Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Spicy Pomegranate Salsa - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Spicy Pomegranate Salsa

Get ready to turn Brussels sprouts skeptics into super fans! This recipe combines sweet maple glaze, caramelized sprouts, and a zesty, spicy pomegranate salsa for a flavor explosion that’s as gorgeous as it tastes. Let’s make veggies the star of the table – trust me, it’s worth it!

5.0 out of 5 (1 rating)

Brussels sprouts… love ‘em or leave ‘em, right? Well, buckle up, because this Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Spicy Pomegranate Salsa recipe is here to fully convert any skeptics lingering at your dinner table. You’ve never seen sprouts like this before: caramelized, golden, and glistening in a sticky-sweet maple glaze, paired with a punchy, jewel-toned salsa that packs just the right amount of heat. This dish isn’t just a side – it’s THE side, perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or even those weeknights when you feel like treating yourself to something extra special. Let’s give the little green guys some glamour, shall we?

Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Spicy Pomegranate Salsa Recipe

What makes this recipe such a knockout is the flavor mashup that feels like a tango on your taste buds. The Brussels sprouts get deeply caramelized thanks to the natural sugars in the maple syrup, giving them that irresistible sweet-savory thing we all crave. And then there’s the salsa – oh, the salsa! Fresh pomegranate seeds add a pop of tangy sweetness, while a touch of spicy chili peppers brings a bold kick to the mix. Toss in some lime juice and chopped fresh cilantro, and you've got a salsa so vibrant it could top just about anything (but trust me, it’s magic with the sprouts). It’s a beautiful blend, weaving together Middle Eastern and Latin flavors into something totally unexpected.

So now it’s your turn to give this flavor-packed dish a whirl! Serve it as a radiant side dish for your holiday turkey or ham, or pair it with some roasted tofu or grilled chicken for a complete meal. Want to mix it up? Swap the pomegranate seeds for dried cranberries or add toasted almonds for crunch. However you customize it, the star of the show will still be those tender, caramelized sprouts drenched in maple goodness. Get ready for the compliments to roll in – and maybe keep this recipe handy because everyone will be asking for it!

Keywords: maple glazed Brussels sprouts, spicy pomegranate salsa recipe, unique veggie side dish, caramelized Brussels sprouts recipe, holiday side dishes with pomegranate, maple syrup vegetable recipes, roasted Brussels sprouts ideas

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

25 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

American

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
  • 1 small jalapeño, finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.

  3. 3

    Spread the Brussels sprouts in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet, cut side down for maximum caramelization.

  4. 4

    Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and slightly crispy.

  5. 5

    Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by combining maple syrup and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Set aside.

  6. 6

    In another bowl, make the salsa by mixing pomegranate arils, finely diced jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro, and ground cumin. Stir to combine and adjust seasoning if necessary.

  7. 7

    Once the Brussels sprouts are roasted, drizzle them with the maple syrup mixture and toss to coat evenly. Roast for an additional 5 minutes until the glaze is slightly sticky.

  8. 8

    Transfer the glazed Brussels sprouts to a serving platter and top with the spicy pomegranate salsa. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Calories

180 calories

Protein

4g

Carbs

26g

Fat

7g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts instead of fresh ones?

A: Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts, but they may not caramelize as well as fresh ones. Thaw them completely and pat them dry with a paper towel before tossing them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. This will help reduce excess moisture and improve roasting results.

Q: What can I substitute for pomegranate arils?

A: If pomegranate arils are unavailable, you can use dried cranberries, chopped cherries, or even diced fresh apples for a similar sweet-tart flavor and texture. Keep in mind that dried fruits will be sweeter, so you may want to reduce the maple syrup slightly.

Q: How can I make this recipe less spicy?

A: To make this recipe less spicy, omit the jalapeño from the pomegranate salsa and reduce or remove the red pepper flakes from the maple glaze. You can also substitute the jalapeño with finely diced red bell pepper for a milder flavor.

Q: Can I prepare any components of this recipe in advance?

A: Yes, you can prepare the pomegranate salsa up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Brussels sprouts can also be trimmed and halved ahead of time and kept in the fridge. However, roast the Brussels sprouts and glaze them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Q: What should I do if the maple glaze burns in the oven?

A: If the maple glaze burns, it may be due to the oven being too hot or leaving the Brussels sprouts in for too long during the final roasting step. Make sure to roast the glazed Brussels sprouts for only 5 minutes at 400°F as directed. You can also lower the oven temperature slightly if your oven tends to run hot.

Q: Can I make this dish vegan or gluten-free?

A: This dish is naturally vegan and gluten-free as written. Just ensure that the maple syrup you use is pure and does not contain any additives that might conflict with dietary restrictions.

Q: What are some serving suggestions for this dish?

A: This dish pairs well as a side for roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or even a holiday turkey. For a vegetarian meal, serve it over quinoa or alongside a hearty grain salad. You can also sprinkle some toasted nuts, like almonds or pecans, on top for added crunch.

Make This Recipe Your Own

AI Chef Assistant

Get real-time cooking guidance and ingredient substitution tips from our AI chef

Smart Scaling

Instantly adjust serving sizes and quantities to match your needs

Ingredient Swaps

Customize recipes with AI-powered ingredient alternatives and substitutions

Search for "Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Spicy Pomegranate Salsa" in the DigiDish app to get started!

More Recipes You'll Love

Spiced Peach and Ginger Chutney with Toasted Almond Flatbreads

Get ready to spice up your table! This Spiced Peach and Ginger Chutney is a flavor-packed blend of sweet, tangy, and zes...

Grilled Honey Ginger Shrimp Bowl with Mango Avocado Salsa and Coconut Rice

Fire up your grill and grab your appetite because this Grilled Honey Ginger Shrimp Bowl is a flavor-packed party! Sweet,...

Citrus Marinated Grilled Chicken with Charred Pineapple Relish and Fresh Mint

Get ready to fire up the grill! This zesty citrus-marinated chicken hits all the right notes—juicy, tender, and bursting...

Smoky Corn Chowder with Roasted Hatch Chiles and Crispy Tortilla Strips

Get ready to fire up your taste buds! This Smoky Corn Chowder brings together sweet corn, bold roasted Hatch chiles, and...

Crispy Halloumi Bites with Watermelon Basil Salsa

Ready to wow your taste buds? These Crispy Halloumi Bites are golden, salty perfection, paired with a refreshing Waterme...

Written by

DigiDish AI