How Long to Cook Brussels Sprouts

Here are the perfect cooking times for roasted and sauteed brussels sprouts.

When cooked properly, brussels sprouts are crispy, caramelized, sweet, and nutty. In fact, I eat them straight off the pan. They’re like the “candy” of vegetables.

But… if you don’t cook them properly, they can end up bitter and smelly.

So, we’ve created a fail-proof cooking guide to show you how to cook brussels sprouts that are sweet, salty and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. In fact, these little bites of heaven may just become your new favorite vegetable!

How Long To Cook Roasted Brussels Sprouts

When roasting Brussels sprouts in the oven, timing is essential. Most recipes suggest that you roast your brussels sprouts at 400 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes.

But you can adjust the temperature and time depending on the texture and taste that you prefer. Refer to this list for guidance:

Extra Crispy: Roast at 475 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes

Soft, tender, and caramelized Brussels sprouts: Roast at 375 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes

Crisp exterior, firm interior: Roast at 425 degrees F for 30 to 35 minutes

Crisp exterior, soft interior: Roast at 400 degrees F for 20 to 30 minutes (My personal favorite)

I personally cook my brussels sprouts at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes. But this can vary based on the size of your brussels sprouts and how hot your oven runs. But if you’re wondering where to start, this is my recommendation.

How Long to Cook Sautéed Brussels Sprouts

Sautéing your brussels sprouts is an even faster way to cook these bite-sized pieces of heaven.

Simply heat oil in a skillet. Add the brussels sprouts. Salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or until crisp and tender. They will turn a nice golden brown color when ready.

You can sprinkle some bacon bits, Parmesan cheese, or even a bit of balsamic vinegar on top.

How to Remove the Bitterness in Brussels Sprouts

Many people have been traumatized by bitter Brussels sprouts at one point or another, so we’re here to make sure you never run into this problem.

Here’s the first thing you need to know about Brussels sprouts: you must not overcook them. That’s the golden rule. The moment they cook too long in the oven, they release glucosinolate – the thing that makes the Brussels sprouts foul-smelling and terrible tasting.

You also need to learn how to choose the right Brussels sprouts. Pick ones that are firm to the feel and have a vibrant green hue. They should have compact leaves void of brown and yellow spots. Choose smaller instead of bigger sprouts (around 1-2 inches in diameter), because they are sweeter. Bigger ones, on the other hand, taste bitter and more cabbage-like.

Prep your brussels sprouts before you roast them. Trim the stems off, peel off their outer leaves, and slice them in half. The last part is especially important because doing so gets rid of thiocyanate, the acidic compound that makes Brussels sprouts bitter.

Season the Brussels sprouts well. Doing so will balance out their bitterness. All you need is a little olive oil, salt, and pepper.

The best cooking method to ensure bitter-free Brussels sprouts is to roast them. Please, do not be tempted to steam, boil, or microwave them, because you’re just going to end up with bitter and foul-smelling Brussels sprouts. But, if you roast them, you bring out their natural sweetness, making them taste fantastic.

Do not disturb them as they roast. Unlike other vegetables who need to be turned in the middle of cooking, Brussels sprouts don’t. Just be sure their flat sides are placed against the pan so that they steam on the inside. That way, the insides will cook beautifully and become wonderfully tender, while the edges are perfectly toasted.

If roasting them isn’t a possibility, sauteing them is the next best choice. Especially if you’re looking for a faster cooking method. Sauteing will also caramelize the Brussels sprouts. Just keep in mind not to overcrowd your pan, or else you’ll end up steaming the veggies instead of sauteing them.

How to Make Brussels Sprouts Taste Good

Brussels sprouts are delicious right out of the oven, but here are some ways to make them taste even better.

First of all, you can keep things simple by coating it with olive oil and seasoning with salt. That’s all it takes!

But, if you want to take things to another level, consider cooking it with balsamic vinegar. It will give the Brussels sprouts a beautifully sweet and tangy flavor. To make this addition, take the sprouts out of the oven after 5 minutes of cooking. Then, coat them in balsamic vinegar, place them back in the oven, and resume roasting.

Or, if you want to turn them into a cheesy delight, top them with some nutty Parmesan cheese. Remove the baking sheet from the oven after 10 minutes of cooking. Coat them with Parmesan cheese and resume roasting.

Sweet ingredients will definitely help enhance the Brussels sprouts’ flavor. Think maple syrup, brown sugar, and freshly squeezed juice.

Give it a Mediterranean flair by squeezing some lemon juice over them. Top them with red pepper flakes and lemon zest to add a nice flavor and color.

Go Asian and flavor your Brussels sprouts with teriyaki sauce or toasted sesame seed oil. Top with sesame seeds for that wonderful Oriental flair.

Or, how about a nice sweet and spicy surprise? Coat the Brussels sprouts with a honey and Sriracha mixture to give it that wonderful flavor combination.

Last, give your Brussels sprouts a nice smoky twist by topping them with bacon. Add the bacon bits right before roasting since they will cook the same time as the Brussels sprouts.