Get ready to transform Brussels sprouts into an irresistible side dish that even skeptics will love! These Baked Brussels Sprouts are wonderfully crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with zesty, savory flavor from lemon, paprika, and garlic. Marinated overnight for maximum taste, then roasted to golden perfection, they’re an incredibly easy and healthy addition to any meal.
Why I Love This Recipe
Baked Brussels Sprouts are a staple in my kitchen, and this recipe is my absolute favorite way to prepare them! What I love most is how the overnight marinade truly infuses every sprout with incredible flavor – the bright tang of lemon juice, savory punch of garlic salt, and warm notes of paprika deeply penetrate the vegetables. Then, the high-heat roasting creates that coveted crispy exterior and tender interior that makes Brussels sprouts so addictive. It’s a healthy side dish that feels gourmet, requires minimal hands-on time, and consistently delivers a delicious result. It truly makes vegetables exciting!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Baked Brussels Sprouts:
- 1 lb (about 4 cups) fresh Brussels sprouts
- Juice of 1 lemon (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Black pepper, to taste
- Paprika, to taste (about 1/2 – 1 tsp)
- Garlic salt, to taste (about 1/2 – 1 tsp)
Swaps and Notes
- Brussels Sprouts: Choose firm, bright green Brussels sprouts. Trim the ends and remove any loose outer leaves. Halve them if medium-sized, quarter large ones for even cooking and more crispy edges.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds crucial brightness and helps break down the outer layers for better flavor absorption.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil helps the seasonings adhere and promotes browning.
- Seasonings: Paprika adds color and a mild, sweet pepper flavor. Garlic salt combines garlic and salt; adjust overall salt content based on how much garlic salt you use.
- Optional Spices: A pinch of onion powder, dried thyme, or a tiny dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick can be added to the marinade.
- Airtight Bag: A Ziploc bag is ideal for tossing and marinating, ensuring even coating.
Directions
Let’s get these delicious Baked Brussels Sprouts roasting!
- Prepare Brussels Sprouts: Trim the tough ends off the 1 lb fresh Brussels sprouts and remove any loose or discolored outer leaves. Cut each Brussels sprout in half lengthwise. If they are very large, quarter them for more even cooking and extra crispy edges.
- Marinate: In a large bowl or a gallon-sized resealable plastic bag, combine the juice of 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon olive oil, black pepper to taste (about 1/2 tsp), paprika (about 1/2 – 1 tsp), and garlic salt (about 1/2 – 1 tsp). Add the cut Brussels sprouts, seal the bag (or cover the bowl), and toss around vigorously until all the Brussels sprouts are well coated with the marinade.
- Refrigerate Overnight: Place the sealed bag or covered bowl in the refrigerator and allow the Brussels sprouts to marinate overnight (8-12 hours). This allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the sprouts.
- Preheat Oven: When you’re ready to roast, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange & Bake: Remove the marinated Brussels sprouts from the refrigerator. Spread them out in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Ensure they are not overcrowded, as this will cause them to steam instead of roast and get crispy. Use two baking sheets if necessary. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes.
- Broil for Crispness (Optional): For an extra crispy, beautifully caramelized finish, you can turn your oven’s broiler to high for the last 3-5 minutes. Keep a very close eye on them under the broiler, as they can burn quickly!
- Serve: Remove from the oven. Transfer to a serving dish and serve hot as a delightful side dish.
Tips for Success
- Overnight Marination: This step truly makes a difference in flavor and helps tenderize the sprouts. Don’t skip it if you have time!
- Single Layer for Roasting: Do not overcrowd the baking sheet. Give the Brussels sprouts space to breathe and roast properly; otherwise, they will steam and become soggy. Use two pans if needed.
- High Heat Roasting: Roasting at 400°F (and potentially broiling) is key to achieving crispy, caramelized edges.
- Pat Dry (After Washing, Before Marinating): While the recipe indicates patting dry, ensuring they are very dry before adding to the marinade can help the marinade adhere better.
- Watch the Broiler: Broilers are powerful and can burn quickly. Keep a constant eye on the sprouts during this step.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning after roasting, especially salt and pepper.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Baked Brussels Sprouts are a versatile and delicious side dish that pairs wonderfully with:
- Roasted Meats: Excellent with roast chicken (like our Simple Roast Chicken), pork chops, or beef.
- Grilled Fish: A healthy and flavorful complement to grilled salmon or white fish.
- Pasta Dishes: A great green vegetable side for hearty pasta meals.
- Holiday Meals: A delicious and vibrant addition to Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners.
- For other incredibly popular, crowd-pleasing vegetable sides or one-pan meals, consider our This Tomato Skillet With Okra And Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed With Southern Flavor or our This Mexican Chicken And Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always A Hit.
Storage and Leftover Tips
While best enjoyed fresh and crispy, leftovers can be stored and reheated.
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The crispness will diminish.
- Reheating: For best results in regaining some crispness, reheat individual portions in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350-400°F (175-200°C) until warmed through and re-crisped (about 5-10 minutes). Microwaving is possible but will result in a softer texture.
- Freezing: Freezing is generally not recommended for roasted Brussels sprouts as their texture can become very soft and mushy upon thawing.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the easy, flavorful, and healthy nature of these baked Brussels sprouts, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes that bring wholesome goodness and satisfaction to your table:
- For another easy weeknight shortcut that’s packed with flavor, our This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut is a fun option.
- If you’re a fan of simple, crowd-pleasing sheet pan meals, our These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way To Feed A Crowd Fast are a winner.
- And for a fun, interactive way to serve a crowd, our This Walking Taco Bar Is My Favorite No-Fuss Way To Feed A Crowd is always a hit!
Final Thoughts
These Baked Brussels Sprouts are a brilliant solution for transforming a simple vegetable into a truly comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying side dish with ease. They’re perfect for any meal, promising a plate full of tender, crispy, and zesty goodness that will make everyone happy!
Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aromas fill your kitchen! What’s your favorite way to make roasted vegetables shine? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below!
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