I was not a fan of brussel sprouts until I made these.
- Carbohydrate 16.9684728764583 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 1.38342349994517 g
- Fiber 6.60789743649584 g
- Protein 6.08198766475 g
- Saturated Fat 0.227730226074962 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (176g)
- Sodium 43.4497430208406 mg
- Sugar 10.3605754399625 g
- Trans Fat 0.136091142701465 g
- Calories 88 calories
Step-by-step
- Clean and cut brussel sprouts.
- In a bowl, combine the brussel sprouts, oil and seasonings.
- Stir until thoroughly coated.
- Roast the brussel sprouts in a 400(F) degree oven for 18 minutes flipping once.
Why do Brussels sprouts turn bitter and gray when boiled, yet taste sweet and nutty when roasted? High heat drives off sulfurous compounds while caramelizing natural sugars on the outer leaves. Roasting cruciferous vegetables successfully requires dry heat and direct contact with a preheated cooking surface. Cut the sprouts uniformly, dividing larger heads into quarters and leaving smaller ones in halves, to ensure they finish cooking at the same rate. Toss them thoroughly with olive oil so every leaf has a thin film, which acts as a thermal conductor to transfer heat efficiently from the pan to the vegetable.
Make-Ahead, Freezing, and Reheating Behavior
Brussels sprouts retain their structural integrity well when prepared in advance, provided moisture management is handled correctly. Store fully roasted sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Freezing cooked sprouts is generally discouraged because the cell walls rupture during freezing, resulting in a mushy texture upon thawing. Reheat refrigerated sprouts on a metal baking sheet in a 400 degrees Fahrenheit oven for five to seven minutes to restore exterior crispness without overcooking the interior.
- Assess doneness visually by looking for deep mahogany browning on the exposed flat surfaces and tender interior centers that yield easily to a paring knife.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan, as trapped steam prevents Maillard browning and leaves the vegetables soft instead of crisp.
- Ensure the oven reaches a true 400 degrees Fahrenheit before inserting the pan to trigger immediate searing.
