Barefoot Contessa Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe

The Ultimate Barefoot Contessa Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Roasted Brussels sprouts surprise many with how flavorful they become using just a few ingredients.

The high oven heat draws out their natural sweetness while crisping the edges to perfection.

Inside, they stay soft and tender, offering a nice contrast.

A sprinkle of salt, a dash of pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil are all it takes to make them shine.

Each bite offers a nutty richness that tastes far from bland.

It’s an easy side that can convert even lifelong skeptics of green vegetables.

Discover the Charm of Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Discover the Charm of Roasted Brussels Sprouts
  • Unlock Incredible Flavor Transformation: Brussels sprouts transform from boring to extraordinary through high-heat roasting, developing a caramelized exterior that delivers complex, nutty taste sensations.
  • Minimal Effort, Maximum Deliciousness: This foolproof recipe requires just four simple ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making restaurant-quality vegetables accessible for home cooks of all experience levels.
  • Super Quick Weeknight Wonder: Total preparation takes less than 10 minutes, with hands-off roasting time allowing busy people to create a gourmet side dish without complicated techniques or extensive cooking knowledge.
  • Incredibly Versatile Veggie Upgrade: Roasted Brussels sprouts complement numerous main dishes, work perfectly for meal prep, and can be easily customized with additional seasonings like garlic, balsamic vinegar, or parmesan cheese for instant variety.

Key Components for a Brussels Sprouts Feast

Roasted Vegetables:
  • Brussels Sprouts: Fresh, tender sprouts with vibrant green color and tight leaves, key to achieving a crispy roasted texture.
Seasoning and Oil:
  • Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin oil for even coating and helping Brussels sprouts caramelize beautifully.
  • Kosher Salt: Enhances natural flavors and provides perfect seasoning with larger, flakier crystals.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and mild spiciness to complement the roasted vegetables.
Optional Finishing Touch:
  • Extra Kosher Salt: Sprinkled on top to intensify the seasoning and provide a delightful salty crunch after roasting.

Step by Step to Brussels Sprouts Brilliance

Step by Step to Brussels Sprouts Brilliance

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up while you prep the sprouts.

Step 2: Clean And Trim Brussels Sprouts

Gently wash the Brussels sprouts and slice off the tough stem ends. Pluck away any sad or yellowing leaves, keeping only the fresh, vibrant ones.

Step 3: Dress Up The Sprouts

In a spacious mixing bowl, toss the sprouts with:
  • Olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper

Ensure each sprout gets a luxurious coat of seasoning.

Step 4: Spread And Roast

Arrange the seasoned sprouts on a large baking sheet, spreading them out in a single layer. No crowding allowed! Slide the tray into the hot oven and roast for 35-40 minutes.

Pro tip: Give the tray a gentle shake every 10-15 minutes to help them brown evenly and get those irresistible crispy edges.

Step 5: Final Flourish

Once the Brussels sprouts are golden brown and crispy on the outside, yet tender inside, pull them from the oven. Sprinkle with an extra pinch of kosher salt for a flavor boost.

Serve immediately and watch everyone fight for the crispiest ones!

Expert Advice for Perfectly Roasted Sprouts

  • Trim with Precision: Cut off the tough stem ends and remove any yellow or discolored outer leaves for the most appealing presentation.
  • Slice for Maximum Flavor: Cutting larger sprouts in half increases surface area, allowing more delicious caramelization and crispy edges.
  • Season Generously: Don't be shy with olive oil, salt, and pepper – these ingredients transform Brussels sprouts from bland to absolutely crave-worthy.
  • Customize Your Roast: Experiment with additional seasonings like garlic, balsamic vinegar, or red pepper flakes to create your signature roasted sprouts.
  • Rest After Roasting: Let the sprouts sit for a few minutes after cooking to develop an even crispier texture and allow flavors to settle.

Keep Brussels Fresh and Flavorful at Home

  • Vacuum Seal: Transfer cooled Brussels sprouts into vacuum-sealed bags to preserve maximum flavor and texture. Compress air completely before sealing to prevent freezer burn and maintain crispness. Vacuum-sealed sprouts can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
  • Layering Technique: Arrange roasted sprouts in storage containers with parchment paper between layers. Prevent sticking and preserve delicate crispy edges by creating soft separations. This method keeps each sprout intact and maintains its original roasted quality.
  • Quick Cooling Strategy: Spread roasted Brussels sprouts on a large baking sheet immediately after cooking. Allow them to cool at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before transferring to storage containers. Quick cooling prevents condensation and helps retain their delightful caramelized exterior.

Unexpected Twists on Brussels Sprouts Classics

  • Parmesan Crunch Brussels: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over sprouts during the last 10 minutes of roasting for a crispy, cheesy coating that adds rich flavor and golden texture.
  • Balsamic Glazed Version: Drizzle balsamic vinegar and honey over the sprouts before roasting to create a sweet and tangy caramelized exterior with deep, complex notes.
  • Bacon Lovers' Edition: Chop crispy bacon and scatter over the roasted sprouts right before serving, mixing the smoky, salty pieces throughout for an indulgent protein boost.
  • Spicy Herb Infusion: Mix dried chili flakes, fresh thyme, and rosemary into the olive oil before coating sprouts, creating a bold, aromatic roasted vegetable with a subtle heat kick.

The Ultimate Wrap on Brussels Sprouts Mastery

Barefoot Contessa’s roasted Brussels sprouts elevate simple vegetables into a culinary masterpiece.

Crisp exteriors and tender interiors reveal Ina Garten’s signature cooking finesse.

Kitchen enthusiasts will appreciate this straightforward yet elegant recipe’s transformative power.

Minimal ingredients create maximum flavor through strategic roasting techniques.

Mediterranean-inspired olive oil complements the caramelized Brussels sprouts’ natural earthiness.

Hearty side dishes like these connect families around warm dinner tables, inviting memories and conversations.

Hungry for more deliciousness?

Click those share buttons, drop passionate comments below, and spread brussels sprout love across your social networks!

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Barefoot Contessa Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Barefoot Contessa Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe


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4.8 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Barefoot Contessa’s Roasted Brussels Sprouts elevate humble greens into a restaurant-worthy side dish. Crispy edges, caramelized surfaces, and rich olive oil make these sprouts a delectable companion to any main course you’ll want to savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 675 grams (1.5 pounds) Brussels sprouts

Essential Flavor Enhancers:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

Seasoning:

  • 0.75 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 200°C (fan 180°C) / 400°F / Gas Mark 6, ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle for even cooking.
  2. Meticulously clean Brussels sprouts by trimming off tough stem ends and discarding any discolored or wilted outer leaves.
  3. Transfer sprouts to a spacious mixing bowl and generously drizzle with olive oil, then season thoroughly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring each sprout is uniformly coated.
  4. Arrange the seasoned sprouts in a single, uncrowded layer on a large rimmed baking sheet, allowing enough space between them to promote crispy caramelization.
  5. Roast the Brussels sprouts for 35-40 minutes, using tongs to gently shake and rotate the tray every 12-15 minutes to guarantee even browning and prevent burning.
  6. Check doneness by piercing with a fork; sprouts should be golden brown externally and tender internally with a slight resistance when pierced.
  7. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with an additional pinch of kosher salt to enhance the roasted flavor profile before serving hot.

Notes

  • Select Brussels sprouts with uniform sizes to guarantee consistent roasting and caramelization.
  • Pat sprouts completely dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, which prevents soggy results and promotes crispy edges.
  • Heat baking sheet in the oven before adding sprouts to create an instant sizzle and enhance golden-brown coloration.
  • Spread sprouts in a single layer with space between each one, allowing hot air to circulate and create perfect crunchiness.
  • Rotate and flip sprouts midway through cooking to develop rich, even browning across all surfaces.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 109
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 269mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Isabella Rodriguez

Isabella Rodriguez

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Pastry Arts and Dessert Innovation, French and European Baking Techniques, Food Writing and Blogging, Culinary Event Planning

Education

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Diploma: Grand Diplôme®
  • Focus: Intensive training in classic French cuisine and pastry techniques, combining the Diplôme de Cuisine and Diplôme de Pâtisserie.

Isabella Rodriguez is the co-founder and pastry chef at wd-50.com. She studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, where she earned the Grand Diplôme®, a top award in both cooking and baking. After working in fancy bakeries and as a personal pastry chef, Isabella now shares her love for desserts in an easy way for home bakers to enjoy.

At wd-50.com, Isabella creates recipes for cookies, cakes, tarts, and more, always with clear steps and helpful tips. She believes baking should be fun, not stressful, and she hopes her recipes bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to your table.

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