Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Orange Butter

There are certain dishes that, when they appear on a table, elicit an immediate, collective sigh of delight. For me, this is unequivocally one of them. I remember the first time I served these Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Orange Butter, it was during a bustling holiday gathering. The usual hushed whispers about sprouts being too bitter or mushy were replaced by exclamations of surprise and pure enjoyment. It quickly became that dish, the one everyone asked for the recipe for, a signature that graced Thanksgiving and Christmas tables year after year, proving that even the most humble vegetable could be transformed into something truly extraordinary and surprisingly simple.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: Serves 4-6
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 lbs Brussels sprouts
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (this is equivalent to 1 stick)
• 1 orange (you’ll need its juice) or 2 ounces orange juice
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 pinch white pepper (optional, but recommended for a subtle warmth)

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Small saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Spatula or spoon for tossing

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is a moderate temperature that allows the Brussels sprouts to become tender and slightly caramelized without burning.
2. Begin by preparing the Brussels sprouts. Wash them thoroughly under cool running water. Then, trim off any tough or discolored outer leaves. For each sprout, cut off the woody stem end. After trimming, halve each Brussels sprout. This larger surface area allows them to roast more evenly and absorb the delicious orange butter.
3. Arrange the halved Brussels sprouts in a single layer on your baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lead to steaming rather than roasting, which will prevent them from achieving that coveted crispy texture. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
4. In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Gentle heat is key here to prevent the butter from browning or scorching.
5. Once the butter has melted, add the juice of one fresh orange (or 2 ounces of store-bought orange juice) to the saucepan. If using a fresh orange, you can zest half of it before juicing for an extra burst of citrus aroma, though this is not part of the core recipe.
6. Stir in the maple syrup and salt. If you’re using the optional white pepper, add that now as well.
7. Stir the mixture gently until all the ingredients are well combined.
8. Remove the saucepan from the heat. The warm butter and citrus mixture is now ready to coat the sprouts.
9. Pour the orange butter sauce evenly over the Brussels sprouts on the baking sheet.
10. Using a spatula or spoon, mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring each Brussels sprout is well coated with the fragrant orange butter.
11. Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Roast for 30 minutes.
12. Partway through the roasting time, specifically after 15 minutes, stir the sprouts once. This ensures even cooking and browning on all sides.
13. Continue roasting for the remaining 15 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and have achieved a beautiful golden-brown, slightly caramelized appearance. You can test for doneness by piercing a sprout with a fork; it should yield easily.

Expert Tips & Tricks

When working with Brussels sprouts, the trimming step is crucial. Don’t be afraid to remove any outer leaves that look a bit sad or blemished. For consistent results, aim for roughly the same size when halving the sprouts. If you find your oven tends to run hot or cool, an oven thermometer can be your best friend, ensuring you’re always at the precise temperature for optimal roasting. The key to that delightful crunch is a hot oven and a single layer of sprouts; if they’re piled up, they’ll steam, and nobody wants steamed sprouts.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Orange Butter are best served immediately, hot from the oven, to capture their peak crispness and vibrant flavors. They make a stunning side dish for any main course, from roasted chicken and pork to grilled fish and even a hearty vegetarian centerpiece.

For storage, allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, spread them out on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crisped again. Microwaving is an option, but it can soften the texture.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	313.6 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	24.2 g	37%
Saturated Fat	14.8 g	74%
Cholesterol	61 mg	20%
Sodium	341.9 mg	14%
Total Carbohydrate	23.3 g	7%
Dietary Fiber	6.7 g	26%
Sugars	10 g	40%
Protein	6.3 g	12%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

While the orange butter is a revelation, feel free to explore variations. For a touch of savory depth, a minced clove of garlic can be added to the butter mixture as it melts. A sprinkle of toasted slivered almonds or chopped walnuts just before serving adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. For a hint of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be introduced into the orange butter. If you don’t have fresh oranges, the specified 2 ounces of good quality orange juice works beautifully.

FAQs

Q: Why are my Brussels sprouts not crispy?
A: This is usually due to overcrowding the pan, which causes them to steam, or not roasting at a high enough temperature. Ensure they are in a single layer and your oven is properly preheated.

Q: Can I prepare the Brussels sprouts ahead of time?
A: You can wash, trim, and halve the sprouts a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Prepare the orange butter mixture just before roasting for the freshest flavor.

Q: What is the best way to get uniform cooking?
A: Cutting the Brussels sprouts in half and ensuring they are all roughly the same size before roasting helps them cook evenly.

Q: Can I use other citrus fruits?
A: Absolutely! Grapefruit juice or a mix of orange and lemon juice can offer a delightful twist, though the flavor profile will change.

Q: My Brussels sprouts are bitter, what did I do wrong?
A: Older Brussels sprouts can sometimes be more bitter. Ensure you are trimming off any old, yellowed outer leaves. Roasting them until they are caramelized also helps to mellow any bitterness.

Final Thoughts

This dish is a testament to how simple, high-quality ingredients, treated with a little care, can create magic. The natural sweetness of the maple syrup, the bright zestiness of the orange, and the rich indulgence of the butter perfectly complement the earthy, slightly bitter notes of the Brussels sprouts, transforming them into a dish that’s both sophisticated and comforting. I encourage you to bring this simple elegance to your own table and watch as it becomes a favorite, just as it has for so many others. Gather your ingredients, embrace the warmth of your oven, and savor the delightful results.