Brussels sprouts: you either love them or you think you hate them. For years, Brussels sprouts suffered from a bad reputation, often associated with mushy, bitter, and unappetizing dishes. However, in recent years, these little green vegetables have been experiencing a surge in popularity, and for good reason! Brussels sprouts are not only a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins and fiber, but they are also incredibly versatile and delicious when cooked correctly. Among the various cooking methods, roasting stands out as the best way to unlock their natural sweetness and achieve a delightful crispy texture.
If you’re still on the fence about Brussels sprouts or have had disappointing experiences in the past, this roasted Brussels sprouts recipe is here to change your mind. Forget boiling or steaming – roasting Brussels sprouts in the oven transforms them into a culinary delight with perfectly caramelized, golden-brown centers and irresistibly crunchy outer leaves. Simply seasoned and roasted, they are already fantastic, but when you add a bright and zesty Lemon, Thyme, and Parmesan dressing, even the most skeptical eaters will become instant converts.
Mastering the Art of Roasting Brussels Sprouts
Achieving perfectly crispy and flavorful roasted Brussels sprouts is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps to elevate your side dish game:
Step 1: Prepare Your Brussels Sprouts
Begin by prepping your Brussels sprouts. First, trim the ends by cutting off any dry or woody stem parts at the base of each sprout. Next, depending on their size, you may need to chop them. For larger sprouts, slice them in half lengthwise. Smaller sprouts can be left whole. The goal is to have all pieces roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. This step is crucial for achieving consistent tenderness and crispness throughout.
Step 2: Season Generously
Seasoning is key to flavorful roasted Brussels sprouts. In a large bowl, toss the prepared sprouts with a generous drizzle of high-quality olive oil, ensuring every sprout is lightly coated. Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper – season liberally with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. These simple seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the Brussels sprouts and promote browning in the oven.
Once seasoned, transfer the sprouts to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. Arrange the Brussels sprouts in a single, even layer, making sure the cut sides are facing down. This technique is essential for achieving beautiful browning and caramelization on the cut surfaces, while allowing the outer leaves to become wonderfully crispy as they roast. It’s perfectly fine if some loose leaves fall off and scatter on the baking sheet – these will become extra charred and deliciously crunchy during roasting, adding to the overall texture.
Step 3: Roast to Crispy Perfection
Now it’s time to roast! Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20 to 30 minutes. The exact roasting time will depend on the size of your Brussels sprouts and your oven’s performance. Keep an eye on them and roast until they are tender when pierced with a fork and beautifully golden brown, especially around the edges and cut sides. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can steam the sprouts instead of roasting them. If necessary, use two baking sheets to ensure proper spacing.
Once roasted to perfection, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the satisfyingly crispy and flavorful roasted Brussels sprouts!
Serving Ideas for Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts are incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways. They are fantastic as a simple side dish, seasoned only with olive oil, salt, and pepper, allowing their natural roasted flavor to shine. However, you can easily elevate them with additional flavors and ingredients.
Consider drizzling them with a touch of balsamic vinegar for a sweet and tangy contrast, or squeeze fresh lemon juice over them for brightness. Tossing them with crumbled feta cheese or grated Parmesan while they are still warm adds a salty and savory dimension. Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley complement their earthy flavor beautifully. For a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes. Adding nuts or pepitas after roasting provides a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
For an extra special touch, try the Lemon Parmesan seasoning mentioned in the recipe below for a bright, zingy, and cheesy flavor boost. You can also explore many other variations and flavor combinations to customize your roasted Brussels sprouts to your liking.
Beyond a side dish, roasted Brussels sprouts can easily become part of a main course. Add them to salads for warmth and texture, toss them with pasta or grains, or incorporate them into frittatas or breakfast hashes.
Explore More Brussels Sprouts Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with roasted Brussels sprouts, don’t stop there! These versatile vegetables can be enjoyed in many other delicious ways. Explore different cooking methods like:
- Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad: Enjoy them raw and thinly sliced in a refreshing salad with a vibrant vinaigrette.
- Sautéed Brussels Sprouts: Quickly sautéed with garlic and other aromatics for a tender-crisp texture.
- Grilled Brussels Sprouts: Grilling imparts a smoky flavor and char that’s perfect for summer.
More Roasted Vegetable Inspiration
Craving more roasted vegetable goodness? If you enjoyed this roasted Brussels sprouts recipe, try roasting other vegetables using the same technique. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness and enhances the flavor of almost any vegetable. Consider trying:
- Roasted Broccoli
- Roasted Carrots
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Roasted Asparagus
- Roasted Cauliflower
Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Rate this recipe: 4.98 from 198 votes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 3 to 4
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Learn how to cook Brussels sprouts perfectly every time with this simple roasted recipe! Bright, fresh, and incredibly delicious, it’s an ideal side dish for weeknights or holiday gatherings.
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper (optional, but recommended)
- Large Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Optional Lemon Parmesan Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice Brussels sprouts in half (or leave small ones whole). In a large bowl, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread Brussels sprouts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, cut-sides down.
- Roast for 20-30 minutes, or until tender and golden brown around the edges, flipping halfway through if desired for even browning.
- For Lemon Parmesan seasoning (optional): In the same bowl, toss the roasted Brussels sprouts with lemon juice, lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, and thyme leaves.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes, if desired, and serve immediately.
Enjoy your perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts! They are a healthy, flavorful, and versatile side dish that will impress everyone at your table.
