Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples: The Perfect Side Dish Recipe
Looking for a quick, easy, and absolutely mouthwatering side dish? This vegetarian recipe for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any busy weeknight meal. It’s a simple way to elevate your dinner table with flavors that complement a variety of main courses.
Brussels sprouts sometimes get a bad rap, but they can be incredibly delicious when cooked right! If you’ve ever had soggy, bitter, or undercooked Brussels sprouts, you know exactly what we mean. This recipe ensures perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts every time, transforming them into a delightful culinary experience.
When Brussels sprouts are cooked properly, they can truly level up your side dish game. Not only that, but they can also be a fantastic complement to your main course, offering a balanced and flavorful addition to your meal.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
With just a little love and attention, Brussels sprouts can burst with incredible flavor. Here’s why this particular recipe is so special:
- Bright Acidity: We use apple cider to highlight the natural, herbal flavors of the Brussels sprouts, making them truly pop with each bite. The cider adds a subtle sweetness that balances the slight bitterness of the sprouts.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Each serving is under 200 calories, making this a guilt-free addition to your meal. Plus, this recipe makes 4 servings, perfect for a family dinner.
- Easy Clean-Up: These Brussels sprouts are oven-roasted on a single pan, which means clean-up is an absolute snap! Less time cleaning means more time enjoying your delicious meal.
This versatile side dish also pairs wonderfully with holiday main dishes, such as Dutch Oven Pot Roast, Citrus Herb Turkey Breast, and One-Pan Garlic Rosemary Sirloin Tip Roast and Potatoes. It’s also fantastic with everyday meals like grilled chicken, baked salmon, or even vegetarian mains.
Key Ingredient Notes for the Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this recipe so delicious:
Brussels Sprouts: Make sure to de-stem and wash them thoroughly, then cut them into quarters for even roasting. Smaller pieces ensure a crispy exterior and tender interior.
Green Apples: Core, peel, and chop the apples into cubes. Green apples provide a tart contrast to the slightly bitter Brussels sprouts, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
Olive Oil: Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor. The oil helps the Brussels sprouts and apples to roast evenly and develop a beautiful golden-brown color.
Hard Cider: This is the secret ingredient that brings out the natural sugars of the Brussels sprouts and adds a touch of sweetness. Look for a dry hard cider to avoid making the dish too sweet.
Thyme Leaves: Fresh thyme leaves add a lovely herbal flavor that complements the other ingredients. If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can use dried thyme, but use about half the amount.
Salt & Pepper: Season to taste! Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as it cooks to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
Optional: Pomegranate Seeds: These add a pop of color, flavor, and texture. The juicy, tart seeds are the perfect finishing touch to this already amazing dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfectly Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Here are step-by-step instructions to help you create this amazing dish. Remember, full instructions and measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. These cooking tips will ensure your success!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts and apples together with olive oil, hard cider, and thyme leaves. Make sure everything is evenly coated.
- Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Spread the mixture out onto an 11 x 17 inch rimmed baking sheet. Ensure the Brussels sprouts and apples are in a single layer to promote even roasting.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts achieve a slightly browned, crunchy outer texture and are tender on the inside.
- Optional: Once out of the oven, top with pomegranate seeds for extra flavor and a pop of color.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Roasting Brussels Sprouts
How do I know when my Brussels sprouts are done roasting?
Bake them at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. They are done when they achieve a slightly browned, crunchy outer texture and are tender when pierced with a fork.
How long do Brussels sprouts stay good for in the fridge or the freezer?
Roasted Brussels sprouts should last for about five days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. In the freezer, they will last for about 12 months. Make sure to cool them completely before freezing.
Do I need to add pomegranate to my dish?
Pomegranate is totally optional, but highly recommended! We top ours with pomegranate seeds for extra flavor, a burst of freshness, and a beautiful pop of color.
What to Serve with Roasted Brussels Sprouts
This vegan holiday recipe makes enough to serve a crowd and would beautifully complement your savory Thanksgiving turkey, glazed ham, and creamy mashed potatoes. It’s also an easy side dish to whip up for any busy weeknight meal throughout the year. The versatility of this dish makes it a staple for any home cook.
This recipe tastes delicious with these other main courses:
- Air Fryer Whole Chicken
- Air Fryer Meatloaf
- The Best Breaded Chicken Tenders
More Delicious Side Dish Recipes to Try
Looking for more inspiration? Here are some other fantastic side dish recipes you might enjoy:
- The Ultimate Creamy Dairy-Free Mac and Cheese
- Garlic Rosemary Roasted Glazed Carrots
- Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms
- Air Fryer Potato Skins Recipe
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to leave a 5-Star rating in the recipe card below, and if you really loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples
Marlynn Schotland
10 mins
30 mins
40 mins
4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, de-stemmed, washed, and cut into quarters
- 2 medium apples, cored, peeled, and chopped into cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup hard cider
- ½ teaspoon thyme leaves
- salt & pepper
- OPTIONAL: pomegranate seeds
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
-
In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts and apples together with olive oil, hard cider, and thyme leaves. Season with salt & pepper. Spread out onto an 11 x 17 rimmed baking sheet.
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Bake at 350 for 30 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts achieve a slightly browned, crunchy outer texture.
-
OPTIONAL: top with pomegranate seeds for extra flavor and color
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 23g,
Protein: 4g,
Fat: 8g,
Saturated Fat: 1g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 5g,
Sodium: 30mg,
Potassium: 540mg,
Fiber: 7g,
Sugar: 12g,
Vitamin A: 916IU,
Vitamin C: 101mg,
Calcium: 54mg,
Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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