Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
If you’ve ever wrestled with getting Brussels sprouts just right, you’re going to love this Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe that I’ve perfected through many kitchen trials. This recipe crushes bitterness and brings out their natural sweetness with crispy edges and tender insides—trust me, once you try it my way, you’ll never look at Brussels sprouts the same again. So grab your baking sheet and a handful of sprouts because you’re about to make something fan-freaking-tastic that will impress even the biggest skeptics at your table.
Why This Recipe Works
- High Heat Roasting: Roasting at 425°F ensures that perfect caramelized crust while keeping the centers tender.
- Cut Side Down: Placing sprouts cut side down crisps them up beautifully and locks in moisture.
- Fresh Garlic Addition: Adding minced garlic near the end keeps it fragrant without burning, elevating the flavor.
- Optional Balsamic Vinegar: A splash finishes the dish with a tangy-sweet punch that complements the natural earthiness.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The beauty of the Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient has a clear role in bringing out the sprouts’ natural flavors without overpowering them. When you shop, pick firm, bright green sprouts that feel dense and fresh—they roast up crispier and sweeter.
- Brussels sprouts: The star of the show—make sure they’re fresh and firm without yellow leaves.
- Olive oil: Quality matters here; it helps the sprouts roast evenly and adds a subtle richness.
- Salt: Just enough to enhance natural flavors without making the dish salty.
- Fresh ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth.
- Garlic (minced): Adds aromatic depth, added late so it doesn’t burn and turn bitter.
- Optional balsamic vinegar: A splash at the end adds brightness and a sweet tangy finish.
Make It Your Way
I love making this recipe my own by swapping in different finishing touches depending on the mood and occasion. The great thing about roasting Brussels sprouts is how forgiving and flexible it is—so go ahead and experiment while using this as a reliable go-to baseline.
- Variation: Sometimes I sprinkle Vegan Parmesan right when the garlic goes in, adding a lovely savory kick without dairy.
- Dietary swap: For a balsamic glaze alternative, try lemon juice combined with a drizzle of maple syrup for a bright, sweet finish.
- Seasonal twists: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pomegranate seeds after roasting for a crunchy, festive touch.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Brussels Sprouts
First things first: trim off the tough ends of each sprout and slice them in half from top to bottom. This helps them cook evenly and soak up all the flavors. I always give them a quick rinse and pat dry to avoid steaming in the oven. Spread them out on a large rimmed baking sheet so they’re not crowded—crowding leads to sogginess and nobody wants that.
Step 2: Oil and Season Generously
Drizzle 3-4 tablespoons of olive oil over the sprouts and sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. I like to toss everything directly in the pan for less mess, making sure every little sprout half gets a nice coat. The oil is your golden ticket to crisp edges and caramelized flavor.
Step 3: Roast Cut Side Down
Place each sprout cut side down on the baking sheet. This tip is key! It ensures the sprouts get a beautifully golden crust, while the inside stays tender and almost creamy. Pop the pan in a preheated 425°F oven and roast for 15 minutes. This step is where the magic really happens, so patience here is rewarded.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Finish Roasting
After 15 minutes, pull out the pan and sprinkle the minced garlic over the sprouts. Quickly toss everything together to evenly distribute the garlic without letting it burn. Pop it back in the oven for another 5 minutes. Garlic added this way stays fragrant and offers just the right punch without any bitterness.
Step 5: Optional Balsamic Drizzle & Serve
Once out of the oven, give the sprouts a taste and season with more salt or pepper if needed. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of high quality balsamic vinegar over the warm sprouts and toss to coat. It adds a wonderful depth and tang that takes the dish to the next level.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Giving sprouts space means better browning and less steaming.
- Cut Side Down for Crispy Edges: This trick instantly levels up the texture and flavor.
- Add Garlic Late: It keeps the garlic from burning and turning bitter—fresh and fragrant every time.
- Use Quality Balsamic Vinegar: A rich balsamic vinegar makes all the difference if you choose to drizzle it at the end.
How to Serve Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
I often finish my Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe with a sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds or chopped walnuts for a nutty crunch. Sometimes, a handful of pomegranate seeds add a burst of color and subtle sweetness that’s just magical. And if you’re a cheese fan, shaved parmesan (or a dairy-free alternative) throws in a rich, salty contrast I adore.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully alongside roasted chicken or pork tenderloin. For a vegetarian meal, serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or a grain bowl featuring quinoa or farro. I also love tossing leftovers into a warm grain salad with lemon vinaigrette—so versatile!
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I like layering roasted Brussels sprouts on a beautiful platter and swirling a balsamic reduction drizzle over top. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley, and you have an elegant, rustic side dish that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your roasted Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I like to use leftovers cold in salads, for a refreshing crunch. Just make sure to cool them fully before packing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
I’ve tried freezing roasted Brussels sprouts, and while they keep okay, the texture softens a bit. If you freeze, flash-freeze them first on a tray, then transfer to a bag to avoid clumping. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To bring back that crispness after refrigeration, I reheat the sprouts in a hot oven or air fryer for about 5-10 minutes. This revives their texture much better than microwaving, which can leave them soggy.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before roasting. Removing excess moisture helps achieve that crispy texture we’re after in the Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe.
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How do I avoid bitter-tasting Brussels sprouts?
Bitter Brussels sprouts usually mean they’re undercooked or overcooked. Roasting them at high heat with the cut side down and adding salt balances the flavors. Adding a touch of balsamic vinegar at the end also helps mellow bitterness.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
Definitely! This recipe is naturally vegan, especially if you skip the optional parmesan. Just stick to olive oil and fresh garlic for rich flavor, and you’re set.
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What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back crispness rather than using a microwave.
Final Thoughts
This Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe has truly won its place in my weekly rotation because it’s simple, reliable, and downright delicious every time. I hope you find joy in roasting these little green gems as much as I do, and that they bring a little sparkle to your meals. Once you taste these perfectly crispy, garlicky, and maybe balsamic-kissed sprouts, I’m pretty sure they’ll become your go-to side too. Go ahead, try it – your taste buds will thank you!
PrintDelicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe for Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts delivers perfectly tender and crispy Brussels sprouts with a delicious golden brown finish. Enhanced with garlic and optionally finished with balsamic vinegar, these sprouts make a flavorful and healthy side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16 ounces brussels sprouts
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- 5 large cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons high quality balsamic vinegar (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for roasting the Brussels sprouts.
- Prepare Brussels Sprouts: Trim the bottom ends of the Brussels sprouts and slice each one in half. Place them on a large rimmed baking sheet.
- Season and Coat: Drizzle the olive oil over the Brussels sprouts, then sprinkle with salt and plenty of fresh ground black pepper. Toss the sprouts in the pan to coat them evenly with the oil and seasoning.
- Arrange for Roasting: Place each Brussels sprout cut side down on the pan. This helps them cook evenly inside and develop a beautiful golden crisp on the outside.
- Roast Initially: Roast the Brussels sprouts in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, until the cut sides turn golden brown.
- Add Garlic and Continue Roasting: Remove the pan from the oven, add the minced garlic, toss the sprouts quickly, and return to the oven for another 5 minutes to finish roasting.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Remove from oven and taste. Add additional salt and pepper if needed. Optionally, toss the roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic vinegar before serving for a flavorful touch.
Notes
- If using frozen Brussels sprouts, thaw and pat dry thoroughly before seasoning and roasting to avoid excess moisture.
- Roasted Brussels sprouts will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven for 5-10 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Garlic is optional—omit for a simpler flavor or add shredded parmesan during the last few minutes of roasting for extra richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg