If you’ve ever been to LongHorn Steakhouse, you already know their crispy, flavorful brussel sprouts side dish is unforgettable. With a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors, these sprouts are roasted to crispy perfection and then tossed in a zesty honey-butter glaze that keeps people coming back for more.
The best part? You don’t have to wait until your next steakhouse trip. With this Longhorn Brussel Sprouts recipe copycat version, you can recreate the restaurant favorite right at home. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and absolutely delicious!
In this article, we’ll cover:
- What makes LongHorn Brussel Sprouts so unique
- Step-by-step instructions to make them at home
- Ingredient substitutions and variations
- Tips for getting perfectly crispy sprouts
- Frequently asked questions
Let’s dive into this copycat recipe that will make you the star of your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Longhorn Brussel Sprouts Recipe
- Crispy texture – No soggy sprouts here!
- Sweet and spicy glaze – A perfect balance of flavors.
- Easy to make at home – Simple ingredients and quick cooking.
- Better than takeout – Cheaper, fresher, and customizable.
If you’ve avoided brussel sprouts in the past because of their bitterness, this recipe will change your mind. The roasting process brings out their natural sweetness, and the honey-butter glaze elevates them to restaurant-quality perfection.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Longhorn Brussel Sprouts Recipe
To make this copycat Longhorn Brussel Sprouts recipe, you’ll need:
- 1 lb brussel sprouts – Fresh is best, but frozen can work if thawed and dried well.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – For roasting.
- Salt & black pepper – To season.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter – Creates a rich base for the glaze.
- 2 tbsp honey – Adds natural sweetness.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar – For extra caramelization.
- 1–2 tsp red pepper flakes – Adjust depending on how much heat you like.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika – Adds a smoky depth.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – For flavor.
- 1 tsp soy sauce – Balances sweetness with umami.
(Optional: a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice for tang.)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps for crispy Longhorn-style brussel sprouts:
1. Prep the Brussel Sprouts
- Wash and trim the ends of your sprouts.
- Cut larger ones in half for even cooking.
- Pat dry completely (moisture prevents crispiness).
2. Roast the Sprouts
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss sprouts in olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- Spread in a single layer (don’t overcrowd).
- Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden brown.
3. Make the Glaze
- While sprouts roast, melt butter in a small saucepan.
- Stir in honey, brown sugar, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Toss & Serve
- Once sprouts are crispy, transfer them to a large bowl.
- Pour glaze over and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately while hot and caramelized.
Tips for Perfect Longhorn Brussel Sprouts
- Dry your sprouts well – Water is the enemy of crispiness.
- Use high heat – Roasting at 425°F ensures caramelization.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – Overlapping sprouts will steam instead of roast.
- Air fryer method – For an even crispier finish, cook sprouts at 390°F for 12–15 minutes in the air fryer.
- Adjust spice – If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce the red pepper flakes.
Variations & Substitutions
This Longhorn Brussel Sprouts recipe is versatile. Here are some fun twists:
- Keto version – Use sugar-free maple syrup instead of honey.
- Spicy kick – Add sriracha or hot honey to the glaze.
- Tangy twist – Drizzle balsamic reduction before serving.
- Nutty crunch – Toss with toasted pecans or almonds.
- Cheesy upgrade – Sprinkle with parmesan or feta.
What to Serve With Longhorn Brussel Sprouts
This side dish pairs beautifully with almost any main course. Try serving it with:
- Grilled steak or chicken – Just like at LongHorn Steakhouse.
- Roast salmon – Sweet and smoky sprouts balance out rich fish.
- Pasta dishes – Adds a veggie boost to creamy pasta.
- Holiday meals – A crowd-pleasing Thanksgiving or Christmas side dish.
Health Benefits of Brussel Sprouts
Not only are these sprouts delicious, but they’re also packed with nutrients:
- High in fiber – Great for digestion.
- Rich in Vitamin C & K – Supports immunity and bone health.
- Loaded with antioxidants – Helps fight inflammation.
- Low in calories – A guilt-free side dish.
When paired with a light glaze like in this recipe, brussel sprouts become a healthy and flavorful way to enjoy your veggies.
Common Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast the sprouts ahead, then reheat in the oven at 400°F for 5–7 minutes before tossing with the glaze.
2. Can I use frozen brussel sprouts?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat dry thoroughly before roasting to avoid sogginess.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
4. Are Longhorn Brussel Sprouts spicy?
They have a mild heat from red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the spice level to your liking.
Final Thoughts
This Longhorn Brussel Sprouts recipe is the perfect way to bring the flavors of the steakhouse into your own kitchen. Crispy, caramelized sprouts coated in a sweet and spicy glaze make this dish irresistible, even for people who claim they don’t like brussel sprouts.
Whether you’re serving them as a holiday side dish, a weeknight veggie upgrade, or a special date-night meal with steak, these sprouts will steal the spotlight.
So next time you crave that unforgettable LongHorn flavor, skip the restaurant and whip up this easy copycat recipe at home. Your family (and your taste buds) will thank you!