Imagine transforming the often-maligned Brussels sprout into a culinary masterpiece that's crispy, sweet, and utterly addictive. This maple-roasted Brussels sprouts recipe is about to revolutionize your vegetable game, turning these tiny green gems into a side dish so delicious, you'll be fighting over the last bite. Whether you're a Brussels sprouts skeptic or a devoted fan, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking and tantalize your taste buds with its perfect balance of caramelized sweetness and savory crunch.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to ensure easy cleanup.
- Wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly under cool running water. Pat them completely dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Trim the woody stem ends of the Brussels sprouts and slice each sprout in half lengthwise, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even roasting.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Spread the Brussels sprouts cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. This will help them caramelize and develop a crispy exterior.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
- During the last 5 minutes of roasting, drizzle maple syrup over the Brussels sprouts and gently toss to coat, allowing the syrup to caramelize and create a glossy, sweet finish.
- Remove from the oven when the edges are crispy and dark golden brown, and the sprouts are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Transfer to a serving dish and taste, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy, enjoying the perfect balance of caramelized, sweet, and savory flavors.
Tips
- Moisture is the Enemy: Make sure to thoroughly dry your Brussels sprouts after washing. Excess moisture prevents proper caramelization and crispy edges.
- Cut-Side Down is Key: Always place the cut side of the sprouts facing down on the baking sheet. This ensures maximum browning and creates that irresistible crispy texture.
- Don't Overcrowd: Give your sprouts breathing room on the baking sheet. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting, preventing that desired crispy exterior.
- Maple Syrup Timing Matters: Add the maple syrup in the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent burning and achieve a perfect caramelized glaze.
- Temperature is Crucial: A high oven temperature (425°F) is essential for achieving those crispy, caramelized edges.
- Fresh is Best: Choose Brussels sprouts that are firm, bright green, and free from yellow leaves or black spots for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg