Roasted Apples and Brussels Sprouts: A Sweet and Savory Delight

Roasting Brussels sprouts transforms them from a potentially bitter vegetable into a caramelized, nutty, and incredibly flavorful side dish. Adding roasted apples introduces a touch of sweetness and tartness that perfectly complements the earthy sprouts. This recipe is simple to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is a fantastic way to enjoy seasonal produce. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a holiday gathering, or as a vibrant addition to any meal.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Flavorful Combination:** The sweetness of the apples beautifully balances the slight bitterness of the Brussels sprouts, creating a harmonious and delicious flavor profile.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal preparation and is mostly hands-off once the vegetables are in the oven.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Brussels sprouts are packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, while apples provide vitamins and fiber as well. It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy a satisfying side dish.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe by adding other vegetables, nuts, or spices to your liking.
* **Perfect for Fall:** The combination of apples and Brussels sprouts makes this a perfect dish to enjoy during the fall season, when both ingredients are at their peak.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Brussels Sprouts:** 1.5 pounds, trimmed and halved (or quartered if large)
* **Apples:** 2 medium-sized apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), cored and chopped into bite-sized pieces
* **Olive Oil:** 3 tablespoons
* **Balsamic Vinegar:** 1 tablespoon (optional, but highly recommended)
* **Maple Syrup or Honey:** 1 tablespoon (optional, for extra sweetness)
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
* **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste
* **Optional Add-ins:**
* Pecans or walnuts, chopped
* Dried cranberries or cherries
* Red onion, sliced
* Bacon or pancetta, cooked and crumbled
* Fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Large baking sheet
* Large bowl
* Knife and cutting board
* Measuring spoons and cups

## Step-by-Step Instructions

**1. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts:**

* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure the oven rack is in the center position.
* Wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This helps them to roast properly instead of steaming.
* Trim the ends of the Brussels sprouts by slicing off the tough bottom part where the stem was attached. Remove any outer leaves that are yellowed or damaged.
* Halve the Brussels sprouts lengthwise. If they are particularly large, you may want to quarter them to ensure they cook evenly.

**2. Prepare the Apples:**

* Wash the apples thoroughly under cold water. There’s no need to peel them, as the skin adds flavor and nutrients.
* Core the apples using an apple corer or a knife. Cut them into bite-sized pieces, roughly the same size as the halved or quartered Brussels sprouts. This ensures that the apples and Brussels sprouts cook at a similar rate.

**3. Combine and Season:**

* In a large bowl, combine the prepared Brussels sprouts and apples. Make sure you have enough room to toss them without making a mess.
* Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables and apples. Use your hands or a spatula to toss everything together, ensuring that the Brussels sprouts and apples are evenly coated with oil. This will help them to caramelize in the oven.
* Add the balsamic vinegar (if using) and maple syrup or honey (if using). Toss again to coat. The balsamic vinegar adds a tangy depth of flavor, while the maple syrup or honey provides extra sweetness to balance the bitterness of the sprouts.
* Season with salt and black pepper. Toss one last time to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed. Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your liking.

**4. Roast the Vegetables:**

* Spread the Brussels sprouts and apple mixture in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this can cause the vegetables to steam instead of roast. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
* Roast in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and slightly browned, and the apples are softened and caramelized. Stir the vegetables halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
* The roasting time may vary depending on your oven and the size of the Brussels sprouts and apple pieces. Keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time as needed.

**5. Add Optional Ingredients (if using):**

* If you’re adding pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries, add them during the last 5-10 minutes of roasting to prevent them from burning.
* If you’re adding cooked bacon or pancetta, sprinkle it over the roasted vegetables after they come out of the oven.
* Fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, can be added during the last few minutes of roasting or sprinkled over the finished dish.

**6. Serve and Enjoy:**

* Remove the roasted Brussels sprouts and apples from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
* Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You may want to add a sprinkle of salt or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
* Serve the roasted Brussels sprouts and apples warm as a side dish. They pair well with a variety of main courses, such as roasted chicken, pork chops, or vegetarian entrees.
* Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

## Tips for Perfect Roasted Apples and Brussels Sprouts

* **Choose the Right Brussels Sprouts:** Look for Brussels sprouts that are firm, compact, and bright green. Avoid Brussels sprouts that are yellowed or have loose leaves.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet:** Overcrowding the baking sheet will cause the Brussels sprouts and apples to steam instead of roast, resulting in a mushy texture. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
* **Roast at a High Temperature:** Roasting at a high temperature (400°F/200°C) helps to caramelize the vegetables and bring out their natural sweetness.
* **Use Enough Oil:** Olive oil helps the Brussels sprouts and apples to roast properly and prevents them from sticking to the baking sheet. Make sure to use enough oil to coat the vegetables evenly.
* **Stir Halfway Through:** Stirring the vegetables halfway through the cooking time ensures even browning and prevents them from burning.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked Brussels sprouts can become bitter and mushy. Roast them until they are tender and slightly browned, but still have a bit of bite to them.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Feel free to experiment with different flavors and add-ins to customize this recipe to your liking. Some ideas include adding different types of nuts, dried fruits, herbs, or spices.

## Variations

* **Maple-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Apples:** Increase the amount of maple syrup or honey to 2-3 tablespoons for a sweeter glaze.
* **Balsamic-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Apples:** Increase the amount of balsamic vinegar to 2-3 tablespoons for a tangier glaze. You can also use a balsamic glaze instead of balsamic vinegar.
* **Brussels Sprouts and Apples with Bacon:** Add cooked and crumbled bacon or pancetta to the roasted vegetables for a smoky and savory flavor.
* **Brussels Sprouts and Apples with Pecans and Cranberries:** Add chopped pecans and dried cranberries to the roasted vegetables for a festive and flavorful side dish.
* **Spicy Brussels Sprouts and Apples:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the roasted vegetables for a spicy kick.
* **Brussels Sprouts and Apples with Parmesan Cheese:** Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the roasted vegetables during the last few minutes of cooking for a cheesy and savory flavor.
* **Vegan Brussels Sprouts and Apples:** Omit the honey, or use maple syrup. Make sure to use a vegan cooking oil, or substitute with vegetable broth.

## Serving Suggestions

Roasted apples and brussels sprouts are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Roasted Chicken:** The sweetness of the apples and the slight bitterness of the Brussels sprouts complement the savory flavor of roasted chicken.
* **Pork Chops:** Roasted apples and Brussels sprouts are a delicious and healthy accompaniment to pork chops.
* **Salmon:** The earthy flavors of the Brussels sprouts and apples pair well with the rich flavor of salmon.
* **Vegetarian Entrees:** Roasted apples and Brussels sprouts can be served alongside vegetarian entrees such as lentil loaf, stuffed butternut squash, or quinoa salad.
* **Holiday Dinners:** This dish is a perfect addition to holiday dinners such as Thanksgiving or Christmas.

## Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

* Calories: 150-200
* Fat: 8-12g
* Saturated Fat: 1-2g
* Cholesterol: 0mg
* Sodium: 200-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g
* Fiber: 5-7g
* Sugar: 10-15g
* Protein: 3-5g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.*

## Conclusion

Roasted apples and Brussels sprouts are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet apples and savory Brussels sprouts is a flavor sensation that is sure to please everyone. With its simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, this recipe is a great way to enjoy seasonal produce and add a healthy and flavorful dish to your meal rotation. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy this delightful combination of roasted apples and Brussels sprouts!