Roasted Brussels Sprouts

If you’re looking for a side dish that’s both simple and impressive, these Roasted Brussels Sprouts are just the ticket! They bring a delightful blend of flavors and textures to your table, making them perfect for everything from busy weeknights to festive family gatherings. The combination of a bold, creamy dressing with the natural nuttiness of the sprouts is a match made in heaven. Plus, they’re so easy to whip up that you’ll want to make them every chance you get!

These Roasted Brussels Sprouts not only taste amazing but also offer various health benefits. Their tender-crisp texture, when roasted just right, makes them a hit with kids and adults alike. Let’s dive into why this recipe has become one of my favorites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious side dish ready to go in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Even those who claim they don’t like Brussels sprouts will be asking for seconds once they taste this dish.
• Versatile Flavor: The maple syrup or honey mustard dressing adds a lovely sweetness and tang that pairs beautifully with many main courses.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can easily prepare the dressing in advance, saving time on hectic days.
• Nutrient-Packed: Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamins and fiber, making this dish both tasty and healthy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cooking should be fun and uncomplicated! This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you need to create these delicious Roasted Brussels Sprouts:

For the Roasted Brussels Sprouts

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts (halved)
• ½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt (+ 2 twists of black pepper)

For the Dressing

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon orange juice (or lemon juice)
• 2 teaspoons maple syrup (or honey)
• 2 teaspoons mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 twists black pepper

Variations

One of the best things about Roasted Brussels Sprouts is how flexible they are! You can easily customize them based on your mood or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Some Crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts before roasting for an added crunch.
• Spice It Up: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the sprouts for a spicy kick!
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary before roasting to enhance the flavor profile.
• Cheesy Delight: A sprinkle of nutritional yeast or your favorite cheese before serving can add a delicious cheesy note.

How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for achieving that lovely caramelization we all adore. If you’d like, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.

Step 2: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Take your 1 pound of Brussels sprouts, trim off any woody stems, and remove outer leaves if they’re brown. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry with a kitchen cloth. Drying is crucial because it helps them crisp up nicely during roasting!

Step 3: Season and Arrange

Cut each sprout in half lengthwise and place them on your baking tray. Drizzle with ½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt, and add a couple of twists of black pepper. Toss everything well so each sprout gets coated in love, then arrange them in a single layer for even cooking.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Pop the tray into your preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they roast; you’re looking for that beautiful golden-brown color and a tender yet slightly firm bite inside.

Step 5: Mix Up the Dressing

While your sprouts are roasting away, grab a small jar and add 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon orange juice, 2 teaspoons maple syrup, 2 teaspoons mustard, ½ teaspoon salt, and another couple of twists of black pepper. Close it tight and give it a good shake until everything is well combined! If you prefer, feel free to whisk these ingredients together in a bowl instead.

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Once your Brussels sprouts are perfectly roasted, transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle that gorgeous dressing over the top—don’t be shy! It’s all about flavor here.

Serving Tip:

For an extra special touch at dinner, consider adding some boiled chestnuts, a drizzle of tahini sauce, pomegranate seeds, or crushed hazelnuts right before serving!

Enjoy sharing this delightful side dish with friends and family—everyone will love it!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasting Brussels sprouts can be a delightful experience, and with a few pro tips, you can elevate your dish even further!

• Choose fresh sprouts: Fresh Brussels sprouts will have a vibrant green color and firm texture. They taste better and provide a more appealing bite than older, wilting ones.

• Cut evenly: Halving the Brussels sprouts ensures they cook uniformly. This way, you’ll achieve that perfect tender-crisp texture that makes them so irresistible.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Spacing the sprouts out on the baking sheet allows for proper roasting. Crowding them can trap steam and result in soggy sprouts instead of crispy ones.

• Experiment with seasonings: While our dressing is fabulous, don’t hesitate to try other flavors! Garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even crushed red pepper flakes can add exciting dimensions to your roasted Brussels sprouts.

• Let them rest before serving: Allowing the sprouts to sit for a few minutes after roasting lets the flavors meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste when served.

How to Serve Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Presenting your Roasted Brussels Sprouts in an appealing way can make all the difference at your table. Here are some ideas to consider!

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: A sprinkle of parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Toasted nuts: Almonds or walnuts bring a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy dressing.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad loaded with veggies offers a healthy contrast to the richness of roasted Brussels sprouts.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a comforting side that complements the slight bitterness of the sprouts.
• Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots glazed in honey or maple syrup provide a lovely balance to the savory notes of the Brussels sprouts.
• Butternut Squash Risotto: A creamy risotto made with butternut squash adds warmth and depth while harmonizing beautifully with your roasted dish.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re well on your way to creating an unforgettable meal featuring Roasted Brussels Sprouts! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip it up in advance for a weeknight dinner or holiday gathering, making your life just a little bit easier.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the roasted Brussels sprouts to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will keep well for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the roasted Brussels sprouts cool down to room temperature.
• Spread them out on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours).
• Transfer the frozen sprouts to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. They can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot, but this may soften their texture.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about Roasted Brussels Sprouts!

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

While fresh Brussels sprouts yield the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen ones. Just remember to thaw and dry them thoroughly before roasting to ensure they crisp up nicely.

How do I make my Roasted Brussels Sprouts extra crispy?

To achieve extra crispy Brussels sprouts, make sure they are spread out evenly on your baking sheet without overcrowding. Additionally, using enough oil and roasting at high heat will help them develop that desirable crunch!

What can I serve with Roasted Brussels Sprouts?

Roasted Brussels sprouts pair beautifully with various dishes! Consider serving them alongside roasted chicken, quinoa salads, or even as part of a festive holiday platter.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Roasted Brussels Sprouts as much as I do! Their rich flavor and crispy texture make them an unforgettable side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different dressings or toppings—make it your own! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to try this delicious recipe!