🎄✨ CARAMELIZED BRUSSELS SPROUTS CHRISTMAS SKEWERS WITH WALNUT HONEY

Elegant • Festive • Sweet–Savory • Appetizer

🥦 Ingredients (12–14 mini skewers)

For the Brussels Sprouts

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp butter (optional, for deeper browning)

• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup

• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)

Walnut Honey Glaze

• ¼ cup honey

• 2 tbsp butter

• ¼ cup walnuts, finely chopped

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp cinnamon or smoked paprika

• Optional: 1 tsp orange or lemon zest for brightness

To Serve

• 12–14 mini skewers or cocktail picks

• Flaky sea salt

• Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs

🔥 Directions

1. Prep the Brussels Sprouts

1. Trim off the stem ends.

2. Cut each sprout in half.

3. Pat dry with a towel to ensure even caramelization.

2. Caramelize the Brussels Sprouts (Skillet or Oven)

🔥 Skillet Method (best color + fastest)

1. Heat olive oil + butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add Brussels sprouts cut side down.

3. Sear without touching for 4–5 minutes until deep golden.

4. Reduce heat to medium.

5. Add honey/maple, balsamic, salt, pepper, and garlic.

6. Toss and cook another 6–8 minutes, until tender but not mushy.

🔥 Oven Method (hands-free)

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Toss sprouts with oil, salt, pepper, balsamic.

3. Arrange cut side down on a lined sheet.

4. Roast 20–25 minutes, stirring once.

5. Drizzle honey/maple during the last 5 minutes.

3. Make the Walnut Honey Glaze

1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.

2. Add walnuts and toast 1 minute.

3. Stir in honey, salt, and cinnamon or smoked paprika.

4. Simmer 1–2 minutes until glossy.

5. Add citrus zest if using.

4. Assemble the Skewers

1. Let sprouts cool enough to handle.

2. Thread 2–3 caramelized sprout halves on each mini skewer.

3. Arrange skewers on a serving platter.

5. Finish & Serve

1. Spoon warm walnut honey all over the skewers.

2. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

3. Garnish with thyme or rosemary.

Serve warm or room temperature.

🌟 Flavor Profile

• Deep caramelization

• Sweet honey & warm spices

• Crunchy toasted walnuts

• Balsamic tang

• Holiday herb aroma

❓ Q & A SECTION

Q1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes — partially.
Caramelize the sprouts earlier in the day.
➡️ Reheat in a 400°F oven for 5 minutes, then skewer and drizzle walnut honey just before serving.

Q2. Can I make it vegan?

Absolutely.
Replace:

• Butter → vegan butter

• Honey → maple syrup or agave

Everything else stays the same.

Q3. Can I use pecans, almonds, or no nuts?

Yes.
Ideal swaps:

• Pecans — sweeter, buttery

• Almonds — crunchier

• Pumpkin seeds — nut-free option

• Skip nuts entirely — still delicious

Q4. Why aren’t my Brussels sprouts getting caramelized?

Likely reasons:

• Pan was not hot enough

• Too many sprouts in the pan (overcrowded)

• Didn’t dry the sprouts before cooking

• Used too much liquid early on

Fix: Cook in batches, use high heat, start with dry sprouts.

Q5. Can I make these spicy?

Yes! Add to the glaze:

• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper

• OR a drizzle of chili crisp

• OR ⅛ tsp cayenne

Sweet + heat = incredible.

Q6. What should I serve these with for Christmas?

Great pairings:

• Roast chicken/turkey

• Beef tenderloin

• Baked brie

• Cranberry goat cheese crostini

• Butternut squash soup shooters

• Holiday charcuterie board

Q7. Can I substitute balsamic vinegar?

Yes.
Try:

• Apple cider vinegar + 1 tsp brown sugar

• Sherry vinegar

• Red wine vinegar (milder tang)

Q8. How do I prevent the sprouts from getting soggy?

• Use high heat

• Do NOT cover the pan

• Add honey/balsamic after browning, not before

• Don’t add extra water or steam

Q9. Can kids eat this?

Yes — just skip the smoked paprika if sensitive to spice.
The honey glaze makes it naturally appealing.

Q10. How long will leftovers keep?

In the fridge: up to 3 days
Reheat: air fryer 3–4 minutes or oven 350°F for 8 minutes.

🍽️ Variations

Cranberry Almond Christmas Skewers

• Add dried cranberries to the skewers

• Swap walnuts for almonds

Maple Bacon Sprouts

• Add crumbled crispy bacon

• Use maple syrup instead of honey

Smoky BBQ Version

• Add ½ tsp smoked paprika + 1 tsp BBQ sauce to the glaze

Citrus Herb Version

• Add both lemon & orange zest

• Garnish with fresh parsley