Roasted Brussels Sprouts: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe (2024)

Brussels sprouts have historically been at the top of the “most hated vegetables” list, but that has changed dramatically in the last decade. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) data shows that consumption of these greens has more than doubled, according to produce industry publicationThe Packer.

NPR attributes that change to breeders who propagated varieties with lower levels of the compounds that give sprouts their characteristically bitter taste. Like other members of the brassica family, which includes kale, broccoli, and cauliflower, per Britannica, Brussels sprouts contain glucosinolates, sulfur compounds that can have an off-putting taste or odor, according to an article published the Chemistry and Industry. Complicating matters, some individuals may be genetically predisposed to be more sensitive to these compounds.

There is another way to reduce or eliminate sprouts’ bitterness: Cook them properly. Roasting and sauteing Brussels sprouts at high temperatures brings out their natural sweetness and can make them crispy instead of soggy (thinly slicing sprouts on a mandoline first can help).

Those bitter compounds aren’t all bad, however — they’re also the source of sprouts’ anti-cancer properties. Brussels sprouts also contain vitamins C and K, folate, and fiber, according to data from the USDA,as well as carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin which have been linked to a decreased risk of macular degeneration, according to anarticle published in February 2022 in Nutrients.

Naturally low in carbohydrates, Brussels sprouts can be a healthy addition to any diet. Learn how to roast them so you can enjoy their flavor as much as their other benefits.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is roasted brussels sprouts healthy? ›

Like their cruciferous vegetable counterparts Sauteed Cabbage and Roasted Broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts are healthy; they contain fiber and nutrients like vitamin C. Great Leftover. Any leftovers you don't immediately demolish can be gently reheated the next day in the oven.

What is the healthiest way to eat Brussels sprouts? ›

Roasting Brussels sprouts caramelizes their natural sugar and mellows out bitter notes, providing rich flavor and a crispier texture. Brussels sprouts are a good source of fiber and vitamins C and K, notes the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Why do you soak Brussels sprouts before cooking? ›

Not only can soaking make the centers more malleable, but the water that's absorbed into them will create a steaming action, whether you choose to roast, saute, or make your Brussels sprouts in your air fryer. The steam can help to ensure the cooking is even throughout the Brussels sprout.

Why are my roasted brussel sprouts not crispy? ›

If you want your roasted Brussels sprouts to be seriously crispy, you need to crank up the heat. Roasting at a low temperature won't allow them to brown properly, so you want to get that oven nice and hot before tossing in your baking sheet. Follow this tip: Roast Brussels sprouts at a minimum of 400°F.

When not to use brussel sprouts? ›

If any of the leaves have brown spots or are yellowing, it's a sign of early spoilage. If you remove the blemished leaves and the interior looks OK, you can still use the sprout. However, if the interior leaves are also showing blemishes or yellowing, it's best to toss it (or compost it, if you can).

What organs are brussel sprouts good for? ›

Eating a lot of Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous veggies may help protect against cancers of the stomach, lungs, kidney, breast, bladder, and prostate. Crunchy veggies like Brussels sprouts may also help you stave off other health issues, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes.

Which is healthier broccoli or brussel sprouts? ›

While broccoli may have a higher count of calories, fat, and carbs, it is richer in calcium, iron, and pantothenic acid (a B vitamin that does wonders for healthy hair), and has a bit more potassium. Brussels sprouts, on the other hand, are lower in sodium.

Do you roast brussel sprouts face up or down? ›

Place them face down and resist the urge to move them around. A searing hot baking sheet with the brussels cut side down is the key to crispy brussel perfection.

Why are my roasted brussels sprouts mushy? ›

If they are soggy and mushy-they are probably overcooked. You want a crisp on the outside Brussel sprout, so watch that cooking time.

Do you need to wash Brussels sprouts before roasting? ›

To prepare brussel sprouts, you should rinse them well or even soak them if you have enough time. Trim the bottoms and outer leaves off, then cut them in half to prep them for roasting.

Do you cut Brussels sprouts in half before roasting? ›

Cut the bottom of each brussels sprout off (about 1/4" or less) and then slice in half lengthwise. Toss all ingredients and place in a single layer on a baking dish. Roast for 25 minutes or until brussels sprouts are slightly browned and tender throughout. Serve hot or cold.

Is it better to parboil brussel sprouts before roasting? ›

Unlike other vegetables, Brussels sprouts can be parboiled (even a day ahead) to reduce the roasting time without hurting their texture. That means the sprouts can be popped in the oven while the meat is resting before carving. Of course, if the main course is grilled or pan-cooked, the oven will be free for roasting.

How do you get the bitterness out of roasted brussel sprouts? ›

A splash of lemon juice, or even apple cider vinegar, works wonders on bitter sprouts. Another key ingredient is fat, which helps Brussels sprouts to crisp up. This is why it's so popular to render bacon fat and cook Brussels sprouts in it, then add the bacon bits back in at the end.

Does roasting brussel sprouts destroy nutrients? ›

Cooking Brussels sprouts releases the enzyme myrosinase. It breaks down glucosinolates into isothiocyanates, which may have anticancer properties. Be careful though, as cooking vegetables over 284˚F (140˚C), such as when roasting, destroys glucosinolates ( 7 , 11 , 12 ).

Are crispy Brussels sprouts healthy to eat? ›

Eating a lot of Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous veggies may help protect against cancers of the stomach, lungs, kidney, breast, bladder, and prostate. Crunchy veggies like Brussels sprouts may also help you stave off other health issues, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes.

Is it OK to eat Brussels sprouts everyday? ›

Is it OK to eat Brussels sprouts everyday? Go for it. “If you enjoy sprouts and can tolerate them, absolutely! They're lower in calories and contain a myriad of important nutrients” says Snyder.

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