Say goodbye to boring, mushy Brussels sprouts forever! This recipe for Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts will convert even the biggest skeptics into die-hard fans. The secret is high-heat roasting, which transforms these humble vegetables into something truly special: deeply caramelized and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. A final toss in a simple, sweet and tangy balsamic glaze adds a layer of irresistible flavor that makes this the perfect side dish for everything from a weeknight chicken dinner to a holiday feast.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pro Tips for the Crispiest Sprouts
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Crispy & Delicious: High-heat roasting makes them crispy, caramelized, and completely addictive.
- Healthy Side Dish: A simple, nutrient-packed vegetable side that pairs with almost any main course.
- Super Easy to Make: Requires minimal prep and just a handful of ingredients.
- Sweet & Tangy Finish: The balsamic glaze adds a perfect finishing touch of flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1.5 lbs (700g) Brussels sprouts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash the Brussels sprouts and pat them completely dry. Trim off the tough bottom ends and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Cut each sprout in half lengthwise.
- Season the Sprouts: On a large, rimmed baking sheet, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with the olive oil, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated.
- Arrange for Roasting: Spread the Brussels sprouts out in a single, even layer on the baking sheet. For the best caramelization, place most of them cut-side down.
- Roast to Perfection: Roast for 20-30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the sprouts are tender and the outer leaves are deeply browned and crispy.
- Make the Balsamic Glaze: While the sprouts roast, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, bring the balsamic vinegar and honey (or maple syrup) to a simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, until the mixture has thickened slightly and can coat the back of a spoon.
- Toss and Serve: Remove the roasted sprouts from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for the Crispiest Sprouts
- High Heat is Essential: A hot oven (425°F / 220°C) is key. It cooks the sprouts quickly, making the outside crispy before the inside has a chance to get mushy.
- Make Sure They’re Dry: Pat the sprouts completely dry after washing. Any excess moisture will cause them to steam instead of roast.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give the sprouts plenty of space on the baking sheet. If they are too crowded, they will steam. Use two pans if necessary.
- Cut-Side Down: Placing the sprouts cut-side down on the pan allows that flat surface to have direct contact with the hot metal, leading to the best caramelization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Roasted Brussels sprouts are best served fresh out of the oven to maintain their crispiness. However, you can wash and trim them a day or two in advance to save on prep time.
Q: What are some good variations?
A: These are delicious with added crumbled bacon, toasted pecans, or a sprinkle of gratEd Parmesan cheese after roasting.