We got hooked on Roasted Brussels Sprouts in California. If you throw in a little pancetta or chopped bacon before roasting, it suddenly becomes a light main.
When shopping for Brussels sprouts, select those still attached to the stalk, if at all possible. In any case, look for tight, bright green heads smaller than 1 ½ inches in diameter… they tend to be the sweetest. The very best feel heavy for their size.
| WHAT YOU NEED | WHAT TO DO | WHY |
| Place oven rack just below center; start preheating to 500°F “Convection” (verify with an oven thermometer). | Ovens often run hot or cold or preheat slowly. A very hot oven makes sprouts light. Below 400°F produces tough, stinky sprouts. | |
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For the dressing, in a 3-quart bowl, whisk all together. | Avocado oil has a neutral flavor and sports a high smoke point (500°F). If you do not have it, substitute with olive oil. Honey and vinegar offset sprout bitterness. |
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Add to dressing.
Tip: Pop heads off stalk; discard loose or yellowed leaves. Trim the stems; cut in half from top to bottom. |
Cutting in half exposes the core, promoting even cooking. |
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Add to dressing. Toss and gently massage with your hands to evenly coat the sprouts and garlic.
Tip: After separating a garlic clove from the head, cut off the root end. Place the broad side of a chef’s knife on top; strike with your fist or palm. Release skin and discard. Quarter. |
Large pieces of garlic are less likely to burn during roasting than small pieces. |
| Spread sprouts and garlic into a single layer across an unlined quarter sheet pan. Roast until browned (13-14 minutes). | Giving sprouts plenty of space promotes roasting versus steaming. Lining a pan reduces desirable browning. | |
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Briefly remove sprouts from oven to scatter pine nuts on top. Return to oven to toast (1-2 minutes); monitor closely. | Toasting amplifies nut flavor and lightens the texture, but they also easily burn. |
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Toss sprouts with olive oils. Serve hot or at room temperature. | Finishing with extra-virgin adds a fresh nutty flavor. |
Additional Testing Notes: 400°F requires a longer roasting time, yielding tougher sprouts that lost their appealing bright green color. Lining the sheet pan with parchment paper reduced desirable browning.
