Fully Loaded Brussels Sprouts Recipe
This is my go-to Brussels sprouts recipe. The Brussels sprouts are roasted until tender, and combined with other ingredients to give them smoky, meaty, sweet, and tangy flavors all in one bite.
Unsure about Brussels sprouts? Get ready. This is the recipe that may change your mind.
I consider this Brussels sprouts recipe fully loaded because it combines all sorts of flavors in the most perfect way:
- Sweetness from the dates and apples
- Crunchiness from the Brussels sprouts
- Meatiness and smokiness from the sausage
- A burst of flavor from the Balsamic glaze
Technically, this recipe could be called “Brussels sprouts with chicken sausage, dates, apples, and a Balsamic glaze”. But that’s a mouthful I’d rather save for the actual food.
I adapted this recipe on Ari’s Menu, giving it a cheap recipe makeover. I used one apple chicken sausage link from a package of five from Trader Joe’s, an apple that I picked from a neighbor’s tree (with permission!) and budget-friendly Balsamic vinegar that tastes like the real good stuff.
The Cost: $3.39
- Brussels sprouts = $1.50 (I bought an entire stalk of Brussels sprouts for $2.99 at Trader Joe’s. I used half for this recipe.)
- Apple = Free, from a friend’s tree
- Chicken sausage = $.79
- Dates (4) = $.35
- Balsamic vinegar = $.75 (I cheated and used Trader Joe’s “fake” Balsamic vinegar that tastes like Balsamic but actually isn’t. It’s much cheaper, and most people can’t tell the difference. It’s made out of wine vinegar and concentrated grape must.)
Total cost for four servings: $3.39
Whether you’re making this for a Thanksgiving side dish or a hearty meal all for yourself, you’re not going to spend a lot of money. And if $3.39 is all it’s going to take to make you a Brussels sprouts fan, so be it!
Love Brussels Sprouts? Try This Similar Recipe:
Maple-roasted Brussels sprouts with ring bologna:
Fully Loaded Brussels Sprouts
Save any leftover Balsamic glaze to drizzle on top of salmon, salad, crostini, roasted vegetables, or pizza. Whatever you do, don't throw this delicious sauce away!
Ingredients
- 2 cups Brussels Sprouts, halved and stems removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 chicken apple sausage link, cut into coins
- 4 dates, pitted and chopped
- 1 apple chopped
- Gourmet balsamic vinegar from an oil and vinegar store
Instructions
- To par cook Brussels sprouts: Fill a large saucepan with water and bring to a boil. Add Brussels sprouts and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add Brussels sprouts, flat side down (but avoid adding any leaves that have fallen off) and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until they begin to turn golden brown. Add sausage and apple and cook for a minute or so. Finally, add dates and any leftover Brussels sprout leaves. Cook for another minute or two, until heated through. Serve warm with Balsamic glaze on the side.
Yum! This sounds fantastic – love the flavor combination!
The brussels sprouts dish looks very, very, good.
A favorite – brussels sprouts! Thank you for the recipe!
Thanks – I’m always looking for more brussel sprout recipes.
I love that you added the chicken sausage! I’ll have to try that. This is one of my very favorite recipes so I’m really glad to hear you enjoyed it, and thanks for linking back! PS: Ummm, my food budget is out of control. I’ll be back. 😉