Allergen Info
Let’s be real: Brussels sprouts usually get a bad rap, right? But trust us, this amazingly simple side dish will have you coming back for seconds, thirds—basically, you’ll wonder why you ever avoided them! It’s by far our favorite way to eat Brussels sprouts in our house now. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and oh-so-flavorful, even our son, Ryder—who’s not a picky eater but, like most kids, doesn’t exactly love veggies—asks for more (which says a lot!).
We’ve even converted our vegetable-hating friends at dinner parties who once swore they hated Brussels sprouts! The best part? They’re ridiculously easy to make. Seriously, if we can get them on board, you know these are worth a try. Let’s dive into this simple recipe that’ll make veggies the star of your next meal!
Perfect for Busy Families
We know how chaotic weeknights can be. Whether you’re rushing home from work or juggling multiple tasks, having a quick, allergy-friendly side dish can be a lifesaver. This recipe is perfect for families in a hurry:
- Easy to Prepare: You only need a handful of ingredients—olive oil, salt, pepper, and a baking sheet.
- Fast Cooking Time: Roasting at a high temperature means they’re ready in under 45 minutes.
- Minimal Clean-Up: One pan is all you need, which means fewer dishes after dinner!
This simple recipe is also completely dairy-free and free from other top allergens, so you can feel confident serving it to the whole family. Plus, they reheat well, so you can make extra for lunches or quick weeknight dinners.
A Little Brussels Sprout History Lesson
Did you know Brussels sprouts are named after Brussels, the capital of Belgium? We always thought they were called “brussel sprouts” too—until we recently learned the correct spelling is actually “Brussels sprouts” with an extra “s” for the city! While either spelling is commonly used these days, using “Brussels sprouts” helps honor the veggie’s history and origin.
These mini cabbages have been grown in Belgium since the 13th century, and they’re popular across northern Europe and the UK, where they often appear roasted during the holiday season. In the U.S., they’ve become a trendy veggie, and people are finding all kinds of ways to make them delicious.
These delicious veggies are part of the cruciferous family, along with broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. These veggies are known for being nutrient-dense and packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Not only are they delicious when roasted, but they’re also incredibly good for you—a win for both taste and nutrition!
How to Include Brussels Sprouts in Your Meals
Brussels sprouts aren’t just a side dish anymore—they can be the star of the show! Here are some ways to make them part of a balanced, family-friendly meal:
- Pair with Our Comforting and Hearty Moussaka: The savory, comforting layers of our dairy-free moussaka go wonderfully with the fresh, earthy flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts. Note: Our moussaka recipe contains tree nuts.
- Add to Grain Bowls: Toss roasted Brussels sprouts into a grain bowl with quinoa, brown rice, or couscous, and top with a drizzle of tahini for extra creaminess (if you do not have a sesame allergy).
- Mix into a Salad: Try shaving raw Brussels sprouts into a salad, or add roasted ones for a warm, crunchy twist. They’re fantastic with leafy greens, nuts, and dried fruits.
These pair beautifully with almost any main course, from roasted meats to vegetarian dishes, making them an easy choice for family dinners.
How Not to Ruin Roasted Brussels Sprouts
If you’ve ever had Brussels sprouts that tasted bitter or mushy, you’re not alone! The most common way people ruin Brussels sprouts is by overcooking them, especially when roasting. Here are a few tips to get them right every time:
- Use High Heat: Roast at 400–425°F. High heat helps them crisp up on the outside while staying tender inside.
- Spread Them Out: Brussels sprouts need room to breathe on the baking sheet. Crowding them causes them to steam instead of roast, which leads to soggy sprouts.
- Cut Larger Sprouts in Half: If your Brussels sprouts are big, slice them in half. This helps them cook evenly and faster.
So, remember: keep it hot, spread them out, and you’ll get perfectly crispy roasted Brussels sprouts every time! Following these simple tips will give you consistently delicious results.
Dairy-Free and Allergy-Friendly
On our blog, we’re all about dairy-free recipes, and we love that this dish is naturally free from dairy and all the other top allergens. Finding simple, allergy-friendly recipes that don’t require substitutions or complicated ingredient swaps can be challenging, so this recipe is a breath of fresh air. Plus, it’s a hit with kids! When Ryder asks for more of these tiny cabbages, we know we’ve done something right.
Spice it Up
This recipe is also easy to adapt to your family’s preferences:
- Add a Touch of Spice: If your family enjoys a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce over the roasted Brussels sprouts.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Finish with fresh herbs like chives or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- Try a Hint of Citrus: A squeeze of lemon juice over the finished Brussels sprouts brightens the flavor and adds a fresh zing.
These options keep the recipe simple yet allow for a little customization to suit your family’s tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
- Oil of your choice (suggestion: avocado oil for high heat tolerance; olive oil or other oils work well too)
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon pepper, divided
Optional Toppings:
- Honey-sriracha or maple-bourbon sauce for extra flavor
- Ranch dressing on the side for dipping
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) for perfectly crispy Brussels sprouts.
Step 2: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
Slice each Brussels sprout in half lengthwise, from top to stem, aiming to cut through the largest outer leaf for a clean slice.
Step 3: Prep the Baking Sheet
Lightly oil a baking sheet, then sprinkle half the salt and pepper over the oiled surface.
Step 4: Arrange the Sprouts and Add More Oil and Seasoning
Place the halved Brussels sprouts cut-side down on the baking sheet. Drizzle a little extra oil over the top, then sprinkle the remaining salt and pepper evenly across them.
Step 5: Roast
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 35-40 minutes. The Brussels sprouts should be browned and crispy on the cut side, with the tops slightly softened and caramelized.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
These Brussels sprouts are delicious as-is, but if you’d like to add extra flavor, toss them in a sauce like honey-sriracha or maple-bourbon, or serve with a side of ranch for dipping.
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Perfectly Crispy Brussels Srouts
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts halved
- Oil of your choice suggestion: avocado oil for high heat tolerance; olive oil or other oils work well too
- 1 teaspoon salt divided
- 1 teaspoon pepper divided
Optional Toppings:
- Honey-sriracha or maple-bourbon sauce for extra flavor
- Ranch dressing on the side for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) for perfectly crispy Brussels sprouts.
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Slice each Brussels sprout in half lengthwise, from top to stem, aiming to cut through the largest outer leaf for a clean slice.
- Prep the Baking Sheet: Lightly oil a baking sheet, then sprinkle half the salt and pepper over the oiled surface.
- Arrange the Sprouts: Place the halved Brussels sprouts cut-side down on the baking sheet.
- Add More Oil and Seasoning: Drizzle a little extra oil over the Brussels sprouts, then sprinkle the remaining salt and pepper evenly across them.
- Roast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 35-40 minutes. The Brussels sprouts should be browned and crispy on the cut side, with the tops slightly softened and caramelized.
- Serve and Enjoy: These Brussels sprouts are delicious as-is, but if you’d like to add extra flavor, toss them in a sauce like honey-sriracha or maple-bourbon, or serve with a side of ranch for dipping.
Make Brussels Sprouts the Star of Your Next Family Meal
Finding easy, allergy-friendly recipes that fit into busy schedules and don’t require hours in the kitchen is no small feat. That’s why we love sharing recipes like this one with you—because it’s proof that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few simple steps, you can have a healthy, dairy-free side dish that your family will love.
Share Your Creations with Us!
We’d love to see how your roasted Brussels sprouts turn out! Head over to our Instagram and tag us in your posts or stories. Show us your creative twists and the ways you’ve incorporated Brussels sprouts into your meals. Did you make them spicy, add them to a bowl, or come up with a new pairing? Share your ideas and inspire others in our community. We can’t wait to see your delicious creations!
