Roasted Brussels Sprouts

If you’re looking for a delightful side dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table, you have to try these Roasted Brussels Sprouts! They are perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. The combination of their rich, nutty flavor with a bold, creamy dressing elevates them to something truly special. Trust me, once you serve these beauties, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your household!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious side dish in no time.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Even those who claim they don’t like Brussels sprouts will be won over by their crispy texture and tasty dressing.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the dressing ahead of time, making it easy to throw everything together when you’re ready to eat.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of roasted sprouts with a tangy maple syrup or honey mustard dressing creates an explosion of flavors that will make your taste buds dance.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Roasted Brussels Sprouts come together with simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Let’s check out what you’ll need:

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

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Some Crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds for an extra crunch and nuttiness.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different mustards—try Dijon or spicy brown mustard for a kick!
• Sweeten Things Up: Add some dried cranberries or raisins for a sweet contrast that pairs beautifully with the Brussels sprouts.
• Herb Infusion: Sprinkle on fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary before roasting for an aromatic touch.

How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is key to achieving that lovely caramelization on the outside of the Brussels sprouts while keeping them tender inside. If you’re using parchment paper, line your baking sheet now.

Step 2: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

With a paring knife, trim off the woody stem of each sprout and remove any brown leaves. Rinse them well and pat them dry with a kitchen cloth. Cutting them in half allows for even roasting and helps them get crispy edges.

Step 3: Season and Arrange

Place the halved sprouts onto your baking tray and drizzle with ½ tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, ½ teaspoon of salt, and a couple of twists of black pepper. Toss everything together until well coated and arrange them in a single layer. This ensures they roast evenly.

Step 4: Roast Away!

Roast the Brussels sprouts for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be slightly charred and brown on the outside while remaining tender yet firm inside. The aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible!

Step 5: Whip Up the Dressing

While the sprouts are roasting, grab a small jar (or bowl) and add in 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon orange juice, 2 teaspoons maple syrup, 2 teaspoons mustard, ½ teaspoon salt, and two twists of black pepper. Close tightly and shake well until combined—or whisk everything together if using a bowl.

Step 6: Dress Your Sprouts

Once the Brussels sprouts are out of the oven, transfer them to a serving platter and drizzle generously with that delicious dressing you just made.

Step 7: Serve It Up!

For an extra special touch at dinner time—Nico’s serving tip—consider adding boiled chestnuts, a drizzle of tahini sauce, pomegranate seeds, or crushed hazelnuts on top! These additions bring amazing texture and flavor that everyone will love.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these scrumptious Roasted Brussels Sprouts! Perfect as a side dish any time of year but especially cherished during fall and winter gatherings. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasting Brussels sprouts can be a delightful experience, and with a few pro tips, you’ll achieve perfect results every time!

• Use fresh sprouts: Always choose firm, bright green Brussels sprouts. Freshness ensures a better flavor and texture, making your dish more enjoyable.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give each sprout enough space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting, which can result in soggy Brussels sprouts.

• Experiment with seasoning: While the maple syrup or honey mustard dressing is delicious, consider trying different herbs and spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika to add extra depth to the flavor profile.

• Flip halfway through cooking: To ensure even roasting, flip the Brussels sprouts halfway through the cooking time. This promotes that beautiful caramelization on all sides.

• Adjust roasting time based on size: Keep an eye on smaller or larger sprouts during cooking. They may need a little less or more time depending on their size, so check for tenderness frequently.

How to Serve Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Serving roasted Brussels sprouts is just as fun as making them! With their vibrant color and inviting aroma, they can be the star of your table.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: Sprinkle some chopped parsley or chives over the top for a burst of freshness and color.
• Toasted nuts or seeds: Add a handful of toasted almonds or sunflower seeds for crunch and richness.
• Citrus zest: Grate some orange or lemon zest over the finished dish for an additional layer of flavor that complements the dressing beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a zesty lemon dressing pairs wonderfully with roasted Brussels sprouts. The nutty flavors of quinoa enhance the earthy taste of the sprouts.

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes provide a comforting texture that balances well with the crispy exterior of roasted Brussels sprouts. The garlic adds an extra punch of flavor!

• Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: For those looking for protein options, grilled chicken marinated in lemon and herbs complements this side perfectly while keeping it light and flavorful.

• Roasted Root Vegetables: A medley of roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, and parsnips brings sweetness and earthiness that harmonizes beautifully with your Brussels sprouts. Plus, who doesn’t love colorful veggies?

With these tips and serving ideas in mind, you’re ready to impress your guests (or yourself!) with this delightful side dish. Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week, whether as a side dish or a tasty topping for salads and grain bowls.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the Brussels sprouts to cool completely.
• Place them in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

Freezing

• Spread the cooled roasted Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer.
• Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
• Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Spread the leftover Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet.
• Roast for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

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

Can I make Roasted Brussels Sprouts without oil?

Absolutely! You can roast Brussels sprouts using vegetable broth or water instead of oil. Just be sure to keep an eye on them while roasting to avoid burning.

What pairs well with Roasted Brussels Sprouts?

Roasted Brussels sprouts pair wonderfully with roasted meats, grains like quinoa or rice, and even tossed into salads. Their nutty flavor complements various dishes beautifully!

How do I know when my Roasted Brussels Sprouts are done?

Your Roasted Brussels Sprouts are perfectly done when they are slightly charred and brown on the outside while still tender inside. They should have that delightful crispiness that makes them irresistible!

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

While fresh Brussels sprouts yield the best texture, you can use frozen ones. Just ensure they’re thawed and drained well before roasting.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Roasted Brussels Sprouts as much as I do! Their rich flavors and delightful texture make them a wonderful addition to any meal, especially during fall and winter. Whether you’re serving them on Thanksgiving or just enjoying a cozy weeknight dinner, these sprouts will surely impress. Happy cooking!