Master the Grill: Irresistible Grilled Maple Mustard Brussels Sprouts for Any Occasion
Imagine a holiday spread where your oven isn’t overflowing, and yet every dish on the table is bursting with flavor. This isn’t a dream; it’s a reality waiting to be discovered with these mouthwatering Grilled Maple Mustard Brussels Sprouts. Forget the conventional roasting; grilling these vibrant green gems transforms them into a caramelized, smoky, and utterly addictive appetizer or side dish that will steal the show. Quick, easy, and undeniably delicious, they’re set to become your new favorite way to enjoy Brussels sprouts, freeing up valuable oven space during those busy holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The Genius of Grilling Your Holiday Sides
For years, holiday meal prep has been synonymous with a frantic dance around a hot oven, juggling multiple dishes and desperately trying to time everything perfectly. But what if there was a simpler, more flavorful way to handle some of your fall vegetable side dishes? Enter the grill. It’s truly a genius idea to move some of your cooking outdoors, especially for vegetables like Brussels sprouts. The ambient temperature is often just right for a pleasant grilling experience, and it offers unparalleled benefits:
- Oven Space Liberation: This is arguably the biggest win. By grilling your Brussels sprouts, you free up precious oven real estate for your main roast, pies, or other baked goods. No more logistical nightmares trying to fit everything in!
- Unrivaled Flavor: Grilling imparts a unique smoky char that oven roasting simply cannot replicate. The high heat creates beautifully browned, slightly crispy edges while keeping the inside tender, and the smoky aroma infuses deeply into the vegetables.
- Outdoor Enjoyment: Step away from the indoor kitchen chaos and enjoy the crisp fall air. Grilling becomes less of a chore and more of an enjoyable part of your holiday festivities.
- Versatility: Once you discover the magic of grilling Brussels sprouts, you’ll open a world of possibilities for other vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, corn, and even potatoes.
With these Grilled Maple Mustard Brussels Sprouts, you’re not just making a side dish; you’re adopting a smart, delicious strategy for stress-free holiday cooking. One bite, and you’ll wonder why you haven’t been grilling your Brussels sprouts your entire life.
Fueling the Flavor: My Kingsford Charcoal Tradition
Full disclosure: my husband, Gav, is usually the grill master in our household. I’ve attempted it a few times for blog posts, and each time, it’s a re-learning experience for me. Honestly, on this particular occasion, I admit I forgot some of the steps just moments after Gav left the house! So, I did what any resourceful home cook would do: I turned to Kingsford’s website and went straight to their “how-to” section. After watching their incredibly informative video (I’m a big fan of well-produced instructional content), I felt completely confident and ready to grill.
For this recipe, I used Kingsford Original Charcoal. It’s a brand that’s deeply woven into my family’s grilling traditions. From Gav and me to my dad and even my extended family, Kingsford has been our charcoal of choice for as long as I can remember. My dad is a true grilling fanatic, always stocking up on Kingsford products, so when I moved out, it was only natural for me to continue the tradition. Partnering with them on this post feels incredibly authentic and genuine to me. We’ve created countless cherished memories around the grill, filled with laughter and delicious food, all fueled by Kingsford charcoal. It’s actually quite touching to reflect on, especially remembering Gav and I met at a Super Bowl party, with Kingsford products visible in the background of our earliest photos. It feels a little corny, perhaps, but also absolutely meant to be—us and our beloved charcoal!
Effortless Grilling with Kingsford
Following the lighter fluid method (using Kingsford’s own lighter fluid, of course), I had the charcoal ready in just 15 minutes. Yes, I timed it – a food blogger habit! The charcoal provided a beautiful, consistent heat that lasted so long, I was able to eat, and then even go back and heat up more Brussels sprouts on it without needing to refuel. Kingsford is doing an amazing job showcasing that vegetables, especially the bounty of fall veggies, can be grilled just as easily and deliciously as any cut of meat. And that’s exactly what we’re here for! I’m definitely planning to whip up more grilled fall vegetables this holiday season, especially now that the process feels completely unintimidating to me.
The Star of the Show: Maple Mustard Grilled Brussels Sprouts
Now, let’s dive into the star attraction: these incredible Grilled Maple Mustard Brussels Sprouts. Before I share the full recipe, let me tell you, they are truly divine. The flavor profile is a magnificent blend of sweet, tangy, and a subtle warmth from freshly cracked black pepper. The maple syrup provides a wonderful caramelization, while the Dijon mustard adds a zesty, savory depth that perfectly balances the sweetness. Each bite delivers a burst of complex flavors, enhanced by the unmistakable smokiness from the grill.
The Secret to Perfect Skewers: Blanching
A little tip for success: I blanched the Brussels sprouts in boiling water for about two minutes before grilling. This brief blanching step is a game-changer for two reasons. Firstly, it slightly softens the sprouts, making them much easier to thread onto skewers without breaking. Secondly, it ensures they cook through evenly and quickly on the grill, achieving that perfect tender-crisp texture with beautiful char marks. The sprouts grill incredibly easily and rapidly, transforming into golden-brown morsels in no time. The marriage of the maple mustard glaze and the smoky essence from the charcoal grill creates a flavor combination you absolutely have to experience to fully understand its divine nature.
Tips for Perfect Grilled Brussels Sprouts Every Time
Achieving perfectly grilled Brussels sprouts is simple with a few key tips:
- Choose Fresh Sprouts: Look for firm, bright green Brussels sprouts with tightly packed leaves. Avoid any that are yellowing or have loose outer leaves.
- Proper Preparation is Key: Trim the small woody ends and remove any loose or discolored outer leaves. Halve larger sprouts to ensure even cooking and maximize surface area for charring and flavor absorption.
- Don’t Skip the Blanching: As mentioned, a quick 2-minute blanch in boiling water makes a huge difference in texture and ease of skewering. Immediately plunge them into ice water after blanching to stop the cooking process and retain their vibrant green color.
- Marinate Thoroughly: Ensure every sprout half is well-coated in the maple mustard dressing. This is where the flavor truly penetrates.
- Use Skewers Wisely: Don’t overcrowd the skewers. Leave a little space between each sprout to allow for even cooking and charring. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- High Heat is Your Friend: Brussels sprouts cook quickly on the grill. Aim for high heat to get those beautiful grill marks and tender-crisp texture without overcooking.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooked Brussels sprouts can become mushy. Keep an eye on them; they only need 3-4 minutes per side. They should be tender enough to bite through but still have a slight crunch.
- Brush with Extra Sauce: For an extra flavor punch, brush the grilled sprouts with any leftover maple mustard sauce right after they come off the grill. They’ll absorb the flavors beautifully while hot.
Serving Suggestions & Health Benefits
These Grilled Maple Mustard Brussels Sprouts are incredibly versatile. They make an excellent appetizer on their own, a stellar side dish for any meal, and pair wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or a hearty vegetarian main. Their sweet and savory profile complements a wide range of flavors, making them a perfect addition to your weekly meal rotation or special holiday feasts.
Beyond their incredible taste, Brussels sprouts are packed with nutritional benefits. They are an excellent source of Vitamin K, crucial for blood clotting and bone health, and Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system. They also provide a good amount of fiber, aiding digestion and promoting gut health. Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, these humble sprouts are a powerhouse of nutrition, making this dish not just delicious but also a healthy choice for your family.
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Grilled Maple Mustard Brussels Sprouts
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Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, small tip of ends trimmed, outer leaves removed and halved
- 1 ½ tablespoons dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 cloves minced garlic
Instructions
- Follow instructions on your Kingsford Original Charcoal’s bag to heat up your grill to high heat.
- While the grill is heating (approximately 15 minutes), blanch the Brussels sprouts in boiled water for about 2 minutes. This crucial step greatly assists with easily skewering them.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, maple syrup, olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and minced garlic until well combined. Add the halved Brussels sprouts and toss thoroughly to ensure they are properly coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Carefully thread about 4 Brussels sprout halves (or more, depending on their size) onto each skewer, ensuring they are not too tightly packed. If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
- Once the grill is fully heated and the Kingsford Original Charcoal is grey and glowing, place the skewers directly on the grill grates. Grill each side for approximately 3 to 4 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts develop beautiful grill marks and are tender-crisp. Flip and repeat on all sides.
- Remove the grilled Brussels sprouts from the grill and serve immediately. For an extra boost of flavor, you can brush them with any remaining maple mustard sauce while they are still hot, allowing the sprouts to truly absorb the delicious flavors. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: Although jessicainthekitchen.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Jessicainthekitchen.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.