A simple and healthy brussels sprout dish that offers a delicious mix of sweet, salty, and smokey flavors from fresh, whole food ingredients like honey, walnuts, apples, and cumin.
It takes roughly 15 minutes to prep, and the rest of the magic is completed in the oven as the brussels and apples caramelize and the walnuts’ flavor is richened. It’s a wholesome side dish that goes well alongside any meat of choice or, since it’s loaded with healthy fats, belly-filling proteins, and energizing carbs, can be happily consumed by itself.
Brussels Sprouts and apples are both in season right now, so I am taking advantage of them. Apples offer a healthy dose nutrients like potassium, fiber, magnesium, and vitamin C while brussels pack on Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Folate. I usually make a brussels sprout dish with bacon (I love all things sweet and salty), but decided to clean it up a bit.
The cumin adds a smoky element to dish while the walnuts add the crunch. I used honey as the sweetener, but maple syrup can also be used (which would make the dish vegan!). I use this Organic Maple Syrup Grade A Dark Color and this Raw Organic Honey.
Speaking of apples, last fall I made one of my favorite desserts. I’ve made it a few times since and I super encourage you to make it for you and your loved ones. It’s the Spiced Apple Biscuit Cobbler, and it’s to die for. The Apple Pie Truffles are simple to make and the Homemade Apple Crepes with Whipped Cream Topping.
The Best Honey Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples and Walnuts
Ingredients
- 1½ cups unsalted walnuts - chopped (see note)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 lbs. brussels sprouts - washed, cut in half with stems removed (about 8 cups)
- 2 small gala apples - cored, and diced (about 2 cups - divided)
- ¼ cup avocado oil
- ¼ cup raw unfiltered honey
- 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar - see note
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Mix together walnuts, 1t salt, and cumin and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, stir together brussels sprouts, apples, avocado oil, honey, vinegar, ½t salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Evenly spread mixture onto the sheet pan and place in the oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove mixture from oven, add walnut mixture onto the sheet pan with the brussels, stir to combine, and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Let everything cool for about 10 minutes then spoon brussels mixture into serving bowl. Drizzle with a little honey, if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
You can substitute walnuts with your nut of choice – peanuts, pine nuts, or pistachios would be a tasty substitute since they’re saltier than other options.
For a richer flavor, you can substitute white balsamic vinegar with regular balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
