Get ready to transform the humble Brussels sprout into a dazzling holiday star with Caramelized Brussels Sprouts Christmas Skewers! This festive recipe takes crispy, caramelized sprouts and turns them into a playful, crowd-pleasing appetizer or side that even sprout skeptics will rethink. Roasted with a touch of honey and smoked paprika, then threaded on skewers, these little green gems are irresistibly sweet, savory, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a feast or just want to bring some holiday magic to the table, these skewers are guaranteed to steal the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to Caramelized Brussels Sprouts Christmas Skewers, you don’t need a complicated shopping list. Each ingredient brings its own special magic—adding richness, color, smokiness, and crunch to every bite. Here’s what you’ll want for the best results:
- Brussels sprouts (1 lb, trimmed and halved): Choose fresh, bright green sprouts; these caramelize beautifully and hold their shape on the skewers.
- Olive oil (3 tbsp): This coats the sprouts so they roast up crispy on the outside, locking in flavor.
- Honey or maple syrup (2 tbsp): A touch of natural sweetness helps create that gorgeous golden glaze and brings out the sprouts’ nutty notes.
- Smoked paprika (½ tsp): Adds a whisper of smokiness and depth that makes the sprouts extra festive.
- Garlic powder (½ tsp): Lends a mellow garlic flavor without overpowering the delicate caramelization.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and drawing out all the flavors.
- Wooden or metal skewers: The festive foundation that keeps everything together and makes serving fun!
- Toasted walnuts or pecans (optional garnish): For added crunch and a toasty, nutty finish if you’re feeling fancy.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional garnish): These look beautiful and add a pop of festive green.
How to Make Caramelized Brussels Sprouts Christmas Skewers
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), which ensures the Brussels sprouts roast up crispy and caramelized. If you’re grilling, now’s the time to heat up your grill pan over medium-high. Give the sprouts a good rinse and trim off any tough ends, then slice them in half so the seasoning sticks to as much surface area as possible.
Step 2: Season and Toss
Place your halved Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, honey or maple syrup, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a good pinch each of salt and black pepper. Use your hands or a big spoon to toss until every sprout is glossy and well-coated—the more evenly distributed, the more beautifully they’ll caramelize.
Step 3: Skewer Up
Thread the seasoned Brussels sprouts onto skewers, arranging them so the cut sides face out. This helps them get golden and crisp in the oven or on the grill. Don’t overcrowd the skewers, so that just the right amount of heat reaches every piece. If using wooden skewers, soak them briefly in water first to prevent burning.
Step 4: Roast (or Grill) to Perfection
Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil for easy cleanup. Roast in the oven for 22 to 25 minutes, turning the skewers halfway so all sides caramelize equally. If grilling, cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning often until the sprouts are tender with crisp, shiny edges. They should look irresistibly glossy and smell amazing!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skewers from the oven or grill and arrange them on a platter. Sprinkle with toasted walnuts or pecans for crunch, and add a few fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive touch. Serve warm to truly appreciate the sweet, smoky aroma and caramelized bite of your Caramelized Brussels Sprouts Christmas Skewers.
How to Serve Caramelized Brussels Sprouts Christmas Skewers
Garnishes
A generous scatter of toasted walnuts or pecans over your Caramelized Brussels Sprouts Christmas Skewers adds delightful crunch and richness. Fresh rosemary sprigs lend a beautiful aroma and vivid holiday color. A light drizzle of extra honey or maple syrup right before serving can also give the skewers irresistible shine and sweetness.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair gorgeously with roasted meats, glazed ham, or hearty grain salads. For a classic Christmas vibe, set them next to creamy mashed potatoes, a crisp winter slaw, or wild rice pilaf. Their sweet-savory profile matches well with both bold and mellow flavors, making them the perfect party side.
Creative Ways to Present
Get extra festive by arranging the Caramelized Brussels Sprouts Christmas Skewers in a wreath shape on a platter, tucking in sprigs of rosemary and red pomegranate arils to echo holiday colors. Serve as “veggie lollipops” in a tall jar for guests to grab, or mix and match with other skewered goodies for an eye-catching appetizer board.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover Caramelized Brussels Sprouts Christmas Skewers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavor develops even more overnight, though the sprouts may lose some of their crispness. If you keep them on the skewers, they’re extra easy to reheat and serve.
Freezing
Freezing works in a pinch! Remove the sprouts from the skewers and spread them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. The texture may soften a bit after thawing, but the sweet and smoky flavors still sing.
Reheating
To bring back a bit of that just-roasted magic, spread the refrigerated or thawed sprouts on a sheet tray and reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, or until warmed through and edges crisp up again. A quick blast under the broiler adds an extra caramelized touch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts instead of fresh?
Fresh Brussels sprouts really shine in this recipe, but you can use frozen in a pinch. Thaw and dry thoroughly before seasoning and skewering; just be aware they may not get quite as crisp.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
No problem! Regular paprika or even a pinch of chipotle powder will add a different layer of flavor, but won’t overpower the natural sweetness of the sprouts on your Caramelized Brussels Sprouts Christmas Skewers.
Can I make Caramelized Brussels Sprouts Christmas Skewers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can roast or grill the skewers, let them cool, and store them in the fridge. Just reheat before serving for best flavor and texture.
Are these skewers gluten-free and vegan?
Yes, as long as you use maple syrup instead of honey, these skewers are both gluten-free and vegan—perfect for sharing with all your guests!
Can I add other vegetables to the skewers?
Definitely! Try adding chunks of red onion, bell pepper, or even parboiled baby potatoes for a colorful twist. Just keep everything in similar sizes for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a show-stopping side or a conversation-starting appetizer, Caramelized Brussels Sprouts Christmas Skewers are sure to become your new holiday favorite. With their sweet, smoky, and utterly irresistible flavors, they’re guaranteed to make even the skeptics reach for seconds. Gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and get ready to surprise everyone with this little nugget of festive joy!