How to Make DAMN GOOD Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Recipe — This Is Mel Drake (2024)

This is the only brussel sprout recipe you'll ever need!

How to Make DAMN GOOD Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Recipe — This Is Mel Drake (1)

Want to know the secret to oven roasted Brussels sprouts that are so good, they'll make your mouth water?

Brussels sprouts get a bad name because let's be real, most people don't know how to cook them. We all remember the days of boiled and mushy school lunch Brussels Sprouts, which were always overcooked and had an unappetizing green color. YUCK!

But lemme tell you, oven roasted Brussels sprouts are totally different - they're crisp on the outside, with warm centers that come from roasting in olive oil instead of boiling in water or frying in grease. Plus these damn good Brussels sprouts are easy to make!

About This Brussels Sprouts Recipe

In short, this easy recipe is DAMN GOOD!

All you need is 45 minutes, some olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, plus a little salt and pepper. That's all. And guess what - they taste like heaven! So get prepared because everyone will be asking for this recipe. BTW. . . You're welcome.

How to Make DAMN GOOD Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Recipe — This Is Mel Drake (2)

Are Brussel Sprouts Healthy?

Not only are brussel sprouts healthy, but they're also rich in fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. They are high in Vitamin C, folate, potassium, protein - the list goes on! So go ahead and eat brussel sprouts.

How to Make DAMN GOOD Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Recipe — This Is Mel Drake (3)

How to Buy, Store, and Prepare Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are typically eaten during the holiday season, but they're actually delicious year-round. They are harvested before they open into flowering buds and usually have a thick stem with lots of leaves, so don't be fooled by their stumpy appearance!

When is the Best Season to Buy Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are at their best in the fall and early winter. Although they are readily available all year, it is preferable to get them during the peak season.

Loose Brussels Sprouts - How to Buy and Store

If you are buying them loose, make sure the leaves around the sprouts look fresh and crisp. Avoid any that have leaves that appear dry, yellowish, and have black spots on them. Also, select sprouts that are bright green in appearance and firm to the touch.

Remove any rotted or loose outer leaves and place your unwashed Brussels sprouts in a zip-seal bag or produce bag and refrigerate. They should last about two weeks, but the sooner you eat them the sooner they will taste good!

On the Stalk Brussels Sprouts - How to Buy and Store

If they're on the stalk, grab them. Brussels sprouts on the stalk will keep for a longer period of time than loose sprouts.

Store them as you would fresh flowers: in freshwater, then remove them with a knife before cooking. Whole sprouts will lose their flavor and moisture as they age, so it's best to keep them on the stem as long as possible.

Should You Blanch Brussel Sprouts Before Roasting?

I personally do not in this oven roasted recipe, but you can if you prefer.

Do You Need to Soak Brussel Sprouts Before Cooking?

Nope. Simply keep the stalks of your brussels sprouts in a bowl of water to prevent them from drying out and preserve moisture.

Try These 2 Ways to Cook Brussels Sprouts

Get ready to take your roasted sprouts to the next level by trying this instead:

  • Bring out the flavors in these little green beauties by not using lemon juice and cooking as directed. Finish by tossing with balsamic vinegar, crumbled bacon bits, and salt. Doesn't that sound amazing?!

  • Drizzle a little hot honey over the oven roasted brussels sprouts and BAM! You've got yourself a pretty tasty sweet and spicy side dish.

How to Make DAMN GOOD Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Recipe — This Is Mel Drake (4)

Tools You'll Need to Make This Recipe

Here are a few essential tools you’ll need to make these delicious brussel sprouts

A Few More of My Favorite Easy Recipes

If you liked this roasted brussel sprouts recipe, then you'll love these too!

  • 🍎 Apple Cinnamon Brie Cheese Ball

  • 🌮 Easy Shrimp Tacos

  • 🍉 Fresh Easy Watermelon Margarita

  • 🍷🍾 A Crash Course in Wine Terms: No Sommelier Needed!

How to Make DAMN GOOD Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Recipe — This Is Mel Drake (5)

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Make DAMN GOOD Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Recipe — This Is Mel Drake (6)

Ingredients:

Olive Oil

1 lb Fresh Brussels Sprouts

Lemon Juice (about 1/2 Lemon)

2 Tablespoons Fresh Garlic (finely chopped, 3-5 cloves)

1 teaspoon Kosher Salt

1/ 4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Optional:

1/4 Red Onion (chopped)

Parmesan Cheese (grated)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400º

Wash, Trim and, Chop the Brussels Sprouts: Wash and dry the Brussels sprouts. Remove the root ends and any rough or unusable outer leaves from brussel sprouts. Then cut each sprout in half.

Season the Brussel Sprouts: Toss the halved brussels sprouts with lemon juice, garlic, and chopped red onion (optional, if you desire) in a large mixing dish. Then toss the brussels sprouts until evenly coated with olive oil and salt, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Next, transfer the seasoned Brussels sprouts to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet pan or cast-iron skillet. Arrange the sprouts cut side down in one layer on the prepared baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper before adding to the oven.

Time to Roast: Place the sheet pan with the seasoned brussels sprouts in the oven. Roast brussels sprouts for 35 minutes at 400º. Cook evenly, roasting until slightly crispy, yet still tender and golden brown. For an extra fancy touch, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over hot finished sprouts.

“Now go grab a fork and let’s eat!”

How Do You Make Your Brussel Sprouts Crispy?

Crispy roasted brussels sprouts are super easy to achieve. And one way to ensure your roasted brussel sprouts have perfectly crispy edges is to place your baking sheet of roasted vegetables back on the top oven rack and set the oven to broil (or up to 500°). Lastly, broil for 2-5 additional minutes closely watching making sure your vegetables and parchment paper don’t burn.

Why Broil on the Top Oven Rack? Oven broiling is different from baking in that ovens broil from the top-down rather than bottom-up, as when traditionally cooking and baking.

Thank You

I love Brussel sprouts and if you're tired of your same old vegetable side dish game, then these damn good oven roasted brussels sprouts just might be the recipe for you! This is a tasty and nutritious alternative to fried or boiled and they are vegan friendly. Give them a try - I know they'll become one of your favorite new recipes too!

Have you tried this recipe yet?

If so, be sure to let me know what your thoughts were in the comments below! I want to hear from YOU!

-XOXO (as always)

Mel D.

Photography by Melissa “Mel” Drake

Where You Can Find Me on Social Media

Same place; same bat channel

@ThisIsMelDrake

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How to Make DAMN GOOD Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Recipe — This Is Mel Drake (7)

How to Make DAMN GOOD Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Recipe — This Is Mel Drake (8)

How to Make DAMN GOOD Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Recipe — This Is Mel Drake (9)

How to Make DAMN GOOD Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Recipe — This Is Mel Drake (10)

How to Make DAMN GOOD Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Recipe — This Is Mel Drake (11)

How to Make DAMN GOOD Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Recipe — This Is Mel Drake (12)

*Originally published in May 2020 and updated December 2021, this post has been updated by Mel Drake to add the new sections of “About This Brussels Sprouts Recipe”, “Are Brussel Sprouts Healthy?", "How to Buy, Store, and Prepare Brussels Sprouts", and "Tools You'll Need to Make this Recipe" wasn't included in the original post. The recipe and photography have been updated along with structural and grammatical changes as well.

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Melissa "Mel" Drake

damn good oven roasted brussels sprouts, side dishes, vegetable, vegan friendly, vegatarian, healthy recipes

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How to Make DAMN GOOD Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts | Recipe — This Is Mel Drake (2024)

FAQs

Why are my roasted brussel sprouts not crispy? ›

Why Are My Brussel Sprouts Not Crispy? Spread them out into a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet to avoid overcrowding. If they're too close together, they'll steam instead of roast which stops the crisping process.

What gives brussel sprouts a better taste? ›

About 30 years ago, a Dutch scientist identified the chemicals that made brussels sprouts bitter. He selected seed varieties with lower levels of the bitter chemicals and bred new high-yielding varieties that tasted less bitter.

Is it better to parboil brussel sprouts before roasting? ›

Unlike other vegetables, Brussels sprouts can be parboiled (even a day ahead) to reduce the roasting time without hurting their texture. That means the sprouts can be popped in the oven while the meat is resting before carving. Of course, if the main course is grilled or pan-cooked, the oven will be free for roasting.

Why are my roasted brussel sprouts mushy? ›

Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.

There's nothing wrong with soft and chewy Brussels, but if your goal is the type of crispy Brussels that they're serving at your favorite bistro you MUST thoroughly dry the surface of the sprouts before sautéing and/or roasting them. If they are wet they will steam instead of crisp.

Do you cut Brussels sprouts in half before roasting? ›

Cut the bottom of each brussels sprout off (about 1/4" or less) and then slice in half lengthwise. Toss all ingredients and place in a single layer on a baking dish. Roast for 25 minutes or until brussels sprouts are slightly browned and tender throughout. Serve hot or cold.

How to keep roasted brussels sprouts from getting soggy? ›

BE GENEROUS WITH YOUR OLIVE OIL! These brussels sprouts will absorb the oil in order to get crispy, so don't be afraid to add a little extra olive oil on them as needed. If you liked this Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe, check out some of the most popular side dish recipes on the blog!

How do you add flavor to Brussels sprouts? ›

10 Easy Ways to Upgrade Roasted Brussels Sprouts
  1. Finish with lemon and lots of Parm. ...
  2. Toss in something crunchy. ...
  3. Bathe them in balsamic glaze. ...
  4. Make them spicy. ...
  5. Just add bacon. ...
  6. Embrace honey mustard. ...
  7. Pile them on a plate filled with something creamy. ...
  8. Roast them with sausage to turn them into dinner.
May 1, 2019

How to spruce up Brussels sprouts? ›

Serve them plain, simply seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or dress them up! Drizzle them with a bit of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice and toss them with feta or Parmesan cheese, herbs, red pepper flakes, and nuts or pepitas.

How do I roast Brussels sprouts without bitterness? ›

The sweetness works with the bitterness, and the sugar helps to caramelize the sprouts and bring out their own sweetness. A bit of brown sugar will also work. Acid can be useful as well. A splash of lemon juice, or even apple cider vinegar, works wonders on bitter sprouts.

Why are my roasted Brussels sprouts bitter? ›

The flavor components that contribute to a bitter flavor are concentrated in the center of the brussels sprout. If you slice the the veggie in half, it helps to release some of those compounds during the cooking process. Smaller is better when it comes to tenderness and flavor.

Should you wash Brussels sprouts before roasting? ›

To prepare brussel sprouts, you should rinse them well or even soak them if you have enough time. Trim the bottoms and outer leaves off, then cut them in half to prep them for roasting.

Why do you soak Brussels sprouts before cooking? ›

The soak time tenderizes the sprouts so the middles are softer. Don't worry, they won't be soggy! I would never do that to you. If, like me, you don't mind some chew to your sprouts, you don't need to soak the Brussels sprouts prior to cooking.

Why are my roasted Brussels sprouts tough? ›

Not using enough oil.

We like to use olive oil, but plain vegetable oil is great too. If the sprouts are well-coated, they'll caramelize and char instead of simply softening in the oven. Follow this tip: For every 1 pound of Brussels sprouts, you'll want to use 2 tablespoons of oil.

Why are my brussel sprouts still hard after cooking? ›

Without oil, Brussels don't brown and soften—they dehydrate. Its also possible that they simply need more time in the oven. Cooking times vary depending on their size. A cooked Brussels sprout should be pierced easily with the tip of a sharp knife.

Why are my brussel sprouts not tight? ›

The usual cause is poor soil, lack of growth and especially the use of non-hybrid cultivars. Only hybrid cultivars can be relied on to produce firm sprouts.

How to crisp up soggy Brussels sprouts? ›

It's as simple as spreading the leftover Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet (use two to avoid overcrowding if there's a lot) and heating them in a 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes. When the sprouts come out of the oven they'll be hot and crispy all over.

Why are my sprouts soggy? ›

The answer is this: You need to spend more time DRAINING after you Rinse your sprouts. If you read this page you will know everything you need to know, but I'll give you the basics here. After Rinsing you MUST get as much water out of your sprouter as possible!

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