Copycat Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Irresistible Copycat Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Culinary magic happens when you master these copycat red lobster brussels sprouts that will make vegetable skeptics change their minds.

Crispy edges and a golden brown exterior promise serious flavor adventure.

Skilled home cooks can replicate restaurant-quality magic with just a few simple ingredients.

Salt, pepper, and a secret technique turn ordinary brussels sprouts into an irresistible side dish.

Bacon adds smoky depth while parmesan cheese contributes nutty complexity to each delectable bite.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness, guaranteeing impressed dinner companions and clean plates.

Your kitchen will soon become the new favorite dining destination.

Variations to Brighten Your Brussels Sprouts

  • Spicy Kick Brussels Sprouts: Add extra red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a fiery version that brings serious heat to the classic recipe.
  • Honey Garlic Brussels Sprouts: Replace brown sugar with honey and increase garlic powder for a sweet and aromatic Mediterranean-inspired variation.
  • Asian-Inspired Brussels Sprouts: Swap balsamic vinegar for rice vinegar and add sesame oil and ginger for an authentic eastern flavor profile.
  • Maple Pecan Brussels Sprouts: Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup and sprinkle chopped toasted pecans on top for a nutty, rich alternative.

Serving Suggestions for Brussels Sprouts Delight

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the caramelized Brussels sprouts and complement the sweet-savory glaze.
  • Match with Smoky Bourbon Cocktail: Create a bold Old Fashioned with smoky bourbon that echoes the caramelized bacon and brings out the depth of the balsamic glaze.
  • Serve Alongside Hearty Protein: Grill a juicy medium-rare steak or roasted chicken breast to balance the intense flavors of the Brussels sprouts and provide a complementary main course.
  • Enhance with Crusty Bread: Add a rustic sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the delicious glaze and provide a textural contrast to the crispy roasted vegetables.

Storing Copycat Brussels Sprouts Properly

Store cooled Brussels sprouts in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the crispy texture and flavor intact.

Spread leftovers on a baking sheet, warm at 350F for 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness and prevent sogginess.

Reheat quickly in microwave for 1-2 minutes, but expect slightly softer texture compared to oven method.

Add fresh crispy bacon and Parmesan cheese after reheating to revive the original delicious presentation.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

Yes, thaw and pat them dry completely before roasting to ensure crispy texture.

  • How do I prevent Brussels sprouts from burning?

Use a light coating of oil, spread them in a single layer, and flip halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust or omit them for a less spicy version.

  • Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Skip the bacon and use a plant-based Parmesan cheese to create a vegetarian-friendly option.

Copycat Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts Unveiled

  • Roast with Ease: Super simple recipe with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • Transform Veggie Haters: Deliciously caramelized Brussels sprouts with sweet-savory glaze that converts even the most stubborn vegetable skeptics into fans.
  • Restaurant-Quality Magic: Recreates the famous Red Lobster side dish right in your kitchen, delivering professional-level flavor without expensive restaurant prices.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Impressive side dish that comes together fast, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or spontaneous dinner parties.

Ingredients for Perfect Copycat Brussels Sprouts

For the Base:
  • Brussels Sprouts: Fresh green vegetables with a nutty and slightly bitter flavor that become crispy and caramelized when roasted.
  • Olive Oil: Helps create a golden exterior and ensures even roasting of the Brussels sprouts.
For the Seasoning:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the vegetables.
For the Glaze:
  • Butter: Creates a rich and smooth base for the caramelizing sauce.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a sticky, caramelized coating.
  • Soy Sauce: Provides a savory umami depth to the glaze.
  • Balsamic Vinegar: Offers a tangy complexity that balances the sweetness.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor to the glaze.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a mild heat and subtle spiciness.
For the Topping:
  • Bacon, Parmesan Cheese: Optional garnishes that add extra crunch and salty, cheesy flavor to the dish.

Cooking Copycat Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Prepare Roasting Station

Preheat your oven to a high temperature of 425F (220C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup and perfect caramelization.

Step 2: Prepare Brussels Sprouts

Grab fresh Brussels sprouts and trim off the stem ends. Slice each sprout in half, creating a flat surface for optimal roasting.

Pat the sprouts completely dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness.

Step 3: Season and Arrange

Toss the Brussels sprouts with:
  • Olive oil
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Spread the sprouts cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded for even roasting.

Step 4: Roast to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping the sprouts halfway through cooking.

Look for golden brown edges and crispy exterior.

Step 5: Create Flavor-Packed Glaze

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until it starts to bubble.

Add:
  • Brown sugar
  • Soy sauce
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Garlic powder
  • Red pepper flakes

Simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 6: Coat and Garnish

Remove the roasted Brussels sprouts from the oven.

Pour the warm glaze over the sprouts and toss gently to coat evenly. If desired, sprinkle with crispy bacon bits and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the glazed Brussels sprouts to a serving dish. Serve immediately while hot and crispy for the most delicious experience.

Tips to Nail Copycat Brussels Sprouts Flavor

  • Spread Brussels sprouts in a single layer with cut-side down for maximum caramelization and crispy edges.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference, from mild to fiery.
  • Cook bacon separately until extra crispy, then crumble for a crunchy topping that adds texture.
  • Simmer sauce until slightly thickened to create a perfect coating that clings to the sprouts.
  • Skip bacon and use smoked salt or nutritional yeast for a similar depth of flavor without meat.
Print
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Copycat Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Copycat Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts Recipe


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4.6 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Indulgent Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts bring restaurant-quality magic to home kitchens with crispy, caramelized edges and zesty parmesan seasoning. Perfectly roasted and packed with irresistible flavor, you’ll savor this restaurant-inspired side dish that elevates simple vegetables into a crave-worthy culinary experience.


Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) Brussels sprouts, trimmed & halved

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Oils, Fats, and Liquids:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Sweeteners:

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey)

Optional Toppings:

  • 4 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 425F (220C), preparing a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  2. Trim the ends of Brussels sprouts and slice them in half lengthwise, creating uniform pieces for even roasting.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the halved sprouts, ensuring each piece is lightly coated with a smooth, even layer.
  4. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, distributing the seasoning thoroughly.
  5. Arrange the Brussels sprouts cut-side down on the prepared baking sheet, allowing space between each piece for optimal caramelization.
  6. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through to promote consistent browning and crispy edges.
  7. While roasting, create the glaze by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until it becomes golden and fragrant.
  8. Incorporate brown sugar, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes into the melted butter, whisking to combine.
  9. Simmer the glaze for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and develops a glossy, rich consistency.
  10. Remove roasted Brussels sprouts from the oven once they are golden brown and crispy around the edges.
  11. Drizzle the warm glaze over the hot sprouts, gently tossing to ensure complete and even coating.
  12. Optional: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits and grated Parmesan cheese over the glazed Brussels sprouts for additional flavor and texture.
  13. Serve immediately while hot, presenting a delectable side dish with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and caramelized notes.

Notes

  • Ensure Brussels sprouts are similar in size for even roasting, preventing some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked.
  • Pat sprouts completely dry before seasoning to achieve maximum crispiness and avoid steaming instead of roasting.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace bacon with toasted pine nuts or crispy shallots to maintain a crunchy texture.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal heat preference, starting with a small amount and increasing gradually for balanced spiciness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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