Brussels Sprouts with Browned Butter: A Simple and Delicious Recipe

Brussels sprouts often get a bad rap. Many people remember them as mushy, bitter, and generally unpleasant. However, when prepared correctly, Brussels sprouts can be a delightful and versatile vegetable. This recipe for Brussels sprouts with browned butter transforms these mini cabbages into a truly delectable side dish. The nutty, rich flavor of browned butter perfectly complements the slightly sweet and earthy taste of the sprouts. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings.

This recipe focuses on achieving perfectly caramelized Brussels sprouts with crispy edges and a tender interior. The browned butter adds a depth of flavor that elevates the dish to a whole new level. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a Brussels sprouts dish that will impress even the most ardent sprout skeptics.

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Browning the Butter:** Browned butter, also known as *beurre noisette*, is a cornerstone of this recipe. The process of browning butter concentrates its flavor, creating a nutty, toasty aroma and a rich, complex taste. It’s a simple technique that makes a huge difference.
* **High Heat Roasting/Sautéing:** High heat is crucial for achieving crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts. Roasting or sautéing at a high temperature allows the natural sugars in the sprouts to caramelize, resulting in a beautiful browning and a slightly sweet flavor.
* **Even Sizing:** Ensuring that the Brussels sprouts are roughly the same size is important for even cooking. This prevents some sprouts from being overcooked while others remain undercooked.
* **Simple Seasoning:** We keep the seasoning simple in this recipe to allow the flavor of the Brussels sprouts and browned butter to shine through. A little salt and pepper is all you need, but you can always add other herbs and spices to customize the dish to your liking.
* **Acidic Lift:** A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end adds a touch of acidity that balances the richness of the browned butter and brightens the overall flavor of the dish.

## Ingredients

* 1.5 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved or quartered (depending on size)
* 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice or balsamic vinegar (optional)
* Optional additions: toasted pecans, crumbled bacon, grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes

## Equipment

* Large skillet or roasting pan
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring spoons

## Instructions

### Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

1. **Wash and Trim:** Thoroughly wash the Brussels sprouts under cold water. Trim off the stem end and remove any loose or discolored outer leaves.
2. **Halve or Quarter:** Depending on the size of the Brussels sprouts, halve or quarter them. Smaller sprouts can be halved, while larger sprouts should be quartered to ensure even cooking. The goal is to have relatively uniform pieces.

### Step 2: Brown the Butter

1. **Melt the Butter:** Place the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Let the butter melt completely.
2. **Continue Cooking:** Once the butter is melted, continue cooking it, swirling the pan occasionally, until it turns a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma. This process usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Watch carefully, as browned butter can burn quickly. The solids in the butter will sink to the bottom of the pan and turn brown.
3. **Remove from Heat:** Once the butter is browned, immediately remove the skillet from the heat to prevent it from burning. The residual heat will continue to cook the butter slightly.

### Step 3: Cook the Brussels Sprouts

* **Option 1: Sautéing on the Stovetop**
1. **Add Brussels Sprouts:** Add the prepared Brussels sprouts to the skillet with the browned butter. Toss to coat them evenly with the butter.
2. **Sauté:** Sauté the Brussels sprouts over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and browned, about 10-15 minutes. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent the butter from burning.
3. **Season:** Season with salt and pepper to taste.

* **Option 2: Roasting in the Oven**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Toss with Browned Butter:** In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with the browned butter until they are evenly coated.
3. **Spread on Roasting Pan:** Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a roasting pan. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the sprouts instead of roasting them. If necessary, use two roasting pans.
4. **Roast:** Roast the Brussels sprouts in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and browned, flipping them halfway through. The edges should be crispy and caramelized.
5. **Season:** Season with salt and pepper to taste.

### Step 4: Finish and Serve

1. **Add Acid (Optional):** If desired, drizzle the Brussels sprouts with lemon juice or balsamic vinegar for a touch of acidity. This will balance the richness of the browned butter and brighten the overall flavor.
2. **Add Optional Toppings:** If using, sprinkle the Brussels sprouts with toasted pecans, crumbled bacon, grated Parmesan cheese, or red pepper flakes.
3. **Serve:** Serve the Brussels sprouts immediately while they are still warm and crispy. They are a delicious side dish for a variety of main courses, such as roasted chicken, pork chops, or steak.

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Whether you’re sautéing or roasting, avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding will steam the Brussels sprouts instead of browning them. If necessary, cook them in batches or use a larger pan.
* **Use Fresh Brussels Sprouts:** Fresh Brussels sprouts will have a better flavor and texture than frozen ones. Look for sprouts that are firm, compact, and bright green.
* **Watch the Butter Carefully:** Browned butter can burn quickly, so keep a close eye on it while it’s cooking. Swirl the pan occasionally to ensure even browning.
* **Adjust Seasoning to Taste:** Season the Brussels sprouts with salt and pepper to your liking. You can also add other herbs and spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
* **Add a Touch of Sweetness (Optional):** If you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor, you can add a drizzle of maple syrup or honey to the Brussels sprouts after they are cooked.
* **Use a High-Quality Butter:** The flavor of the butter will have a significant impact on the overall taste of the dish, so use a high-quality unsalted butter.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment:** This recipe is a great starting point, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique version. Try adding different herbs, spices, or toppings to customize the dish to your liking.

## Variations

* **Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Browned Butter:** Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the Brussels sprouts for a smoky, savory flavor.
* **Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan and Browned Butter:** Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the Brussels sprouts for a salty, cheesy flavor.
* **Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze:** Drizzle the Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze for a sweet and tangy flavor.
* **Brussels Sprouts with Maple-Glazed Pecans:** Toss the Brussels sprouts with maple-glazed pecans for a sweet and crunchy topping.
* **Spicy Brussels Sprouts with Browned Butter:** Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the Brussels sprouts for a spicy kick.
* **Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Browned Butter:** Add minced garlic to the butter while it’s browning for a garlicky flavor.
* **Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Browned Butter:** Add lemon zest and juice to the Brussels sprouts for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Brussels Sprouts Salad with Browned Butter Vinaigrette:** Allow the Brussels sprouts to cool slightly, then toss them with a browned butter vinaigrette and other salad ingredients, such as cranberries, walnuts, and goat cheese.

## Serving Suggestions

Brussels sprouts with browned butter are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Roasted Chicken:** The nutty flavor of the browned butter complements the savory flavor of roasted chicken.
* **Pork Chops:** Brussels sprouts with browned butter are a delicious accompaniment to pan-seared or grilled pork chops.
* **Steak:** The rich flavor of the browned butter pairs well with a juicy steak.
* **Salmon:** Brussels sprouts with browned butter are a healthy and flavorful side dish for baked or grilled salmon.
* **Vegetarian Dishes:** Brussels sprouts with browned butter can be served as a side dish with vegetarian dishes, such as lentil soup or vegetarian lasagna.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

While Brussels sprouts with browned butter are best served fresh, you can prepare some of the components ahead of time to save time on busy weeknights.

* **Trim and Halve/Quarter the Brussels Sprouts:** You can wash, trim, and halve or quarter the Brussels sprouts up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Brown the Butter:** You can brown the butter up to 1 day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook the Brussels sprouts, simply reheat the butter in a skillet.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover Brussels sprouts with browned butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the Brussels sprouts in a skillet over medium heat or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until they are warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may not be as crispy.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

* Calories: 150-200
* Fat: 10-15g
* Saturated Fat: 6-9g
* Cholesterol: 30-45mg
* Sodium: 150-250mg
* Carbohydrates: 10-15g
* Fiber: 3-5g
* Sugar: 3-5g
* Protein: 3-5g

This recipe for Brussels sprouts with browned butter is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this often-underappreciated vegetable. The nutty, rich flavor of the browned butter perfectly complements the slightly sweet and earthy taste of the sprouts. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight side dish or an elegant addition to your holiday table, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So, give it a try and discover the deliciousness of perfectly cooked Brussels sprouts!