Oil-Free Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Brussels Sprouts are one of my favorite winter vegetables. I have a few simple tips for roasting them oil-free. This recipe finishes them with balsamic vinegar for a delicious and healthy whole foods, plant-based side dish. A perfect vegan-friendly addition to your holiday table!
How to Roast Brussels Sprouts Oil-Free
There are a few simple tips for roasting Brussels sprouts without any added oil, butter, or other fat. First, it’s important to preheat your oven to a hot 425F. This will ensure the Brussels get a golden brown, crispy edge.
Second, you want to par-cook the Brussels before roasting them. You can steam them in a pot on the stove. Or, my favorite trick is to buy trimmed Brussels sprouts in the plastic bag. You can cut a slit in the bag and steam the Brussels right in your microwave! For one bag of Brussels, I’ll microwave for 3 minutes. For 2 bags, I’ll do 5 1/2 minutes. I don’t recommend doing more than 2 bags of Brussels at a time. You can work in batches if you have a lot of Brussels to roast.
Another option for par-cooked Brussels is to buy frozen Brussels sprouts. These have already been steamed so they can go right to the oven for roasting. However, I’ve found frozen Brussels don’t get quite as a crispy and gold brown — due to the extra water from freezing.
Third, once your Brussels are steamed, trim them to be about the same size. You want something that is bite-sized. I usually find I need to cut the Brussels in half. However, sometimes they’re really big (which means quarter the sprouts) or really tiny (leave them whole).
Fourth, pre-line your sheet pan. Use parchment paper on a non-stick baking mat. This will ensure the Brussels sprouts don’t stick to the pan during roasting.
Finally, toss the Brussels sprouts every 10-12 minutes during roasting. It will take about 25 minutes for the Brussels to get golden brown around the edges. Tossing them a few times during the roasting will help ensure you get even color and even cooking.
Quick Tips: How to Roast Brussels Sprouts Oil-Free
A quick recap on how to roast Brussels sprouts oil-free:
- Preheat oven to 425F – a hot temperature
- Par-cook or steam the Brussels before roasting. Get the kind you steam in the bag for a microwave shortcut
- Trim the Brussels to all be the same size, usually cut in half
- Line your sheet pan with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat
- Toss the Brussels during roasting.
How to Top Your Oil-Free Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Oil-Free Roasted Brussels Sprouts are delicious just on their own. However, it’s fun to dress them up for a special occasion or just for a fancier presentation. Some of my favorite toppings for roasted Brussels sprouts include:
- Roasted, chopped hazelnuts
- Dijon-maple glaze
- Vegan Pumpkin Nacho “Geez!” Sauce
- Toasted pecans
- Easy Vegan Hollandaise
- Balsamic Vinegar
The recipe below uses a good-quality Balsamic Vinegar for a delicious, plant-based dish.
Chef Katie’s Plant-Based Cooking Tips:
Get the Brussels in the Plastic Bag: This allows you to steam the Brussels in the microwave, before roasting. This will ensure your Brussels are tender in the middle while crispy on the outside
Good Quality Balsamic Vinegar: A good-quality Balsamic balances sweetness and tang. Typically, balsamic that is aged longer is milder and sweeter. For help choosing a good balsamic, check the acidity level on the bottle (opt for less acidity). Or, some brand rate their options with leaves, stars, or other guides.
Oil-Free Mission: I’m on a mission to get rid of empty calories, like those found in refined oils. This recipe is 100% oil-free. You can use a little bit of water to saute the vegetables if they start to burn.
Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Easy
- Ready in: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: about 3 cups
Similar Recipes: If you like this recipe, you’ll also love Oil-Free Balsamic Roasted Vegetable Gluten-Free Pasta Salad, Super Green Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Shredded Brussels, and Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Spicy Tunisian Chermoula Sauce.
Oil-Free Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 12 ounces trimmed Brussels Sprouts pre-trimmed
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons Balsamic vinegar good quality
- 1 tablespoon chopped Hazelnuts or pecans optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat.
- To steam your Brussels: Cut a slit in the bag of Brussels sprouts. Microwave on Hi for 3 minutes. Alternatively, steam your Brussels in a pot with water, 3-5 minutes, until knife-glide tender
- Allow the steamed Brussels to cool a few minutes. When cool enough to handle, cut Brussels in half. Spread onto the pre-lined baking sheet.
- Roast the Brussels 20-25 minutes, stirring every 10-12 minutes, until golden brown on the edges.
- Remove from the oven, transfer to a serving platter. Immediately drizzle with Balsamic vinegar and sprinkle on chopped nuts (optional).
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings 4.0 | |
| Amount Per Serving | |
| calories 59 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 2 g | 4 % |
| Saturated Fat 0 g | 0 % |
| Monounsaturated Fat 1 g | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0 g | |
| Trans Fat 0 g | |
| Cholesterol 0 mg | 0 % |
| Sodium 291 mg | 12 % |
| Potassium 14 mg | 0 % |
| Total Carbohydrate 5 g | 2 % |
| Dietary Fiber 4 g | 15 % |
| Sugars 4 g | |
| Protein 3 g | 6 % |
| Vitamin A | 0 % |
| Vitamin C | 0 % |
| Calcium | 0 % |
| Iron | 1 % |
| * The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs. The values here may not be 100% accurate because the recipes have not been professionally evaluated nor have they been evaluated by the U.S. FDA. |
Shopping and Gear List
- Colavita Aged Balsamic Vinegar of Modena IGP, 3 years
- If You Care Parchment Baking Paper – 70 Sq Ft Roll – Unbleached
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