Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe (2024)

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Even the most adamant sprouts haters will love these roasted Brussels sprouts with garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. So crispy and delicious!

By

Elise Bauer

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe (1)

Elise Bauer

Elise founded Simply Recipes in 2003 and led the site until 2019. She has an MA in Food Research from Stanford University.

Learn about Simply Recipes'Editorial Process

Updated September 29, 2023

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe (2)

33 ratings

  • How to Roast Brussels Sprouts

  • Seasoning Brussels Sprouts

  • Recipe Adaptations

  • Brussels Sprouts Shopping Tips

  • What to Do With Leftovers

  • More Brussels Sprouts Recipes

Your Make-Ahead Thanksgiving ScheduleREAD MORE:

If you show up at my father's house with a bagful of fresh Brussels sprouts to be cooked, he will howl and complain like a 3-year-old confronted with liver and onions.

Such, then, is the sweet satisfaction of seeing this dyed-in-the-wool Brussels sprouts avoider pick these roasted emerald jewels out of the pan and munch on them like candy.

These are roasted Brussels sprouts that even my dad can love.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe (3)

How to Roast the Best Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts are my sister Karen's contribution to our holiday dinners. Ridiculously easy to make, there's not much to it.

You can roast them right in a cast iron frying pan in the oven, which is helpful if your regular roasting pan is already in use. And a large cast iron pan is just the right size to hold a pound of sprouts.

If you don't have a cast iron pan, you can use a roasting pan.

How to Roast Any VegetableREAD MORE:

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe (4)

The Secret Ingredient for the Best Brussels Sprouts

The key to success with roasted or baked Brussels sprouts (according to my sister and I agree with her completely on this) is salt. Salt makes the roasted caramelized flavors pop!

Salt the sprouts generously as they are going into the oven, more than you might normally salt vegetables. Once out of the oven, taste, and salt again if need be.

The recipe calls for a pound of Brussels sprouts. We'll usually make a little more, just so we have more to snack on. We can eat them like popcorn!

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

Roasted Brussels sprouts are wonderfully versatile! Here are just a few ideas of how you can change up the recipe:

  • Add nuts: Toast some pine nuts, roughly chopped walnuts, or slivered almonds on the side and toss them with the roasted sprouts to serve.
  • Brighten with vinegar: You can easily use apple cider vinegar in place of the lemon juice called for in this recipe, or balsamic vinegar.
  • Add a sweet touch: Omit the Parmesan at the end and instead toss with a tablespoon of maple syrup or pomegranate glaze.
  • Add bacon or pancetta: Chop up some bacon or pancetta and cook on medium until browned. Replace some of the olive oil in this recipe with the bacon or pancetta fat to roast the sprouts. At the end, toss the sprouts with the cooked chopped bacon or pancetta.
  • Roast with other veggies: Roast a pound of cubed butternut squash, golden beets, or sweet potatoes along with the sprouts. Brussels sprouts play well with root vegetables and winter squash.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe (5)

Brussels Sprouts Shopping Tips

Buy Brussels sprouts up to 2 to 3 days before you're going to prepare them for optimal freshness, although they should keep in a plastic bag in the refrigerator crisper for up to 1 week. Look for Brussels sprouts that are bright green and have some weight to them. If they are very light, they've started to dry out. Smaller sprouts are usually sweeter and a bit more tender than larger ones.

For this recipe, we don't recommend frozen Brussels sprouts.

What Are Brussels Sprouts?READ MORE:

What to Do With Leftover Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Try these creative ways to use the leftovers up.

  • Add to grain bowls.
  • Chop up and add them to Ham and Potato Hash.
  • Put on top of pizzas or flat breads.
  • Slice and add to a quesadilla.

Try These Other Brussels Sprouts Recipes!

  • Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Shallots
  • Honey Chipotle Roasted Brussels Sprouts
  • Brussels Sprouts with Black Bean Garlic Sauce
  • Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Lemon
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate Balsamic Glaze

From the Editors Of Simply Recipes

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time35 mins

Total Time45 mins

Servings4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Brussels sprouts, rinsed, ends trimmed, and rough outer leaves of larger sprouts removed

  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)

  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (can sub apple cider vinegar)

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

  • Kosher salt

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Method

  1. Preheat the oven:

    Preheat the oven to 400°F.

  2. Prep the Brussels sprouts:

    Place the trimmed Brussels sprouts in a large bowl. Toss with garlic and lemon juice. Toss the sprouts with olive oil to coat them well.

    Spread the Brussels sprouts out in a large cast iron frying pan or roasting pan in a single layer with plenty of space between them. Sprinkle generously with salt (at least half a teaspoon) and a few turns of black pepper.

    Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe (6)

    Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe (7)

  3. Roast the Brussels sprouts:

    Put the sprouts in oven on the top rack, roast for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring the sprouts about halfway through the cooking.

    Adjust the timing depending on the size of the sprouts and your particular oven. When the sprouts are ready, they should be nicely browned and some of the outside leaves crunchy. The interior should be cooked through, so that the sprouts are easily pierced with a fork.

    If the sprouts look like they are getting too browned (they should be well browned, not burnt), move them to a lower rack or lower the heat.

    If after cooking for 30 minutes the sprouts aren't browned enough, put them under the broiler (or increase the heat to 500°F) for 5 minutes.

    Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe (8)

  4. Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve:

    Toss with Parmesan (if using) and add more salt to taste to serve.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
131Calories
9g Fat
10g Carbs
5g Protein

×

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories131
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 9g12%
Saturated Fat 2g10%
Cholesterol 5mg2%
Sodium 295mg13%
Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
Dietary Fiber 3g11%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 5g
Vitamin C 71mg356%
Calcium 100mg8%
Iron 1mg8%
Potassium 385mg8%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to roast brussel sprouts whole or cut in half? ›

To maximize the flat areas, which get the most crispy surface area, cut your Brussels sprouts in half. If your Brussels sprouts are very small, you can leave them whole (and if they are very large, quarter them).

How do you get the bitterness out of roasted brussel sprouts? ›

The flavor components that contribute to a bitter flavor are concentrated in the center of the brussels sprout. If you slice the the veggie in half, it helps to release some of those compounds during the cooking process. Smaller is better when it comes to tenderness and flavor.

Should I soak brussel sprouts before roasting? ›

Do you need to soak brussel sprouts before cooking? You don't need to, but it might help to soak them first. Do so for 20 minutes if you have time, prior to trimming them. If not, make sure you at least rinse them before you prep them for roasting.

Do you cut the ends off brussel sprouts before roasting? ›

Because the base of each leaf connects to the core of the sprout, it's easiest to trim away the stem end just above the attachment points for the leaves you want to remove and discard.

Do you roast Brussels sprouts face up or down? ›

Roast 'em! Our two rules: place and space! Place them cut side down to create that slightly crunchy exterior and soft interior. Space them out evenly so they don't steam–a crowded sheet pan party is not where your brussels want to be.

Why won't my Brussels sprouts get crispy? ›

Roast the Brussels Sprouts at high heat

If you don't hear them crisping up in the oven, add a little more oil and roast them for a few more minutes until your desire crispiness is achieved!

What makes Brussels sprouts taste better? ›

About 30 years ago, a Dutch scientist identified the chemicals that made brussels sprouts bitter. He selected seed varieties with lower levels of the bitter chemicals and bred new high-yielding varieties that tasted less bitter.

Why are my roasted brussel sprouts tough? ›

Like soggy steamed Brussels, Brussels sprouts that are dry and chewy are no good either. This could be caused by using too little oil for roasting. You need a nice coating of oil—enough to make the heads shiny or if they're cut, enough oil to get inside the folds of some of the leaves.

Why do my brussel sprouts get mushy in the oven? ›

Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.

There's nothing wrong with soft and chewy Brussels, but if your goal is the type of crispy Brussels that they're serving at your favorite bistro you MUST thoroughly dry the surface of the sprouts before sautéing and/or roasting them. If they are wet they will steam instead of crisp.

What pairs well with Brussels sprouts? ›

When we think about which meats go with Brussels sprouts, bacon usually comes to mind first. Upgrade that to prosciutto, add poultry and fish to the list, and leave room on the menu for steak.

Do I need to boil Brussels sprouts before roasting? ›

Your first step should always be to blanch the brussels sprouts. This is basically when they get submerged in boiling water just for a few minutes, not until they're fully cooked, but just enough to take away some of the bitterness. Blanching also softens them and preserves their beautiful bright green color.

Why soak Brussels sprouts in salt water? ›

For best results, soak your Brussels sprouts in salt water. Not only does salt act to tenderize the dense sprouts, but it will also help to season them all the way through. It won't take a lot -- just add 1 tablespoon of salt per 1 quart of water and toss in trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts.

How many Brussels sprouts per person? ›

Sprouts on the stalk will stay fresher longer than sprouts that have been picked off and sold loose. Plan on about 1/2 pound (8 ounces) of raw brussels sprouts per person.

Should you wash Brussels sprouts? ›

Rinse under cold running water to remove any dust or dirt. Use a small knife to remove the sprout tip, and then remove any leaves that have bad spots. Raw: Slice thinly and toss with other shredded vegetables like cabbage, carrots, or beets.

Why do you cut brussel sprouts in half? ›

Doing so allows for the cut side to caramelize perfectly while the outer leaves crisp up. Follow this tip: Place halved Brussels sprouts cut-side down on the baking sheet before roasting then toss them halfway through.

Why are my roasted Brussels sprouts tough? ›

Like soggy steamed Brussels, Brussels sprouts that are dry and chewy are no good either. This could be caused by using too little oil for roasting. You need a nice coating of oil—enough to make the heads shiny or if they're cut, enough oil to get inside the folds of some of the leaves.

Why are my roasted Brussels sprouts mushy? ›

Avoid mushy Brussels sprouts by making the most of your heat

Cooking your Brussels sprouts quickly will prevent them from releasing their characteristically foul odor and also ensure that they crisp up instead of turning mushy (via Kitchn). One way to do this is to also preheat your baking tray.

Why boil Brussels sprouts before roasting? ›

Your first step should always be to blanch the brussels sprouts. This is basically when they get submerged in boiling water just for a few minutes, not until they're fully cooked, but just enough to take away some of the bitterness. Blanching also softens them and preserves their beautiful bright green color.

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