Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Tangy Mustard Mayo


Roasted Brussels sprouts are an incredibly versatile and flavorful side dish, perfect for elevating any meal, especially during the festive holiday season. Their delightful transformation in the oven, achieving a perfectly caramelized exterior and a tender interior, makes them a surprising hit even with the most discerning eaters. This recipe, featuring a unique and tantalizing mayo-mustard dressing, promises to turn even Brussels sprout skeptics into avid fans, adding a burst of fresh flavor and vibrant color to your dining table.

Whether you're planning a grand Thanksgiving feast, a cozy Christmas dinner, or simply looking for a wholesome and delicious vegetable to complement your weeknight meal, roasted Brussels sprouts are an excellent choice. They offer a fantastic alternative or accompaniment for those who prefer plant-based options or are looking to balance richer main dishes. Beyond their inviting appearance and appealing taste, Brussels sprouts are packed with nutritional benefits, making them a smart and savory addition to your diet.
The Nutritional Powerhouse: Are Brussels Sprouts Truly Good for You?
Absolutely! Brussels sprouts are not just delicious; they are a nutritional powerhouse, making them an excellent addition to a healthy diet. These mini cabbages are low in calories but exceptionally rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Rich in Vitamin K: Essential for blood clotting and bone health. A single serving can provide well over the daily recommended intake.
High in Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that supports immune health, skin vitality, and helps fight off free radicals.
Good Source of Fiber: Dietary fiber aids in digestion, promotes gut health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and contributes to a feeling of fullness, which can assist in weight management.
Packed with Antioxidants: Brussels sprouts contain various antioxidants, including kaempferol, which have anti-inflammatory properties and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Contains Folate (Vitamin B9): Important for cell growth and function, especially crucial during pregnancy.
Minerals: They also provide essential minerals like potassium, manganese, and iron.

Incorporating Brussels sprouts into your meals regularly is a fantastic way to boost your nutrient intake. If you're eager to explore more ways to enjoy this incredible vegetable, don't miss out on other delectable recipes such as my Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Salad, a comforting Brussels Sprouts Casserole Recipe, or a hearty Sausage with Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes Skillet.

Essential Prep Work: Cleaning and Trimming Brussels Sprouts
Preparing Brussels sprouts for roasting requires minimal effort, but a few simple steps ensure they cook evenly and taste their best. Proper cleaning and trimming are key to achieving that desirable caramelized texture and tender bite.

Trim the Stem End: While the stem is technically edible, it's denser and takes much longer to cook than the rest of the sprout. For uniform cooking, slice off a small portion of the tough, woody stem end.
To Core or Not to Core? Unlike larger cabbages, Brussels sprouts do not need to be cored. The small core actually helps hold the leaves together during roasting, preventing them from falling apart.
Rinse in Cold Water: After trimming, place the sprouts in a bowl of cold water and give them a good swish. Any lingering dirt or sediment will sink to the bottom, leaving your sprouts clean. Drain them thoroughly afterward; moisture can hinder caramelization.
Halve or Quarter Large Sprouts: For optimal roasting and even cooking, it's crucial to have similarly sized pieces. You can leave smaller sprouts whole, but larger ones should be halved or even quartered. Consistency in size is important for that perfect golden-brown finish.
Remove Discolored Outer Leaves: Peel away and discard any outer leaves that appear yellowed, damaged, or wilted. This step ensures that only the freshest, most vibrant parts of the sprout are roasted.


Mastering the Art of Roasting Brussels Sprouts: Achieving Perfection
Roasting is arguably the best method to bring out the natural sweetness and nutty flavor of Brussels sprouts, transforming them into crispy, caramelized delights. Follow these steps to achieve Brussels sprouts with an irresistibly roasted exterior and a wonderfully soft interior.

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). A high temperature is crucial for achieving that desired caramelization rather than steaming.
Prepare the Flavorful Coating: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This simple yet effective sauce will infuse the sprouts with incredible flavor.
Toss the Brussels Sprouts: Add your cleaned and trimmed Brussels sprouts to the bowl with the prepared sauce. Toss them thoroughly, ensuring each sprout is evenly coated. A good coating of oil is essential for crispiness and flavor.
Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a large baking sheet. It’s vital to avoid overcrowding the pan; allow enough space between each sprout so they can roast and brown properly. Overcrowding will cause them to steam instead of caramelize.
Initial Roast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 15 minutes. This initial phase helps them tenderize and begin to brown.
Flip and Continue Roasting: After 15 minutes, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Using a spatula, flip the sprouts over to ensure even browning on all sides. Return the pan to the oven and roast for another 10-15 minutes, or until they are crisp and deeply golden brown on the outside and tender when pierced with a fork.
Prepare the Mayo-Mustard Dressing: While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This creamy and tangy dressing adds a unique finishing touch.
Dress and Serve: Once the Brussels sprouts are perfectly roasted, remove them from the oven. Immediately toss them with the prepared mayo-mustard dressing. Serve them warm or at room temperature to fully enjoy their exquisite flavor and texture.

Tips for Unforgettable Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Don't Overcrowd the Pan: This is perhaps the most important tip. Give your sprouts space! If they are too close together, they will steam rather than roast, resulting in soggy rather than crispy results. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
Ensure They Are Dry: After washing, pat your Brussels sprouts thoroughly dry with a kitchen towel or use a salad spinner. Excess moisture prevents proper browning and crisping.
High Heat is Key: Roasting at a higher temperature (like 400°F or 200°C) is crucial for achieving a beautiful caramelized exterior and a tender interior quickly.
Even Sizing Matters: Cut all sprouts into similar sizes (halves or quarters) to ensure they cook uniformly.
Season Generously: Don't be shy with salt and pepper. These seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the sprouts and the dressing.

Creative Variations and Flavor Enhancements
While the mayo-mustard dressing offers a fantastic flavor profile, roasted Brussels sprouts are incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your taste:

Bacon Bliss: Add crispy bacon bits during the last few minutes of roasting, or toss with cooked, crumbled bacon after roasting.
Sweet & Savory: Drizzle with maple syrup or honey before roasting for a delightful sweet and savory contrast.
Garlic Parmesan: After roasting, toss with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and extra minced garlic.
Lemon Zest & Herbs: Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary for a bright, aromatic touch.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the olive oil mixture for a subtle heat.
Nutty Crunch: Toss with toasted chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added texture and richness.

Storage and Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with any of these delicious roasted Brussels sprouts leftover, storing and reheating them properly can help maintain their quality:

Storage: Allow the roasted Brussels sprouts to cool completely to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: For the best results and to revive their crispiness, I highly recommend reheating leftover Brussels sprouts in the oven. Spread them on a baking sheet and warm them through at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated and slightly re-crisped. Microwaving is an option for speed, but it may result in a softer texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
While fresh Brussels sprouts yield the best texture for roasting, you can use frozen ones. Thaw them completely and pat them very dry before tossing with oil and seasonings. Note that they may not get as crispy as fresh sprouts due to higher water content.
How do I prevent my Brussels sprouts from tasting bitter?
High-heat roasting helps to caramelize their natural sugars, which significantly reduces bitterness. Also, ensure they are fresh and not overcooked, as overcooking can sometimes enhance bitterness. A touch of balsamic vinegar or a sweetener like maple syrup can also counteract bitterness.
What causes Brussels sprouts to be mushy?
Mushy Brussels sprouts are usually a result of overcrowding the pan (leading to steaming), insufficient oven temperature, or overcooking. Follow the tips above for high heat, proper spacing, and monitoring cook times for crisp results.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can do some prep work ahead, such as cleaning and trimming the sprouts. However, for optimal crispness, it's best to roast them just before serving. If you must prepare them in advance, follow the reheating instructions above.

Other Delicious Brussels Sprouts Recipes to Explore

Brussels Sprouts Bacon Salad
Warm Quinoa Brussels Sprouts Salad
Pomegranate Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Easy Baked Chicken with Brussels Sprouts
Turkey Sausage Skillet with Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes
Italian Turkey & Brussels Sprouts Meatloaf

More Irresistible Holiday Side Dishes

Easy Roasted Turkey Leg
Garlic Butter Turkey Breast Recipe
Cranberry Orange Sauce
Potatoes au Gratin
Gluten Free Cornbread Recipe







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Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mayo Mustard Dressing
Rating: 3.50 from 16 votes
Author: Olivia Ribas
Servings: 4 People
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes



Roasted Brussels sprouts are a fresh and flavorful side dish for any holiday meal. Their perfectly roasted and caramelized exterior will appeal to even the pickiest eaters in your family.

Ingredients
For the Brussels Sprouts

1 pound brussels sprouts, trimmed ends and cut in half or quarters.
1 1/2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced, chopped or crushed
Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste

For the Dressing

¼ cup mayo (I used my homemade mayo recipe)
1 tsp yellow mustard
½ tsp garlic, minced
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Salt and black pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Then add the Brussels sprouts and toss to coat evenly.
Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a prepared baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 15 minutes. Then, flip the sprouts over and roast for 10 minutes more or until browned and tender.
While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, make the dressing by combining mayo, yellow mustard, garlic, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
When Brussels sprouts are cooked to your desired crispness, toss them immediately with the dressing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Make sure to avoid overcrowding the sheet pan as that will cause the Brussels sprouts to steam instead of roast, leading to a less crispy result.
There's no need to core the Brussels sprouts when trimming them, as the core helps keep them together during roasting.
Try to cut the Brussels sprouts as evenly as possible so they roast uniformly.
To store: Store leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container for up to 4 days once they’ve cooled to room temperature.
To reheat: Reheat leftover Brussels sprouts in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes so they stay crispy.

Nutrition
Serving: 1/4, Calories: 157kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 15g, Cholesterol: 6mg, Sodium: 1472mg, Potassium: 114mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.


There you have it – a comprehensive guide to preparing the most delicious and perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts! This recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s an experience that brings vibrant flavor and wholesome goodness to any meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, these roasted Brussels sprouts with their exquisite mayo-mustard dressing are sure to impress. Don't hesitate to make them a staple in your kitchen and enjoy the delightful crunch and rich taste they bring to your table. Happy cooking!