How to Make DAMN GOOD Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts
How to Make DAMN GOOD Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts
This is the only brussel sprout recipe you'll ever need!
Want to know the secret to oven roasted Brussels sprouts that are so good, they'll make your mouth water?
Brussels sprouts get a bad name because let's be real, most people don't know how to cook them. We all remember the days of boiled and mushy school lunch Brussels Sprouts, which were always overcooked and had an unappetizing green color. YUCK!
But lemme tell you, oven roasted Brussels sprouts are totally different - they're crisp on the outside, with warm centers that come from roasting in olive oil instead of boiling in water or frying in grease. Plus these damn good Brussels sprouts are easy to make!
About This Brussels Sprouts Recipe
In short, this easy recipe is DAMN GOOD!
All you need is 45 minutes, some olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, plus a little salt and pepper. That's all. And guess what - they taste like heaven! So get prepared because everyone will be asking for this recipe. BTW. . . You're welcome.
Are Brussel Sprouts Healthy?
Not only are brussel sprouts healthy, but they're also rich in fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. They are high in Vitamin C, folate, potassium, protein - the list goes on! So go ahead and eat brussel sprouts.
How to Buy, Store, and Prepare Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are typically eaten during the holiday season, but they're actually delicious year-round. They are harvested before they open into flowering buds and usually have a thick stem with lots of leaves, so don't be fooled by their stumpy appearance!
When is the Best Season to Buy Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are at their best in the fall and early winter. Although they are readily available all year, it is preferable to get them during the peak season.
Loose Brussels Sprouts - How to Buy and Store
If you are buying them loose, make sure the leaves around the sprouts look fresh and crisp. Avoid any that have leaves that appear dry, yellowish, and have black spots on them. Also, select sprouts that are bright green in appearance and firm to the touch.
Remove any rotted or loose outer leaves and place your unwashed Brussels sprouts in a zip-seal bag or produce bag and refrigerate. They should last about two weeks, but the sooner you eat them the sooner they will taste good!
On the Stalk Brussels Sprouts - How to Buy and Store
If they're on the stalk, grab them. Brussels sprouts on the stalk will keep for a longer period of time than loose sprouts.
Store them as you would fresh flowers: in freshwater, then remove them with a knife before cooking. Whole sprouts will lose their flavor and moisture as they age, so it's best to keep them on the stem as long as possible.
Should You Blanch Brussel Sprouts Before Roasting?
I personally do not in this oven roasted recipe, but you can if you prefer.
Do You Need to Soak Brussel Sprouts Before Cooking?
Nope. Simply keep the stalks of your brussels sprouts in a bowl of water to prevent them from drying out and preserve moisture.
Try These 2 Ways to Cook Brussels Sprouts
Get ready to take your roasted sprouts to the next level by trying this instead:
Bring out the flavors in these little green beauties by not using lemon juice and cooking as directed. Finish by tossing with balsamic vinegar, crumbled bacon bits, and salt. Doesn't that sound amazing?!
Drizzle a little hot honey over the oven roasted brussels sprouts and BAM! You've got yourself a pretty tasty sweet and spicy side dish.
Tools You'll Need to Make This Recipe
Here are a few essential tools you’ll need to make these delicious brussel sprouts
A large baking sheet pan or a good cast iron skillet is the perfect way to cook brussels sprouts. And bonus, this baking sheet pan is a non-stick 2-piece set and this cast iron skillet is already pre-seasoned and ready to use.
Never chase your roasted veggies around the pan again with a spoon when you have these kitchen tongs in hand.
Here are 2 kitchen gadgets guaranteed you’ll use all the time: Garlic Chopper and Peeler.
A colander always makes for easy washing and rinsing your fresh vegetables and pasta.
A glass olive oil dispenser is what every cook and their kitchen needs to achieve controlled olive oil, avocado oil, and grapeseed oil pours.
A Few More of My Favorite Easy Recipes
If you liked this roasted brussel sprouts recipe, then you'll love these too!
The DAMN GOOD Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
Olive Oil
1 lb Fresh Brussels Sprouts
Lemon Juice (about 1/2 Lemon)
2 Tablespoons Fresh Garlic (finely chopped, 3-5 cloves)
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
1/ 4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Optional:
1/4 Red Onion (chopped)
Parmesan Cheese (grated)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400º
Wash, Trim and, Chop the Brussels Sprouts: Wash and dry the Brussels sprouts. Remove the root ends and any rough or unusable outer leaves from brussel sprouts. Then cut each sprout in half.
Season the Brussel Sprouts: Toss the halved brussels sprouts with lemon juice, garlic, and chopped red onion (optional, if you desire) in a large mixing dish. Then toss the brussels sprouts until evenly coated with olive oil and salt, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Next, transfer the seasoned Brussels sprouts to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet pan or cast-iron skillet. Arrange the sprouts cut side down in one layer on the prepared baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper before adding to the oven.
Time to Roast: Place the sheet pan with the seasoned brussels sprouts in the oven. Roast brussels sprouts for 35 minutes at 400º. Cook evenly, roasting until slightly crispy, yet still tender and golden brown. For an extra fancy touch, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over hot finished sprouts.
“Now go grab a fork and let’s eat!”
How Do You Make Your Brussel Sprouts Crispy?
Crispy roasted brussels sprouts are super easy to achieve. And one way to ensure your roasted brussel sprouts have perfectly crispy edges is to place your baking sheet of roasted vegetables back on the top oven rack and set the oven to broil (or up to 500°). Lastly, broil for 2-5 additional minutes closely watching making sure your vegetables and parchment paper don’t burn.
Why Broil on the Top Oven Rack? Oven broiling is different from baking in that ovens broil from the top-down rather than bottom-up, as when traditionally cooking and baking.
Thank You
I love Brussel sprouts and if you're tired of your same old vegetable side dish game, then these damn good oven roasted brussels sprouts just might be the recipe for you! This is a tasty and nutritious alternative to fried or boiled and they are vegan friendly. Give them a try - I know they'll become one of your favorite new recipes too!
Have you tried this recipe yet?
If so, be sure to let me know what your thoughts were in the comments below! I want to hear from YOU!
-XOXO (as always)
Mel D.
Photography by Melissa “Mel” Drake
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*Originally published in May 2020 and updated December 2021, this post has been updated by Mel Drake to add the new sections of “About This Brussels Sprouts Recipe”, “Are Brussel Sprouts Healthy?", "How to Buy, Store, and Prepare Brussels Sprouts", and "Tools You'll Need to Make this Recipe" wasn't included in the original post. The recipe and photography have been updated along with structural and grammatical changes as well.
