Simple & Crispy Oven-Roasted Brussels Sprouts

It’s hard to believe we are living in a different world than it was just a couple weeks ago. The Covid-19 virus has changed so many things almost overnight. But one thing that hasn’t changed, is how much people always come together through food! So for now, let’s put aside the tough things and let’s talk about these roasted Brussels sprouts – one of the many things I’ve been cooking up during the shelter-in-place we are all doing together.

As a result of the shelter-in-place order, some new online groups have started to form. Last week I was invited to share food ideas in a Facebook group full of foodie people. It’s so awesome to see real posts and sharing about what folks are doing in their own kitchens now that most of us are staying home, following the rules to help slow the virus.

A couple days ago I made these Brussels sprouts for a quick snack, snapped a photo and then shared in that group. It was so fun to see how many people loved the simple idea of roasting Brussels sprouts and many shared how they like to enjoy them in very similar ways. Because of that, I thought I’d share the same photo and recipe here.

Different Ways to Roast Brussels Sprouts

Some people in the group shared how they like to add paprika and cumin to their roast Brussels, while others said they love them with garlic and balsamic vinegar. Others shared how they love to fry them up with a little bacon fat, added nuts, or sprinkled with everything bagel spice.

While it seems like there are endless ways to roast these little beauties, I definitely lean toward the simplest way – just roasting in a really hot oven with a little olive oil and kosher salt. My very favorite part is the way the little outer leaves crisp up with that perfect char. It’s like nibbling on little Brussels sprout chips. Yum!

If you want to be a little more adventurous, you may want to try my Spicy Brussels Sprouts with Almond Pesto, or these Pan Roasted Brussels Sprouts with a Kick.

Faith in Times of Stress

Yes, cooking is one of the things distracting millions of us from what’s going on around the world right now. It is something beautiful to be able to come together at the family table or on the internet to share food together. And while distractions can help, I’m happy to have things that ground me and don’t change when circumstances do.

And that’s where my faith and my family comes in. What a comfort it is to just lean on a living God any time, especially when things start to crumble all around. There are no words to describe the peace that comes from praying to and serving an indestructible, unchanging, loving God.

And my family. Isn’t it wonderful to know that love remains and can even increase when life gets hard? Unconditional love – what a gift that is.

This time is teaching me to take that time every day, to spend time praising God, and to be thankful for all that we do have and the precious friends and family in our lives. And also to just be still and listen to that still, small voice that reminds me that it’s going to be ok. No matter what.

My favorite passage in the bible is John, 16:33 when Jesus said,
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Peace to all!