How Many Calories Are in Glazed Brussels Sprouts? A Detailed Breakdown

December 1, 2025 •

4 min read

A cup of plain, boiled Brussels sprouts contains only around 56 calories. However, the number of calories in glazed brussels sprouts varies dramatically, depending on the cooking method and added ingredients like oil, honey, and bacon.

Quick Summary

The caloric content of glazed Brussels sprouts ranges significantly based on the glazing ingredients and cooking methods. Different recipes, such as honey-balsamic or Asian-style, yield different calorie counts per serving, which can be much higher than plain roasted sprouts.

Key Points

Variable Calories: The calorie count for glazed brussels sprouts varies widely, primarily dependent on the type and quantity of glazing ingredients used, such as oils and sweeteners.
Ingredient Impact: Add-ins like honey, maple syrup, bacon, and excess oil are the main contributors to increased calories in a glazed dish, significantly raising the total from plain sprouts.
Homemade vs. Restaurant: Restaurant-prepared glazed brussels sprouts typically contain far more calories due to a heavy-handed use of fats and sugars for flavor enhancement.
Low-Calorie Options: For a healthier version, opt for a simple balsamic reduction, use minimal oil, and add flavor with herbs and spices instead of high-sugar or high-fat ingredients.
Moderation is Key: While Brussels sprouts are nutrient-dense, the calorie count of a glazed preparation can negate some of its 'healthy' benefits, so mindful eating is important.

Why Glazed Brussels Sprouts Calorie Count Varies

Glazed Brussels sprouts are a popular side dish, but their calorie count is not fixed. The primary difference comes from the glaze itself and the cooking fat used. While Brussels sprouts are naturally low in calories, the additions used to create a savory or sweet glaze can significantly increase the total. A simple balsamic reduction, for instance, adds fewer calories than a rich, honey-based or maple-bacon glaze. For example, a basic balsamic glaze might only add a handful of extra calories per serving, while a honey-balsamic glaze with oil can push the calorie count over 150 per serving. This caloric variation is crucial for anyone monitoring their intake for health or weight management.

The Impact of Specific Glazing Ingredients

Different glazing ingredients contribute calories in various ways. Fats, particularly oil used for roasting and added ingredients like bacon fat, are very calorie-dense, providing 9 calories per gram. Sugars, like honey and maple syrup, provide 4 calories per gram and can quickly add up. Restaurant preparations often maximize flavor by using generous amounts of both, which is why they typically have a much higher calorie count than homemade versions. When cooking at home, you have full control over these ingredients, allowing for a much lower-calorie final product. By controlling portion sizes and using alternatives, you can enjoy the flavor of glazed sprouts without the high caloric cost.

Calorie Comparison: Homemade vs. Restaurant

Homemade glazed Brussels sprouts offer a significant advantage in calorie control compared to their restaurant counterparts. Many restaurants pre-cook vegetables in high-fat ingredients like bacon fat and then add more fatty and sugary toppings, resulting in a dish that is surprisingly high in calories. A restaurant serving might contain upwards of 200 calories or more, while a carefully prepared homemade dish could be under 100 calories. This disparity highlights the importance of being mindful when ordering out versus cooking at home, where you can choose healthier oils and natural sweeteners.

Creating Lower-Calorie Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Making a delicious, low-calorie glazed Brussels sprouts dish is simple with a few smart substitutions. The main goals are to use less oil, choose a less caloric sweetener, and opt for leaner additions. Roasting with a minimal amount of olive oil spray instead of a heavy pour is a great start. Using a low-sugar glaze or a balsamic reduction instead of honey or maple syrup can also make a big difference. Other low-calorie flavoring methods can include herbs, garlic, and citrus zest. To further boost flavor without adding calories, consider finishing with a sprinkle of sea salt and freshly ground pepper after cooking.

Tips for a Healthier Glaze

Use High-Quality Balsamic Vinegar: A good-quality, aged balsamic has a naturally sweet flavor and can be reduced to create a thick, flavorful glaze without added sugars.
Try Zero-Calorie Sweeteners: For those on a strict calorie budget, using a zero-calorie or very low-calorie sweetener in the glaze can mimic sweetness without the added carbs and sugars.
Swap Fatty Additions: Instead of bacon, try sprinkling toasted nuts like pecans for crunch or a small amount of parmesan cheese for a savory, umami flavor that provides a high-impact taste with fewer calories.
Embrace Spices: Spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika can add depth and flavor without any calories.

Different Glazing Methods and Their Caloric Impact

There are numerous ways to glaze Brussels sprouts, and each method has a different impact on the final calorie count. The table below illustrates the approximate calorie range per serving for various popular recipes. This can help you make an informed decision based on your dietary needs.


Preparation Method	Key Ingredients	Approx. Calories per Serving (1/2 cup)	Key Calorie Sources
Plain, Boiled Brussels Sprouts	Brussels sprouts, water, salt	~28-56	Brussels sprouts
Basic Balsamic Glaze	Olive oil, balsamic vinegar	~73	Olive oil, balsamic reduction
Honey-Balsamic Glaze	Olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar	~157	Honey, olive oil
Restaurant-Style Glaze	Bacon, honey/maple syrup, heavy oil	~160-200+	Bacon, high-fat glaze ingredients
Maple-Soy Glaze	Maple syrup, soy sauce, sesame oil	~130	Maple syrup, oil

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

Glazed Brussels sprouts can be a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal, but it's important to recognize that the calories are primarily from the glaze itself, not the vegetable. By understanding the different glazing methods and their caloric impact, you can make healthier choices and control your intake. Whether you opt for a simple, low-calorie balsamic reduction or a richer honey-balsamic version, being mindful of your ingredients is the key to enjoying this versatile dish without overindulging. For more healthy recipe ideas and nutrition tips, consider checking out resources like the USDA's MyPlate website. [https://www.myplate.gov/]

Frequently Asked Questions

A cup of plain, boiled Brussels sprouts contains only around 56 calories. The majority of the calories in a glazed dish come from the added fats and sugars.

Restaurants often use a large amount of fat, like bacon fat or heavy oils, along with liberal portions of sweeteners and other high-calorie additions to enhance flavor, which significantly boosts the overall calorie count.

A balsamic reduction is a great, low-calorie alternative. It provides a rich, tangy-sweet flavor without the high sugar and fat content of honey or maple syrup based glazes.

Roasting can add more calories if excess oil is used. Healthier methods include steaming before roasting with minimal oil, or air frying for crispness with less fat.

Not necessarily. While some popular glazes use honey or maple syrup, others rely on savory ingredients like balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, or herbs to create a flavorful coating with lower sugar content.

Yes, to make them keto-friendly, use a sugar substitute for the glaze and a healthy fat like avocado oil. Avoid sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

Yes, you can reduce the calories by using less honey and oil. Consider a 50/50 mix of balsamic vinegar and honey to reduce the sugar, or use a sugar-free maple syrup alternative.