Roasted Brussels Sprouts Bowl (Print Version)

Golden roasted Brussels sprouts over fluffy grains with tangy balsamic dressing

# What You'll Need:

→ 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, optional
15 - 2 tablespoons dried cranberries, optional
16 - 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds, optional

# Cooking Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. 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 the 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, or 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 - Top with toasted nuts, dried cranberries, and pumpkin seeds if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It tastes restaurant-quality but comes together faster than ordering delivery.
  • The roasted Brussels sprouts are genuinely addictive, not virtuous—they're caramelized and almost sweet.
  • You can prep everything ahead and assemble in minutes, making it perfect for meal prep or impromptu dinners.
02 -
  • Don't crowd the baking sheet; the vegetables need space to roast, not steam, or they'll turn mushy instead of caramelized.
  • Taste the dressing before drizzling; if it's too sharp, whisk in a touch more maple syrup, and if it's too sweet, add a splash more vinegar.
03 -
  • Pat the Brussels sprouts dry before tossing with oil; any moisture prevents proper caramelization.
  • Don't skip tossing them halfway through roasting; it's the small gesture that makes the difference between good and exceptional.
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