Roasted Brussels Sprouts

🥦 The Ultimate Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe & Guide

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🧡 Why Roasted Brussels Sprouts Are So Good

Brussels sprouts have had a major comeback, and it’s no wonder why. When roasted, these humble vegetables transform from bland and bitter to caramelized, nutty, and crispy. They become one of the most versatile and satisfying sides you can serve—from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.

This guide will show you how to make crispy-on-the-outside, melt-in-your-mouth Brussels sprouts with endless flavor options.

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🛒 Ingredients

Base Recipe (Serves 4–6):

• 1½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional Base Add-Ons:

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or lemon juice (added after roasting)

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• Red pepper flakes (for heat)

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🥬 How to Select the Best Brussels Sprouts

Choosing the right Brussels sprouts is key for texture and flavor:

✅ Look for:

• Small to medium sprouts (¾ to 1½ inches)

• Tight, compact leaves

• Bright green color

• No yellowing or black spots

❌ Avoid:

• Very large sprouts (they tend to be tough)

• Soft, shriveled, or slimy sprouts

🛍️ TIP: Buy whole stalks if possible (they're fresher), and remove sprouts just before cooking.

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🔪 Prepping Your Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Trim

• Cut off the stem end of each sprout (just a sliver).

• Remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves.

Step 2: Halve or Quarter

• Halve small-to-medium sprouts lengthwise.

• Quarter larger sprouts for even cooking.

🔥 Why cut them? Exposing the inside surface helps with better caramelization.

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🍳 Basic Roasting Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

• Set oven to 425°F (220°C). Hotter oven = crispier sprouts.

Step 2: Toss With Oil and Seasoning

In a large bowl, combine:

• Sprouts

• Olive oil

• Salt & pepper

• Optional: garlic powder, mustard, or herbs

Toss thoroughly to coat every sprout.

Step 3: Arrange on Baking Sheet

• Use a large, rimmed sheet pan.

• Arrange sprouts cut side down in a single layer.

• Leave space between each sprout for browning.

⚠️ Crowding = steaming, not roasting.

Step 4: Roast

• Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway if desired.

• Sprouts should be deep golden brown on cut sides and tender inside.

Step 5: Finish

• Drizzle with balsamic, lemon juice, or maple syrup (optional).

• Serve hot and crispy!

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🔄 Flavor Variations

Roasted Brussels sprouts are a blank canvas. Try these flavorful upgrades:

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🥓 1. Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

• Add 4–6 strips of chopped raw bacon to the sprouts before roasting.

• Bacon renders as it roasts, infusing sprouts with smoky richness.

Optional add-ins after roasting:

• A drizzle of maple syrup

• Toasted pecans or walnuts

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🍯 2. Maple Dijon Brussels Sprouts

• Roast with salt, pepper, and olive oil as usual.

• After roasting, toss with:

  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

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🧀 3. Parmesan Garlic Brussels Sprouts

• Add ½ teaspoon garlic powder before roasting.

• After roasting, toss with:

  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan

  • Optional: lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice

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🌶️ 4. Spicy Roasted Brussels Sprouts

• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.

• Great paired with honey or a spicy aioli for dipping.

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🍋 5. Lemon Herb Brussels Sprouts

• Roast as usual.

• Finish with:

  • Zest of 1 lemon

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or thyme

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💡 Expert Tips for Perfect Roasted Brussels Sprouts

🔥 High Heat Is Crucial

• 425°F–450°F ensures browning and crispy edges. Anything lower steams the sprouts.

🧂 Season Aggressively

• Brussels sprouts can take a lot of seasoning. Don’t skimp on salt, spices, or oil.

🔪 Cut Side Down = Crispier

• The flat side should touch the pan for best caramelization.

🧼 Use a Clean, Dry Pan

• Moisture prevents browning. Make sure your pan is dry and sprouts are well-oiled.

🍋 Add Acidity at the End

• Finish with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to balance richness and cut bitterness.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Roasted Brussels sprouts pair beautifully with:

🍗 Proteins:

• Roast chicken

• Turkey

• Pork chops or tenderloin

• Salmon or cod

• Grilled steak

🍚 Carbs:

• Mashed potatoes

• Quinoa or couscous

• Wild rice

• Risotto

• Mac and cheese

🥘 Casseroles & Bowls:

• Add to grain bowls with farro and tahini

• Toss into pasta or orzo with goat cheese

• Mix into warm winter salads with roasted squash

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🧊 Storage & Reheating

🧺 Fridge:

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

🔥 Reheat:

• Oven or air fryer (400°F for 5–10 minutes): best for restoring crispiness

• Skillet: reheat over medium heat with a splash of oil

• Microwave: quickest, but they may soften

❄️ Freezing not recommended — texture suffers too much.

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📅 Meal Prep Tips

Roasted Brussels sprouts are fantastic for meal prep:

• Make a big batch on Sunday

• Add to salads, grain bowls, and wraps throughout the week

• Use them as a base for veggie stir-fries or hash with eggs

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🧾 Nutritional Info (Per 1-Cup Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	130
Fat	7g
Carbohydrates	13g
Fiber	5g
Sugar	2g
Protein	4g
Sodium	250mg
Vitamin C	120% DV
Vitamin K	180% DV