If you are looking for a simple yet utterly delicious way to enjoy Brussels sprouts, you are in for a treat with this Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe. The natural sweetness of the sprouts caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a tender interior with delightfully crispy edges. This recipe is straightforward, quick, and uses just a handful of staple ingredients, making it a perfect side dish for any weeknight dinner or festive feast. Whether you’re already a Brussels sprouts fan or looking to give them another chance, this easy recipe will have you craving these green gems again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Believe it or not, crafting the perfect roasted Brussels sprouts requires only a few essential ingredients, each playing a vital role in bringing out the flavor and texture that make this dish so irresistible.
- Brussels sprouts (1 pound): Fresh and firm sprouts ensure tenderness and that beautiful caramelized finish.
- Olive oil (2-3 tablespoons): Helps in roasting and contributes a lovely, fruity richness that crisps the edges perfectly.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the slight bitterness of the sprouts.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle spice and depth to the roasted flavor profile.
How to Make Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Setting the oven to this high heat guarantees that the Brussels sprouts will get that golden, crispy exterior without turning mushy. Moving the oven rack to the middle position ensures even roasting, while lining your baking sheet with foil makes cleanup a breeze after all that delicious caramelization.
Step 2: Prep the Brussels Sprouts
Trim off the dried, tough ends of each Brussels sprout, and remove any yellow or discolored outer leaves. Cutting each sprout in half not only speeds up cooking but also exposes more surface area to the heat, leading to those crave-worthy crispy edges. Place the halves cut-side down on your prepared baking sheet for a perfectly roasted finish.
Step 3: Season and Toss
Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the Brussels sprouts, and sprinkle generously with salt and black pepper. Toss everything thoroughly with your hands to ensure every little piece is coated. If it looks a bit dry, add an extra tablespoon of olive oil. Remember to spread the sprouts out evenly so they have space to roast instead of steam—that’s the secret to achieving that incredible texture.
Step 4: Roast Until Perfectly Tender and Crisp
Place your tray in the oven and roast for about 18 to 20 minutes. Check at the 18-minute mark to see if the sprouts have turned tender and nicely browned on the edges. Smaller sprouts may cook faster, so keep a close eye. If you love a deeper roasted flavor with more crunch, feel free to roast them a few minutes longer, but be careful not to overdo it or they may become too hard.
How to Serve Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
Adding the right garnish can elevate your roasted Brussels sprouts beautifully. Consider a sprinkle of toasted almonds or pine nuts for a delightful crunch, or add a drizzle of balsamic glaze to introduce a sweet and tangy contrast. Freshly grated Parmesan or crumbled feta will lend a savory, salty twist that complements the natural earthiness.
Side Dishes
These roasted Brussels sprouts shine alongside a variety of mains. They pair wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon, making your meal feel complete and satisfying. For a vegetarian match, try serving them next to quinoa or creamy risotto—they bring a wonderful texture and flavor balance to any plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, toss your roasted Brussels sprouts with dried cranberries and pistachios, then serve in a beautiful bowl garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. Alternatively, mix them into a grain bowl with farro and roasted beets for a colorful, nutritious lunch. The possibilities are endless with this Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because they are so good), simply transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, which is perfect for quick lunches or dinners during a busy week.
Freezing
While Brussels sprouts are best fresh, you can freeze roasted ones for future use. Let them cool completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer into a freezer-safe bag. Use within 1-2 months for the best quality.
Reheating
To bring back their crispiness, reheat frozen or refrigerated Brussels sprouts in a hot oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make them soggy. A quick sauté in a hot pan works well too if you prefer stovetop heating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Fresh Brussels sprouts give the best texture and flavor, but you can use frozen ones if needed. Just thaw and pat them dry before roasting to avoid excess moisture that can prevent crisping.
How do I prevent Brussels sprouts from being bitter?
Removing the outer yellow leaves and trimming ends goes a long way, and roasting at a high temperature caramelizes the natural sugars, reducing bitterness. Adding seasoning like salt and a touch of acid, such as lemon juice or balsamic, can also balance flavors nicely.
Can I add other seasonings or spices?
Absolutely! Once you master the basic Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe, feel free to experiment with garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili flakes, or even a bit of honey for a sweet touch.
How do I know when the Brussels sprouts are done?
You want the sprouts to be fork-tender inside and caramelized on the edges. They should have a golden-brown color and a crispy texture on the outside, but still pleasant chew on the inside.
What if I want to make a larger batch?
The recipe scales easily. Just spread the sprouts on a larger baking sheet or use two sheets to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding causes steaming rather than roasting, which can affect texture and taste.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe is a wonderful way to bring out the best in this humble vegetable. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for a special occasion. Once you try it, you might just find Brussels sprouts becoming one of your favorite sides. So grab your olive oil and get roasting—you are about to experience Brussels sprouts like never before!
Print
Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe delivers perfectly caramelized sprouts with a crispy exterior and tender inside. Simple yet flavorful, it’s a quick side dish that pairs well with a variety of mains, made with just olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roasted to golden perfection in the oven.
Ingredients
Brussels Sprouts
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts (trimmed and cut into halves)
Seasoning
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position the rack in the middle. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Brussels sprouts: Trim the dried ends off each Brussels sprout and remove any discolored or damaged leaves. Cut each sprout in half and spread them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Season the sprouts: Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the Brussels sprouts and season generously with salt and black pepper. Toss them thoroughly with your hands to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Spread them out so they aren’t touching too much to allow for proper roasting.
- Roast to perfection: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 18-20 minutes. Check at 18 minutes, especially if sprouts are small, to see if they are tender and browned but still slightly chewy. Roast longer if you prefer a deeper caramelized flavor.
Notes
- For even cooking, make sure the Brussels sprouts are spread out evenly without overcrowding.
- Use fresh Brussels sprouts for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust roasting time based on the size of sprouts and your preferred level of crispness.
- Optional: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese after roasting for extra flavor.
