Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Roasting is one of the best ways to bring out the natural sweetness and nutty flavor of Brussels sprouts. When cooked at a high heat, the outer leaves caramelize and crisp up, while the inside remains tender and flavorful.

This method not only enhances their taste but also preserves their nutritional value. This makes them a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Why you will love this recipe?

• Caramelized Flavor and Crispy Texture: As we discussed, roasting Brussels sprouts at high heat brings out their natural sweetness and creates a crispy, caramelized exterior while keeping the interior tender. This contrasting texture is what makes roasted Brussels sprouts so appealing.
• Customizable Flavors: They can be seasoned in several ways, such as with lemon, Parmesan, balsamic vinegar, or herbs, allowing you to tailor the dish to complement your main meal.
• Versatility: Roasted Brussels sprouts can be served as a simple side dish or incorporated into main dishes like frittatas, pasta, or grain bowls. They also make great leftovers that can be repurposed in other recipes.
• Nutritional Benefits: They are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, which makes them a healthy and nutritious side option.

Before you start the roasting process, it is important to prep your Brussel sprouts.

Selecting the Best Brussels Sprouts

The journey to perfect roasted Brussels sprouts starts at the grocery store or farmer's market. Here's what to look for:

• Size matters: Choose sprouts that are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. Smaller sprouts tend to be sweeter and more tender.
• Color and texture: Look for bright green sprouts with tight, compact leaves. Avoid any that are yellowing or have black spots.
• Freshness: Fresh Brussels sprouts will feel firm and have a vibrant color. If they are sold on the stalk, even better because they’ll stay fresh longer.

Preparing Brussels Sprouts for Roasting

Once you've selected your Brussels sprouts, it's time to prepare them for roasting. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Wash thoroughly: Rinse the sprouts under cold water to remove dirt or pesticides.
2. Trim the ends: Use a sharp knife and carefully trim the tough ends. Be mindful not to cut too much, as this can cause the leaves to fall apart.
3. Remove outer leaves: Peel away any loose or damaged outer leaves.
4. Cut to sizes: If your sprouts are large, cut them in half or quarters. Smaller sprouts can be left whole.

Here is a concise overview of the key ingredients for perfect roasted Brussels sprouts:

• Brussels Sprouts

These small, green, cabbage-like vegetables are the star of the dish. Look for bright green sprouts with tight, compact heads. Smaller sprouts tend to be sweeter, while larger ones have a more pronounced cabbage flavor.

• Olive Oil

The oil helps the Brussels sprouts get crispy and caramelized on the outside while staying tender on the inside. It's important to use enough oil to lightly coat all the sprouts. You can use three tablespoons of olive oil for the perfect taste.

• Salt 

Salt enhances the natural flavors of the Brussels sprouts. Use fine sea salt or kosher salt for the best flavor.

• Garlic (optional)

Roasted garlic adds a delicious, nutty flavor that complements the Brussels sprouts. Sliced or minced garlic works well.

• Parmesan Cheese (optional)

Grated Parmesan cheese provides a savory, umami element that pairs beautifully with the sprouts.

• Seasonings (optional)

You can also experiment with other seasonings like black pepper, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, or herbs to customize the flavor.

By combining these simple ingredients, you can create perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts that are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of delicious flavor.

Instructions

After rinsing Brussels sprouts under cold water to remove any dirt. Trim off the woody base of each sprout and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Halve the sprouts lengthwise for even cooking and better caramelization. Now that your Brussels sprouts are prepped, it's time to roast them to perfection.

Here's a simple yet delicious recipe:

1. Toss with oil and season

Place the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts on a large, rimmed baking sheet with 3 tablespoons of olive oil until evenly coated. After that, you can season with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.

For extra flavor, add 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, or a drizzle of honey.

2. Roast at high heat

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. After that arrange the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on the baking sheet, cut side down. This helps them get crispy and caramelized.

Roast for 20-30 minutes until the Brussels sprouts are tender and deeply golden brown on the edges. Keep an eye on them and flip the sprouts halfway through cooking if needed to ensure even browning.

3. Serve Immediately

Once roasted to perfection, remove from the oven and serve immediately. Optional garnishes include grated Parmesan cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice, or crispy bacon pieces for added flavor. Enjoy your delicious roasted Brussels sprouts.

Overall, the key to perfect roasted Brussels sprouts is cutting them in half, roasting them at a high temperature, and giving them enough space on the baking sheet to get crispy and heated.

Roasted Brussels sprouts are incredibly versatile. Here are some variations and enhancements to try:

1. Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

For the last few minutes of roasting, sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese melts and forms a golden-brown crust that adds a creamy texture and savory depth to the crispy Brussels sprouts.

Serve them hot as a side dish alongside roasted meats or as a vegetarian main course. Parmesan Brussels sprouts are not only delicious but also a versatile option for enhancing any meal with their irresistible flavor combination.

2. Spicy Brussels Sprouts

Spread the seasoned sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast them in the oven for 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure they roast evenly and develop a crispy exterior.

The high heat caramelizes the sprouts, intensifying their flavor, while the spicy kick adds a tantalizing dimension. 

3. Sweet and Tangy Brussels Sprouts

In a mixing bowl, toss the sprouts with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for sweetness and a splash of balsamic vinegar for tanginess.

Ensure the sprouts are evenly coated with the mixture before spreading them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to achieve caramelization and an even cook.

4. Herb-Infused Brussels Sprouts

Toss the sprouts with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage before roasting. This adds a fragrant, earthy dimension to the dish.

The high heat of roasting releases the herbs' essential oils, infusing the sprouts with a delightful aroma and savory depth. Serve these herb-infused Brussels sprouts as a flavorful side dish alongside grilled meats or as a vegetarian main course.

5. Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Ensure the Brussels sprouts are well-coated with the garlic-infused oil mixture before spreading them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to achieve even caramelization and a crispy exterior. 

The garlic becomes golden and caramelized during roasting, imparting a deep, savory flavor to the tender Brussels sprouts. 

6. Bacon and Maple

Cook chopped bacon until crispy, then toss with the roasted sprouts and a drizzle of maple syrup.

7. Italian Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Drizzle thick balsamic vinegar, balsamic glaze, or reduction on top. Lastly, finish with a sprinkle of lemon zest, red pepper flakes, or grated Parmesan.

8. Roasted Brussels with an Asian Spin

Lightly drizzle toasted sesame seed oil or teriyaki sauce over the warm sprouts. And, finish with sesame seeds (white or black) and red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

9. Thai Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Serve with peanut sauce on the side for drizzling. You can accompany it with lime wedges. Also, add red pepper flakes for a spicy touch. 

Even though roasting Brussels sprouts is straightforward, there are some common mistakes to avoid to ensure the best results:

1. Overcrowding the Pan

When the sprouts are too close together, they steam instead of roast, resulting in a soggy texture. Use a large enough baking sheet or roast in batches.

2. Not Preheating the Oven

A hot oven is crucial for caramelization. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before adding the sprouts.

3. Skipping the Shake

Shaking the pan halfway through cooking ensures even browning on all sides.

4. Using Too Much Oil

While you need enough oil to coat the sprouts, using too much can make them greasy. Stick to the recommended amount.

5. Neglecting Seasoning

Don’t forget to season the sprouts well with salt and pepper. This enhances their natural flavors.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your roasted Brussels sprouts aren't turning out as expected, here are some troubleshooting tips:

• Too soggy: Make sure the sprouts are dry before roasting. Any moisture will cause them to steam.
• Not crispy enough: Increase the oven temperature slightly or roast for a few more minutes.
• Burning too quickly: If the sprouts are browning too fast, reduce the oven temperature and cover the baking sheet with foil for part of the cooking time.

Roasted Brussels sprouts are incredibly versatile and can be paired with different dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Side Dish

Serve alongside roasted chicken, beef, pork, or fish for a healthy and delicious side.

In Salads

Add roasted Brussels sprouts to your favorite salad for warm, crunchy elements.

With Grains

Mix with quinoa, farro, or brown rice for a hearty and nutritious grain bowl.

On Pizza

Top a homemade pizza with roasted Brussels sprouts, caramelized onions, and goat cheese for a gourmet touch. 

Proper storage of roasted Brussels sprouts ensures they maintain their flavor and texture for later enjoyment. Here are some tips to store them effectively:

Cool Completely

Allow the roasted Brussels sprouts to cool to room temperature before storing. Storing them while hot can create condensation, leading to sogginess.

Airtight Container

Place the cooled Brussels sprouts in an airtight container. This helps retain their moisture and prevents them from absorbing other odors in the refrigerator.

Refrigeration

Store the container in the refrigerator. Roasted Brussels sprouts can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days. Beyond this, they may lose their optimal taste and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet and warm them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. This helps restore their crispiness. Alternatively, use a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Freezing

If you need to store them for a longer period, consider freezing them. Place the cooled sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat it from frozen by roasting at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for roasting?

Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts, but they may not get as crispy as fresh ones. Thaw them completely and pat them dry before roasting.

How do I store leftover roasted Brussels sprouts?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain their crispiness.

Can I roast Brussels sprouts with other vegetables?

Absolutely, but ensure that the other vegetables have similar cooking times or cut them to a size that will cook evenly with the Brussels sprouts.

What can I do with leftover roasted Brussels sprouts?

Leftover sprouts can be added to salads, grain bowls, omelets, or even used as a topping for pizzas and sandwiches.

Are roasted Brussels sprouts good for meal prep?

Yes, they are great for meal prep. Roast a large batch and use them throughout the week in various dishes.

Now that you have all the knowledge and tips you need, it's time to get into the kitchen and start roasting. Enjoy the process and savor the delicious results.