There’s something about the humble Brussels sprout that brings back childhood memories of holiday dinners—though, to be honest, I wasn’t always a fan. Fast forward to today, and these little green gems have become a staple in my kitchen, especially when roasted to crispy perfection with garlic and Parmesan. It’s like magic; they transform into bite-sized pieces of savory bliss that practically dance on your taste buds.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. Trim the Brussels sprouts by cutting off any dry stem ends, then slice the larger ones in half so that all pieces are a similar size for even cooking.
- In a bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, placing the cut sides down to ensure they brown nicely.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the Brussels sprouts for 20 to 30 minutes. They should be tender with a golden-brown edge when done.
- Once roasted, you can enhance the flavor by tossing the Brussels sprouts with lemon juice, zest, Parmesan, and thyme leaves if desired. For an extra kick, garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Lemon juice, optional
- Lemon zest, optional
- Parmesan cheese, optional
- Fresh thyme leaves, optional
- Fresh parsley, optional, for garnish
- Red pepper flakes, optional, for garnish
FAQ
- How should Brussels sprouts be prepared before roasting?
- Begin by trimming and chopping the Brussels sprouts. Remove any dry or woody stems and slice the larger ones in half, while leaving the smaller ones whole. This ensures even cooking.
- What is the best oven temperature for roasting Brussels sprouts?
- The ideal oven temperature for roasting Brussels sprouts is 425 degrees Fahrenheit, which allows them to become tender and develop a golden brown color.
- What can be added to roasted Brussels sprouts for extra flavor?
- After roasting, you can enhance the flavor of Brussels sprouts by tossing them with lemon juice or balsamic vinegar, and adding Parmesan cheese, herbs, red pepper flakes, and nuts or seeds.
- Can roasted Brussels sprouts be used as a main dish?
- Yes, roasted Brussels sprouts can be turned into a main dish by incorporating them into a veggie frittata, pasta dishes, grain bowls, or salads. For added protein, consider adding roasted chickpeas.
- What are some other ways to cook Brussels sprouts besides roasting?
- Besides roasting, Brussels sprouts can be sautéed for pasta, shredded for salads, stir-fried with grains, baked into pasta dishes, or stuffed into baked sweet potatoes.
Tips
- Ensure Uniformity in Size: To achieve even cooking, trim and halve larger Brussels sprouts while leaving smaller ones whole. This helps them roast uniformly, resulting in a deliciously crispy texture.
- Optimize Browning: Arrange the Brussels sprouts cut-side down on the baking sheet. This technique promotes better browning and crispiness on the cut surfaces, enhancing the overall flavor and texture.
- Experiment with Seasonings: While the basic olive oil, salt, and pepper combination is tasty, consider elevating the dish by tossing the roasted sprouts with lemon juice, Parmesan, or fresh herbs for added zest and depth.
- Creative Serving Ideas: Turn your roasted Brussels sprouts into a more substantial meal by incorporating them into dishes like veggie frittatas, pasta, or grain bowls, or by simply adding them to a fresh, hearty salad.
Equipment
- Parchment Paper
- Baking Sheet
