How To Get Crispy Brussel Sprouts

Roasting is one of the best ways to bring out the delicious nutty flavours in Brussels sprouts—plus it's SO easy. All you really need to do is toss them with olive oil, spread them on a baking tray, and let them hang out in the oven for a half an hour. The result is delicious veggies that might even outshine your main course.

What makes roasted Brussels sprouts so delicious? The crispy edges! There are a few ways to insure that your Brussels get as crispy as possible:

Don't line your tray.

Grease proof paper is great for baked goods like cookies and brownies, but not needed for roasting. Veggies have a much better chance of crisping up when placed directly on a metal baking sheet.

Don't overcrowd your pan.

As your sprouts cook they will release a bit of moisture. If all of them are crowded in a small pan, that moisture will begin to steam the Brussels, resulting in mushy sprouts. Mushy sprouts = :(

Keep the heat high.

Want deep caramelisation in a short amount of time? High heat is the way to go. Roasting at a lower heat will eventually give you some golden veggies, but we prefer hot and fast because it leaves the sprouts with a little bit of crunch. Al dente Brussels sprouts, if you will.

Keep 'em cut side down.

As with any roasted veggie, we want as much surface area to be touching the baking sheet as possible. After you've dumped all your oiled-up sprouts onto your baking sheet, give it a shake to allow the sprouts to rest cut-side down. I like to even go through and flip the last stragglers. It'll be worth it in the end.

Don't mess with them.

Those cut sides will take a while to caramelise, so give 'em a chance! If you're stirring your veg every few minutes, they won't have enough time on any side to get that delicious golden colour. Before giving your sprouts a big stir, check the undersides to make sure they're done caramelising. If you've got the colour you're looking for, give them a stir to allow them to get a little colour on their rounded sides.

Have fun with variations.

This is a very basic and simple recipe...with endless opportunities for variations. Feel free to add hearty freshly chopped herbs, like thyme or rosemary. Or, a few smashed cloves of garlic to infuse a super savoury flavour. Spices, like cumin, coriander, and chilli powder, are also great ways to elevate the vegetable side.

Save the leftovers!

Leftovers store well in an airtight container for 3 to 5 days after cooking. And they taste particularly amazing when thrown into a quesadilla, grilled cheese, or pan of fried rice.

Editor's Note: This recipe was edited on March 11, 2020.

Makes: 4

Prep Time: 0 hours 5 mins

Total Time: 0 hours 30 mins

450 g

Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

2 tbsp.

olive oil

salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Flaky sea salt, for serving (optional)

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Preheat oven to 220°C (200ºC Fan). On a large baking sheet, drizzle brussels sprouts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss until combined.
Roast until the brussels sprouts are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, about 25 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through.
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, if desired, and serve immediately.

Ethan Calabrese

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Lauren Miyashiro Food Director Lauren Miyashiro is a contributing recipe developer at Delish, and our former Food Director.

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