Home » Recipes » Vegetable Sides » Roasted Brussels Sprouts
by Joanne April 29, 2023
25
Here’s how to make the absolute best crispy roasted brussels sprouts in the oven, that are perfectly golden and caramelized on the edges, but not dried out.If you need help loving this vegetable, this is one of my favorite ways do it.This entire recipe can made in 35 minutes!
Making a big tray of these is one of my staples for weeknight dinner, and it’s a hit every time. Much like other roasted vegetables like Roasted Cauliflower or Roasted Carrots, it’s all about that oven roasted caramelized flavor. You want the brussels sprouts golden brown and caramelized on the edges, but still tender in the middle.
Often times people roast them too long in order to get them golden, but then they dry out. Brussels sprouts are tough to eat when there’s no moisture left, no matter how crispy they are! That won’t be an issue here.
Why This Recipe Is The Best
Maximizes browning and caramelization – This is the best way of cooking for getting that delicious browning we all love, but without the deep fryer. These are so good when properly caramelized that I only season them with salt and pepper.
Still tender and not dry inside – I’ll go through some tricks for oven placement that will give you a crispy exterior without drying out the middle. The inside remains tender.
Simple and unfussy – This is such an easy side to prepare, and I’ll throw it on the side of a main course like Pork Tenderloin, Beef Wellington, or Parmesan Crusted Chicken and call it a day. You can certainly jazz up this recipe by tossing it with bacon bits and some balsamic, but it truly doesn’t need it. However, I’ve included some flavor suggestions at the end of the post.
Buying Tips
Check for bugs – I know it’s gross, but I’ve noticed that there can sometimes be little bugs in the sprouts, and not just the organic variety. Make sure to look closely before purchasing from the grocery store.
Size matters – You can use this recipe and method for any size brussels sprouts you find, but I’ve noticed I tend to like smaller sprouts, as they cook more evenly.
Make sure they’re firm – Give a few of them a squeeze and make sure they are relatively firm. If they’re on the softer side, that means they’re not very fresh. If you’ve ever seen sprouts on the stalk at the store (which I usually see around holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas), you can see and feel how firm they are. Starting with fresh produce always makes a big difference in flavor.
Step by Step Overview:
To start preparing the brussels sprouts, trim and halve each one, then place in a big mixing bowl. Then add salt, pepper, and olive oil.
You may also use any fat of choice that can tolerate high heat cooking, as an alternative to the olive oil. Duck fat, tallow, and lard are all amazing for flavor!
Toss in a bowl, not on the pan
Do not make the mistake of trying to toss the brussels sprouts in the salt, pepper, and olive oil directly on the sheet pan, instead of in a mixing bowl. You really can’t toss them as effectively and evenly on the sheet pan. It does dirty a mixing bowl, but the oil disperses much more evenly, which makes a big difference for browning.
I follow this rule for every roasted veggie I make. It’s also a lot easier than trying to do it on the sheet pan.
Start them all cut-side down
Spread the brussels sprouts onto a rimmed sheet pan, with the cut flat sides facing down. Yes, this will take a second to flip them all over properly, but then each and every piece will have the best browning on that flat side, which maximizes deliciousness.
Make sure there’s a little bit of space between the pieces, and that they’re in a single layer (and not piled up on top of each other). This ensures that they will brown instead of getting steamed.
Here I have two pounds on a half sheet pan, which is about the maximum you should do to ensure they have space. If you have more, I recommend using more than one baking sheet.
How long to roast them
While it will vary slightly depending on size, 25 minutes is usually how long it takes to roast brussels sprouts so that they are golden brown and crispy, but not dried out. The outer leaves should be visibly crispy and browned, but still be tender inside.
Now flip a few of the pieces over and check the bottom. They should hopefully look like this, with some nicely golden parts on the flat surface:
Use smart oven placement to finish
If the brussels sprouts are not golden enough on the bottom to your liking, then put the sheet tray back into the oven, setting it on the bottom floor of the oven. This is assuming you have a gas oven. If you have an electric coil on the bottom of your oven that’s in the way, then adjust the rack so that it sits right above the coil, and put the tray on that.
Continue baking for 2-3 minutes, checking for brownness on the bottom. The intense close heat should brown them sufficiently within a couple minutes.
How to Serve Them
The Roasted Brussels Sprouts are now ready to serve, either as is, or with some other flavors. Here are some ideas:
- Drizzle over some balsamic reduction or Balsamic Vinaigrette.
- Grate some parmesan cheese over the top and sprinkle with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Toss them with Lemon Vinaigrette or fresh lemon zest.
- Sprinkle on some Everything Bagel Seasoning (it’s weirdly good).
- Drizzle over some tahini.
- Toss with crispy bacon bits (you can make it at the same time as the recipe. See How to Cook Bacon in the Oven).
- For a really special occasion, toss with Candied Pecans, crumbled Ricotta Salata, and pomegranate arils.
Enjoy! Roasting in the oven truly does make for the best vegetables, and this is the perfect side dish for customization. This recipe is suited to nearly every dietary style, being gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, Whole30-compliant, paleo, and more.
Next time try these oven roasted vegetable sides:
- Roasted Butternut Squash
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Roasted Acorn Squash
- Roasted Fennel
- Roasted Parsnips
- Roasted Beets
Recipe FAQ and Tips
How long are Roasted Brussels Sprouts good for?
Leftovers will last in the fridge for 3-4 days, but keep in mind that brussel sprouts get kind of stinky as leftovers. They taste best freshly roasted.
Can Roasted Brussels Sprouts be reheated?
Yes, in the oven, in a skillet, or in the microwave. Oven: 300F for 5-8 minutes, until warmed through. Skillet: medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring as needed to prevent scorching. Microwave for 30-60 seconds, depending on the amount. The microwave is easiest, but will make them a little bit soggy.
Can you freeze leftover Brussels Sprouts?
Vegetables generally don’t freeze well. Technically you can store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months, then thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, but the texture won’t be the same.
What do you serve with Brussels Sprouts?
A few of my favorites are Braised Lamb Shanks, Prime Rib, and Smoked Pork Butt. Since these are so simple, they go with pretty much any meat entree.
Did you enjoy the recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. Or, follow me on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Servings: 4 people
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time: 25 minutes mins
Total Time: 35 minutes mins
These Roasted Brussels Sprouts are golden and caramelized on the edges, but not dried out.They're simple to make, and a great side for many meals!
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Ingredients
- 2 lbs brussels sprouts
- 1/4 cup olive oil*
- 3/4 tsp salt**
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Trim and halve the brussels sprouts, then place in a large mixing bowl. Toss the cut halves with the olive oil, salt and pepper.
Spread the cut halves out on a sheet pan, arranging them cut side down.
Roast for 25 minutes***, until they're tender and have browned and caramelized on the bottom and edges. If the brussels sprouts are not sufficiently browned on the bottom to your liking, place them on the oven floor and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until well-browned. Keep your eye on them so they don't get burned. If you have an electric oven with a coil on the bottom, position a rack right above it and roast.
Serve promptly while warm, and enjoy!
Notes
*You may use any cooking fat that can tolerate high heat cooking. For amazing flavor, I also recommend duck fat, lard, or tallow.
**Since salts vary in “saltiness,” you’ll need to learn the perfect amount for your taste. 3/4 tsp is a good starting point, and this is how much I prefer (I use kosher salt). If you’re concerned about salt, you can always start with a little bit, then add more at the end.
***Depending on size, cook time may be up to 35 minutes if you’re using really large pieces.
Storage:Keep leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container, but know that they get kind of stinky as leftovers. They definitely taste best freshly roasted.
Reheating: You can reheat in the oven at 300F for 5 minutes, in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, depending on the amount. The microwave is easiest, but will make them a little bit soggy.
Freezing: Vegetables generally don’t freeze well. Technically you can store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months, then thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, but the texture won’t be the same.
Nutrition
Calories: 216kcal, Carbohydrates: 20g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 14g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 492mg, Potassium: 882mg, Fiber: 8g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 1710IU, Vitamin C: 192.8mg, Calcium: 95mg, Iron: 3.3mg
Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Author: Fifteen Spatulas
Post updated in December 2018. Originally publishedMarch 2011.
posted in: All Recent Posts, Dairy-free, Gluten-free, Low Carb, Vegan, Vegetable Sides, Whole30 Compliant 25 comments
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Juck Pulver — Reply
Thank you for the recipe. It was great and there’s no need to change it into something different.
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Deborah Lynn — Reply
I put cut up sweet potatoes in with my brussel sprouts. I also used a large onion diced up along with a lot of fresh garlic, sea salt, pepper and thyme is you like thyme or lemon or what ever you like! 400 degrees for about 50 min. turn at 20 min.
