Okay, here we go! Let’s chat about one of my family’s favorite ways to get those greens in: Roasted Brussel Sprouts. I know, I know, brussel sprouts get a bad rap. But trust me, when you roast them just right, they transform into crispy, nutty, delicious little bites of comfort. This isn’t your grandma’s boiled brussel sprouts! This is a simple, family-friendly side dish that even the pickiest eaters might just surprise you with. These Roasted Brussel Sprouts have become a staple in our cozy chaos, and I can’t wait to share my secrets for making them a dinnertime win in your house too!
I remember the first time I made Roasted Brussel Sprouts. My oldest, Lily, was going through a “green food is the enemy” phase. I was desperate to find a way to get some veggies into her without a full-blown battle. I saw a recipe for Roasted Brussel Sprouts online and thought, “Why not?”
I tossed them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roasted them until they were crispy. The smell filled the kitchen, and surprisingly, Lily wandered in, curious. She tried one, and her eyes widened. “These are good, Mom!” she exclaimed.
That moment made Roasted Brussel Sprouts a comfort food win. It wasn’t just a side dish; it was a memory of overcoming picky eating with a simple, delicious solution. It brings family comfort knowing even vegetables can be a treat! I’m so excited to share my family’s recipe with fellow busy moms seeking simple comfort food.
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for these delicious Roasted Brussel Sprouts. Don’t worry, the ingredient list is short and sweet because busy moms need comfort without complexity!
- 1.5 pounds Brussel sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, but adds a delicious tang!)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
Comfort-focused ingredient swaps: No balsamic vinegar? No worries! I use a squeeze of lemon juice for extra comfort in my Roasted Brussel Sprouts, and it works just as well!
You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store. This simple Roasted Brussel Sprouts recipe proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive. A drizzle of good olive oil makes a difference in flavor.
Ingredient prep shortcuts for busy families: I often buy pre-trimmed brussel sprouts to save time. My family gets extra comfort when I add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese after roasting. It just adds a little something special! Trust me, it is a real crowd-pleaser.
Here’s a Roasted Brussel Sprouts comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime: I often prep the brussel sprouts ahead of time (wash, trim, and halve) and store them in the fridge. This way, when dinnertime rolls around, I can just toss them with oil and seasonings and pop them in the oven.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Now for the fun part! Let’s get those Roasted Brussel Sprouts cooking. I’m going to walk you through each step like we’re in the kitchen together.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is key for getting those crispy brussel sprouts we all crave.
- While the oven is heating, prepare your brussel sprouts. Make sure they are trimmed and halved. If they are larger, quarter them so they cook evenly. This comforting Roasted Brussel Sprouts recipe is all about even cooking!
- In a large bowl, toss the brussel sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure they are evenly coated. I use my hands to really get in there and make sure every little sprout is covered.
- Spread the brussel sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan, or they will steam instead of roast. Here’s where I used to struggle with my Roasted Brussel Sprouts – learn from my experience! If needed, use two baking sheets to give them enough space.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the brussel sprouts are tender and golden brown with crispy edges. In my busy kitchen, this comforting Roasted Brussel Sprouts usually takes closer to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them!
- If using, drizzle with balsamic vinegar and maple syrup or honey in the last 5 minutes of cooking. This adds a lovely sweet and tangy glaze. Your Roasted Brussel Sprouts should smell amazing by now!
- Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
While your Roasted Brussel Sprouts is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! It’s also a perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! Don’t worry if your Roasted Brussel Sprouts looks slightly charred – that’s where all the flavor is! I’ve discovered this comfort food lesson while experimenting with easy brussel sprouts recipes through the years.
Serving Suggestions
Okay, so you’ve got your delicious Roasted Brussel Sprouts, now what? Here’s how we love to eat this!
The kids devour this comforting Roasted Brussel Sprouts when I serve it with grilled chicken or fish. It’s a simple and healthy meal that everyone enjoys. They also love it with mac and cheese (because, let’s be real, mac and cheese makes everything better!). This Roasted Brussel Sprouts is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast!
Roasted Brussel Sprouts makes a fantastic side dish for holiday dinners. It’s a great way to add some greens to the table and it always gets rave reviews.
Presentation Tips: I like to arrange the Roasted Brussel Sprouts on a platter and sprinkle them with some toasted pine nuts or chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
Leftover Ideas: If you have any leftover Roasted Brussel Sprouts (which is rare in my house!), you can chop them up and add them to a frittata or omelet. They are also great in a salad.
Seasonal Variations: In the fall, I love to add some roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes to the Roasted Brussel Sprouts. This makes it a more hearty and seasonal dish. If your family enjoys this, you should check out this delicious Roasted Vegetable Soup.
My friend Sarah tried this roasted sprouts recipe and said her kids actually asked for seconds! That’s a dinnertime win in my book!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
I know you probably have some questions about making Roasted Brussel Sprouts, so I’m here to help!
- Is this Roasted Brussel Sprouts really filling enough for growing kids?Yes! Brussel sprouts are packed with fiber and nutrients, so they are a great addition to any meal. Pair them with a protein and a carbohydrate for a balanced and satisfying meal.
- What if my picky eater won’t try these parmesan Roasted Brussel Sprouts?Don’t give up! Sometimes it takes multiple tries for kids to warm up to new foods. Try serving them a very small portion alongside something they already love. You can also try adding a little sweetness with the maple syrup or honey.
- Can I meal prep these simple Roasted Brussel Sprouts for busy weeks ahead?Yes! You can definitely prep the brussel sprouts ahead of time. Wash, trim, and halve them and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Then, when you are ready to cook, just toss them with oil and seasonings and roast them.
- Can I use frozen brussel sprouts for this recipe?I don’t recommend using frozen brussel sprouts for Roasted Brussel Sprouts. They tend to be too watery and won’t get as crispy. Fresh is best for this recipe.
- What other seasonings can I use?Get creative! Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes are all great additions to Roasted Brussel Sprouts. I found this tip while looking for easy brussel sprouts recipes one day!
- How do I prevent my Roasted Brussel Sprouts from getting mushy?Make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan and that you are using enough oil. Also, be sure to roast them at a high enough temperature.
- My oven roasted brussel sprouts are burning on the edges, but still hard in the middle. What am I doing wrong?Your oven temperature may be off. Reduce the heat by 25 degrees and add a bit more olive oil. Also, ensure you’re flipping the sprouts halfway through to promote even cooking. I learned this through my own cooking journey, and it made all the difference! This is the difference between delicious and disaster!
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Roasted Brussel Sprouts recipe a try. It’s a simple, delicious, and healthy way to get those greens in, and it’s a dinnertime win for busy families like ours.
My Roasted Brussel Sprouts Comfort Hacks
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings.
- Roast them at a high temperature for maximum crispiness.
- Prep the brussel sprouts ahead of time to save time during the week.
Family-Tested Roasted Brussel Sprouts Variations
- Balsamic Glazed Roasted Brussel Sprouts (using a balsamic glaze instead of just balsamic vinegar) Balsamic Glazed Roasted Brussel Sprouts + Video | Kevin Is Cooking
- Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Bacon (because everything is better with bacon!)
- Spicy Roasted Brussel Sprouts (adding red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha) Crispy Oven Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Balsamic Oven-Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts – Our Best Bites
My husband loves the balsamic roasted brussel sprouts, while the kids prefer the plain version with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. I encourage you to make this recipe your own and find what your family loves!
I hope this simple recipe brings some comfort and joy to your family’s mealtimes. You’ve got this, fellow comfort seekers! Go make some magic in the kitchen with these satisfying Roasted Brussel Sprouts! And remember, for another comfort-food classic, this Roasted Garlic Potato Soup is another delicious option!
Roasted Brussel Sprouts
These Roasted Brussel Sprouts are incredibly flavorful and easy to make. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness, making them a delicious and healthy side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or maple syrup for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until Brussels sprouts are tender and slightly browned, flipping halfway through.
- Optional: Drizzle with balsamic vinegar or maple syrup after roasting.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
For extra crispy Brussels sprouts, don’t overcrowd the pan. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add a touch of maple syrup or balsamic glaze after roasting.