If you’re on the lookout for a side dish that’s bursting with flavor yet easy enough to whip up on a weeknight, you’re going to love this Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts Recipe. I absolutely love how the roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the Brussels sprouts, and the garlic butter drizzle? Total game changer. Trust me, even if you’ve struggled with Brussels sprouts before, this recipe will turn you into a fan fast. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every step to make this dish your new favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Bomb: Roasting caramelizes the sprouts while garlic butter adds richness and a hint of sweetness.
- Quick and Easy: You’ll have this side ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Brussels Sprouts Made Delicious: Even people who usually avoid Brussels sprouts go crazy for these.
- Customizable Heat Level: Cayenne pepper lets you control the spice, from mild warmth to a little kick.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work together beautifully—the Brussels sprouts get crispy and tender in the oven, while the honey balances the bold garlic and buttery sauce perfectly. When shopping, look for fresh, firm Brussels sprouts with vibrant green leaves for the best results.
- Brussels sprouts: Choose ones that are firm and bright green without yellowing or browning leaves.
- Olive oil: Helps the sprouts roast nicely and adds a subtle, fruity background flavor.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps carry the garlic and honey flavors.
- Fresh garlic cloves: Mince these finely to infuse the butter with bold garlic goodness.
- Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness that complements the sprouts’ natural bitterness.
- Cayenne pepper: A pinch adds warmth — but add more or less based on your heat preference.
- Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a salty, nutty finish that melts beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
Variations
I love tinkering with this Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts Recipe to suit my mood or whatever’s in my pantry. Don’t be afraid to make it your own — you’ll find that small tweaks can take it in fascinating new directions!
- Spicy Twist: I sometimes add a dash of smoked paprika or even a pinch of red pepper flakes alongside cayenne for a smoky, spicy kick.
- Nutty Crunch: Toasted walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top add a wonderful textural contrast.
- Vegan Version: Swap the butter for vegan butter or coconut oil and leave out the parmesan or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Citrus Zest: Adding a little lemon or orange zest at the end brightens the flavor wonderfully.
How to Make Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Roast the Brussels Sprouts
Start by positioning your oven rack in the center and preheating it to 450ºF—this high heat is key to getting those crispy edges that everyone raves about. Trim the ends off your Brussels sprouts and slice them in half so they roast evenly. Toss them in a bowl with half your olive oil, a good pinch of salt, and black pepper, making sure every sprout gets coated. Spread them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet, so they roast instead of steam. Roast for about 18-20 minutes, and be sure to give them a good toss halfway through so they crisp evenly — this is where the magic happens!
Step 2: Whip Up the Garlic Honey Butter
When your Brussels sprouts are about five minutes from being done, it’s time for the flavor bomb. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, minced garlic, honey, and cayenne pepper. Microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the butter is completely melted, and give it a good stir. This garlic honey butter mixture is what takes your roasted sprouts from good to unforgettable, so don’t skip or skimp on it!
Step 3: Combine and Finish Roasting
Pull the sprouts out of the oven and immediately toss them with the warm garlic honey butter. Then sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on top and pop them back into the oven for another 5 minutes — this lets the cheese melt and the flavors meld. When they come out, you’ll get a golden, cheesy glaze that’s absolutely irresistible. Serve warm for the best taste and texture.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Giving sprouts space helps them roast instead of steam, so they get those crispy edges we all love.
- Fresh Garlic is Key: Using fresh minced garlic instead of powder packs a punch of flavor that really stands out.
- Watch the Butter Mixture: Don’t overheat the garlic butter—too long in the microwave can burn the garlic, making it bitter.
- Timing is Everything: Toss the butter sauce right after roasting to let the heat absorb the flavors perfectly.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these sprouts with a little extra parmesan right before serving or sprinkling some toasted pine nuts for a delightful crunch. Sometimes a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens things up just perfectly, cutting through the richness of the butter.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a hearty grain bowl. My family often enjoys it alongside garlic mashed potatoes or a simple quinoa salad for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I like to serve these in a rustic cast iron skillet straight out of the oven, letting the cheese stay melty and inviting. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color that always gets compliments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They hold up well but taste best when gently reheated rather than eaten cold.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked Brussels sprouts, I found the texture changes a bit after thawing — they become softer and less crisp. If you do freeze them, pack them tightly in a freezer-safe bag and use within 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat to warm the sprouts gently and bring back some crispness. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to make them soggy. A quick re-toast in the oven also works wonderfully.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts Recipe?
You can, but fresh Brussels sprouts roast up with a better texture and flavor. If using frozen, be sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly to avoid sogginess. You might also need to roast them a little longer to get the same crispiness.
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How do I make the Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts less spicy?
Simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper to suit your heat preferences. Even without cayenne, the garlic butter and honey deliver plenty of delicious flavor.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute the butter for vegan butter or avocado oil, and swap the parmesan for a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast. The honey can be replaced with maple syrup or agave for a completely vegan dish.
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What’s the best way to get crispy Brussels sprouts without burning the garlic?
Roast the Brussels sprouts first without garlic, then toss with the garlic butter just before finishing in the oven for a short time. This method lets the garlic infuse the butter without direct roasting, which can sometimes scorch it.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s simple, quick, and so flavorful. I remember the first time I served it to a group of skeptical family members — and watched them go back for seconds and thirds! It’s that kind of recipe that makes you want to call everyone over for dinner just so you have an excuse to make it again. So, give it a try in your own kitchen — I promise it will become one of your favorite ways to enjoy Brussels sprouts, too.
Print
Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts are perfectly roasted until crisp, then tossed in a flavorful garlic honey butter sauce and finished with melted parmesan cheese. This easy side dish is packed with savory, sweet, and spicy notes, making it irresistible even for those who typically shy away from Brussels sprouts.
Ingredients
Brussels Sprouts
- 1 ½ – 1 ¾ pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and cut in half
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garlic Honey Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4-6 fresh garlic cloves, minced
- 3 – 4 teaspoons honey
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
Finishing Touch
- 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prep Brussels Sprouts: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 450ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil sprayed with cooking spray. In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and a generous pinch of black pepper to coat evenly.
- Roast Brussels Sprouts: Spread the Brussels sprouts out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 18-20 minutes, tossing them about halfway through, until they are crisp and browned on the edges.
- Prepare Garlic Honey Butter: About 5 minutes before the Brussels sprouts finish roasting, combine the butter, minced garlic, honey, cayenne pepper, and remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the butter is fully melted. Stir well to blend the flavors.
- Toss with Garlic Honey Butter: When the Brussels sprouts are done roasting, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the garlic honey butter sauce over them. Toss well to coat evenly and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.
- Finish Baking: Return the coated Brussels sprouts to the baking sheet and place back into the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the parmesan cheese has melted and the flavors have melded.
- Serve Warm: Remove from oven and serve immediately for a delicious and savory side dish.
Notes
- These Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts are a flavorful upgrade that may convert even Brussels sprout skeptics.
- Tossing the sprouts with a garlic honey butter sauce right after roasting maximizes flavor and texture.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preferred spice level for a mild to spicy kick.
- Using fresh garlic ensures a bright and aromatic sauce.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the sprouts at their crispiest and freshest.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
