Grilled Garlic Brussels Sprouts, Unfussy Style

3 out of 4 of us love brussels sprouts. I never had them growing up because they were a banned vegetable at our home. It wasn’t until I was a teenager that I had my first one while having Thanksgiving dinner at my (now) in-laws. Since then, it’s been my mission to make the younger cooks love them like I do. Because it will happen. 😉

I’ve made grilled zucchini, green beans and even grilled grapes for a salad and yet this summer was the first time I’ve ever grilled brussels sprouts. Grilled brussels sprouts? YES! They were MADE for the grill! This is such an unfussy grilled side dish.

Don’t let the charred outer leaves freak you out. That is flavor. And it’s savory.

To Make These Grilled Garlic Brussels Sprouts Gather:

• brussels sprouts – Taste slightly sweet, nutty and smoky when grilled.
• olive oil – Adds richness and will help keep food from sticking.
• fresh garlic – This adds distinct and punchy flavor.
• kosher salt – Helps suppress bitterness while enhancing the other flavors.
• freshly ground black pepper – This will add some subtle bite and flavor.
• honey – Adds a touch of sweetness after grilling.
• balsamic glaze – Is flavor-packed paired with honey and the char of the grilled brussels sprouts.
• sliced almonds – compliments the flavor of the grilled sprouts, but is optional.

Preheat your grill to 400℉ (or 200℃).

Trim the ends and peel and remove any dark, tough outer leaves off of 1-1/2 pounds of brussels sprouts. This probably takes up the most of the prep time.

Cut any larger sprouts in half, keeping the smaller ones whole, and thread on to metal skewers. I like to use metal and not bamboo because first of all, the metal pierces the tough raw sprout easier. But secondly, because metal is conductive, it will heat up and cook the inside of the sprouts.

Next grate a large clove of garlic and stir it into 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil.

Brush it all over the brussels sprout kebabs. Season with a few pinches of both kosher salt and pepper.

Lastly, place the skewers onto your preheated grill, close the lid and grill for 4 minutes. Use tongs to rotate the skewers, grilling for an additional 3 to 4 more minutes or until lightly charred and tender.

Once cooked, carefully remove skewers and let cool slightly before serving.

Give the skewer handles a few minutes to cool down until they are safe to handle. Now, you could stop right here and enjoy them as they are. BUT drizzling them with honey and balsamic glaze and (after removing them form the skewers) topping them with crunchy sliced almonds. Toast them if you’re feeling extra.

Meet my new go-to way to eat brussels sprouts.

As a result to grilling, the outer leaves of these grilled garlic brussels sprouts get crisp, caramelized and most importantly, good. Meanwhile the middle of the brussels sprouts is cooked perfectly and tender. The honey and balsamic glaze add a touch of sweetness and tang which seems to work harmoniously with the garlicky brussels sprouts. The almonds are only texturally yum.

Needless to say, WORTH KEEPING this dish! And you will too.

For more brussels sprouts recipes, click here.

Enjoy! And if you give this grilled garlic brussels sprouts recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!