Sometimes the best side dishes are the simplest ones, and this one is proof. These honey-glazed Brussels sprouts and beets get tossed with crunchy walnuts and tangy blue cheese for a flavor explosion that feels both gourmet and totally doable on a weeknight.ย

Sweet, savory, earthy, nuttyโฆ it checks all the boxes. I especially love this dish around the holidays. It looks stunning on the table and pairs beautifully with everything from roasted chicken to holiday roasts.
But honestly? Iโll whip it up on a Tuesday night when I want something cozy and nourishing without much fuss.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
Brussels sprouts and beets donโt always get the spotlight, but when theyโre dressed up with honey, walnuts, and creamy cheese? Magic. The honey brings sweetness, the beets add earthiness, and the walnuts give crunch. This simple recipe is a great way to enjoy your veggies!
Blue cheese or gorgonzola cuts through with a tangy bite, balancing everything out in a way that keeps you coming back for seconds. Itโs an easy skillet side dish thatโs as colorful as it is flavorful, plus you can make it with pre-cooked beets if youโre short on time. Here are a few more reasons to love it:
- Gorgeous jewel tonesย
- Sweet-meets-savory magic
- Ready in 30 minutes
- Easy to adapt (vegan, paleo, dairy-free, etc.)
- Loaded with fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats
Ingredients for Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Beets
Brussels sprouts: The green powerhouse of the dish, crisping up beautifully in the skillet. They bring that earthy, nutty flavor we all love once caramelized.
Beets: Sweet, earthy, and jewel-toned. You can roast raw beets or grab a package of pre-cooked ones for convenience.
Garlic: Adds a savory punch that balances the natural sweetness.
Olive oil + butter: A mix of richness and flavor for sautรฉing. Or swap it with more olive oil.ย
Honey: The glaze that ties it all together, sweet honey adds a lovely complement to the savory flavors. Maple syrup works too, bringing a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
Blue cheese or gorgonzola crumbles: Salty, tangy, and creamy. Balances out the sweetness perfectly. Goat cheese, feta, or even shaved parmesan all work beautifully.
Walnuts: Toasty crunch! Pecans, hazelnuts, pistachios or almonds would also be amazing here.
Water + salt: For softening the sprouts and seasoning the whole dish.
Recipe Adaptations and Additions
- Herby twistย – A sprinkle of fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley right before serving makes everything taste extra vibrant.
- Citrus splashย – A squeeze of fresh orange or lemon juice over the top balances the sweetness and brightens the dish.
- Spicy kickย – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot honey for a sweet-heat combo.
- Balsamic vinegar drizzleย – A little balsamic glaze or reduction takes the flavor profile to a whole new gourmet level.
- Extra veg – Toss in roasted carrots, red onion, sweet potatoes, parsnips, or other root veggies to make it heartier and add even more color. Fresh herbs like fresh parsley are a great addition too.
- Vegan/paleo versionย – Skip the cheese and use maple syrup instead of honey. Still flavorful and gorgeous!
- Protein boost – Add crispy chickpeas, white beans, or even quinoa to turn it into a more substantial side or vegetarian main.
How to Make Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Beets
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet, then sautรฉ your Brussels sprouts cut-side down until golden brown. This is where that magical caramelization happens.
Add garlic and a splash of water, and cover the pan. Let the sprouts steam until tender, or until all liquid is absorbed. Once cooked through, stir in honey and the chopped beets, cooking just long enough to warm the beets, around 1-2 minutes.
Transfer everything to a serving bowl, sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles and walnuts, toss lightly, and serve right away while the cheese is melty and irresistible. If you’d like, add an extra drizzle of honey.
What to Serve with Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Beets
This vibrant side dish pairs beautifully with everything from cozy weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. Its sweet-savory balance and jewel-toned colors make it just as at home next to a Thanksgiving turkey as it is alongside a simple grain bowl. Try serving it with:
- Creamy Cauliflower Casserole (Keto)
- Garlic Butter Boneless Turkey Breast
- Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash
- Caramelized Onion & Roasted Garlic Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes with Parmesan
- Creamy Crock Pot Pork Chopsย ย
Enjoy this healthy side dish with any winter meal! This easy recipe is easy enough to whip up for any weeknight dinner and is also ideal for your holiday table!
Other Brussels Sprouts Recipes to Try
- Brussels Sprout Chopped Salad with Pears, Gorgonzola, and Warm Bacon Vinaigrette
- Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
- Brussel Sprouts with Caramelized Onions and Bacon
- Maple-Cinnamon Acorn Squash and Brussels Sprouts
Honey Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Beets
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons honey or pure maple syrup
- 2 small beets roasted and chopped (or 1 (8.8-oz) package Love Beets cooked beets, chopped)*
- 1/4 cup gorgonzola cheese crumbles see note**
- 1/4 cup raw walnuts chopped
Instructions
- In a large (12-inch) sautรฉ pan, heat the oil and butter to medium heat.
- Add the Brussels sprouts and allow them to cook cut-side down for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Add the garlic and the water and cook 3 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally.
- Place a cover over the Brussels sprouts and cook for 5-8 minutes, or until all of the liquid is absorbed and Brussels sprouts have reached desired โdone-ness.โ
- Add the honey and chopped beets and heat just until the beets are hot (about 1-2 minutes).
- Transfer the sautรฉed Brussels sprouts and beets to a serving dish and add the gorgonzola cheese crumbles and chopped walnuts. Toss everything together and serve.
Thank you so much for this recipe. I made it yesterday for guests and we all loved it! This dish combines so many favorites and the flavor combination is perfect while being simple to throw together. Yum!!!
Yeeeeeeah! So happy you and your guests enjoyed it, Sarah! It’s definitely an easy and flavor-packed go-to side dish! Happy New Year! xo
I’m on it with Liz – body. needs.veggies.
Cheers to that!
Now this is FESTIVE. We had so little vegetation on Christmas and now I am ready for a brussels beets OVERDOSE.
This looks like a wonderful way to eat Brussels sprouts! The beets add such a nice color!
Thanks, m’dear! It’s definitely a winning side. ๐
Hahahaha oh my god, I totally get that fiber thing. Some times I go through fruits + veggies first and then bake a lot of dessert + eat a lot of pasta and I am like “where is my fiber?!! I need fiber!” haha
This salad looks absolutely gorgeous & delicious!
You said it, m’dear. ‘Tis the season for forgetting fiber, but we neeeeds it, we needs it, I tell ya!
Oh, so pretty!!!! Green and red just for Christmas. Ummm I have yet to watch those movies so you’re ahead of the pop culture curve in my book!
Thanks, lady!! Oh you’ve GOT to see the movies! Both of them are good (Snowpiercer’s better IMO) Happy Holidays, love!
I’d gladly take a break from some cookies for a bowl of this deliciousness! I fancy all of the things above. Say yes to crack! ๐
Bahaha! xoxo
Hooooolllyyyy beets! I love a glazed vegetable, but beets and brussels together?! Yeeee haw!
Woop woop!
“Get thee some fiber!” Love it. Thanks for the great recipe!
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