Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts

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The key to getting a good char on Roasted Brussels Sprouts is baking them in a single flat layer, and making sure they don’t overlap. This is a great recipe to show how to do that without using any oil.

sliced brussels sprouts in cast iron pan on wooden table

If you think you don’t like Brussels sprouts, it might be time to try them again. The key is how they are cooked, and this recipe shows the BEST way to cook them!

We love these roasted Brussels sprouts because they’re…

  • Slightly crunchy
  • Full of flavor
  • Loaded with phytonutrients and antioxidants
  • A great snack or side dish
  • Simply delicious
raw brussels sprouts on stalk against dark background
Brussels sprouts grow on stalks like this.

Confession of former Brussels Sprouts hater

When I was growing up, the only way I ever tried Brussels sprouts were boiled, and I never cared for them. My sister felt the same way. She actually said she hated them and, truthfully, we both pretty much did.

My sister used to be known in our house as The Vegetable Hater. She went through a conversion in her forties and adopted a plant-based lifestyle. No kidding! You can read about her success in the link above. If she did it, anyone can.

The best way to cook Brussels sprouts

The recipe card at the bottom of the page has the full list of ingredients with measurements and instructions.

Roasting brings out the best in Brussels sprouts. The high temperature gives them a crisp golden outside while keeping them tender inside. They can even be made in an air fryer, so you don’t have to heat up the kitchen.

Most of the time, I buy fresh Brussels sprouts from the store but even frozen ones can be used here if that’s what you have on hand.

Always wash fresh Brussels sprouts with warm water to remove any grit and germs. I like to toss them into a colander and rinse them under warm water.

Roasted brussels sprouts

Do you need to slice them in half?

The first thing to do is to decide whether you want to slice the sprouts in half or roast them whole. To determine this, I always consider their size and that can vary at different times during the year.

If they are large, I will cut them in half and, if they are on the smaller side, I usually always keep them whole.

I am often asked which knives I use personally, and I have to say that it is Victorinox. They are the same company that makes Swiss Army Knives and the quality is excellent.

raw brussels sprouts on cutting board being sliced in half

I like to place the sprouts on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper for oil-free baking. It also makes clean-up a breeze, because the baking sheet only needs to be wiped and put away.

Just make sure that the sprouts are in a single layer and not overlapped, so they can cook well and have a chance to get nice and crispy.

Other options for cooking them are roasting in a cast iron pan or cooking them in an air fryer.

sliced brussels sprouts on baking pan

Next, I like to mist the sprouts with lime juice and then sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Some folks prefer to use lemon juice or balsamic vinegar. Any of these will work well.

Another great option is to drizzle them with a little maple syrup to give them a deep sweet flavor.

How long to cook them

Oven Method- Bake at 400°F for about 30 minutes–depending on their size. If you decide to slice them in half or quarters, the cooking time can be reduced to about 20 minutes.

Air Fryer Method- If you’re using an air fryer, sprinkle with seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and salt, and cook them at 400°F for approximately 12 minutes.

Whichever cooking method you use, keep an eye on them near the end of the cooking cycle to make sure they don’t burn.

sliced brussels sprouts in cast iron pan on wooden table with wooden spoon

Tips for roasting Brussels sprouts

  • I prefer fresh Brussels sprouts but frozen can also be used.
  • Make sure to wash fresh sprouts thoroughly to remove grit and germs.
  • Baking time will vary depending on the size of the sprouts and whether you slice them in half or not.
  • Mist with lime juice, lemon juice, or balsamic vinegar to add to the flavor and help spices to stick.
  • Salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika are all great spices to use.

*Originally published July 2015.

Other great recipes to try

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.

sliced brussels sprouts in cast iron pan on wooden table
4.57 from 23 votes

Vegan Brussels Sprouts | Roasted

Roasting brings out the best in Brussels Sprouts. The high temperature gives them a crisp golden outside while keeping them tender inside.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 38 minutes
Total: 43 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients 

  • 1 lb fresh Brussels sprouts
  • lemon or lime juice or even balsamic vinegar
  • maple syrup optional
  • Salt & Pepper to taste
  • garlic powder to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400.
  • Frozen Brussels sprouts can be used, but fresh is much better, in my opinion.
  • Always wash fresh Brussels sprouts with warm water to remove any grit and germs. I like to toss them into a colander and rinse them under warm water.
  • The first thing to do is to decide whether you want to slice the sprouts in half or roast them whole. To determine this, I always consider their size and that can vary at different times during the year. If they are large, I will cut them in half and, if they are on the smaller side, I usually always keep them whole.
  • I usually place the sprouts on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper for oil-free baking. It also makes clean-up a breeze, because the baking sheet only needs to be wiped and put away.
  • Other options for cooking them are roasting in a cast iron pan or cooking them in an air fryer.
  • Just make sure that the sprouts are in a single layer and not overlapped, so they can cook well and have a chance to get nice and crispy.
  • Next, I like to mist the sprouts with lime juice and then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Some folks prefer to use lemon juice or balsamic vinegar. Any of these will work well.
  • Another great option is to drizzle them with a little maple syrup to give them a deep sweet flavor.
  • Bake at 400 for approximately 20-30 minutes, until Brussels sprouts are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside.
  • They can also be made in an air fryer at 400°F for 12 minutes

Video

Notes

Cooking Method Options:
Oven Method- Bake at 400°F for about 30 minutes--depending on their size. If you decide to slice them in half or quarters, the cooking time can be reduced to about 20 minutes.
Air Fryer Method- If you're using an air fryer, sprinkle with seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and salt, and cook them at 400°F for approximately 12 minutes.
Whichever cooking method you use, keep an eye on them near the end of the cooking cycle to make sure they don't burn.

Nutrition

Calories: 69kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 1g | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g

Disclaimer

To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

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About Terri Edwards

Hi guys! I am the content creator behind EatPlant-Based and a licensed Food for Life instructor with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. I am passionate about sharing healthy recipes and tips to empower others to get healthy.  I’m so glad you’re here! Read More…

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12 Comments

  1. I mix the sprouts lightly with balsamic vinegar or glaze THEN bake/roast them. (with additional spices you mentioned, except salt. Delicious!

    1. Hi Cassye- You’re very welcome. We had these for dinner last night with cornbread, beans, and corn. I have some new photos of this recipe coming up later today.

    1. Hi Bonnie- I purchased a water bottle with a sprayer and simply removed the sprayer part to fit right on the lime juice bottles that I use. It fits perfectly, so I just spray the lime juice straight from the bottle it came in.

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