This Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe is smothered in a bacon fat, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar dressing and tossed with goat cheese, parmesan, and bacon!
I have a confession. This Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe is the first time I’ve actually had brussels sprouts. Well…I guess one time Iput them into a vegetable soup, buuuuut I picked them out.
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I feel like most people say they don’t like brussels sprouts, but I feel like those are the people who actually haven’t tried them yet.
Um. Like me.🙋
So why did I create a brussels sprouts recipe? It’s such a great veggie Thanksgiving side dish and I figured it was about time I gave these little guys a try.
This Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe is the perfect gateway into the whole brussels sprouts thing, because…2words:
Bacon. Cheese. <– more specifically…goat cheese.♡
If I’m being really honest with you guys, Thanksgiving food, to me, means carbs.
Rolls. Potatoes. More potatoes. Stuffing. Aaaand more potatoes.
You with me?
Because Trevor and I are going to Mexico shortly after Thanksgiving, I wanted to be sure that this year, I eat a few more greens and a few less carbs. (Ask me on the 27th if that actually happens 😉 ).
Brussels sprouts seemed like the perfect solution.
This roasted brussels sprouts recipe is ready in about 30 minutes, which is great for busy cooking days like Thanksgiving, and really it only took me about 5 minutes to prep once I cooked my bacon.
Yeah. Let’s talk about that for a second.
Bacon.
Ohhhh glorious bacon.
I cooked 4 strips of bacon in a saute pan until it was beautifully crispy. I set this aside, but used the bacon fat to make a dressing.
Bacon fat in a dressing.
I can’t even.🙆
It’s too good.
I whisked together the warm bacon fat with real maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper!
A super simple sauce that really packs a punch.
I tossed brussels sprouts with the dressing, roasted them to p.e.r.f.e.c.t.i.o.n. and then tossed them with goat cheese, parmesan, and the crumbled bacon.
Trevor and I literally fought over the last piece of these roasted brussels sprouts. The brussels sprouts are tender, yet have a slight crisp. The dressing is sosavory and salty with just the right amount of tang from the vinegar and sweetness from the maple syrup. And just when I thought this roasted brussels sprouts recipe couldn’t get aaaany better, tangy, creamy goat cheese, sharp parmesan, and salty, crispy bacon get thrown into the mix.
While this roasted brussels sprouts recipe might be one of the healthier side dishes to make an appearance at your Thanksgiving table, it certainlywon’t be the one lacking in flavor and texture!
– Jennifer
5 from 10 votes
This Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe is smothered in a bacon fat, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar dressing and tossed with goat cheese, parmesan, and bacon!
Why Are My Brussel Sprouts Not Crispy? Spread them out into a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet to avoid overcrowding. If they're too close together, they'll steam instead of roast which stops the crisping process.
There's nothing wrong with soft and chewy Brussels, but if your goal is the type of crispy Brussels that they're serving at your favorite bistro you MUST thoroughly dry the surface of the sprouts before sautéing and/or roasting them. If they are wet they will steam instead of crisp. Surface area is your friend!
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.
To maximize the flat areas, which get the most crispy surface area, cut your Brussels sprouts in half. If your Brussels sprouts are very small, you can leave them whole (and if they are very large, quarter them).
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.
The soak time tenderizes the sprouts so the middles are softer. Don't worry, they won't be soggy! I would never do that to you. If, like me, you don't mind some chew to your sprouts, you don't need to soak the Brussels sprouts prior to cooking.
They are one of my favorite veggies in the whole wide world! When overcooked, Brussels sprouts turn mushy and release excess sulphur (the thing that makes cabbage and Brussels sprouts smell like cabbage and Brussels sprouts)—not good eats.
Halved: Halved Brussel sprouts are the classic cut for sheet-pan roasting or sautéing. Sliced: Crisp these guys up in the air fryer. They are also great for sautéing and roasting – especially if you start with the larger sprouts and want to cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Like soggy steamed Brussels, Brussels sprouts that are dry and chewy are no good either. This could be caused by using too little oil for roasting. You need a nice coating of oil—enough to make the heads shiny or if they're cut, enough oil to get inside the folds of some of the leaves.
The flavor components that contribute to a bitter flavor are concentrated in the center of the brussels sprout. If you slice the the veggie in half, it helps to release some of those compounds during the cooking process. Smaller is better when it comes to tenderness and flavor.
For best results, soak your Brussels sprouts in salt water. Not only does salt act to tenderize the dense sprouts, but it will also help to season them all the way through. It won't take a lot -- just add 1 tablespoon of salt per 1 quart of water and toss in trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts.
Rinse under cold running water to remove any dust or dirt. Use a small knife to remove the sprout tip, and then remove any leaves that have bad spots. Raw: Slice thinly and toss with other shredded vegetables like cabbage, carrots, or beets.
Can be made ahead of time: These roasted Brussels sprouts aren't crispy. While the roasting does provide a nice char flavor, it also leaves them soft. This means they can easily be made ahead of time and reheated for easy meal prep or leftovers.
Your first step should always be to blanch the brussels sprouts. This is basically when they get submerged in boiling water just for a few minutes, not until they're fully cooked, but just enough to take away some of the bitterness. Blanching also softens them and preserves their beautiful bright green color.
Why aren't my Brussels sprouts crispy? Brussels sprouts are 86% water, so steps that keep them from steaming improve their crispness. Skip a silicone mat or parchment paper and roast them uncovered. Use high heat, direct contact with a hot pan and just enough oil to sear the surface without making it soggy.
This could be caused by using too little oil for roasting. You need a nice coating of oil—enough to make the heads shiny or if they're cut, enough oil to get inside the folds of some of the leaves. Without oil, Brussels don't brown and soften—they dehydrate.
We like to use olive oil, but plain vegetable oil is great too. If the sprouts are well-coated, they'll caramelize and char instead of simply softening in the oven. Follow this tip: For every 1 pound of Brussels sprouts, you'll want to use 2 tablespoons of oil.
They are one of my favorite veggies in the whole wide world! When overcooked, Brussels sprouts turn mushy and release excess sulphur (the thing that makes cabbage and Brussels sprouts smell like cabbage and Brussels sprouts)—not good eats.
Introduction: My name is Lakeisha Bayer VM, I am a brainy, kind, enchanting, healthy, lovely, clean, witty person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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