Roasted Brussels sprouts
Give Brussels sprouts a golden, flavour-packed finish with our delicious oven-roasted recipe. As the sprouts roast, they turn crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside. A combination of butter, garlic, Parmesan, and nutmeg enhances their flavour, which is then complemented by lemon juice and fresh parsley. This dish could very well be your new go-to when you need a warm side dish.
Ingredients
|
Brussels sprouts
|
500 g |
|---|---|
|
Olive oil
|
2 tbsp |
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Butter, cubed
|
50 g |
|
Garlic cloves, finely grated
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2 |
|
Parmesan cheese, finely grated
|
40 g |
|
Nutmeg, finely grated
|
½ |
|
Fresh parsley, chopped
|
1 tbsp |
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Lemon, juice
|
½ |
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Salt and pepper, to taste
|
Method
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
Choose Brussels sprouts that feel tightly packed and look bright green, as these have the best flavour. Smaller sprouts are sweeter, while larger ones have a more cabbage-like taste. Trim tough ends and remove loose outer leaves.
Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This saves time when you are ready to cook, and the sprouts stay fresh until they go in the oven.
Check the Brussels sprouts towards the end of roasting. They should feel tender when pierced with the tip of a knife but still retain a slight bite in the centre. Take them out of the oven when the outer leaves turn golden and crisp, since a few extra minutes can leave the centres overly soft.
FAQ: Questions about roasted Brussels sprouts
If you are new to roasting Brussels sprouts and want to achieve perfectly golden-crisp results, check out our FAQs. Here, you will find answers to common questions that will help you master this savoury dish.
Do I need to soak or boil Brussels sprouts before roasting?
No, you do not need to soak or boil the Brussels sprouts before roasting. Soaking can prevent the sprouts from browning and getting crispy. Instead, just trim and halve the sprouts, rinse them briefly if they are dirty, and dry them well. Starting with raw spouts lets the cut sides brown directly against the hot baking tray while the centres become tender in the oven.
How do I make roasted Brussels sprouts crispy?
To get crispy roasted Brussels sprouts, dry them thoroughly, toss them lightly in olive oil, and arrange them cut-side down in a single layer on a baking tray with space between them. This gives the flat surface direct contact with the hot tray and prevents the sprouts from steaming. Avoid stirring or flipping them more than necessary, so the crust has a chance to form.
Do I need to cover the Brussels sprouts while they roast?
No, you should not cover the Brussels sprouts while they roast. The dry heat of the oven is what turns them golden brown and crisp, and covering them would trap steam and leave them soft.
How do I know when roasted Brussels sprouts are done?
You know roasted Brussels sprouts are done when they are tender enough to pierce with a fork or knife, browned at the edges, and crisp. The cut sides should look deeply golden rather than pale. They should still have a little bite so they do not turn soft.
How do I store leftover roasted Brussels sprouts?
Store leftover roasted Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can place a paper towel at the bottom to soak up extra moisture if you like. Reheat in the oven until warmed through, allowing the browned edges to crisp up again.
Nutritional values per serving
Energy:
165 Kcal
| Energy distribution % | Nutritional values per serving | |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre | - | 4.3 g |
| Protein | 13.6 % | 5.5 g |
| Fat | 73.1 % | 13.6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 13.3 % | 5.4 g |
Try our roasted Brussels sprouts with a savoury finish
Forget every bad rumour you ever heard about Brussels sprouts. Our recipe roasts them twice: first in olive oil, then in butter, garlic, Parmesan, and nutmeg. Golden and crisp, they come out of the oven tender with a slight bite in the centre. After the first bite, you will wonder why you did not make extra.
Roasted with butter, garlic, and Parmesan
The first stint in the oven with olive oil sets the golden crust. Mixing in butter, garlic, and Parmesan for the second round develops a deeper flavour in every leaf. The butter melts into the layers, and the garlic turns soft and fragrant. Parmesan browns just enough to add a salty, nutty note that works particularly well with the caramelised sprouts.
Warm nutmeg balanced by bright citrus and herbs
A fine grating of nutmeg warms up the sprouts and brings out an unexpected gentle sweetness. Lemon juice instantly lifts the dish, cutting through the butter and Parmesan with a clean, zesty snap. Fresh parsley adds a vibrant touch and an herby finish.
A versatile side for all kinds of meals
Roasted Brussels sprouts are versatile enough for any meal setting, from weeknight dinners to festive feasts. They sit comfortably beside roast turkey, or leg of lamb, but they are just as welcome next to a creamy pasta, smashed potatoes, or a tray of oven-roasted vegetables. Their mix of browned edges, savoury Parmesan, and fresh lemon makes them easy to match with a wide range of dishes.
If this recipe has sparked your interest in Brussels sprouts, try our air fryer smashed brussels sprouts.
Creative variations to explore
You can easily put a spin on these roasted Brussels sprouts without changing the basic recipe. Add a pinch of chilli flakes or cayenne pepper alongside the garlic for a bit of heat, or replace the parsley with fresh thyme for a more aromatic finish. A drizzle of honey or a spoonful of cranberry sauce introduces a touch of sweetness that works particularly well around the festive season.
For extra texture, scatter toasted hazelnuts, pine nuts, or almonds over the sprouts before serving. You can also replace some of the Parmesan with Pecorino for a saltier, sharper finish. A bit of finely grated lemon zest added with the lemon juice makes the citrus flavour stand out even more.
In our collections, there is a whole world of festive sides to explore. Browse our Christmas salad recipes for more ways to round out the plate, or head to our air fryer recipes for beginners to find more easy, flavourful recipes.