Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts: 1 amazing recipe

Name: Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Optional: 2 cloves garlic, minced; Optional: 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Written by Carla Davis

October 26, 2025

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Okay, let’s talk Brussels sprouts. For years, I felt like I was in a love-hate relationship with them. You know, the kind where you *want* to love them because they’re so good for you, but they always seemed to end up a sad, mushy, slightly bitter mess. Sound familiar? I tried boiling, steaming… you name it. Nothing worked. Then, one crisp autumn day, I stumbled upon the magic of **roasted Brussels sprouts**. Trust me when I say, this simple oven method changes *everything*. We’re talking perfectly tender on the inside, ridiculously crispy and caramelized on the outside. My own family, who used to run the other way at the mere mention of sprouts, now begs for them. And the best part? It’s SO easy!

Close-up overhead view of perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts, some whole and some halved, showing caramelized edges.

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Table of Contents

Why You'll Love These Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients for Perfect Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Tips for Achieving Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts
How to Make the Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Variations for Your Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Serving Suggestions for this Healthy Holiday Dish
Frequently Asked Questions about Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Nutritional Information
Share Your Crispy Brussels Sprouts Creations!

Why You’ll Love These Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Honestly, these aren’t your grandma’s mushy sprouts. Here’s why you’ll be obsessed:

Super Easy: Seriously, just a little chopping and tossing. The oven does all the hard work!
Incredible Flavor: Crispy, caramelized edges with a nutty, savory kick? Yes, please!
Versatile Star: They’re the perfect crispy vegetable side for pretty much anything.
Healthy & Delicious: Packed with goodness without sacrificing taste. A total win-win!

Ingredients for Perfect Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Here’s what you’ll need to make these incredibly delicious sprouts:

2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
3 tablespoons good quality olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt (sea salt or kosher salt work great!)
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Optional: 2 cloves garlic, minced (for that extra punch of flavor)
Optional: 4 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled (because bacon makes everything better!)

Tips for Achieving Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making these Brussels sprouts unbelievably crispy. I’ve learned a few tricks over the years, and trust me, these make all the difference. First off, the drying part is HUGE! I used to just drain them and toss them in oil, but nope, that just steams them. Go ahead and pat every single sprout you’re about to roast completely dry with paper towels—seriously, get them bone dry. This little step is key for getting those gorgeous crispy bits. Next, high heat is your friend! Don’t be shy with that oven temperature; it’s what gives us that beautiful caramelization and avoids that dreaded bitterness. Also, resist the urge to cram them all onto one pan. If they’re piled up, they steam instead of roast. I’ve definitely learned that the hard way! Using two pans if needed is a small effort for a big reward. It helps ensure every single one gets that perfect golden-brown, crispy edge we’re all after. For more ideas on getting things perfectly crispy, check out my crispy roasted chickpeas or even my crispy smashed Brussels sprouts. These tips are what turn a simple side into a showstopper!

Close-up of perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts, showing their crispy edges and vibrant green color.

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How to Make the Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Alright, let’s get these amazing **roasted Brussels sprouts** in the oven! It’s really a straightforward process, but a few little details make all the difference. I’ve been making these for years, and I can tell you with certainty that following these steps gets me consistently delicious results every single time. It’s all about setting yourself up for success right from the start!

Step 1: Prepare Your Brussels Sprouts

First things first, we need to get our sprouts ready. I always start by trimming off any sad, dried-out little ends. Then, I give them a good rinse and, super importantly, pat them *really* dry with paper towels. Seriously, get them as dry as possible. This is your secret weapon for achieving those irresistible crispy edges we’re after!

Step 2: Seasoning for Flavor

Now for the fun part – seasoning! In a big bowl, I toss the halved sprouts with a generous glug of olive oil. Make sure they’re all nicely coated, but not drowning! Then comes the salt and pepper, and if you’re feeling fancy, I love to toss in some minced garlic right here. It infuses so much flavor as they roast!

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Step 3: Roasting to Perfection

Spread those seasoned sprouts out onto a baking sheet in a single layer. This is crucial for getting them golden and crispy all over, not steamed and sad. Pop them into your preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. You’ll want to roast them for about 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You’re looking for that beautiful caramelized char on the edges and for them to be fork-tender. That beautiful browning? That’s pure flavor!

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Once they’re perfectly roasted and smell absolutely divine, take them out of the oven. If you decided to go the extra mile with bacon (smart move!), now’s the time to sprinkle that glorious crumbled goodness over the hot sprouts. Give them one last little toss, and they are ready to be devoured!

Close-up of perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts, some halved, showing crispy edges and vibrant green leaves.

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Variations for Your Roasted Brussels Sprouts

While I absolutely adore these Brussels sprouts just as they are, sometimes you just want to switch things up, right? Don’t be afraid to get creative here! A drizzle of balsamic glaze right after they come out of the oven is heavenly – it adds a touch of sweetness and tang that’s just divine. Or, if you love a bit of brightness, a little lemon zest sprinkled over the top really wakes them up. We already talked about how amazing they are with crumbled bacon, but you could also try adding some toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch. And of course, don’t forget a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat! So many deliciously simple ways to make them your own, all found in my side dish recipes!

Serving Suggestions for this Healthy Holiday Dish

These roasted Brussels sprouts are honestly so good, they pretty much go with anything! On a holiday table, they’re the perfect bright note next to richer dishes like turkey or ham. They really shine as part of a larger colorful spread, proving that a vegetable can be the star! For weeknights, I love pairing them with a simple roast chicken or even some baked salmon. They feel fancy enough for guests but are totally doable any night of the week. You could even serve them alongside a hearty soup or a fresh salad from my soup and salad collection, or make them part of a full weeknight dinner spread. They’re just that perfect **healthy holiday dish** that balances everything out beautifully!

Frequently Asked Questions about Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Got questions about getting your Brussels sprouts just right? I totally get it! Here are some common ones I hear.

How do I prevent Brussels sprouts from being bitter when roasted?

Oh, bitterness! It’s usually caused by overcooking or using really old sprouts. Make sure you’re using fresh ones and roasting at a good, hot temperature (400°F is my go-to!). Don’t let them get mushy; that’s when the bitterness really shows up. Cooking them until they’re tender with nicely caramelized edges is key!

Can I make roasted Brussels sprouts ahead of time?

You can totally prep them a day in advance! Trim and halve them, but wait to toss them with oil and seasonings until you’re ready to roast. If you have leftovers, they’re best reheated in a hot oven or a skillet for a few minutes to bring back that crispiness. Microwaving tends to make them a bit soft, so I avoid that if possible!

What’s the best way to get crispy roasted Brussels sprouts?

It all comes down to a few things! First, pat those sprouts super dry before tossing them with oil. Second, high heat is your friend – don’t be afraid of that 400°F oven. And third, give them space! Don’t overcrowd the pan. If they’re too close, they’ll steam instead of roast, and nobody wants steamed sprouts when they’re craving that delicious crispy texture!

Nutritional Information

Just a quick note that these numbers are estimates, of course! They can bounce around a little depending on exactly how much oil you use or if you go wild with the bacon. This is based on a serving size of about 1 cup of the plain roasted Brussels sprouts (without bacon).

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: Approx. 150
Fat: Approx. 10g
Saturated Fat: Approx. 1.5g
Carbohydrates: Approx. 12g
Fiber: Approx. 5g
Sugar: Approx. 3g
Protein: Approx. 4g
Sodium: Approx. 300mg

I just love hearing how your cooking adventures turn out! Did you try these roasted Brussels sprouts? Were they a hit with your family? Did you discover any yummy variations I haven’t thought of yet? Please, spill the beans in the comments below! I’m always looking for new ideas and I absolutely love seeing your creations. Don’t forget to give the recipe a star rating if you enjoyed it – it really helps other cooks find it! And if you’ve got questions or just want to say hello, feel free to reach out via my contact page. Happy cooking!