Smoky British Charred Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

There is a profound difference between the boiled, lackluster sprouts of childhood memory and the vibrant, crispy delights that come fresh off an Arteflame grill. This recipe for British Charred Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze completely reimagines the vegetable, turning it into a dish that often steals the spotlight from the main protein. The secret lies in the high-heat searing capability of the flat-top griddle, which induces the Maillard reaction—caramelizing the natural sugars in the sprouts to create a nutty, complex flavor profile that boiling simply cannot achieve.

Drawing inspiration from classic British holiday sides, this dish incorporates salty pancetta and earthy chestnuts, adding layers of texture and savory depth. The finishing touch of a thick balsamic glaze cuts through the richness, providing a sweet and tangy acidity that balances every bite. Whether you are preparing a festive Christmas feast or simply elevating a weekend barbecue, this method ensures your sprouts remain tender on the inside while achieving that coveted, impossible-to-resist crunch on the outside.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved lengthwise
• 6 oz Pancetta or thick-cut bacon, diced
• 1 cup cooked chestnuts, roughly chopped (vacuum-packed or roasted)
• 3 tbsp Olive oil (or duck fat for extra decadence)
• 1/4 cup Balsamic glaze (thickened balsamic vinegar)
• Sea salt, to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation and Seasoning

1. Begin by rinsing the Brussels sprouts thoroughly and patting them completely dry. Moisture is the enemy of a good sear, so ensure they are not damp.
2. Trim the woody stems off the bottom and slice each sprout in half vertically. If the sprouts are particularly large, you may quarter them to ensure even cooking.
3. In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved sprouts with the olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper until they are evenly coated.

Step 2: Fire Up the Arteflame

1. Build a medium-sized fire in the center of your Arteflame grill. You are looking for a consistent, medium-high heat on the flat cooktop surface.
2. Allow the griddle to heat up for about 15 to 20 minutes. Scrape down the surface to ensure it is clean and apply a thin layer of oil to season the steel.

Step 3: Rendering the Pancetta

1. Place the diced pancetta (or bacon) directly onto the flat cooktop. Move it toward the warmer zone (closer to the center) to render the fat quickly.
2. Cook until the pancetta is crispy and golden brown. Using your spatula, push the crispy pancetta to the cooler outer edge of the grill to keep warm, but leave the rendered flavorful fat in the cooking zone.

Step 4: The Charring Process

1. Place the Brussels sprouts onto the hot surface where the pancetta fat is sizzling. Crucially, place them cut-side down first.
2. Do not touch them for 3 to 5 minutes. This patience is key to developing a deep, dark brown crust (char).
3. Once the cut sides are beautifully caramelized, toss the sprouts around the griddle to soften slightly and cook the rounded sides, usually for another 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 5: Combining and Glazing

1. Add the chopped chestnuts to the sprouts on the grill and toss to warm them through.
2. Pull the crispy pancetta back into the mix, combining all the ingredients in the center of the cooking zone for a final minute.
3. Drizzle the balsamic glaze generously over the mixture while it is still on the grill, tossing quickly to coat everything as the glaze bubbles and caramelizes further. Remove immediately to a serving platter to prevent burning the sugars.

Tips

Achieving the perfect texture with Brussels sprouts on a flat-top grill requires heat management and space. First, avoid overcrowding the cooking zone. If the sprouts are piled on top of each other, they will steam rather than sear, leading to a mushy texture. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure every sprout makes contact with the steel. Secondly, if your sprouts are very large and you are worried about the centers being raw, you can squirt a tiny amount of water onto them after the initial sear and cover them with a basting dome for 60 seconds. This steams the inside rapidly without ruining the crust.

Furthermore, use the different heat zones of the Arteflame to your advantage. If the pancetta is cooking too fast, slide it to the outer rim. If the sprouts need a harder sear, move them closer to the center fire. Finally, do not apply the balsamic glaze too early; the sugar content in the glaze can burn quickly on high heat, so it should always be the very last step before serving.

Variations

While the British combination of pancetta and chestnuts is a classic, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt the flavor profile to match the rest of your meal or to accommodate dietary preferences. Here are a few excellent variations to try on your grill:

• The Vegetarian Crunch: Omit the pancetta and use smoked almonds or walnuts instead of chestnuts to maintain that savory crunch and smokiness.
• The Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil during the final toss for a heat that cuts through the sweetness of the balsamic.
• Parmesan & Garlic: Skip the balsamic glaze. Instead, toss the charred sprouts with minced garlic during the last minute of cooking and finish with a heavy dusting of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
• Maple & Mustard: Replace the balsamic glaze with a mixture of maple syrup and grain mustard for a sweeter, tangier coating that pairs perfectly with pork.
• Lemon & Herb: For a lighter, fresher version, finish with fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped fresh thyme or parsley.

Best pairings

These charred Brussels sprouts are robust enough to stand up to heavy main courses, making them the perfect companion for rich meats. The smoky char and acidic balsamic glaze act as a palate cleanser for fatty cuts of protein. Because they are cooked on the flat top, you can easily prepare them alongside your main dish without dirtying extra pans in the kitchen.

Consider serving these alongside:

• Grilled Ribeye or Prime Rib: The bitterness of the char complements the richness of beef perfectly.
• Roast Turkey: Keeping with the British theme, this is the traditional side dish for a holiday turkey dinner.
• Pork Chops: The sweetness of the balsamic glaze mirrors the flavors often paired with pork, such as apples or maple.
• Cedar Plank Salmon: The earthiness of the sprouts grounds the lightness of the fish.

Conclusion

This recipe for British Charred Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze is more than just a side dish; it is a testament to the versatility of open-fire cooking. By moving away from boiling and embracing the intense, dry heat of the Arteflame, you unlock a depth of flavor that turns a divisive vegetable into a crowd favorite. The interplay of textures—crispy pancetta, soft chestnuts, and tender-crisp sprouts—combined with the sweet and savory glaze creates a bite that is truly addictive.

Whether you are hosting a formal dinner or a casual backyard gathering, these sprouts are guaranteed to disappear quickly. Give this method a try, and you will likely find that this becomes your new standard for cooking greens. Fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the best Brussels sprouts you have ever tasted.