Roasted Brussels Sprouts Delight

Discovering the Delight of Roasted Brussels Sprouts Delight

When I first thought of creating Roasted Brussels Sprouts Delight, I had a clear vision of a simple yet flavorful side dish that could easily elevate any meal. Roasted Brussels Sprouts Delight became my go-to recipe whenever I wanted something quick, healthy, and utterly satisfying. The combination of tender Brussels sprouts, the zing of fresh lemon, and the savory bite of Parmesan is simply irresistible. This dish quickly became a favorite in my kitchen, especially during the holidays.

The Magic of Roasting

Roasting vegetables has always been a beloved technique in my cooking. The way the oven caramelizes the natural sugars in the Brussels sprouts, transforming them into golden-brown bites of goodness, is pure magic. With Roasted Brussels Sprouts Delight, I learned that a hot oven, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper are all it takes to unlock the full potential of these little green gems. The process is effortless, yet the results are nothing short of extraordinary.

Adding a Fresh Twist

The final touch that makes Roasted Brussels Sprouts Delight truly special is the addition of fresh lemon juice and zest, along with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The lemon brightens the dish, adding a fresh, tangy note that perfectly balances the rich, nutty flavor of the roasted sprouts. The Parmesan adds a savory depth that ties everything together, making each bite a delightful experience. I love how these simple ingredients can create such a complex and satisfying flavor profile.

A Holiday Favorite

As much as I enjoy Roasted Brussels Sprouts Delight on any given day, it’s during the holiday season that this dish truly shines. It’s the perfect side dish to accompany a festive meal, bringing a burst of color and flavor to the table. Whether I’m serving it alongside roasted chicken or as part of a larger holiday spread, I know it will always be a hit. This recipe has become a cherished part of my cooking repertoire, and I’m excited to share it with you so you can enjoy its simple pleasures too.

Chef’s Notes- Roasted Brussels Sprouts Delight

• Choosing the Brussels Sprouts: When selecting Brussels sprouts, look for firm, compact heads with vibrant green leaves. Smaller sprouts tend to be sweeter and more tender, making them ideal for roasting.
• Trimming and Cutting: Make sure to trim the tough ends of the sprouts and remove any discolored outer leaves. Halving the sprouts ensures even cooking and allows them to develop a crisp, golden-brown exterior.
• Oil and Seasoning: Don’t skimp on the olive oil. A generous drizzle ensures that the sprouts roast evenly and develop a beautifully crispy texture. Seasoning with salt and pepper is crucial; be sure to toss the sprouts well to coat each piece.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding will cause them to steam rather than roast, leading to a less crispy result. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
• Timing and Temperature: Roasting at 425°F strikes the perfect balance, allowing the Brussels sprouts to cook through while achieving a crispy exterior. Check on them after 20 minutes to prevent overcooking, especially if your sprouts are smaller.
• Enhancing Flavor: Adding the lemon juice and zest after roasting preserves their bright, fresh flavor. Parmesan adds a savory note that pairs perfectly with the slight bitterness of the Brussels sprouts.
• Serving Suggestions: For a gourmet touch, serve with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or sprinkle with toasted nuts like almonds or hazelnuts for added crunch and flavor.
• Storage and Reheating: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 5-10 minutes to restore crispiness.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts Delight

Course: Side DishCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Calories

120

kcal

Total time

35

minutes

Discover the ultimate way to prepare Brussels sprouts with this simple yet flavorful recipe! Perfectly roasted to a golden brown, these sprouts are enhanced with a zesty lemon and Parmesan twist. Ideal for holiday gatherings or a healthy side dish any time of the year. Get ready to impress your guests with this delightful and easy-to-make dish!

Ingredients

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts ends trimmed and halved

• extra-virgin olive oil

• sea salt

• black pepper

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 2 teaspoons lemon zest

• 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese grated or ¼ cup shaved

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

• fresh parsley leaves

• red pepper flakes

• Alternative Ingredients:

• Brussels sprouts substitute: Broccoli florets or cauliflower florets

• Olive oil substitute: Avocado oil or melted coconut oil

• Parmesan cheese substitute: Nutritional yeast for a vegan option or Pecorino Romano

Directions

• Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 425°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Prepare Brussels Sprouts – Halve the Brussels sprouts after trimming the ends. Toss them in a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
• Roast Sprouts – Spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts evenly on the baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes until they are tender and golden brown around the edges. The exact time will vary based on the size of the sprouts.
• Add Flavor – Once roasted, transfer the Brussels sprouts back to the bowl. Add fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh thyme leaves. Toss to combine.
• Garnish and Serve – Place the Brussels sprouts on a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley leaves and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Equipment

• baking sheet
• chef’s knife
• cutting board
• mixing bowls
• measuring cups and spoons

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 120kcal
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Potassium: 350mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 2g
• Vitamin A: 15IU
• Vitamin C: 100mg
• Calcium: 6mg
• Iron: 6mg

FAQs- Roasted Brussels Sprouts Delight

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

Yes, but be aware that frozen Brussels sprouts may release more water during roasting, which can affect the crispiness. For best results, thaw and pat them dry before roasting.

How do I prevent the Brussels sprouts from becoming too bitter?

Roasting helps reduce the bitterness, but adding a touch of sweetness like a drizzle of honey or maple syrup before roasting can balance the flavors. Also, smaller sprouts tend to be less bitter.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version. It adds a similar savory, cheesy flavor.

What can I do if my Brussels sprouts aren’t crispy enough?

If your sprouts are not as crispy as you’d like, try increasing the oven temperature to 450°F for the last 5 minutes of roasting. Also, ensure they are spread out on the baking sheet to avoid steaming.

Can I prepare the Brussels sprouts ahead of time?

Yes, you can trim and halve the Brussels sprouts a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. For best results, roast them fresh to retain their crispiness.