Cooper’s Hawk Brussels Sprouts Recipe: Crispy, Caramelized Perfection at Home
If you’ve ever dined at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants, you likely know their crispy Brussels sprouts are one of the most talked-about sides on the menu. Golden brown, slightly sweet, perfectly salty, and loaded with umami—this dish turns even the most skeptical Brussels sprouts eater into a believer.
Now, you don’t have to wait for your next visit to the restaurant. This guide will walk you through how to recreate the famous Cooper’s Hawk Brussels Sprouts recipe at home—with the same sweet, tangy, and crispy flavors that make it unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Cooper’s Hawk Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- ✅ Crispy exterior with tender insides
- ✅ Sweet and tangy glaze with a hint of spice
- ✅ Roasted—not fried—for a healthier version
- ✅ Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients
- ✅ Perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or vegetarian snack
Ingredients You’ll Need
To nail the Cooper’s Hawk Brussels Sprouts recipe, we focus on flavor balance: sweet, salty, spicy, and tangy. Here’s everything you’ll need:
For the Brussels Sprouts:
- 1½ lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Honey-Balsamic Glaze:
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
Optional Toppings (like the restaurant):
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon toasted chopped almonds or cashews
- Dried cranberries or golden raisins for sweetness
- Crispy bacon bits (optional for non-vegetarian version)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooper’s Hawk Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Brussels Sprouts
Trim the ends of the sprouts and remove any yellow or wilted leaves. Slice them in half lengthwise for even cooking.
Step 2: Roast for Maximum Crispiness
Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You want them golden-brown and crispy on the edges.
🔥 Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan! Give the sprouts breathing room to crisp up properly.
Step 3: Make the Honey-Balsamic Glaze
While the sprouts roast, whisk balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), soy sauce, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan.
Simmer on low heat for 4–5 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Toss and Finish
Once the Brussels sprouts are done roasting, transfer them to a bowl. Drizzle with the glaze and toss until evenly coated.
Optional: Sprinkle with Parmesan, nuts, dried fruit, or bacon bits for that full Cooper’s Hawk Brussels sprouts experience.
Tips for Perfect Copycat Brussels Sprouts
- Cut evenly: Same-size sprouts = even roasting.
- High heat: 425°F or higher helps caramelize edges without overcooking.
- Glaze after roasting: Adding glaze too early can make them soggy.
- Add crunch: Toasted nuts or seeds mimic the restaurant-style texture.
Serving Suggestions
These Brussels sprouts aren’t just a side dish—they’re a showstopper. Try serving them:
- As a Thanksgiving or holiday vegetable side
- With grilled chicken, steak, or salmon for a complete meal
- As a vegetarian appetizer or tapas with toothpicks
- Over rice or quinoa bowls with a protein of your choice
How Close Is This Recipe to Cooper’s Hawk?
While the official Cooper’s Hawk Brussels sprouts recipe is proprietary, this copycat version captures the essence:
- Crisp roasted texture ✅
- Sweet and tangy balsamic glaze ✅
- Optional gourmet toppings ✅
In fact, many home cooks who’ve made this recipe say it’s nearly identical, if not even better because you can adjust the flavor to your liking!
Variations to Try
Want to make it your own? Here are a few fun variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or cayenne to the glaze.
- Vegan Option: Skip the cheese and bacon. Use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Nut-Free: Leave out almonds or use crispy onions instead.
- Air Fryer Method: Air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes for an even crispier result.
Storage & Reheating
These sprouts are best fresh, but you can store and reheat them too.
- Store: In an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Reheat: In the oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5–8 minutes to re-crisp.
- Avoid microwaving: It softens the crispy texture.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 170
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 10g
Note: Nutrition will vary based on toppings and exact ingredient brands.
Final Thoughts: A Restaurant-Quality Dish at Home
There’s a reason why the Cooper’s Hawk Brussels sprouts recipe is so beloved—it takes a humble veggie and turns it into a gourmet dish. And now, you can recreate that magic at home in under 30 minutes with this easy recipe.
It’s the perfect side dish for dinner parties, holidays, or just to treat yourself to something special. Once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Cooper’s Hawk Brussels sprouts ahead of time?
A: You can roast the sprouts ahead of time, but wait to glaze them until just before serving for best texture.
Q: What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
A: You can substitute with a mix of red wine vinegar and a touch of brown sugar, but balsamic gives the authentic flavor.
Q: Are these gluten-free?
A: Yes, just use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the glaze.
