Why Not Try These:
This honey Brussels sprouts recipe is proof that healthy food doesn’t have to be plain. A little hot honey, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and some golden crispy edges can turn simple veggies into something crave-worthy.
Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something sweet and spicy, these brussels sprouts honey skewers hit every note — tender inside, crispy outside, and full of flavor.
Here’s to making veggies the star of your plate.
— Alex
