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Addictive Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Creamy Dijon Aioli

Name: Addictive Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Creamy Dijon Aioli
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs fresh Brussels Sprouts; 3-4 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil; 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground Black Pepper; ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder; (Optional) ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes; (Optional) 1 tablespoon Balsamic Glaze; 1 large fresh Egg Yolk; 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard; 1 clove Garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh Lemon Juice; ½ cup Light Olive Oil or Neutral Oil (e.g., Grapeseed or Canola); ¼ teaspoon Kosher Salt (for aioli); Pinch of freshly ground Black Pepper (for aioli); (Optional) 1-2 teaspoons cold water (for aioli consistency)

Anyone who thinks Brussels sprouts are bland or boring has clearly never tasted them prepared the right way. This recipe elevates those spunky green veggies into an addictive experience, combining their natural crunch with caramelized sweetness and a vibrant, creamy Dijon aioli that will leave your taste buds buzzing. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping side dish, a healthy snack, or a fun addition to a gathering, these crispy Brussels sprouts will have you coming back for more.

Why Make This Recipe

The rich, savory flavor of Brussels sprouts gets amplified through roasting, creating a satisfying crunch that’s utterly irresistible.
Paired with a zesty and creamy Dijon aioli, this dish brings a gourmet touch to an everyday vegetable.
It’s an easy-to-follow recipe that won’t require hours in the kitchen, allowing you to impress your family or guests without the fuss.

Easy Method for Addictive Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Creamy Dijon Aioli

Making crispy Brussels sprouts at home is easier than you might think. With just a handful of ingredients and a few straightforward steps, you can create a dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Here’s how to whip up this delicious recipe that will have everyone begging for seconds.

Ingredients

To get started, gather the following ingredients that will make your Brussels sprouts sing:

2 lbs fresh Brussels Sprouts
3-4 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground Black Pepper
½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
(Optional) ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
(Optional) 1 tablespoon Balsamic Glaze
1 large fresh Egg Yolk
1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
1 clove Garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh Lemon Juice
½ cup Light Olive Oil or Neutral Oil (e.g., Grapeseed or Canola)
¼ teaspoon Kosher Salt (for aioli)
Pinch of freshly ground Black Pepper (for aioli)
(Optional) 1-2 teaspoons cold water (for aioli consistency)

Directions

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, here’s the breakdown of how to bring this delicious dish to life:

Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Begin by rinsing your Brussels sprouts under cold water. Make sure to dry them thoroughly with a paper towel. Trim off any tough, woody ends of the stems, and gently peel away any loose or yellowed outer leaves. A little bit of prep goes a long way in ensuring the best flavor and texture.

Halve and Dry Sprouts

Next, halve all the Brussels sprouts. If you come across particularly large ones (thicker than an inch), feel free to quarter them for a more uniform cooking process. Transfer them to a large bowl and use paper towels to pat them dry. This is crucial—any excess moisture can prevent the beautiful crispiness we’re after.

Season the Sprouts

Now it’s time to season! In your bowl of dry Brussels sprouts, pour in 3-4 tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of Kosher Salt, add ½ teaspoon of freshly ground Black Pepper, and ½ teaspoon of Garlic Powder. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in the optional ¼ teaspoon of Red Pepper Flakes for a bit of heat. Toss everything together thoroughly with clean hands to ensure every sprout half is beautifully coated.

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet

While you give your sprouts a good toss, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature for roasting. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to help with crispiness and make cleanup a breeze.

Arrange Sprouts for Roasting

Carefully spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts onto the prepared baking sheet. Arrange them in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them; each sprout needs its personal space to roast rather than steam. Try to place the cut sides down, as this will allow for better caramelization.

Roast Sprouts

Pop your baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the Brussels sprouts for 20-30 minutes. At around the 15-minute mark, open the oven door and give the sprouts a shake or a gentle flip using a spatula. This helps in achieving even browning. You’ll know they’re done when they’ve turned a beautiful golden brown, almost charred in spots, while remaining tender inside with delightfully crisp edges.

(Optional) Add Balsamic Glaze

If you’re keen to raise the flavor game even higher, drizzle 1 tablespoon of Balsamic Glaze over the hot Brussels sprouts right after they come out of the oven. Gently toss them to coat; the glaze will add a hint of sweetness that complements the earthy notes of the sprouts.

Prepare Aioli Base

While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, let’s get to work on that creamy Dijon aioli. Place a damp kitchen towel underneath a medium-sized mixing bowl to hold it steady while you whisk. Add 1 fresh Egg Yolk, 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard, 1 finely minced Garlic clove, 1 tablespoon fresh Lemon Juice, ¼ teaspoon Kosher Salt, and a pinch of freshly ground Black Pepper to the bowl. Whisk vigorously until the mixture appears pale yellow and slightly frothy—this is the foundation of your aioli.

Emulsify Aioli with Oil (Drip Method)

Pour ½ cup of Light Olive Oil or any neutral oil into a small measuring cup with a spout. Begin to add the oil to your yolk mixture drop by drop, whisking continuously and vigorously with your other hand. Be patient at this stage—adding too much oil too quickly can cause your aioli to break. After about 30 seconds of whisking, the mixture will begin to thicken; you can then transition to pouring the oil in a slow, steady stream while continuing to whisk until all the oil has been incorporated. The result should be a thick, glossy, pale-yellow aioli, reminiscent of homemade mayonnaise.

Adjust Aioli Seasoning and Consistency

Taste your freshly made aioli and adjust the seasoning as needed—add more salt, lemon juice, or pepper according to your personal preference. If the aioli turns out too thick for your liking, you can whisk in ½ to 1 teaspoon of cold water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Chill Aioli

Once your aioli is ready, transfer it to a small serving bowl and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and deepen, enhancing its deliciousness.

Serve the Dish

When your Brussels sprouts are perfectly roasted and your aioli is chilled, it’s time to serve. Transfer the hot, crispy Brussels sprouts from the baking sheet to a warm serving platter or large bowl. Retrieve your chilled aioli, and you can either serve it in a separate bowl for dipping or drizzle a generous amount directly over the warm sprouts just before serving.

Garnish and Enjoy

For an optional finishing touch, sprinkle a pinch of finely chopped fresh parsley over your brussels sprouts for color and freshness. Serve immediately while they’re at their peak crispiness. Take a moment to savor that delightful combination of the deeply caramelized vegetables with the bright, garlicky, and tangy aioli.

Storage Tips for Addictive Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Creamy Dijon Aioli

Properly storing any leftovers will yield the best results for future enjoyment:

Refrigerate leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container for 3–4 days at 40°F.
For optimal texture, it’s best to reheat them in the oven rather than the microwave; this will help restore their crispiness.
If you have aioli left, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week in an airtight container.

Best Ways to Serve Addictive Crispy Brussels Sprouts

These Brussels sprouts are incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways:

As a Side Dish: Pair them with roasted meats like chicken or pork for a hearty meal.
On a Salad: Toss the crispy sprouts into a green salad for added texture and flavor.
With Grains: Combine them with quinoa, farro, or rice for a hearty vegetarian option.
As a Snack: Serve them as a crunchy snack on game day or during a movie marathon.
Brussels Sprout Tacos: Stuff them into corn tortillas with avocado and your favorite toppings for a fun twist.

Tips to Make Addictive Crispy Brussels Sprouts

For extra crunch, make sure to pat the sprouts dry thoroughly before seasoning.
Don’t skip the flipping at the halfway point during roasting; this will ensure even cooking and browning.
If you want to spice things up, consider changing the aioli by adding a splash of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce.

Variations or Substitutions

If you prefer a vegetarian option, simply replace the egg yolk in the aioli with a teaspoon of aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) for a vegan version.
Try adding different herbs and spices to the Brussels sprouts, such as thyme, rosemary, or even a touch of parmesan cheese before roasting for a richer flavor profile.

FAQs

Q: Can I make the aioli ahead of time?

A: Yes, the aioli can be made up to one week in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for the best results.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover Brussels sprouts?

Reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for about 10-12 minutes, or until they regain some of their crispiness.

Q: How do I keep the Brussels sprouts crispy after cooking?

A: The best way to keep them crispy is to store them in an open container in the refrigerator. Covering them will create steam and lead to sogginess.

Q: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

A: While fresh Brussels sprouts yield the best results, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts if you prefer. Just make sure to thaw and dry them thoroughly before seasoning and roasting.

In conclusion, these Addictive Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Creamy Dijon Aioli are a revolutionary way to enjoy a misunderstood vegetable. With their crunchy texture, deep flavor, and a zesty dipping sauce, they’re perfect for any occasion—be it a family dinner, a cozy night in, or a potluck with friends. Try making this dish today and be prepared to fall head over heels for Brussels sprouts like never before!