Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite vegetable: roasted Brussels sprouts! They’re like little bundles of joy when cooked just right—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. I remember the first time I made them; I was hesitant, thinking they’d be bitter like I’d heard. But wow, drizzled with garlic and balsamic glaze, they turned into a delicious side dish that stole the show at dinner! Trust me, once you try roasting Brussels sprouts, you’ll be hooked. They’re not just healthy; they’re downright addictive!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How to Prepare Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Getting those roasted Brussels sprouts just right is super simple, and I can’t wait to share how! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial because a hot oven ensures that your Brussels sprouts will get that lovely golden crispiness.
While the oven is warming up, grab a large bowl and toss your trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 4 cloves of minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Make sure every little sprout is evenly coated—this is key to getting that amazing flavor!
Next, spread the Brussels sprouts out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd them; give them some space to breathe and roast evenly. Pop that tray into the oven and let them roast for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown on the outside and tender when you poke them with a fork. The smell? Oh, it’s heavenly!
Once they’re out, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar for that sweet tangy finish. Serve them up warm, and get ready for the compliments to roll in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Health-packed with nutrients and low in calories, making it a guilt-free side dish.
- Deliciously caramelized edges and a burst of flavor from the garlic and balsamic glaze.
- Versatile enough to pair with any main course, from roasted chicken to a hearty vegetarian dish.
- Customizable—you can easily add your favorite spices or toppings for a unique twist!
Tips for Success
To ensure your roasted Brussels sprouts turn out perfectly, start by making sure they’re all evenly coated with olive oil and seasoning. This helps them roast uniformly and get that delightful crispiness. If you can, choose Brussels sprouts that are similar in size; this way, they’ll cook at the same rate. Don’t skip the preheating step—it’s essential for achieving that golden-brown finish! And if you like a little extra crunch, toss them halfway through roasting for even better results. Lastly, keep an eye on them towards the end; ovens can vary, and you don’t want them to overcook!
Variations on Roasted Brussels Sprouts
There are so many fun ways to switch up your roasted Brussels sprouts, and I can’t wait to share a few of my favorites! For a cheesy twist, try sprinkling some grated Parmesan cheese over the sprouts during the last few minutes of roasting. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some chili flakes for a spicy kick or add a hint of maple syrup for a touch of sweetness that complements the balsamic glaze beautifully.
You can also mix in other veggies like carrots or sweet potatoes to create a colorful medley! Just remember to adjust the roasting time based on the size of your veggies. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of these delicious roasted Brussels sprouts. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes you use, but this should give you a good idea:
- Calories: 56
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Sugar: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
These roasted Brussels sprouts are not only tasty but also a healthy addition to your meal, packed with fiber and nutrients. Enjoy these guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Got questions about roasted Brussels sprouts? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear:
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and dry them thoroughly before roasting, as excess moisture can prevent that lovely crispiness.
What’s the best way to cut Brussels sprouts?
Trim the stem and slice them in half lengthwise. This helps them cook evenly and allows for more surface area to get that delicious caramelization!
How can I make them less bitter?
If you find Brussels sprouts a bit bitter, try roasting them longer for a sweeter flavor or adding a touch of honey or maple syrup alongside the balsamic glaze.
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can clean and cut the Brussels sprouts a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to roast.
What can I serve with roasted Brussels sprouts?
These little beauties pair wonderfully with just about anything! They make a fantastic side for roasted meats, pasta dishes, or even a hearty grain bowl. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to pairing roasted Brussels sprouts, the options are endless, and I’m excited to share a few of my favorites! They make a fantastic side dish alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak, adding a vibrant touch to your meal. If you’re going meatless, serve them with a warm quinoa salad or a hearty pasta primavera for a delightful vegetarian feast. And don’t forget to drizzle a little extra balsamic glaze on top for a finishing touch! Trust me, these roasted Brussels sprouts will elevate any dinner to a whole new level.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover roasted Brussels sprouts is super easy! Just let them cool down, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to bring back that crispy goodness. If you’re short on time, you can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overdo it! Just heat in short bursts, around 30 seconds at a time, to keep them from getting soggy. Enjoy those delicious leftovers!
Print
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: 5 Steps to Irresistible Flavor
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Roasted Brussels sprouts with garlic and balsamic glaze.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and tender.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving.
Notes
- Ensure Brussels sprouts are evenly coated with oil.
- Adjust roasting time based on size of sprouts.
- Try adding Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Vegetable Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 56
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: brussel sprouts, roasted vegetables, healthy side dish
