An easy oven-baked method for the absolute crispiest Brussels sprouts. This is a simple and flavorful vegetable side dish that everyone will quickly devour. The outside is golden brown, caramelized and crispy and the inside is perfectly tender. With a couple simple tricks, you too can achieve easy crispy maple roasted Brussels sprouts.
These easy crispy maple roasted Brussels sprouts are my go-to vegetable side dish this time of year. I used to have lukewarm feelings about homemade Brussels sprouts unless I ordered them at restaurants. Once I learned how to properly season and cook them, it changed everything for me. So, although roasted Brussels sprouts may not seem like a big deal I'm sharing this recipe because it is obsession-worthy! Promise!
If you have had Brussels sprouts before and felt they were bitter, have no fear! This is the recipe that turned my husband from a Brussels sprouts hater into a total lover. He gobbled these crispy Brussels right up and said how incredibly addictive they are.
The salty/slightly sweet combination is what makes them so good. Plus, when the maple syrup caramelizes on the outside it might as well be candy. I'm telling you! Brussels sprouts are naturally a "meatier" vegetable with a tender inside that is so satisfying. When you combine that with a salty and uber-crispy outside it is pure heaven.
The only ingredients that you need for Crispy Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts are:
- Brussels sprouts
- olive oil
- arrowroot starch/flour (my secret ingredient - this is what makes them extra crispy)
- maple syrup (just a little)
- salt & pepper
You can also season with a little garlic powder and garnish with flaky sea salt.
How do you make Brussels sprouts super crispy?
If you have ever had overcooked and under-seasoned Brussels sprouts you probably felt they were bitter and/or unappealing. With just a couple tricks you can achieve restaurant-style Brussels sprouts that are crispy and caramelized on the outside and perfectly tender on the inside.
- Use a high oven temperature. I go with 450 degrees Fahrenheit for Brussels sprouts that crisp up but don't burn.
- Dry your Brussels sprouts thoroughly after washing them so they don't get soggy.
- Put the Brussels sprouts directly on a lightly greased baking sheet. I simply brush a tablespoon of olive oil on the baking sheet before adding the Brussels sprouts. Do not use parchment paper.
- Use a good amount of olive oil and make sure the Brussels sprouts are fully coated.
- Use arrowroot starch to make them extra crispy. This helps sop up any moisture that would otherwise make them soggy. And because it resembles a flour it creates a thin crust around some of the Brussels sprouts.
- Use maple syrup. The maple syrup not only adds a subtle sweetness they also help the sprouts get caramelized on the outside which enhances the crispiness factor.
- Let them cool for a couple minutes before enjoying. While they cool they crispy up even more. I find they are best when enjoyed straight off the sheet pan! Leftovers are okay but for best results consume right after baking.
And there you have it! With those seven easy tips, you can master this tasty vegetable side dish. My kids even go for it! See below for selection and storage tips that will also make a difference in the final results.
How should I select and store my Brussels sprouts?
Selecting fresh and good quality Brussels sprouts is important to achieving the very best results. According to the Produce for Better Health Foundation, you want to choose firm, compact, bright green Brussels sprouts heads without nicks or torn/yellowing leaves. If there are damaged leaves then simply remove them. If possible, buy them while still on the stalk. Do not wash or trim them until just before use. To ensure even cooking, choose sprouts that are of equal size (if purchasing individually). For a sweeter taste, go for smaller sized sprouts.
For storage, you can refrigerate them for 7-10 days. However, they are best if used within a few days as they may develop an unpleasant strong flavor overtime. You can store them in a silicone sealable bag while they are whole.
What are the health benefits of Brussels sprouts?
Brussels sprouts are nutrient-dense and full of health benefits. They are a low calorie food that provide a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin K and folate. A one cup serving is just 40 calories and provides 3 grams of protein and 3 grams of dietary fiber. They are also an excellent source of immune-boosting vitamin C making them an excellent vegetable to incorporate into your meal plans this time of year.
They are part of the cruciferous vegetable family and their peak season is fall and winter (September through mid-February). This is why you see them on so many holiday tables.
Want more addictive, easy vegetable side dish recipes in your life?
If you are a vegetable lover like me, you are always looking for the next best recipe that takes vegetables to the next level. Here are some of my favorite simple vegetable side dishes for you to try (they are all vegan, soy-free and gluten-free):
- 10 Tips for Actually Crispy Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Maple Roasted Butternut Squash
- Whole Roasted Rainbow Carrots Over Creamy Hummus with Green Tahini Sauce
- Baked Crispy Cauliflower Poppers
- Roasted Green Cabbage with Green Tahini Sauce
- Hemp Seed Crusted Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Green Tahini Sauce
- Garlic & Chive Roasted Vegetables
- Roasted Root Vegetables with Fresh Herbs
Now, Let’s Make Some Crispy Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts!
These Brussels sprouts will be your new go-to nutritious vegetable side dish. They are easy enough for a busy weeknight but special enough for your holiday table!
I cannot wait for you to give these crispy Brussels sprouts a try! Let's get roasting!
PrintCrispy Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
An easy oven-baked method for the absolute crispiest Brussels sprouts. This is a simple and flavorful vegetable side dish that everyone will quickly devour. The outside is golden brown, caramelized and crispy and the inside is perfectly tender. With a couple simple tricks, you too can achieve easy crispy maple roasted Brussels sprouts.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sporuts, trimmed and halved
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (+ 1 tablespoon for coating the pan)
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot starch (my secret ingredient - this is what makes it extra crispy)
- 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup or organic pure maple sugar
- ¾ teaspoon fine salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Garnish: Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees and brush a half-sheet rimmed baking pan with one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
- Add the prepared Brussels sprouts to the sheet pan and toss with ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil, arrowroot starch, maple syrup, salt and pepper. Mix well until evenly coated and no white arrowroot starch remains visible.
- Arrange in a single layer on the bare, olive oil-greased half baking sheet. Keep Brussels sprouts from touching (otherwise use a second pan so they do not steam). Roast for 10 minutes. For even browning, flip each individual sprout and remove any fallen outer leaves that are almost burnt. Set aside the crispy outer leaves. Roast the Brussels sprouts another 3-5 minutes watching closely at the end to avoid burning. Garnish with flaky sea salt. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Oven-baked
- Cuisine: American
Erin says
These are so delicious and simple to make!
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Erin! I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed them and that they were easy to make! Best, Elaine