Roasting Brussels sprouts is a simple yet effective way to bring out their natural sweetness while achieving a crispy, caramelized exterior. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a holiday feast, roasted Brussels sprouts make for a delicious and healthy side dish that everyone will love. This recipe is versatile and can be customized with various additions to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
- Brussels sprouts: 1 1/2 pounds, trimmed and halved if large
- Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
- Kosher salt: 3/4 teaspoon
- Freshly ground black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
Optional Additions:
- Garlic powder
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Balsamic vinegar
- Bacon bits
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roasting at a high temperature ensures that the Brussels sprouts develop a crispy exterior while remaining tender inside.
2. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts:
- Trim and Clean: Start by trimming the stem ends of the Brussels sprouts and removing any yellow or damaged outer leaves. If the sprouts are particularly large, cut them in half to ensure even cooking.
- Dry the Brussels Sprouts: After washing, make sure the Brussels sprouts are thoroughly dried. Excess moisture can prevent them from roasting properly and result in soggy sprouts.
3. Season the Brussels Sprouts:
- Place the Brussels sprouts in a large bowl. Drizzle them with the 3 tablespoons of olive oil, ensuring each sprout is well-coated. This helps them roast evenly and develop a beautiful golden color.
- Add Salt and Pepper: Sprinkle the kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper over the Brussels sprouts. Toss them again to distribute the seasoning evenly.
4. Arrange on a Baking Sheet:
- Spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Make sure there is some space between each sprout to allow for proper air circulation, which helps them crisp up.
5. Roast the Brussels Sprouts:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the Brussels sprouts for 20-25 minutes. After the first 10 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven and give the sprouts a good toss. This ensures even browning on all sides. Continue roasting until the Brussels sprouts are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.
6. Add Optional Toppings (Optional):
- If you’re looking to enhance the flavor of your roasted Brussels sprouts, consider adding one or more of these optional toppings during the last 5 minutes of roasting:
- Garlic Powder: Sprinkle a small amount of garlic powder over the sprouts for a hint of garlicky flavor.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the sprouts for a savory, cheesy finish.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Drizzle a small amount of balsamic vinegar over the sprouts right before serving. The tangy sweetness of the vinegar complements the caramelized flavor of the roasted sprouts.
- Bacon Bits: Cooked and crumbled bacon bits can be added after roasting for a smoky, crunchy addition.
7. Serve:
- Once the Brussels sprouts are done roasting, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a serving dish. If desired, add any final touches such as a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Tips for Perfect Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Even Roasting: To ensure even roasting, try to cut the Brussels sprouts into similar sizes. If you have a mix of small and large sprouts, you can leave the smaller ones whole and halve the larger ones.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the Brussels sprouts plenty of space on the baking sheet. If they’re too crowded, they’ll steam instead of roast, resulting in a less crispy texture.
- High Heat: Roasting at a high temperature is key to getting that caramelized exterior. If you prefer a softer texture with less crispiness, you can lower the oven temperature to 375°F and extend the cooking time by a few minutes.
Variations
- Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts: For a sweet and savory twist, toss the roasted Brussels sprouts with a tablespoon of maple syrup and a teaspoon of Dijon mustard right before serving.
- Herb-Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage to the Brussels sprouts before roasting for an earthy flavor.
- Asian-Inspired Brussels Sprouts: Toss the roasted sprouts with a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an umami-packed side dish.
Roasted Brussels sprouts are a versatile and flavorful side dish that can be easily customized to suit your tastes. Whether you keep them simple with just olive oil, salt, and pepper, or elevate them with additional seasonings and toppings, this dish is sure to be a hit at any meal. Serve these roasted Brussels sprouts alongside your favorite main course, and enjoy the delicious combination of crispy, caramelized edges and tender, flavorful centers. Happy cooking!
