Roasted Brussels Sprouts

If you’re looking for a side dish that not only tastes amazing but also brings a warm, comforting vibe to your table, you’re in for a treat with these Roasted Brussels Sprouts. This recipe has quickly become a favorite in our home, especially during the chilly fall and winter months. The combination of tender-crisp sprouts with a bold, creamy dressing is simply irresistible! Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just enjoying a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish will surely impress.

What makes these Roasted Brussels Sprouts truly special is their rich, nutty flavor paired with the sweet and tangy dressing. It’s an easy way to elevate your meals while sneaking in some healthy greens. Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a delicious side ready in no time!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves the unique flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts—this dish is always a hit.
• Flexible Ingredients: You can easily adapt the dressing to suit your taste preferences.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Roast the sprouts ahead of time and reheat them for busy nights.
• Nutritious and Wholesome: Packed with vitamins and fiber, this dish supports a healthy lifestyle.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. You might already have many of them in your pantry!

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! Feel free to experiment based on what you have on hand or what flavors you love.

• Add Some Crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat.
• Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary before roasting for an aromatic twist.
• Citrus Zing: Swap the orange juice with lemon or lime juice for a different citrus kick.

How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you like, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easier. Start by trimming the woody stems off the Brussels sprouts and removing any outer leaves that look brown. Rinsing them under cold water and patting them dry ensures that they roast evenly without steaming.

Step 2: Halve and Season

Cut each sprout in half lengthwise and place them on your baking tray. Now it’s time to toss them with ½ tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, ½ teaspoon of salt, and those two lovely twists of black pepper. Spreading them out into a single layer helps them roast properly, creating that beautiful char we all love.

Step 3: Roast Away

Pop the tray into your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’ll know they are done when they have that lovely slight char on the outside but are still tender inside. That perfect balance is key!

Step 4: Whip Up the Dressing

While your Brussels sprouts are roasting away, grab a small jar (or bowl) and add in those ingredients for the dressing: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon orange juice (or lemon juice), plus the maple syrup or honey, mustard, salt, and black pepper. Close the jar tightly and give it a good shake until everything is nicely combined. If you prefer whisking, go for it!

Step 5: Serve It Up

Once those roasted beauties are out of the oven and resting on your serving platter, drizzle that delicious dressing over them. Make sure they’re well coated!

Bonus Serving Tip:

For something extra special at dinner time, consider adding boiled chestnuts or even some pomegranate seeds on top along with crushed hazelnuts. It adds such great texture and flavor!

Enjoy sharing these delightful Roasted Brussels Sprouts with friends and family—they’re sure to become a cherished recipe in your household too!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Making roasted Brussels sprouts that are perfectly crispy and flavorful is easier than you might think! Here are some pro tips to help you achieve the best results.

• Choose fresh sprouts: Fresh Brussels sprouts have a better flavor and texture. Look for firm, bright green sprouts with no yellow leaves or blemishes.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give each sprout enough space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting, preventing that delicious caramelized exterior.

• Use high heat: Roasting at a high temperature (400°F or 200°C) helps achieve that lovely golden-brown color and enhances the nutty flavor of the sprouts.

• Experiment with seasonings: While our dressing is fantastic, feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices before roasting. Garlic powder, paprika, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes can take your dish to the next level.

• Serve immediately: Roasted Brussels sprouts taste best right out of the oven when they’re at their crispiest. If you need to prepare them ahead of time, reheat briefly in the oven for optimal texture.

How to Serve Roasted Brussels Sprouts

When it comes to serving roasted Brussels sprouts, presentation matters just as much as flavor! Here are some delightful ways to present this dish that will impress your guests.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors.
• Toasted nuts: Adding a handful of toasted almonds or walnuts gives a satisfying crunch and elevates the dish’s overall taste.
• Citrus zest: Grating some lemon or orange zest over the top just before serving can brighten up the flavors and add an aromatic touch.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with roasted Brussels sprouts. The fluffy quinoa provides a nice contrast in texture.

• Sweet Potato Mash: Creamy sweet potato mash offers a hint of sweetness that complements the savory notes of Brussels sprouts. Plus, it adds vibrant color to your plate!

• Lentil Soup: A hearty lentil soup makes for a comforting side that balances well with the crunchy texture of roasted vegetables. It’s warm and filling—perfect for cooler nights!

• Couscous with Vegetables: Fluffy couscous mixed with seasonal vegetables creates a light yet satisfying side dish. The grains soak up any dressing from your Brussels sprouts beautifully!

Enjoy serving these roasted Brussels sprouts at your next meal; they’re sure to be a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy delicious, healthy sides throughout the week. You can prepare the sprouts in advance and store them for quick dinners or lunchboxes.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Cool the roasted Brussels sprouts completely.
• Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Spread the sprouts on a baking sheet and reheat for about 10-15 minutes, or until hot.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Roasted Brussels Sprouts that might help you enhance your cooking experience!

How do I make my Roasted Brussels Sprouts crispy?

To achieve crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts, ensure they are well-spaced on the baking sheet and not overcrowded. A hot oven is key, so preheating to 400°F (200°C) will help with browning and crispiness.

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for roasting?

While fresh Brussels sprouts yield the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen ones. Just be sure to thaw them first and pat dry to remove excess moisture before roasting.

What can I serve with Roasted Brussels Sprouts?

Roasted Brussels Sprouts pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes! They make an excellent side for roasted meats, grain bowls, or even tossed into pasta salads.

Can I customize the dressing for my Roasted Brussels Sprouts?

Absolutely! The dressing is versatile; feel free to swap out mustard for tahini or add herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor. Get creative!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Roasted Brussels Sprouts as much as I do! Their nutty flavor combined with our delicious dressing makes them a standout side dish that’s sure to please everyone at your table. Don’t hesitate to add your personal touch—whether it’s some nuts or extra spices—to make this dish truly yours. Happy cooking, and here’s to many delightful meals ahead!

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