Roasted Brussels Sprouts: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe (2024)

Brussels sprouts have historically been at the top of the “most hated vegetables” list, but that has changed dramatically in the last decade. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) data shows that consumption of these greens has more than doubled, according to produce industry publicationThe Packer.

NPR attributes that change to breeders who propagated varieties with lower levels of the compounds that give sprouts their characteristically bitter taste. Like other members of the brassica family, which includes kale, broccoli, and cauliflower, per Britannica, Brussels sprouts contain glucosinolates, sulfur compounds that can have an off-putting taste or odor, according to an article published the Chemistry and Industry. Complicating matters, some individuals may be genetically predisposed to be more sensitive to these compounds.

There is another way to reduce or eliminate sprouts’ bitterness: Cook them properly. Roasting and sauteing Brussels sprouts at high temperatures brings out their natural sweetness and can make them crispy instead of soggy (thinly slicing sprouts on a mandoline first can help).

Those bitter compounds aren’t all bad, however — they’re also the source of sprouts’ anti-cancer properties. Brussels sprouts also contain vitamins C and K, folate, and fiber, according to data from the USDA,as well as carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin which have been linked to a decreased risk of macular degeneration, according to anarticle published in February 2022 in Nutrients.

Naturally low in carbohydrates, Brussels sprouts can be a healthy addition to any diet. Learn how to roast them so you can enjoy their flavor as much as their other benefits.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is roasted brussels sprouts healthy? ›

Like their cruciferous vegetable counterparts Sauteed Cabbage and Roasted Broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts are healthy; they contain fiber and nutrients like vitamin C. Great Leftover. Any leftovers you don't immediately demolish can be gently reheated the next day in the oven.

What is the healthiest way to eat Brussels sprouts? ›

Roasting Brussels sprouts caramelizes their natural sugar and mellows out bitter notes, providing rich flavor and a crispier texture. Brussels sprouts are a good source of fiber and vitamins C and K, notes the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Why do you soak Brussels sprouts before cooking? ›

Soaking Brussels sprouts in water is a terrific way to prep them to have a soft, juicy center that cooks to the perfect doneness in the same amount of time it takes those outer leaves to get nice and crispy.

Do you need to wash Brussels sprouts before roasting? ›

To prepare brussel sprouts, you should rinse them well or even soak them if you have enough time. Trim the bottoms and outer leaves off, then cut them in half to prep them for roasting.

When not to use brussel sprouts? ›

If any of the leaves have brown spots or are yellowing, it's a sign of early spoilage. If you remove the blemished leaves and the interior looks OK, you can still use the sprout. However, if the interior leaves are also showing blemishes or yellowing, it's best to toss it (or compost it, if you can).

Is it OK to eat Brussels sprouts everyday? ›

Is it OK to eat Brussels sprouts everyday? Go for it. “If you enjoy sprouts and can tolerate them, absolutely! They're lower in calories and contain a myriad of important nutrients” says Snyder.

Is it better to roast Brussels sprouts whole or cut in half? ›

Place the sprouts cut-side down: Trim and halve the sprouts and roast them with their cut side against the baking sheet. The cut side will caramelize beautifully while the outer leaves crisp.

Do you roast brussel sprouts face up or down? ›

Place them face down and resist the urge to move them around. A searing hot baking sheet with the brussels cut side down is the key to crispy brussel perfection.

Why won't my Brussels sprouts get crispy? ›

Roast the Brussels Sprouts at high heat

If you don't hear them crisping up in the oven, add a little more oil and roast them for a few more minutes until your desire crispiness is achieved!

Which is healthier broccoli or brussel sprouts? ›

While broccoli may have a higher count of calories, fat, and carbs, it is richer in calcium, iron, and pantothenic acid (a B vitamin that does wonders for healthy hair), and has a bit more potassium. Brussels sprouts, on the other hand, are lower in sodium.

What is the black stuff in brussel sprouts? ›

Fungal and bacterial infections cause black spots on Brussels sprouts. Prevent with spacing, air circulation, and tool sterilization. Treat with natural remedies or chemicals as a last resort.

Do you cut the ends off brussel sprouts before roasting? ›

How to Trim Brussels Sprouts Efficiently. No matter how you're going to cook your Brussels sprouts, you'll want to trim them first. At the base of each sprout is the spot where it was originally connected to the plant.

Does roasting brussel sprouts destroy nutrients? ›

Cooking Brussels sprouts releases the enzyme myrosinase. It breaks down glucosinolates into isothiocyanates, which may have anticancer properties. Be careful though, as cooking vegetables over 284˚F (140˚C), such as when roasting, destroys glucosinolates ( 7 , 11 , 12 ).

Are crispy Brussels sprouts healthy? ›

Eating a lot of Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous veggies may help protect against cancers of the stomach, lungs, kidney, breast, bladder, and prostate. Crunchy veggies like Brussels sprouts may also help you stave off other health issues, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes.

Why do bodybuilders eat brussel sprouts? ›

The chemical compound sulforaphane in sprouts also reduces cell death, which is crucial to sustaining muscle mass and facilitating fast recovery after a heavy session. A tasty bit of nutritional science, we're sure you'll agree.

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