Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Melted Feta, Toasted Walnuts & Hot Honey Magic

🥬✨ Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Melted Feta, Toasted Walnuts & Hot Honey Magic

🍽️ Why This Dish Works

• Caramelized Brussels sprouts = crispy edges + tender centers

• Melted feta adds creamy, salty balance

• Toasted walnuts bring crunch

• Hot honey ties everything together with sweet heat

It’s fancy enough for a holiday table but easy enough for a weeknight.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Brussels Sprouts

• 1½ lb (680 g) Brussels sprouts

• 2–3 tbsp olive oil

• ¾ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Toppings

• ½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped

• ¾ cup feta cheese, crumbled

• 2–3 tbsp hot honey (store-bought or homemade*)

Optional Flavor Boosters

• ½ tsp chili flakes (extra heat)

• ½ tsp lemon zest

• 1 tsp balsamic glaze (drizzle at the end)

*Homemade hot honey: warm honey gently and stir in chili flakes (no boiling).

🔥 Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the Brussels Sprouts

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C)

2. Trim off dry ends of Brussels sprouts

3. Slice in half (quarter large ones)

2️⃣ Season & Roast

1. Toss sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper

2. Spread cut-side down on a baking sheet

3. Roast 22–28 minutes, flipping once halfway

   • Look for deep golden-brown edges

3️⃣ Toast the Walnuts

• Add walnuts to a dry pan over medium heat

• Stir frequently for 3–5 minutes until fragrant

• Remove immediately to prevent burning

4️⃣ Add the Feta

1. Sprinkle feta over hot Brussels sprouts

2. Return to oven for 3–5 minutes

   • Feta should soften and lightly melt (not fully liquefy)

5️⃣ Finish with Magic ✨

1. Transfer to a serving dish

2. Sprinkle toasted walnuts on top

3. Drizzle with hot honey

4. Optional: add lemon zest or balsamic glaze

Serve warm 💛

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes.
Roast the Brussels sprouts and toast walnuts ahead. Reheat sprouts at 400°F (205°C) for 5–7 minutes, then add feta and hot honey right before serving.

Q: What if I don’t like spicy food?

No problem!
Use regular honey or reduce hot honey to 1 tablespoon.

Q: Can I use another nut?

Absolutely.

• Pecans → sweeter

• Almonds → crunchier

• Pistachios → colorful & rich

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes.
Skip feta or replace with:

• Dairy-free feta alternative

• A drizzle of tahini or lemon-garlic olive oil

Q: Why aren’t my Brussels sprouts crispy?

Common reasons:

• Pan too crowded → use two pans if needed

• Not enough heat → 425°F is key

• Cut side not facing down

Q: Can I cook this on the stovetop?

You can, but roasting gives the best caramelization.
If pan-searing: cook cut-side down in olive oil over medium-high heat and finish covered.

⭐ Serving Ideas

• With roasted chicken or salmon

• As a holiday side

• Toss leftovers into a grain bowl or wrap