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How to Roast Crispy Brussels Sprouts to Perfection, According to a Chef

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It wouldn’t be a true Thanksgiving feast without all the yummy side dishes — which is why you need to know how to cook Brussels sprouts in the oven. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving for the first time or you’re a seasoned pro, knowing how to whip up a batch of crispy sprouts will impress even the pickiest eater. 

Tossing a pan of Brussels sprouts in the oven is one thing, but actually serving a delectable tray of roasted Brussels sprouts is a whole different story. The worst thing that could happen is you end up with charred, wilted greens. Instead, you want to feel that snap as you bite into a fresh roasted sprout. So, what’s the secret to crispy, crunchy veggies?

According to Anthony Cole, executive chef of Chatham Bars Inn in Massachusetts, it’s all about the oil you use and how high you set the oven. “Use a very light amount of fat, then just put it in a really, really hot oven, like 450 degrees is what we do at home,” Cole told PopSugar. “Lay the sprouts flat on a sheet tray so they’re not piled up on top of each other, and just roast those suckers.” The sprouts only need to bake for 10 to 15 minutes before they’re done, but keep an eye on them in case you need to remove them early. 

Cole prefers using olive oil when roasting veggies, though canola oil and grape seed oil are good when baking at hotter temperatures, as these have a higher smoke point. We’re fans of using some leftover bacon grease, as this will add a smokey, meaty flavor to your veggies. (Hey, we’re still calling it a healthy Thanksgiving side because it’s green!) You can drizzle more olive oil over your sprouts once they’re done baking if they’re a bit too dry for your liking, Cole said.

It goes without saying that using fresh produce will add oomph to your dish. Still, it’s easy to forget things during the busy holidays, so you can still roast frozen Brussels sprouts if you have a package in your freezer. 

Now that you’ve perfected your method for roasting Brussels sprouts, we recommend baking two batches this Thanksgiving. This way, you’ll have plenty to snack on in the kitchen while you wait for the bird to cook.

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