Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Miso-Maple Caramelized Onions and Apples
Roasted Brussels sprouts get a sweet and savory fall upgrade with deeply caramelized onions, tender apples and a rich miso-maple coating.
The sprouts roast until browned around the edges while the onions slowly soften and sweeten in the skillet.
Apple chunks are sautéed in butter with dried thyme, then everything comes together in a side dish with layers of savory, sweet and earthy flavor.
Skillet-Charred Brussels Sprouts With Coriander And Cashews
If you enjoy Brussels sprouts with bold flavor and plenty of texture, try these Skillet-Charred Brussels Sprouts With Coriander And Cashews, where the sprouts pick up a smoky char and a nutty crunch from toasted cashews.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet and savory flavor: Maple syrup, miso, caramelized onions and apples create a balanced combination without making the dish overly sweet.
Plenty of texture: Roasted Brussels sprouts bring crisp edges, while the onions become soft and jammy and the apples stay slightly firm.
Perfect for fall and holiday meals: Apples, thyme and maple give this side dish a warm seasonal flavor that works especially well with roasted meats and holiday dinners.
A different way to serve Brussels sprouts: The miso adds savory depth that pairs surprisingly well with apples and maple.
Easy enough for weeknights: While the Brussels sprouts roast, you can prepare the onions and apples on the stovetop
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Miso-Maple Caramelized Onions and Apples
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Miso-Maple Caramelized Onions and Apples brings together crisp-edged Brussels sprouts, tender sautéed apples and deeply caramelized onions in a savory-sweet miso-maple glaze.
A touch of thyme and cardamom adds warmth without overpowering the vegetables, making this a cozy fall side dish with plenty of contrast in flavor and texture.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 to 6
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American-inspired
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
1 medium white onion, thinly sliced
1 medium red apple, cut into about ¾-inch chunks
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 tablespoons butter, divided
1 tablespoon white or yellow miso
1½ tablespoons pure maple syrup
1 to 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
½ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
1/8 teaspoon cardamom
Need a substitution? View our kitchen swaps reference guide for smart, flavor-forward ingredient swaps — covering aromatics, pantry staples, dairy, proteins, and more.
Instructions
Heat the oven to 425°F.
Toss the Brussels sprouts with 1½ tablespoons olive oil, about ¼ teaspoon salt, and the black pepper. Arrange them cut-side down on a baking sheet.
Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, until browned and tender with crisp edges.
While the sprouts roast, heat the remaining ½ tablespoon olive oil with 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-low heat.
Add the onion and remaining salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 18 to 22 minutes, until soft and deeply golden.
Stir together the miso, maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar.
Reduce the skillet heat to low and stir the miso-maple mixture into the caramelized onions. Cook for about 1 minute, then transfer the onions to a bowl.
Return the same skillet to medium heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter.
Rub 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme between your fingers to release its aroma, then add it to the melted butter.
Stir for about 10 seconds, then add the apple chunks and sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, until lightly browned and just tender.
Add the roasted Brussels sprouts and miso-maple onions back to the skillet. Toss gently to combine.
Taste and add the remaining 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar if it needs more brightness.
Serving
Serve these Brussels sprouts warm while the roasted edges are still crisp and the apples are tender. They make a flavorful side for roasted chicken, pork, turkey or ham and are especially well suited to fall and holiday dinners.
Brussels Sprouts with Apple, Bacon and Honeyed Pecans
For another sweet-savory Brussels sprouts combination, try Brussels Sprouts with Apple, Bacon and Honeyed Pecans, which pairs apples with smoky bacon and crunchy glazed pecans.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
For the best texture, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 375°F oven until heated through. The microwave works when you are short on time, although the Brussels sprouts will lose some of their crisp edges.
Freezing is not recommended because both the roasted Brussels sprouts and sautéed apples can become soft after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare some of the components ahead. Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts and slice the onions up to a day in advance, then refrigerate them separately. For the best texture, roast the Brussels sprouts and sauté the apples shortly before serving.
What kind of apple works best?
A firm apple that holds its shape during cooking works best. Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Braeburn or Granny Smith are all good choices. Sweeter apples will emphasize the maple flavor, while tart apples give the dish more contrast.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh thyme?
Yes. This recipe uses 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme in place of about 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves. Rub the dried thyme between your fingers before adding it to the melted butter to help release its aroma.
Will the miso make the Brussels sprouts taste strongly of miso?
No. The miso is there primarily to add savory depth and balance the maple syrup. It blends into the glaze rather than dominating the finished dish.
Can I use a different type of miso?
Yes. White miso is a good choice because it is mild and slightly sweet. Yellow miso can also work, although its flavor will be a little stronger. Darker misos are much more intense and may overpower the apples and maple.
Looking for even more ways to cook Brussels sprouts? Browse 16 Best Brussels Sprouts Recipes: Crispy, Roasted & Flavor-Packed Ideas for more roasted, skillet-cooked and flavor-packed ideas.
Looking for something else to cook? Visit the Recipe Index to explore more recipes by ingredient, meal and cooking style.
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