Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prep
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a rimmed baking sheet in the oven while it preheats starting with a hot pan helps caramelization begin immediately.
- Trim the woody stem end of each sprout, remove yellowed outer leaves, and halve each one through the stem. Pat thoroughly dry moisture is the enemy of caramelization.
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, Dijon, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Add Brussels sprouts to the bowl and toss vigorously until every sprout is thoroughly coated in the glaze. Every cut surface should be glistening.
Roast
- Carefully remove the hot baking sheet from the oven. Quickly arrange Brussels sprouts in a single layer with the cut side facing DOWN against the hot pan. Give them plenty of space use two baking sheets if needed.
- Roast for 15 minutes without touching them. The caramelization needs time undisturbed. After 15 minutes, check the cut surfaces they should be deep golden brown. If so, flip. If not, give them 3-5 more minutes.
- Once flipped, roast another 5-8 minutes until deeply caramelized on both sides and tender through. In the last 5 minutes, add dried cranberries if using.
Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning. For a more intense glaze, drizzle another tablespoon of maple syrup over the hot sprouts immediately out of the oven. Top with goat cheese, toasted pecans, or a balsamic reduction. Serve immediately.
Notes
Don't pull the sprouts out when they're just golden the deep, almost dark caramelization is exactly what you want and where all the flavor is. The outer leaves should look almost charred. Fresh sprouts are essential frozen will steam rather than roast.
