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baked brussels sprouts on black plate with fork
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Easy Caramelized Brussels Sprouts

These easy caramelized Brussels sprouts develop a savory umami flavor and aroma that makes you want to pop them in your mouth. These are the delectable result of three simple steps and four basic ingredients.
Course Side Dish, vegetable dish
Cuisine American, Mediterranean
Keyword 4 ingredients, caramelized Brussels sprouts, easy, plant-based side dish, roasted vegetables
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Servings 4 servings
Author Beth of A Meal In Mind

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Brussels sprouts washed, drained, trimmed and halved lengthwise
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil or 1 tablespoon coconut oil + 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon good sea salt plus more for the table
  • 1 teaspoon other seasonings of choice: I like Trader Joe's 21 seasoning salute or Kirkland organic no-salt seasoning; or a mix of black pepper and herbs like thyme rosemary, paprika, lemon peel, etc.

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Heat the oil(s) in a large (12-inch) non-stick wok or skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the cleaned brussels sprouts and stir-fry so that all are coated with the oil, 3-5 minutes. Add more oil if needed but not so much that you get a puddle in the pan. Some of the sprouts will brown slightly, and the outside leaves will take on a soaked look.
  • Transfer the sauteed sprouts to a shallow 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Spread them out as much as possible. It's worth turning as many of the cut sides down, especially around the edges of the pan, without spending a huge amount of time at it.
  • Sprinkle the salt and seasoning mix evenly over the sprouts.
  • Place pan in the oven and roast for at least 40 minutes, stirring every 20 minutes. I've learned it takes a bit longer at high altitude, nearly 60 minutes depending on how large the sprouts are. They are done when the sprouts have softened and browned and are tender and flavorful.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool for about 5 minutes. If they are done before the rest of your meal, do NOT cover with foil to keep them warm. They will steam and become soggy and develop a cabbage-y flavor. Yuck. Better to place them back in the oven at around 300 degrees F. They will continue to caramelize at that temperature, but shouldn't burn.
  • Sprinkle with just a little more good sea salt before serving, or serve extra salt on the table.

Notes

Bacon or parmesan cheese could be pretty tasty additions!
  • If adding parmesan, do so right when you take the sprouts out of the oven for the last time. The cheese will melt from the heat of the sprouts.
  • For bacon, add uncooked chopped bacon when the sprouts are about halfway baked and you are stirring them anyway.