Autumn's Best Roasted Brussels Butternut and Apples

Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Butternut Squash and Apples are a symphony of autumn flavors, generously seasoned with warm ground cinnamon and a hint of chili powder for an unforgettable taste experience. This vibrant dish is more than just a side; it’s a celebration of fall’s bounty, delivering both comforting aromas and exquisite textures. Whether you’re planning an elaborate holiday feast or seeking a simple, wholesome weeknight addition, this recipe is remarkably easy to prepare and promises to delight. Dive into the heart of fall cooking with this effortlessly elegant side dish, perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion. For more fantastic accompaniments to your meals, be sure to explore our quick and easy cranberry sauce, incredibly soft and fluffy dinner rolls, and the beloved family recipe for Nana’s Famous Green Beans!

Discover the Magic of Roasted Brussels Sprouts

There’s an undeniable magic that fall brings – a season brimming with captivating colors, crisp air, and a renewed sense of coziness. For many, it signifies the beginning of the holiday season, extra moments of connection with loved ones, and, perhaps most excitingly, an abundance of fresh, seasonal produce. From vibrant gourds to crisp apples, fall ingredients inspire some of the most comforting and flavorful dishes. Among these seasonal stars, Brussels sprouts truly shine, especially when prepared with a simple, yet transformative, roasting method.

Oven Roasting: The Ultimate Way to Enjoy Brussels Sprouts

If you’ve ever dismissed Brussels sprouts as bitter or unappealing, you haven’t experienced the culinary marvel that is oven roasting. Roasting vegetables unlocks an incredible depth of flavor and creates textures that are simply irresistible. The high heat of the oven caramelizes their natural sugars, turning what might be perceived as a bland vegetable into a sweet, nutty, and slightly crispy delight. It’s often the secret weapon to getting even the pickiest eaters (including children!) to embrace their greens.

While a simple drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt can elevate Brussels sprouts, the addition of ground cinnamon and a touch of chili powder takes them to an entirely new dimension of deliciousness. This unexpected spice blend introduces a captivating warmth and a subtle kick that perfectly complements the earthy notes of the sprouts.

What truly sets this particular recipe apart is the thoughtful inclusion of cubed butternut squash and crisp apples. Butternut squash contributes a beautiful, creamy sweetness and a vibrant orange hue, while the apples introduce a bright, tart counterpoint and a soft texture that contrasts wonderfully with the tender-crisp sprouts. Together, these ingredients create a side dish that is not only visually stunning but also bursting with a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. It’s a Whole30 compliant dish that brings healthy and delicious together.

An Effortlessly Elegant Side Dish for Any Occasion

One of the many reasons to adore this roasted Brussels sprouts recipe is its incredible simplicity. Despite its gourmet appeal, it requires minimal effort and time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Yet, its vibrant colors and sophisticated flavor profile make it equally suitable for the most festive holiday tables. This versatility means you can confidently serve it alongside a casual family dinner or as a standout dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas, impressing your guests with very little stress. It’s truly a testament to how simple ingredients, prepared thoughtfully, can create something extraordinary.

Imagine the delightful aroma filling your kitchen as these vegetables roast – a comforting blend of cinnamon, chili, and the natural sweetness of squash and apple. This dish promises to be a new family favorite, offering a delightful experience that caters to a wide range of palates and dietary preferences.

Mastering the Art of Roasting Brussels Sprouts, Squash, and Apples

Achieving perfectly roasted vegetables is easier than you think. The key lies in proper preparation and understanding how each ingredient cooks. Here’s a breakdown of the simple steps to ensure your roasted Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, and apples turn out magnificent every time:

**Preparation is Key:** Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is at the optimal temperature for even roasting and crisping from the moment your ingredients go in. Prepare your Brussels sprouts by trimming the tough ends and removing any loose or discolored outer leaves. For the butternut squash, peel it, scoop out the seeds, and cut it into uniform cubes, roughly 1-inch in size, to ensure even cooking. Similarly, core your Granny Smith apples and cut them into slightly larger cubes.
**The Perfect Toss:** Place all your prepared Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, and apples onto a large baking sheet. It’s crucial to use a baking sheet large enough to allow the vegetables to spread out in a single layer. Overcrowding the pan will steam the vegetables instead of roasting them, preventing that desirable caramelization.
**Flavorful Coating:** Drizzle the vegetables generously with extra light olive oil. The oil helps them crisp up and allows the spices to adhere. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon and chili powder evenly over the mixture.
**Hands-On Mixing:** Use your hands to gently toss everything together. This ensures that every piece of Brussels sprout, squash, and apple is thoroughly coated with the oil and spices. This step is vital for an even distribution of flavor and consistent roasting.
**Temperature Matters:** A clever trick to prevent the apples from becoming mushy while the denser vegetables cook is to start with them very cold. If your apples are stored in the refrigerator, they’re already set. This temperature difference helps them hold their shape and retain a pleasant bite after roasting. For the Brussels sprouts and squash, aim for room temperature when they go into the oven, as this helps them cook more evenly and quickly.
**Roast to Perfection:** Transfer the baking sheet to your preheated oven. Roast for approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, give the vegetables a gentle toss or flip them with a spatula. This promotes even browning and ensures all sides get beautifully caramelized. You’ll know they’re ready when the Brussels sprouts are tender-crisp, the squash is soft, and the apples are slightly softened but still hold their shape.
**Immediate Enjoyment:** Serve your aromatic, perfectly roasted side dish immediately to savor the best texture and flavor.

Customizing Your Roasted Vegetable Medley

While the combination of Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, and apples is a match made in culinary heaven, this recipe is wonderfully adaptable. If you’re particularly fond of Brussels sprouts and wish to feature them more prominently, you absolutely can! Simply replace the quantities of squash and apples with an equal amount of additional Brussels sprouts. Adjust the oil and spices as needed to ensure everything is well-coated, then proceed with the roasting instructions. The result will be a pure celebration of roasted Brussels sprouts, still infused with that incredible cinnamon-chili magic.

The moment these golden-brown beauties emerge from the oven is truly a feast for the senses. Observe the stunning caramelization, the vibrant medley of colors, and inhale the intoxicating aroma of cinnamon, chili, and roasted vegetables. It’s a picture of perfection – perfectly spiced, wonderfully tender, and ready to be devoured!

Prepare to impress your family and guests with this easy, flavorful, and incredibly versatile side dish. It’s a recipe that promises to bring warmth and joy to your table, whether for an everyday meal or a special holiday gathering.

Elevate Your Holiday Feast with These Tried-and-True Favorites

Planning a holiday meal can be a joyous, yet daunting, task. To help you create a truly unforgettable spread, we’ve curated a list of essential recipes that perfectly complement our Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Butternut Squash and Apples:

The Best Turkey Gravy: Rich, savory, and absolutely essential for any holiday bird.
Twice Baked Potato Casserole: A creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting potato dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Broccoli Salad: A must-make for the holidays, offering a refreshing crunch and vibrant flavors amidst the richer dishes.
Crockpot Turkey Breast: The absolute best turkey you’ve ever had – incredibly moist and flavorful with minimal effort.
Roast Turkey Breast: Achieve the same incredible citrus and herb flavor profile as the crockpot version, but with a quicker roasting time.
Creamed Corn: Two delicious ways to prepare this classic, sweet side dish.
The BEST Cranberry Sauce: Homemade in just 15 minutes, far superior to anything from a can!
Baked Sweet Potato: Simple yet satisfying, learn how to bake sweet potatoes to perfection.
The BEST Dinner Rolls: Soft, fluffy, and perfect for soaking up all that delicious gravy.
Nana’s Famous Green Bean Recipe: A beloved family tradition that brings freshness to your meal.

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Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Butternut Squash and Apples

Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Butternut Squash and Apples are liberally spiced with ground cinnamon and chili powder for a fantastic explosion of flavor. Perfect for the holidays! This dish is a celebration of those amazing flavors that can only be found in the fall. An easy side dish that is perfect for any night of the week. Whole30 compliant.

Course:
Side Dish

Cuisine:
American

Keyword:
Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
30 minutes

Servings:
6 servings

Calories:
114 kcal

Author:
Trish – Mom On Timeout

Ingredients

3 cups Brussels sprouts (ends trimmed, outer, loose leaves removed)
2 cups cubed butternut squash
2 Granny Smith apples (very cold and cut into cubes)
2 to 2 tbsp extra light olive oil
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp chili powder

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place the trimmed Brussels sprouts, cubed butternut squash, and cubed cold apples on a large baking sheet. Ensure they are in a single layer for optimal roasting.
Drizzle generously with extra light olive oil.
Evenly sprinkle the chili powder and ground cinnamon over the vegetables and fruit.
Using your hands, toss everything together until all ingredients are uniformly coated with the oil and spices.
Bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp and lightly caramelized. Toss once halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking.
Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful flavors of fall!

Nutrition

Originally published November 13, 2017

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Autumn’s Best Roasted Brussels Butternut and Apples