Transform Brussels sprouts from dreaded vegetable to family favorite with this foolproof roasting method. High-heat roasting creates irresistibly crispy edges and caramelized exteriors while keeping the centers perfectly tender. Even Brussels sprouts skeptics will be asking for seconds when they taste these golden, nutty gems straight from the oven.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
The secret to perfect Brussels sprouts lies in high-temperature roasting and proper spacing. Cutting them in half doubles the surface area for caramelization, while the 425°F temperature creates those coveted crispy edges without drying out the centers. The initial oil coating protects the leaves from burning while ensuring even browning and maximum flavor development.
How to Select Fresh Brussels Sprouts
Visual Inspection Tips:
- Choose bright green heads with tightly packed leaves
- Avoid yellowing leaves, which indicate age
- Skip any with black spots that could signal fungus
- Select smaller sprouts for tenderness and sweetness
- Fresh-on-stalk varieties offer peak freshness
Ingredients
- Red onion (optional) – Contributes sweetness and additional caramelization when roasted alongside
- Fresh Brussels sprouts – Provide the base vegetable with nutty flavor that develops during roasting
- Olive oil – Creates crispy edges and prevents leaves from drying out during cooking
- Kosher salt – Enhances natural flavors and helps achieve proper caramelization
- Black pepper – Adds subtle heat and complements the nutty Brussels sprouts flavor
CopyKat Tip: Make sure that the Brussel sprouts are not overlapping or touching each other on the baking sheet. You want to spread them out so that they can crisp up and get a bit charred on the outside. If they are touching each other and you have crammed in too many, you will end up steaming them.
Brussel Sprouts Frequently Asked Questions
You can keep leftover Brussels sprouts in your fridge for about three days or so, but keep in mind that Brussels sprouts don’t taste as good as leftovers. They taste much better freshly roasted.
Yes, you can reheat them in the oven, in a skillet, or in the microwave. However, the microwave will make them a little bit soggy.
Yes, they are very good for you. Cruciferous are sought out for their nutrition. Brussels sprouts contain high levels of many nutrients and have quite a few health benefits. Read about ten ways that Brussels sprouts can benefit your health.
How to Prep Brussel Sprouts
There are a few steps to preparing Brussel sprouts for baking.
- Wash Brussel Sprouts. Wash off any dirt and peel off any yellow leaves, it’s ok if a few are loose, or a few fall off.
- Cut the stem off. The stem is the part that attaches to the stalk when growing. This portion can be tough because it dries out after cutting from the stalk.
- Cut your Brussel Sprout in half to more than double the space that can get caramelized while cooking. It’s the caramelized bits that taste so good. Also, you can check and make sure everything in the Brussel Sprout is good.
- Coat the Brussel sprouts with oil and season. I toss the cut Brussel Sprouts and red onions into a bowl. I add oil to them and stir them before I season them with salt and pepper. This keeps the leaves from drying out while cooking, and it gives the seasoning the ability to stick so the seasoning stays on while cooking.
- Spread oil on the baking sheet. Before placing them in the pan, I drizzle a bit of oil in the pan, and I make the sheet pan has a layer of oil on it. When the cut side is placed down in the pan, you know it’s going to brown beautifully.
Even if you think you don’t like Brussel sprouts or have never had them, roasting them will make you a big fan. Let me know if you try them!
These roasted Brussel sprouts are golden and caramelized on the edges, but not dried out. They’re simple to make, and a great side for many meals.
Easy Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Crispy & Golden
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Brussel sprouts
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees
- Wash Brussel sprouts. Peel off any yellow leaves. Trim off the stem.
- Cut Brussel sprout in half. Look at the halves, and discard any undesirable ones.
- Dice the onion, you can add more if desired.
- Place cut Brussel sprouts and onions in a bowl and drizzle olive oil on them, and give them a stir. Season them with salt and pepper. Lay the Brussel sprouts on the baking sheet, make sure they are in one layer.
- Roast for approximately 25 minutes.
Notes
- Change up the seasonings, a touch of lemon zest after cooking will brighten up the flavors.
- Add a healthy dose of freshly ground black pepper.
- Add a sprinkle of Pecorino Romano cheese after removing from the oven.
- Serve with browned butter
Equipment
Nutrition
Variations of Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Maple roasted Brussel Sprouts -Toss together in a bowl six slices of chopped bacon, add 1 pound sliced Brussels sprouts, add 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1 tablespoon maple syrup. Toss together, roast for 20 to 25 minutes at 400 degrees.
Garlic Parmesan Brussel Sprouts – Toss together in a bowl 1 pound sliced Brussel sprouts, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 tablespoon chopped garlic, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Mix together, and roast on a baking sheet for 20 to 25 minutes at 400 degrees.
Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts – Toss together in a bowl 1 pound sliced Brussel Sprouts, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper. Mix together, and roast on a baking sheet for 20 to 25 minutes at 400 degrees.
Here are some more Brussels sprout recipes for you to enjoy.
- Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Onions
- Red Lobster Brussel Sprouts
- Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Brussels Sprout Kale Salad
Favorite Vegetable Side Dishes
- Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
- Lipton Onion Potatoes
- Roasted Small Red Potatoes
- Keto Cheesy Broccoli
- Cauliflower with Cheese Sauce
- Garlic Green Beans
- Boiled Carrots Recipe
Check out more vegetable side dish recipes and the best fall recipes here on CopyKat.com!
I impulsively added Balsamic vinegar t my sprouts at Thanksgiving and even the six year olds loved them. Glad what I considered a mistake before hand turned out so well. Also glad to see others use the same and I’m not crazy.
Hi Stephanie! Another great recipe!
Just wondering if frozen Brussels Sprouts can be used, or would they be too watery? (I would cut and ‘drain’ them first)
Thanks!
I would defrost them first, and then as you said drain them, they won’t roast well if too much water is left in them.
Try finishing them off by melting butter in a frying pan, then as they start to blacken add real maple syrup and fry on medium heat for about 5 minutes. Delicious!
That sounds great!