Roasted Brussels Sprouts Bowl (Print Version)

Caramelized Brussels sprouts over hearty grains with tangy balsamic dressing for a wholesome meal.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
02 - 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Grains

06 - 1 cup quinoa or brown rice, uncooked
07 - 2 cups water or vegetable broth

→ Balsamic Dressing

08 - 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
09 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
10 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
11 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
12 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
13 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Toppings

14 - 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans
15 - 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
16 - 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds

# Recipe Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts and red onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
03 - Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until Brussels sprouts are golden and caramelized.
04 - Rinse quinoa or rice thoroughly. In a medium saucepan, combine grains and water or broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
05 - In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, maple syrup or honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
06 - Divide cooked grains among four bowls. Top with roasted Brussels sprouts and onions. Drizzle with balsamic dressing.
07 - Garnish with toasted nuts, dried cranberries, and pumpkin seeds if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The Brussels sprouts caramelize into sweet, nutty bites that taste nothing like the soggy versions from childhood.
  • It comes together in under an hour but feels like something you'd order at a cozy farm to table cafe.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.
02 -
  • Don't overcrowd the baking sheet or the Brussels sprouts will steam instead of roast, leaving them soft and pale instead of caramelized.
  • Stir the vegetables halfway through roasting to prevent the bottoms from burning while the tops stay undercooked.
  • Let the grains rest covered for five minutes after cooking so they finish steaming and become perfectly tender.
03 -
  • Taste a Brussels sprout halfway through roasting, if it's still bitter, give it more time to caramelize and sweeten.
  • Use vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the grains for a deeper, more savory flavor.
  • Double the dressing recipe and keep extra in the fridge, it's perfect on salads, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls all week long.
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