If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing side dish for the holidays (or any dinner!), these crispy roasted Brussels sprouts are perfection. They’re caramelized on the outside, tender on the inside, and topped with a mix of sweet, savory, and crunchy additions that take them to the next level.
The secret to achieving that irresistible golden, caramelized, crispy finish? It comes down to the right ingredients and the perfect technique. But don’t worry, it’s super simple, and I’m going to walk you through it.
Nutritional Profile: Why Brussels Sprouts Deserve a Spot On Your Plate
Brussels sprouts are not just delicious; they’re a nutritional powerhouse full of vitamins K and C, minerals like potassium and folate, fiber, and antioxidants. As a cruciferous vegetable, they offer added detoxification power, which puts them on regular rotation in the Be Well kitchen:
- Detoxification Support: They contain compounds such as sulforaphane and indoles that aid the liver in natural detoxification processes.
- Fiber Rich: High in fiber, they are excellent for promoting regular digestion and supporting a robust microbiome profile.
- Nutrient Density: They are packed with essential vitamins like Vitamin K (important for bone health) and Vitamin C (an immune booster).
- Antioxidants: Despite roasting, Brussels sprouts retain valuable antioxidants that protect cells and aid in neutralizing and eliminating toxins, carcinogens, and other harmful substances.
High-Heat Cooking: Why Primal Kitchen Pure Avocado Oil is Key
The key to achieving perfectly crispy roasted vegetables that are still healthy: an oil with a high smoke point. When you are aiming for that deep caramelization at a high oven temperature, using the wrong oil can lead to smoking, burning, and a bitter taste before your sprouts are actually crisp. Not to mention, it damages the cellular structure of the oil, which can have negative downstream health impacts.
This is why I choose Primal Kitchen Pure Avocado Oil (use code KELLY):
- High Smoke Point: It can handle the high heat necessary for caramelization without breaking down.
- Neutral Flavor: It allows the natural, slightly sweet and nutty flavor of the sprouts to shine through.
- Versatility: It's a true pantry staple that works for roasting, sautéing, searing, and even homemade dressings.
- Pure & Quality Tested: It’s never blended with other oils, so it’s a product and brand that I can trust.
Be Well Tip: You can now find Primal Kitchen Pure Avocado Oil at Walmart stores nationwide or on walmart.com!
The Crispy Leaves Brussels Sprouts Cooking Hack
This simple trick to cooking Brussels sprouts elevates the entire dish and is the secret weapon for getting those extra-crispy bits that everyone fights over:
- Save the Scraps: When prepping your sprouts, peel off and save any loose, thin outer leaves that fall off.
- Delayed Addition: Don't add these delicate leaves at the start of roasting! They will burn before the sprout halves are cooked through.
- Hack the Final Minutes: During the last 5 minutes of roasting, scatter the loose leaves onto the pan. They will crisp up quickly and transform into addictively crunchy vegetable "chips."
The Perfect Protein Pairings:
These Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a family-friendly staple side dish in my kitchen. They pair beautifully with almost any protein, cook quickly, and once you perfect this simple method, I promise they’ll be your new favorite vegetable dish, too!
Poultry:
- Be Well Whole Roast Chicken: A classic, crowd-pleasing pairing. This simple roast chicken provides the perfect savory, tender contrast to crispy, caramelized sprouts.
- Easy Lemon-Herb Chicken: For a quicker weeknight option, a simple chicken breast seasoned with lemon and herbs offers a light, bright flavor that complements the roasted vegetable's rich earthiness.
Seafood:
- Simple Seared Salmon: This nutrient-dense meal is fast to prepare, but filling and nutrient-dense. Seared salmon provides essential omega-3 fatty acids, creating a balanced plate of healthy fats, protein, and fiber when paired with the sprouts.
- Quick Seared Shrimp: Seared shrimp comes together in minutes. It’s an excellent lean source of protein. A simple sear with avocado oil, garlic, and a squeeze of lemon offers a light and satisfying pairing that allows the robust flavor of the crispy sprouts to shine.
Red Meat:
- Quick Skillet Steak: A well-seasoned, grass-fed steak cooked quickly in a skillet makes your sprouts feel like a restaurant-quality fancy. Steak night vibes in the comfort of your home.
- Simple Ground Beef: For maximum speed and simplicity, a basic seasoned patty is an easy way to get a complete, protein-focused meal on the table fast. When paired with your Brussels sprouts, you have a perfectly balanced Fab Four-style meal.
Hungry for More Simple Vegetable Side Dish Stunners?
With “greens” taking up a pillar in my easy-to-use blood sugar-balancing Fab Four Formula, I prioritize simple, vibrant vegetable sides at every meal. My blog is full of more ideas, including these favorites:
