Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe

If you’re anything like me, finding a way to turn humble Brussels sprouts into something downright addictive feels like striking gold. That’s why I’m so excited to share the Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe with you—it’s simple, packed with flavor, and delivers perfectly crisp, caramelized sprouts every single time. Whether you’re a veggie skeptic or a long-time fan, this recipe will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds). Let me walk you through everything you need to know!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Texture: Roasting at high heat crisps the outside while keeping the insides tender and juicy.
  • Simple Seasoning: Olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh garlic highlight the sprouts’ natural flavor without overpowering it.
  • Cut-Side Down Method: Placing sprouts cut side down ensures a golden, caramelized crust every time.
  • Optional Balsamic Finish: A splash of high-quality balsamic vinegar brightens the dish with a subtle tang and sweetness.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right basics makes all the difference here. I always go for fresh Brussels sprouts — the kind that’s firm, tight, and vibrantly green. The olive oil helps them roast beautifully, and garlic adds that irresistible aroma. If you want to elevate the flavor, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar is my little secret weapon.

Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts, healthy roasted Brussels sprouts, easy Brussels sprouts recipe, crispy roasted Brussels sprouts, caramelized Brussels sprouts - Flat lay of fresh bright green Brussels sprouts halved to show their layered texture, several large creamy white garlic cloves with papery skins partially peeled, a small cluster of glossy dark brown balsamic vinegar droplets glistening as if freshly poured, scattered coarse black peppercorns, and a few golden amber glistening olive oil pools, all arranged naturally with fresh green Brussels sprout leaves and rough trimmed stalk ends adding organic shapes and contrast, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7
  • Brussels Sprouts: Fresh is best; look for ones without yellowing or soft spots for tender results.
  • Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the natural flavors while roasting.
  • Salt: A pinch balances flavor and helps bring out the sprouts’ sweetness.
  • Fresh Ground Black Pepper: Adds a nice gentle heat and complexity.
  • Garlic Cloves (minced): Tossed in near the end for a subtle robust punch without burning.
  • Optional Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a rich, tangy glaze that makes the dish feel extra special.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One thing I love about the Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe is how forgiving and customizable it is. You can easily punch it up with extras or keep it simple, depending on what you’re in the mood for or what you have in your pantry.

  • Variation: My personal favorite is adding shredded parmesan right alongside the garlic for a cheesy finish that melts perfectly into these sprouts.
  • Dietary Mods: Skip the cheese and garlic for a vegan-friendly version and just use balsamic vinegar as a tangy garnish.
  • Seasonal Changemakers: Try tossing in chopped walnuts or dried cranberries after roasting to add holiday flair.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Brussels Sprouts

Start by trimming off the tough ends of your Brussels sprouts and slicing each one in half. This helps them cook evenly and get those crispy edges that make this recipe so delightful. Spread them out on a rimmed baking sheet—that rim keeps any oil and juices contained, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Season and Arrange

Next, drizzle olive oil over the sprouts and sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Use your hands—or a spatula—to toss everything right on the pan so the sprouts are evenly coated. Then place each one cut side down. That golden caramelized crust is non-negotiable in my book.

Step 3: Roast, Toss, and Finish

Pop the pan in your preheated oven at 425°F and roast for 15 minutes. You’re aiming for deep golden brown on the cut sides without burning them. After that, add your minced garlic, give everything a quick toss to distribute, and roast for another 5 minutes. This timing lets the garlic soften and infuses the sprouts without turning bitter. Once done, taste and adjust salt and pepper if you like.

Step 4: Optional Balsamic Drizzle

If you want that extra touch, toss the sprouts with a couple tablespoons of high-quality balsamic vinegar once they’re out of the oven. It adds a lovely tangy-sweet contrast that completely ups the flavor game.

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Pro Tips for Making Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe

  • Use a Hot Oven: Roasting at 425°F is key for crispiness—don’t lower the heat or they might steam instead.
  • Dry Thoroughly: If your sprouts are wet, they won’t crisp up well. I always pat mine with paper towels before roasting.
  • Place Cut Side Down: This little step is what helps get that golden crust without drying out the inside.
  • Add Garlic Late: Tossing garlic in during the last few minutes avoids burning it and keeps its flavor bright.

How to Serve Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts, healthy roasted Brussels sprouts, easy Brussels sprouts recipe, crispy roasted Brussels sprouts, caramelized Brussels sprouts - A close-up view of roasted Brussels sprouts on a white plate, showing about two layers of halved sprouts. Each sprout has a rich mix of deep charred brown and vibrant green colors with a crispy, textured surface. Small bits of chopped garlic are scattered on top, adding a light cream color contrast. A golden spoon is partially visible on the right side of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and the lighting highlights the shiny, caramelized glaze on the sprouts. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I often sprinkle freshly shredded parmesan over the hot sprouts right before serving—it melts beautifully and adds a salty richness that’s fantastic. Sometimes I also add a handful of toasted pine nuts for crunch, or a squeeze of lemon for brightness depending on my mood.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or seared salmon. On casual nights, I love it alongside quinoa or a simple grain bowl loaded with roasted veggies. The sprouts bring a bold vegetal flavor that balances richer mains perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or dinner parties, I’ve served these sprouts in a beautiful shallow white bowl topped with a drizzle of balsamic reduction and freshly chopped herbs like parsley or thyme. It transforms a simple side into a dish that looks festive and thoughtful without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover roasted Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep wonderfully for 3 to 4 days. They work great cold tossed into salads or grain bowls, but I usually prefer to reheat them to bring back some crispness.

Freezing

While I don’t typically freeze roasted Brussels sprouts because I prefer to enjoy the fresh crispiness, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Just flash freeze on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag to avoid clumping. Reheat without thawing for best results.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is either in a hot oven at 400°F for 5-10 minutes or in an air fryer—this helps restore that caramelized crispness. I avoid microwaving since it tends to make them soggy and less appetizing.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

    Yes! If you only have frozen Brussels sprouts on hand, just thaw them completely and pat them dry. Removing extra moisture is crucial so they roast up nicely instead of steaming in the oven.

  2. Why do I need to place Brussels sprouts cut side down?

    Placing them cut side down ensures the part exposed to the baking sheet crisps up beautifully, creating that irresistible golden-brown crust that locks in flavor and moisture.

  3. Is it necessary to add garlic? Can I leave it out?

    Garlic adds great flavor but can be skipped if you prefer a simpler taste. You’ll still end up with delicious roasted Brussels sprouts that shine on their own.

  4. Can I make this recipe vegan?

    Absolutely! The base recipe is vegan as long as you skip any cheese toppings. Using olive oil, garlic, and optional balsamic vinegar keeps it plant-based and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

I honestly look forward to making the Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe every time because it never fails to impress guests and family alike. If you’ve ever dismissed Brussels sprouts as bitter or boring, give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself falling in love all over again. It’s that good, that easy, and that versatile. So grab those sprouts, preheat your oven, and let’s get roasting!

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Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 54 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This recipe for Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts offers a simple and delicious way to enjoy tender, golden-crisp sprouts with a flavorful garlic and olive oil coating. Optionally enhanced with balsamic vinegar, these roasted Brussels sprouts make a perfect side dish or appetizer.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 16 ounces brussels sprouts
  • 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
  • 5 large cloves garlic, minced

Optional Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons high quality balsamic vinegar


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the Brussels sprouts.
  2. Prepare Brussels Sprouts: Trim the bottoms off the Brussels sprouts and slice each sprout in half. Place them on a large rimmed baking sheet.
  3. Coat Sprouts: Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the Brussels sprouts. Sprinkle with salt and fresh ground black pepper, then toss directly in the pan to coat all pieces thoroughly.
  4. Arrange Sprouts: Place each sprout cut side down on the baking sheet. This helps retain tenderness inside while achieving a golden crisp exterior.
  5. Roast First Phase: Roast the sprouts in the oven for 15 minutes until the cut sides are golden brown.
  6. Add Garlic & Continue Roasting: Remove the sheet and add the minced garlic. Toss the sprouts quickly to distribute the garlic, then return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
  7. Season & Optional Finish: Remove from the oven, taste, and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Optionally, toss the hot sprouts with several tablespoons of high quality balsamic vinegar just before serving.

Notes

  • If using frozen Brussels sprouts, thaw them completely and pat dry before roasting to avoid sogginess.
  • Leftover roasted Brussels sprouts will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in an air fryer or oven for 5-10 minutes to restore crispness.
  • Garlic can be omitted for a simpler version. Adding shredded Parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of roasting adds a delicious touch.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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