Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe

If you’ve ever been on the hunt for the Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe, then you’re in the right place. This recipe nails those sprouts every time with that perfect balance of crisp outside, tender inside, and just the right hit of garlicky goodness. Trust me, once you try this method, you might just make Brussels sprouts a weekly favorite instead of a side-dish afterthought.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Crispness: Roasting cut side down ensures that beautiful golden crust without drying out the interiors.
  • Balanced Flavor: Garlic adds depth, and the optional balsamic vinegar brings a subtle tang that brightens every bite.
  • Effortless Preparation: Minimal hands-on time with straightforward steps makes this an easy beginner-friendly side dish.
  • Versatility: You can tweak it to suit your taste—whether you want spicy, cheesy, or a simple roasted side.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a key role in making these the Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe. From fresh, firm sprouts to just the right amount of olive oil and seasoning, these components work together to create a side that’s tender, crispy, and packed with flavor. When shopping, look for firm, vibrant green Brussels sprouts without yellow leaves — freshness makes all the difference.

Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts, roasted Brussels sprouts, crispy Brussels sprouts, garlic roasted Brussels sprouts, healthy Brussels sprouts side dish - Flat lay of fresh bright green Brussels sprouts halved to show their layered texture, several large creamy white garlic cloves with papery skins partially peeled, a small cluster of glossy dark brown balsamic vinegar droplets glistening as if freshly poured, scattered coarse black peppercorns, and a few golden amber glistening olive oil pools, all arranged naturally with fresh green Brussels sprout leaves and rough trimmed stalk ends adding organic shapes and contrast, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7
  • Brussels sprouts: Firm and tightly packed heads roast best and yield a buttery texture inside.
  • Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the sprouts crisp up while roasting.
  • Salt: Enhances natural sweetness and balances bitterness.
  • Fresh ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and earthy flavor.
  • Garlic (fresh minced cloves): Gives a warm, aromatic punch that transforms simple sprouts.
  • Optional balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy glaze that lifts all the flavors and adds complexity.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love this recipe because it’s a fantastic base that you can easily customize to your liking. Maybe you prefer a little heat, or maybe you want it cheesy and indulgent — either way, this sprouts recipe adapts beautifully, letting you make it truly yours.

  • Spicy kick: I often add red pepper flakes before roasting for that perfect little heat; it’s a game changer!
  • Cheesy upgrade: Toss in shredded parmesan or your favorite dairy-free alternative in the last few minutes of roasting for a melty finish.
  • Nutty crunch: Toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top add texture and richness.
  • Sweet & sticky: Drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup along with balsamic for a sweet-savory combo that’s irresistible.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Brussels Sprouts Like a Pro

Start by trimming the woody ends off each Brussels sprout. I find that cutting them in half lengthwise is key — it exposes the layers, allowing each sprout to roast evenly and crisp up beautifully. After slicing, toss them right onto a large rimmed baking sheet. This is important because it keeps any dripping oil contained and helps keep the oven clean.

Step 2: Oil, Season, and Arrange Cut Side Down

Drizzle 3 to 4 tablespoons of olive oil over the sprouts, then sprinkle with salt and fresh ground black pepper. Here’s a little trick I use: toss everything with your hands or a spoon right on the baking sheet — it saves dishes and means each sprout gets evenly coated. Most importantly, place them cut side down. This little trick helps each sprout get crispy and golden on the flat side while staying soft on the inside.

Step 3: Roast, Add Garlic, and Finish Strong

Pop the tray into a 425°F oven and roast for 15 minutes. At this stage, they’ll be turning golden and smelling amazing. Take the tray out, add the minced garlic, and give the sprouts a quick toss so the garlic spreads evenly. Return the tray to the oven for another 5 minutes. The garlic roasts gently, losing its raw bite but infusing a wonderful aroma. Once done, taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Step 4: Optional Finish with Balsamic Vinegar

If you want to elevate this to something truly special, drizzle a few tablespoons of high-quality balsamic vinegar over the hot sprouts and toss just before serving. The tangy sweetness adds layers of flavor and leaves a glossy finish that looks as good as it tastes.

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Pro Tips for Making Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe

  • Use a Hot Oven: Roasting at 425°F ensures quick caramelization without drying out the sprouts.
  • Keep Them Single Layered: Crowding the pan steams the sprouts rather than roasting them crisp—give them breathing room!
  • Add Garlic Late: Garlic burns fast, so tossing it in halfway through roasting keeps it fragrant, not bitter.
  • Dry Before Roasting: If using frozen sprouts, thaw and pat very dry for that coveted crispness.

How to Serve Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts, roasted Brussels sprouts, crispy Brussels sprouts, garlic roasted Brussels sprouts, healthy Brussels sprouts side dish - A close-up view of roasted Brussels sprouts on a white plate, showing about two layers of halved sprouts. Each sprout has a rich mix of deep charred brown and vibrant green colors with a crispy, textured surface. Small bits of chopped garlic are scattered on top, adding a light cream color contrast. A golden spoon is partially visible on the right side of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and the lighting highlights the shiny, caramelized glaze on the sprouts. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually finish these sprouts with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper right before serving. Sometimes, I’ll add a handful of toasted pine nuts or a dusting of parmesan cheese if I’m feeling indulgent. These garnishes add an extra layer of texture and flavor that really makes the dish pop.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with a range of mains. I love serving it alongside roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even a creamy risotto. It also works great as a hearty veggie side with vegetarian dishes like stuffed mushrooms or baked pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For a holiday dinner or when I have guests, I’ll pile the roasted Brussels sprouts into a rustic wooden bowl and drizzle the balsamic glaze on top right before serving. Adding some pomegranate seeds for color and a zing of brightness makes it a real eye-catcher that gets raves every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying the feast, I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for 3 to 4 days and can be tossed cold into salads for a quick veggie boost or reheated later.

Freezing

I personally don’t freeze roasted Brussels sprouts much because they lose their crisp texture, but if you want to, freeze them on a tray first so they don’t clump, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen but expect a softer texture.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, I like reheating them in a hot oven (or air fryer) at 400°F for about 5–10 minutes until they’re warmed through and crisp again. This avoids the mushiness that often comes from microwaving.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

    Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels to avoid soggy sprouts. Then proceed with the recipe as usual. Dryness is key for that perfect roast.

  2. Why do you roast Brussels sprouts cut side down?

    Roasting cut side down exposes more surface area to the hot baking sheet, which caramelizes and crisps the sprouts beautifully while keeping the insides tender and moist. It’s an easy way to get perfect texture every time.

  3. Can I make this recipe vegan?

    Yes! This basic recipe is naturally vegan, especially if you leave out parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. Just stick to olive oil, garlic, and seasoning, and you’re all set.

  4. How do I avoid burning the garlic?

    Add the minced garlic halfway through roasting instead of at the start. This gentle roasting enhances its flavor without turning it bitter or burnt.

Final Thoughts

This Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe has quickly become my go-to side whenever I want something easy, delicious, and a little bit different. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is totally simple to pull off on a busy weeknight. I really hope you give it a try and find yourself loving Brussels sprouts the way I do now—crispy, garlicky, and absolutely crave-worthy.

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Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 8 reviews
  • Author: Amanda
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This recipe for Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts delivers perfectly tender and crisp sprouts with a golden-brown finish, enhanced by garlic and optional balsamic vinegar for a deliciously savory side dish.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 16 ounces brussels sprouts
  • 3-4 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • fresh ground black pepper to taste
  • 5 large cloves garlic, minced

Optional Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons high quality balsamic vinegar


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the Brussels sprouts.
  2. Prepare Brussels Sprouts: Trim the bottoms off the Brussels sprouts and slice them in half, then place them in a large rimmed baking sheet.
  3. Toss with Oil and Seasoning: Drizzle olive oil over the sprouts, sprinkle with salt and fresh ground black pepper, and toss them directly in the pan to ensure even coating.
  4. Arrange Sprouts for Roasting: Place each sprout cut side down on the baking sheet to help them stay tender inside and develop a golden crispy exterior.
  5. Roast Initial Time: Roast in the oven for 15 minutes until the cut side is golden brown and crisp.
  6. Add Garlic and Continue Roasting: Sprinkle the minced garlic over the sprouts, toss quickly to combine, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
  7. Final Seasoning and Optional Toss: Remove from oven, taste, and adjust salt and pepper as desired. Optionally, toss with balsamic vinegar just before serving for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Frozen Brussels sprouts can be used; thaw and pat them dry before roasting for best results.
  • Roasted Brussels sprouts can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and can be reheated in an air fryer or oven for 5-10 minutes to regain crispiness.
  • Garlic can be omitted for a simpler taste, and shredded parmesan can be added during the last few minutes of cooking for extra flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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