Brussels sprouts—those little green orbs that once made me cringe as a kid—have somehow become my culinary obsession. It’s like discovering a hidden gem in your own backyard when you finally get them right: crispy, with that zing of balsamic that dances on your tongue. Just the other day, I was reminiscing about how these sprouts can transform a dinner into an event—one crunchy bite at a time.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Prepare the Brussels sprouts by trimming off any dry ends and slicing larger ones in half, leaving smaller sprouts whole.
- In a bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they are well coated. Spread them out evenly on the prepared baking sheet, cut sides down, for optimal browning and crispiness.
- Roast the Brussels sprouts in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes, checking for doneness when they are tender and the edges are golden brown. The exact baking time may vary depending on the size of the sprouts.
- Once roasted, you can enhance the flavor by adding lemon juice, zest, Parmesan cheese, and thyme leaves. For added garnish, sprinkle with parsley and red pepper flakes before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Lemon juice (optional)
- Lemon zest (optional)
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
- Red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)
FAQ
- How do you prepare Brussels sprouts for roasting?
- To prepare Brussels sprouts for roasting, first trim and remove any dry or tough stems. Slice larger sprouts in half, leaving smaller ones whole to ensure even cooking. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before arranging them cut side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- What temperature and time are ideal for roasting Brussels sprouts?
- Roast Brussels sprouts in a preheated oven at 425°F for 20 to 30 minutes. The exact cooking time depends on their size, but they should be tender and golden brown around the edges when done.
- How can you enhance the flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts?
- Enhance the flavor by drizzling them with balsamic vinegar or lemon juice. You can also toss them with Parmesan cheese, herbs, red pepper flakes, or nuts for added taste and texture.
- What are some meal ideas using roasted Brussels sprouts?
- Use roasted Brussels sprouts in a variety of meals, such as adding them to pasta or mac and cheese, serving them over risotto, incorporating them into a grain bowl, or mixing them into a salad with farro or quinoa.
- Can Brussels sprouts be prepared in ways other than roasting?
- Yes, Brussels sprouts can be enjoyed raw in salads, sautéed for a quick side dish, or stir-fried with grains for a veggie-packed meal. They can also be baked into casseroles or stuffed into sweet potatoes.
Tips
- Ensure uniformity in size by halving larger Brussels sprouts while leaving smaller ones whole. This helps them cook evenly, leading to a perfect texture.
- Arrange the Brussels sprouts cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This positioning promotes optimal browning and enhances the crispness of the leaves.
- Experiment with flavor by dressing the roasted sprouts with lemon juice, zest, Parmesan, and thyme for a bright, zesty twist. Alternatively, try balsamic vinegar or your favorite herbs and cheeses for different variations.
- Don’t hesitate to include loose leaves on the baking sheet. These leaves will roast to a delightful, crunchy texture, adding an irresistible element to your dish.
Equipment
- Parchment Paper – Useful for lining the baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Baking Sheet – A flat, rectangular pan used for roasting the Brussels sprouts.
