Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Ham and Onions: Your New Favorite Flavorful Side Dish
Transform your vegetable side dish game with these incredibly easy and flavorful Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Ham and Onions. Whether you’re planning an elaborate holiday feast or seeking a simple, healthy, and delicious green addition to your weeknight dinners, this recipe elevates humble Brussels sprouts into a truly unforgettable culinary experience, perfectly balanced by the savory notes of ham and the sweet undertones of caramelized onions.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love These Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Get ready to fall in love with a side dish that’s not only incredibly simple but also bursting with so much flavor, it might just steal the show. This isn’t just another Brussels sprouts recipe; it’s a game-changer! Imagine a dish that requires only four core ingredients (plus salt and pepper, which are kitchen staples), yet delivers a gourmet taste experience. That’s exactly what you get with these Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Ham and Onions.
My family, including those who once declared themselves “anti-Brussels sprout,” has become completely obsessed with this dish. It’s earned its place on our Thanksgiving table and is equally welcomed on a busy Tuesday evening. The magic lies in the perfect combination of tender-crisp Brussels sprouts, finely diced savory ham that gets delightfully crispy around the edges, and thinly sliced red onions that caramelize into sweet, soft ribbons. This trifecta of flavors and textures creates a symphony for your taste buds that is genuinely addictive.
Even my kids, notoriously picky eaters when it comes to vegetables, eagerly clean their plates when these come out of the oven. And my vegetable-averse husband? He actually *requests* them! This speaks volumes about how truly special and universally appealing this recipe is. The high-heat roasting method ensures that the sprouts develop a beautiful char and a wonderfully tender interior, while the ham and onions infuse every bite with a rich, complex flavor. If you’ve ever doubted the delicious potential of Brussels sprouts, this recipe is guaranteed to make you a convert. Give it a try, and prepare to be amazed!
Key Ingredients for Unforgettable Flavor
Prepare for ultimate simplicity! This recipe shines with just four essential ingredients, not counting the ubiquitous salt and pepper. You’ll be able to whip up this flavorful side dish in no time, making it perfect for last-minute meal planning or busy weeknights. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the dish’s distinct and beloved flavor profile.
- Brussels Sprouts: Opt for fresh, firm, and bright green Brussels sprouts. Trim the tough ends and cut larger sprouts in half lengthwise. Halving them ensures they cook evenly and allows for more surface area to caramelize and become deliciously crispy.
- Ham: Finely chopped ham adds a wonderful salty, savory depth and texture to the dish. You can use leftover holiday ham, pre-cooked ham steak, or even thick-cut deli ham. The small pieces will crisp up beautifully during roasting, adding another layer of crunch and flavor.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion not only contributes a beautiful color but also sweetens considerably as it roasts, balancing the slight bitterness of the sprouts and the saltiness of the ham. Its gentle sweetness after caramelization is a delightful surprise.
- Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil is essential for coating the vegetables and ham, promoting even browning and crispiness. It also helps conduct the heat, ensuring everything cooks perfectly.
- Salt and Pepper: These humble seasonings are crucial for enhancing all the natural flavors. Season generously to taste before roasting.
This minimalist ingredient list proves that you don’t need a pantry full of exotic items to create something truly extraordinary. The magic happens when these simple components are brought together and transformed by the heat of the oven.
How to Make Brussels Sprouts with Ham and Onions: A Simple Guide
Making this incredible side dish is as straightforward as it gets. With minimal prep and hands-on time, you’ll have a delicious, nutritious, and crowd-pleasing dish ready to serve in under an hour. Here’s how to achieve perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts every time:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven for Optimal Roasting
First things first, get your oven hot! Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). A high oven temperature is crucial for roasting vegetables. It creates that desirable crispy exterior and tender interior that we all love, preventing the sprouts from becoming soggy. While the oven heats up, you can take care of your minimal prep work.
Step 2: Prepare, Combine, and Bake to Perfection
Once your oven is preheated, it’s time to bring all the ingredients together on a single baking sheet. This is a one-pan wonder, minimizing cleanup and maximizing convenience!
- Prep Your Produce: Ensure your Brussels sprouts are thoroughly washed, trimmed, and halved lengthwise. For the best crispiness, make sure they are as dry as possible after washing – a quick pat with a paper towel can help. Slice your red onion thinly; thinner slices will caramelize faster and more evenly. Dice your ham into small, bite-sized pieces so they can crisp up nicely.
- Combine and Toss: Place the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts, finely chopped ham, thinly sliced red onion, and olive oil directly onto a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Use your hands to carefully toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the oil and seasoning. Don’t be afraid to get in there and ensure every sprout and piece of ham is lightly coated – this ensures consistent browning and flavor.
- Avoid Overcrowding: For truly crispy results, make sure your baking sheet isn’t overcrowded. If you have too many ingredients packed onto one pan, they will steam instead of roast. If necessary, use two baking sheets to give everything enough space to breathe and brown properly. Ensure the Brussels sprouts are arranged cut-side down, as this promotes beautiful caramelization and a wonderfully tender texture.
- Roast Until Golden: Transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are beautifully browned, tender-crisp, and the ham is slightly crispy. Around the halfway point (about 10-12 minutes in), gently stir the mixture on the baking sheet. This ensures that all sides of the ingredients get a chance to brown evenly.
Once roasted to perfection, remove the baking sheet from the oven. The aroma filling your kitchen will be irresistible! Serve immediately and prepare for rave reviews.
Tips for Perfect Roasted Brussels Sprouts Every Time
While this recipe is incredibly simple, a few extra tips can elevate your roasted Brussels sprouts from good to absolutely phenomenal:
- Don’t Skimp on Oil: Ensure all sprouts and other ingredients are lightly but thoroughly coated in olive oil. This is key for browning and preventing sticking.
- Single Layer is Gold: Always spread your ingredients in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding leads to steaming, which means mushy sprouts instead of crispy ones. Use two sheets if necessary.
- Hot Oven is Key: Roasting at a high temperature (400-425°F or 200-220°C) is essential for achieving that desirable char and tender interior.
- Cut Side Down: Placing the Brussels sprouts with their cut sides directly on the hot baking sheet maximizes contact with the heat, promoting beautiful caramelization and a more intense flavor.
- Dry Sprouts, Crispy Sprouts: After washing, thoroughly dry your Brussels sprouts. Excess moisture can prevent them from crisping up properly.
Flavor Variations & Enhancements
This basic recipe is fantastic on its own, but it also serves as a wonderful canvas for culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with these simple additions:
- Sweet & Tangy: A drizzle of balsamic glaze or a tablespoon of maple syrup during the last 5 minutes of roasting can add a lovely sweet and tangy finish.
- Garlic Lover’s Delight: Toss in a few cloves of minced garlic with the other ingredients for an extra aromatic kick.
- Cheesy Goodness: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of baking, or right after they come out of the oven, adds a salty, umami layer.
- Herbal Freshness: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, added halfway through roasting, can infuse the dish with a fragrant, earthy note.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle heat if you like a little spice.
Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts
Beyond their delicious taste, Brussels sprouts are a powerhouse of nutrition. They are low in calories and packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making this dish a healthy addition to any meal:
- Rich in Vitamin K: Essential for blood clotting and bone health.
- High in Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health.
- Excellent Source of Fiber: Promotes digestive health and can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
- Antioxidants: Contain various antioxidants that help fight cellular damage and reduce inflammation.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Surprisingly, Brussels sprouts contain small amounts of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid beneficial for heart health.
So, you can enjoy this incredibly tasty side dish knowing you’re also fueling your body with vital nutrients!
FAQs About Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Absolutely not! Boiling Brussels sprouts before roasting is an unnecessary step and can often lead to a soggy texture, detracting from that desirable crispy exterior. Our recipe skips the boiling entirely, letting the high heat of the oven work its magic to perfectly tenderize the sprouts while giving them a beautiful golden-brown char. Just trim, halve, and they’re ready for the baking sheet!
There are a few common culprits if your Brussels sprouts aren’t crisping up. The most frequent reason is not using a high enough oven temperature. This recipe calls for a roasting temperature of 425 degrees F (220 C) for a reason – it’s hot enough to trigger the Maillard reaction, which is responsible for browning and crispiness. Additionally, overcrowding your baking sheet can prevent crisping, as the sprouts will steam instead of roast. Always ensure they are spread in a single layer with enough space around them, and make sure they are thoroughly dry before tossing with oil.
For the best results, always roast your Brussels sprouts cut side down! This allows the cut surface to make direct contact with the hot baking sheet, promoting optimal caramelization and browning. This direct heat exposure creates a wonderfully crispy and slightly charred exterior while keeping the inside perfectly tender, enhancing their natural sweetness and flavor.
These roasted Brussels sprouts with ham and onions are definitely best served immediately, when they are at their peak crispiness and flavor. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days. To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and slightly re-crisped.
While fresh Brussels sprouts are highly recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen ones in a pinch. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely and thoroughly pat them dry with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. Excess water will prevent them from crisping. You might also need to increase the roasting time slightly.
More Delicious Roasted Vegetable Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of simple, flavorful roasted vegetables, here are some other fantastic recipes to add to your repertoire:
- Honey Garlic Roasted Carrots
- Crispy Roasted Potatoes
- Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Simple Roasted Green Beans
- Parmesan Roasted Acorn Squash
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Ham and Onions
Ingredients
- 2 pounds brussels sprouts trimmed and halved lengthwise
- 1/2 cup finely chopped ham
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220°C).
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Place the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts, finely chopped ham, thinly sliced red onion, olive oil, salt, and pepper on a large baking sheet. Carefully toss everything together using your hands to ensure an even coating. Spread the ingredients in a single layer, making sure the Brussels sprouts are cut-side down. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are beautifully browned and tender-crisp. Gently stir the mixture halfway through cooking (around the 10-12 minute mark) to promote even browning. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
