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Home » side dishes » Amazing Roasted Brussel Sprouts And Carrots

Amazing Roasted Brussel Sprouts And Carrots

Posted Dec 08, 2021 by Helen | 4 Comments |

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Close-up of brussels sprouts and carrots on a white plate with blue in the background
Closeup of white plate of brussels and carrots on a blue background for Pinterest
roasted brussels sprouts and carrots on a white plate from above for Pinterest
roasted brussels sprouts and carrots on a baking tray from above for Pinterest

For a go-to vegetable side for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any roast dinner, these roasted brussel sprouts and carrots are perfect. Save time and effort by making TWO veggies in the one dish. Roast, then toss in an easy maple (or honey!) mustard balsamic dressing just before serving. Yum!

Closeup of roasted brussels sprouts and carrots on a white plate and blue background

If you love brussels sprouts but would like to make a different recipe, try these honey balsamic brussels sprouts with caramelized onions, pine nuts and feta, or these crispy brussels sprouts with tahini sauce and almonds.

Jump to

  • Why roast brussel sprouts and carrots together
  • About the ingredients
  • How to make them
  • Helen’s top tips
  • Ways to vary them
  • How to serve them
  • More things to know (recipe FAQ)
  • More holiday side dishes
  • Full printable recipe

Why roast brussel sprouts and carrots together

I first came up with this roasted vegetable recipe when thinking of great dishes for feeding lots of people on Christmas day.

There are so many ways you can cook brussels sprouts and carrots, but roasting is my favourite. They roast in around the same amount of time as each other, so why on earth not cook them together in the same pan?

Other reasons I love this dish (and think you will too!):

SO EASY TO MAKE. Just clean and chop the veggies roughly. While they’re roasting in a little olive oil and some herbs, prepare a simple honey mustard balsamic dressing. Warm it to melt the butter, then toss through JUST before serving!

INTERESTING TEXTURE. The brussels are slightly crisp and the carrots caramelised on the outside. The veggies are soft on the inside.

SIMPLE, ZINGY FLAVOURS. We all know brussels sprouts aren’t everyone’s favourite. But mixed with the sweet caramelised carrots and this sweet and punchy dressing, there’ll be no more brussels haters in the house.

QUICK, EASY AND NUTRITIOUS. How can you go wrong?

PREPARE AHEAD. Chop the veggies and cover. Prepare the dressing, ready to warm and pour over the vegetables when roasted.

If you like this recipe, you’ll love these honey roasted carrots and parsnips as well!

About the ingredients

the 4 ingredients needed for brussels sprouts and carrots including fresh thyme, chopped carrots, brussels sprouts and olive oil

Brussels sprouts: Grab a 400-gram (14-ounce) bag. Look for fresh ones with tightly-packed bright green leaves without holes in them.

Carrots: Honestly? Any kind. A regular bag of cheap-as-chips carrots will do, or go fancy with multi-coloured or baby carrots if you prefer. Best to use nice fresh, firm ones rather than the ones that have been hanging out in the bottom of your fridge for a month! (don’t worry we all have some of those)

Olive oil: You’ll need just a couple of tablespoons for roasting. If you don’t have olive oil, any kind of oil will be fine.

Thyme: Just 4 teaspoons of thyme leaves. Use dried if you prefer, but you’ll only need a teaspoon.

Someone holding Ingredients for honey mustard balsamic dressing for brussels sprouts and carrots in a glass cup on a blue background

Mustard: I usually have Dijon in my fridge, so that’s what I use. But any mustard works. Skip the mustard if you’re not a fan.

Balsamic vinegar: Just a tablespoon for a beautiful contrast with the honey.

Honey or maple syrup: A couple of tablespoons for an irresistible hint of sweet. Which is best? Honestly, just use what you have or prefer. Both taste awesome!

Butter: Warm the dressing slightly so that the butter melts. You’ll only add a tablespoon, but it makes all the difference to the final result.

Salt and pepper: Just a touch!

How to make them

The great thing about these vegetables (apart from how delicious they are) is that you can make them in just a few simple steps, detailed below. For the full printable recipe and video, please scroll down!

Start by preparing the dressing and vegetables. Just mix all the dressing ingredients together and microwave for a few seconds to melt the butter. Set aside!

To prepare the veggies, wash the brussels and remove any scruffy leaves. Slice off the rough top part, then slice in half. Just wash and peel the carrots, then slice into chunks that are similar in size to the brussels.

Line a baking tray with baking paper (not essential but I nearly always do this for easier cleanup). Throw the veggies onto the tray, then toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the thyme.

Roast at a medium high temperature (205C or 400F) for 25 to 30 minutes. The brussels will be browned and crisp in parts and the carrots starting to caramelise. I usually toss the veggies around half way through the cooking time.

Finally, toss the dressing through the hot vegetables and serve immediately.

collage of 4 images showing how to make roasted brussels sprouts and carrots with a balsamic dressing
Roasted brussels sprouts and carrots on a baking tray from above with a serving spoon

Helen’s top tips

  1. Don’t overcrowd the pan. If it’s crowded, the veggies may ‘sweat’ and not brown/caramelise as well.
  2. Some of the brussels leaves will fall off as you slice them. Throw them onto the tray too! They’ll be lovely and crispy!
  3. Cooking time can vary in different ovens. Go by the colour rather than by the exact time stated in the recipe. Keep an eye on them. When the brussels are browned and crisp in parts and the carrots are starting to caramelise, they’re done (20 to 40 minutes).
  4. Carrots can take slightly longer than brussels to cook. If the brussels sprouts look like they’re charring too much, just reduce the oven temperature a little.

Ways to vary them

ADD CHOPPED BACON, CHORIZO OR SAUSAGE! Try this on the most ardent of brussels haters. I’d suggest cooking a few chopped rashers of bacon/chopped chorizo or crumbled sausage separately in a frying pan for 5-10 minutes, then sprinkling it over the dish of veggies before serving. I don’t roast the bacon with the vegetables as it doesn’t need that long to cook.

SWAP HONEY FOR MAPLE SYRUP: This possibly depends on which you already have. But of course maple adds a different flavour dimension!

SPRINKLE OVER TOASTED NUTS. Chopped hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts, pistachios, macadamias, slivered almonds – your choice. Pine nuts work well, too.

SKIP THE NUTS – SPRINKLE OVER CHEESE INSTEAD. Parmesan, feta, blue cheese, brie, goat cheese and potentially other cheeses would go well with this dish, too. Don’t go crazy – a little goes a long way, but my, how delicious!

VARY THE HERBS. This is an easy one. No thyme? No worries. Use dried rosemary, oregano or sage, or fresh basil or parsley scattered over at the end.

ADD A FESTIVE SPIN. Sprinkle with dried cranberries or cherries! Or… here’s a fancy trick… skip the honey and use cranberry sauce in the dressing instead!

JUST SERVE THE VEGGIES PLAIN, WITHOUT ANY DRESSING OR ADDITIONS. Because… why not? Scatter with herbs, salt and pepper and be done with it. Sometimes simplest is best.

How to serve them

The most classic way to serve roasted brussel sprouts and carrots is with some kind of roasted meat and potatoes. In the UK this would be called a roast dinner! If you have an air fryer, you just have to try my 1-hour air fryer rotisserie chicken!

This simple veggie dish would also be perfect for a special dinner such as for Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter. It simplifies things as there are 2 vegetables cooked together, but not at the expense of flavour.

Lastly, I could see these served as an easy midweek side to go with any kind of main – chicken, steak, fish, or a vegetarian alternative. Try serving them with this truly delicious mustard parmesan crispy chicken, these easy baked chicken thighs, or these copycat Ikea meatballs!

A plate of brussels sprouts and carrots with a spoon in it on a blue background with a blue striped tea towel

More things to know (recipe FAQ)

Should brussel sprouts and carrots be blanched (briefly boiled) before roasting?

Nope. Some people do this, but there’s really no need. Why create more work for yourself when it just isn’t necessary?

On the other hand, if you like your brussels sprouts to be really tender on the inside, do go ahead and blanch them for 5 minutes before roasting. Rinse in cold water and dry well before proceeding with the recipe as normal.

Can’t I keep the brussels sprouts whole?

Yes! If you choose to do this, you’ll need to roast for an extra 10 to 15 minutes. Also make sure you chop your carrots a bit larger so that they’re about the same size as the brussels sprouts. This way, the 2 types of vegetables will still be ready at the same time.

Why are my brussels sprouts mushy?

This can sometimes happen if the sprouts aren’t drained well after washing or blanching. To be sure this doesn’t happen again, blot them with kitchen paper before roasting. Also make sure you don’t crowd the baking tray. Use two if you need to.

Can this dish be prepared ahead?

You can certainly wash and prepare the vegetables ahead and put them on the baking tray covered and ready to roast. You can also prepare the dressing ahead and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.

Once you’ve cooked the vegetables, it’s best to serve them right away while the brussels are still nice and crisp.

More holiday side dishes

  • Make-ahead potato cauliflower mash (my absolute favourite!). You can either use your oven, or this air fryer cauliflower recipe (or serve this as a separate side!).
  • These honey roast carrots and parsnips are another perfect side for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any special occasion.
  • You’ll be amazed how tasty these 10-minute sautéed frozen green beans are!
  • Make this potato bake with bacon, for both classy and delicious.
  • These Mediterranean roast vegetables go with so much!
  • These honey balsamic brussels sprouts with feta and pine nuts are similar… but different.

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Closeup of roasted brussels sprouts and carrots on a white plate and blue background

Amazing Roasted Brussel Sprouts And Carrots

Roast TWO humble veggies in one – brussels sprouts and carrots – and toss them in a very simple but delicious honey mustard balsamic dressing for a side dish that's perfect for both fancy and simple meals alike. Browned, crisp and caramelized on the outside and soft and delicious on the inside, these will convert even the most ardent of brussels sprouts haters!
4.75 from 4 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe SaveSaved!
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Cuisine American
Servings (click to change) 6 (as part of a larger meal)
Author Helen

Equipment (affiliate links)

  • set of 3 baking trays with silicone handles

Ingredients (UK/Australia? Click below for grams/ml)

cups/ounces – grams/ml

For the vegetables

  • 14 ounces brussels sprouts washed, ends chopped off and cut in halves or lengthwise
  • 14 ounces carrots washed, peeled and chopped into pieces roughly the same size as the brussels
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for roasting the vegetables
  • 4 teaspoons fresh thyme Pull the leaves off the tough stalk by running your thumb and finger down it (I find it's best to do this from the top of the stalks downwards). Alternatively use just 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.

For the dressing

  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons mustard
  • ½ clove garlic crushed (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper

optional toppings

  • crumbled cheese, toasted nuts, dried berries
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions
 

  • Pre-heat the oven to 205C/400F. Line a large baking tray with baking paper.
  • Empty the washed and cut brussels sprouts and carrots onto the baking tray. Include any brussels leaves that have fallen off. Toss through the olive oil and thyme.
    14 ounces brussels sprouts, 14 ounces carrots, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 4 teaspoons fresh thyme
  • Roast the vegetables for around 25 to 30 minutes or until the brussels are golden and crispy in parts (but not burnt) and the carrots are starting to caramelize. Toss around half way through cooking.
  • Meanwhile, whisk together the dressing ingredients. Microwave for 30 seconds to melt the butter.
    2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 2 teaspoons mustard, ½ clove garlic, 1 tablespoon butter, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • When the vegetables are cooked, immediately toss the dressing through them. Empty them into a serving bowl. Sprinkle over any toppings (purely optional) and serve immediately.
    crumbled cheese, toasted nuts, dried berries

Notes

Preparing the brussels sprouts and carrots: Wash well. Chop off the bottom ends. Slice in half lengthwise (from the top to the bottom). Sometimes I even slice in quarters if the brussels are especially big.
I sometimes wash again after I’ve prepared them. Don’t throw away any rogue leaves that fall off as you prepare the brussels. Throw them onto the baking tray too and they’ll get extra crispy!
I usually cut the carrots into chunks slightly smaller than the brussels sprouts as they take slightly longer to cook than brussels. 
How long to cook for: You want the brussels to be nicely browned and a little crispy in parts. Charred is OK but burnt is not! Just keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time. The carrots take a little longer to cook than the brussels, so it’s a fine balance.
Preparing ahead: You can wash and cut the vegetables in advance, toss them with the olive oil and thyme and then cover and store in the fridge until ready to cook. 
You can also prepare the dressing ahead. Whisk everything together and store in the fridge covered until ready to use. 
When roasted, toss the vegetables with the dressing just before serving. You want the brussels to retain their crisp!
 

Nutrition

Calories: 140kcalCarbohydrates: 19gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 293mgPotassium: 489mgFiber: 5gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 11673IUVitamin C: 62mgCalcium: 59mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let me know if you liked it!

Comments

  1. Cher says

    29 Dec 22 at 6:11 am

    5 stars
    Super Easy and super delicious! The dressing really elevates these roasted veggies to the next level! I was concerned the balsamic would overpower but it doesn’t! Followed recipe as written! Easy Peasy! Thanks for your inspiration!

    Reply
    • Helen says

      04 Jan 23 at 1:55 am

      Hello Cher! Thank you so much for the encouragement. I thought the balance of flavors was ‘just right’ too, but it’s fantastic to hear that you agree and it’s not just my opinion. Happy New Year!

      Reply
  2. Sally says

    28 Dec 21 at 12:55 am

    4 stars
    Really lovely tasty recipe, made it first to see what it was like and so good I made it again on Christmas Day.. will become one of my favourite dishes. Thank You so much.

    Reply
    • Helen says

      02 Jan 22 at 4:17 pm

      Hello Sally, and thank you so much for the great feedback. So glad you enjoyed the recipe so much! I made them on Christmas day too this year and they went down very well 🙂

      Reply

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