Hopdoddy Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Hopdoddy Brussels sprouts are a bold and popular veggie side loved by many people. These Brussels sprouts bring deep flavor, crispy edges, and a sweet tang in every bite.

After trying them at Hopdoddy, this dish stayed on my mind. I order them almost every visit—sometimes even more than the burgers.

The reason people love them so much is simple. They balance sweet and savory flavors in a way that feels easy and comforting.

Today, I’m sharing my exact copycat Hopdoddy-style Brussels sprouts recipe. This version recreates that same style using basic kitchen ingredients.

The method follows the original so closely that anyone who tried them couldn’t tell the difference. Even people who usually skip Brussels sprouts end up asking for more, so you can cook them at home with confidence.

What is the Hopdoddy Brussels Sprouts

Hopdoddy Brussels Sprouts refers to the Loaded Brussels menu item served at Hopdoddy Burger Bar. This dish has appeared on menus and food reviews since at least 2020 and remains a customer favorite.

The recipe centers on roasted Brussels sprouts cooked at high heat for crisp edges and tender centers. After roasting, the sprouts get tossed in a light balsamic and honey glaze that adds sweet and tangy notes.

The final result feels balanced, rich, and bold without heavy toppings. This style turns Brussels sprouts into a dish that feels rich and well-balanced.

What Makes Hopdoddy Brussels Sprouts Different

1. High-Heat Roasting Method: They cook at 425°F which creates those crispy, caramelized edges that make each bite extra crunchy and delicious.

2. Cut Side Down Technique: Placing sprouts flat side down on the pan gives them a golden brown crust that adds amazing texture and flavor.

3. Simple Honey Balsamic Glaze: Just two ingredients create a sweet and tangy sauce that coats every sprout without making them soggy or heavy.

4. Minimal Seasonings: Using only salt, pepper, and olive oil lets the natural flavor of the brussels sprouts shine through perfectly.

5. Perfect Timing: Roasting for exactly 20-25 minutes ensures they’re tender inside while staying crispy outside, not mushy or burnt.

Hopdoddy Brussels Sprouts Ingredients

• Brussels Sprouts (1.5 lbs): Fresh, firm brussels sprouts work best for this recipe. Look for bright green ones without yellow leaves. Trim the bottoms and cut them in half. Fresh sprouts give you that perfect crispy texture. Frozen sprouts won’t work well because they have too much water.
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps the sprouts crisp up in the oven. You can use avocado oil or vegetable oil instead. The oil coats each sprout evenly for better roasting.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Regular table salt or sea salt works perfectly. This brings out the natural flavors of the brussels sprouts. You can adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
• Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle kick. Pre-ground pepper works too. This small amount adds depth without overpowering the dish.
• Balsamic Vinegar (2 tablespoons): Good quality balsamic vinegar creates that tangy flavor. The acidity balances the sweetness of the honey. You can use apple cider vinegar in a pinch, but balsamic tastes better.
• Honey (1 tablespoon): Pure honey adds natural sweetness to the glaze. Maple syrup works as a substitute for a different flavor profile. The honey helps caramelize the sprouts.

Equipment Needed

1. Sharp Knife – For trimming and halving sprouts
2. Cutting Board – Sturdy surface for prep work
3. Large Mixing Bowl – To toss sprouts with oil
4. Large Baking Pan – For roasting in single layer
5. Aluminum Foil (optional) – Makes cleanup easier
6. Small Bowl – For mixing the glaze
7. Oven – Preheated to 425°F

How to Make Hopdoddy Brussels Sprouts at Home

Step 1 | Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2 | Prepare the Sprouts

Wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly and dry completely. Trim off the tough stem ends, then cut each sprout in half from top to bottom.

Step 3 | Season

Place the halved sprouts in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle salt and pepper, and toss with your hands until each piece is evenly coated.

Step 4 | Roast

Spread the sprouts on the baking sheet in a single layer with the cut side down. Roast for 20–25 minutes, checking at 20 minutes. The sprouts should be golden brown and crispy on the edges but tender inside.

Step 5 | Make the Glaze

While the sprouts roast, combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and set aside.

Step 6 | Glaze & Serve

Transfer the roasted sprouts back to a large bowl. Pour the honey-balsamic glaze over the hot sprouts and toss gently until well coated. Serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Cooking Method Alternatives

1. Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Toss the halved brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, cut side down.

Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They should turn golden and crispy. Remove them and toss with the honey balsamic glaze before serving.

2. Stovetop: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it get hot. Place the halved brussels sprouts cut side down in the pan.

Don’t move them for 5 minutes so they get crispy. Flip them over and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes until tender. Season with salt and pepper, then toss with the glaze.

3. Pan-Fried Version: Use a cast iron skillet for extra crispiness. Heat it over high heat with the olive oil. Add the brussels sprouts cut side down and press them gently with a spatula.

Let them sear for 4 to 5 minutes without moving. Lower the heat to medium, flip them, and cook until tender. This method gives you the crispiest edges possible.

Chef’s Special Notes

• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Use two baking sheets if needed so sprouts have space to roast properly and get those crispy edges.
• Check Early: Ovens vary in temperature so start checking at 20 minutes to prevent burning the edges too much.
• Fresh is Best: Old brussels sprouts get bitter when cooked so buy fresh ones with tight, green leaves for best flavor.
• Size Matters: Cut larger sprouts into quarters instead of halves so all pieces cook at the same rate.

What to Serve With Hopdoddy Brussels Sprouts

These brussels sprouts pair perfectly with so many main dishes. I love serving them alongside grilled chicken or steak for a complete meal.

They also work great with roasted turkey or ham during holiday dinners. The sweet and tangy flavor complements rich, savory proteins really well.

You can serve them with burgers, just like at Hopdoddy. They make a nice side for meatloaf or lamb chops too.

For a lighter meal, pair them with salmon or other fish.

Storage & Reheating Tips

1. Storage: Keep leftover sprouts in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

2. Reheating: To bring back the crispness, reheat in an air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes. You can also use a toaster oven or a regular oven at 400°F for about 5-7 minutes. The microwave will make them soft.

Hopdoddy Brussels Sprouts Recipe FAQs

1. My glaze is too tart. What can I do?

You can balance the tartness easily. Before adding it to the sprouts, taste your glaze. If it’s too sharp, mix in an extra ½ to 1 teaspoon of honey. Stir well and taste again until it’s pleasantly sweet and tangy to you.

2. How do these sprouts stay crisp after adding sauce?

The sauce is added after roasting, not during cooking. This keeps moisture from blocking browning. Tossing quickly coats the sprouts without soaking them. Serving right away also helps maintain texture.

Letting them sit too long allows steam to soften the crisp edges, so timing matters.

3. Are these sprouts spicy?

This recipe is not spicy. Black pepper adds mild warmth without heat. People who prefer spice can add red pepper flakes or chili oil.

Keeping the base recipe mild allows the sweet and tangy notes to shine. Adjustments are easy without changing the core method.

4. Can the recipe be doubled for a crowd?

Yes, the recipe doubles well. Use two baking sheets to avoid crowding. Overcrowded pans trap steam and reduce browning. Rotate pans halfway through roasting for even results.

The sauce can be mixed in a larger bowl and added in batches to coat evenly.

This Hopdoddy Brussels sprouts recipe delivers crispy, golden edges, tender centers, and a sweet-tangy glaze.

It captures the iconic flavor perfectly, making it a must-try vegetable dish at home.