If you’ve been searching for a dish that transforms humble vegetables into a crave-worthy, caramelized delight, you’ve landed in the right place. This Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe is a game-changer that highlights those tiny green gems in their very best light. Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and bursting with garlicky goodness, these roasted Brussels sprouts become an irresistible side or snack that wins hearts every time you serve them.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet crucial, each playing a special role in turning Brussels sprouts into a mouthwatering masterpiece. From the rich olive oil that helps achieve that perfect roast to the fresh garlic that adds a punch of flavor, everything works in harmony to create a dish you’ll want on repeat.
- 16 ounces Brussels sprouts: Choose firm, bright green sprouts with tightly packed leaves for the freshest taste and texture.
- 3-4 tablespoons olive oil: This coats the sprouts for even roasting and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances natural flavors and balances the bitterness of the sprouts.
- Fresh ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth without overwhelming the dish.
- 5 large cloves garlic (minced): Brings aromatic warmth and savory complexity.
- Optional: 2 tablespoons high quality balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy sweetness that elevates the final dish beautifully.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Sprouts
Start by setting your oven to a high heat of 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is perfect for roasting Brussels sprouts to golden perfection without drying them out. While the oven warms up, trim off the bottom of each sprout and slice them in half. This increases their surface area, allowing for that irresistibly crispy edge everyone loves.
Step 2: Oil, Season, and Arrange
Transfer the halved Brussels sprouts to a large rimmed baking sheet—this gives them room to roast evenly without steaming. Drizzle the olive oil generously over them, then sprinkle salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste. Toss everything right in the pan so that every sprout is slicked with oil and seasoning. Now, here’s a little trick: place each sprout cut side down. This ensures maximum golden crispness while keeping the inside tender and buttery.
Step 3: Roast and Add Garlic
Place the baking sheet in the hot oven and roast the sprouts for 15 minutes. You’ll start to see and smell that gorgeous caramelization taking place. After the first roast, toss the minced garlic with the sprouts, then pop them back in the oven for another 5 minutes. This allows the garlic to soften and infuse its rich aroma, but not burn.
Step 4: Finish and Season
Once roasted to a perfect golden brown, pull your sprouts out and give them a taste. If they need a bit more punch, add extra salt and pepper. For a final flourish, toss with a few tablespoons of high quality balsamic vinegar if you like that sweet-tangy contrast—it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that takes the Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe over the top.
How to Serve Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
These Brussels sprouts are incredible on their own, but you can dress them up with garnishes like freshly grated Parmesan, crunchy toasted almonds, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Each adds a unique texture or flavor that complements the roasted sprouts beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with hearty mains like roast chicken, grilled steak, or even a simple pan-seared salmon. Its robust flavor also balances well with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy quinoa salad, rounding out any meal with a vibrant pop of green and a burst of savory goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Try tossing these roasted Brussels sprouts into a warm grain bowl with roasted sweet potatoes and a drizzle of tahini. Or sprinkle them over a pizza with caramelized onions and goat cheese. For a fresh twist, serve them atop a crisp kale salad with toasted pecans and cranberries for a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover roasted Brussels sprouts store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that their crispy edges might soften, but their deep roasted flavor remains splendid.
Freezing
You can freeze roasted Brussels sprouts if you want to keep them longer, but they tend to lose some of their texture upon thawing. For best results, flash freeze them spread out on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Use within 1 month for optimal taste.
Reheating
To bring the sprouts back to life, reheat them in a hot oven or a skillet rather than a microwave. This helps regain some of that crispy exterior and preserves the delicious garlic aroma that makes the Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
While fresh Brussels sprouts yield the best texture, you can use frozen sprouts in a pinch. Just thaw and pat them dry completely so they roast properly rather than steam.
What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
No worries! You can skip it or substitute with a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to add a touch of brightness after roasting.
How do I prevent the Brussels sprouts from becoming mushy?
High oven heat and cutting the sprouts in half with the cut side down help achieve that perfect crispy exterior. Avoid overcrowding the pan so the heat circulates well.
Can I add other seasonings?
Absolutely! Smoked paprika, cumin, or even a pinch of chili flakes can add exciting new layers of flavor to this versatile recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Roasted Brussels sprouts make a fantastic make-ahead side that you can reheat during the week for quick, healthy meals.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying out the Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe enough—it’s a simple way to bring bold flavor and texture to your table without fuss. Once you get a taste of those perfectly caramelized, garlicky sprouts, this recipe will become a trusted favorite you’ll want to make again and again. So grab some fresh Brussels sprouts and treat yourself to a dish that’s comfort, crunch, and great taste all in one!
PrintBest Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
This recipe for Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts delivers crispy, golden sprouts with a tender interior, enhanced by garlic and optional balsamic vinegar for a sweet tang. It’s a simple, delicious side dish perfect for any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Brussels Sprouts
- 16 ounces Brussels sprouts
Seasoning
- 3–4 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- 5 large cloves garlic, minced
Optional
- 2 tablespoons high quality balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for roasting Brussels sprouts to a perfect golden crisp.
- Prepare the Brussels sprouts: Trim the bottom ends off the Brussels sprouts and slice each in half. Arrange them on a large rimmed baking sheet to keep the sprouts contained as they roast.
- Season the sprouts: Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the Brussels sprouts. Sprinkle salt and several grinds of fresh black pepper over them. Toss the sprouts directly on the baking sheet to ensure an even coating of the oil and seasoning.
- Arrange for roasting: Place each Brussels sprout cut side down on the baking sheet. This orientation helps the inside stay tender while allowing the cut side to develop a beautiful golden brown crisp.
- Roast the sprouts: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 15 minutes, or until the cut sides of the sprouts are golden brown. Then remove them briefly to add minced garlic, toss quickly to distribute the garlic evenly, and return the sprouts to the oven for another 5 minutes to meld flavors and finish cooking.
- Final seasoning and optional balsamic: Remove the Brussels sprouts from the oven and taste. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Optionally, toss the roasted sprouts with 2 tablespoons of high quality balsamic vinegar before serving for added sweetness and depth.
Notes
- For even cooking, ensure all Brussels sprouts are similar in size or cut larger ones in quarters.
- To save time, garlic can be minced ahead and refrigerated.
- Use a rimmed baking sheet to prevent oil and sprouts from spilling in the oven.
- Balsamic vinegar adds a pleasant acidity that complements the roasted flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
- Roasting times may vary slightly depending on your oven; check for browning to gauge doneness.