How to Trim Brussels Sprouts
Here’s a little pro tip for the larger sprouts: after trimming the stem, take your knife and cut a small X into the flat bottom. This isn’t for decoration—it helps the heat penetrate the dense core so it cooks evenly with the leaves.
Skipping this step isn’t a crime. But if you’re feeding a crowd, the X makes your sprouts look intentional and fancy. Plus, it’s oddly satisfying to carve a little smiley face into them. (Okay, maybe not a smiley face, but you get the vibe.)
How To Cut Brussels Sprouts - yourcookingbuddy.com
I once forgot to do the X on a batch of giant sprouts, and they came out with rock-hard centers. My kids called them “crunchy pearls of disappointment.” Don’t be like me. Use the X.
Now what? Rinse and repeat
Once you’ve trimmed all your sprouts, give them a quick rinse in a colander. Water washes away any lingering dust or tiny leaf bits. Then, pat them dry with a towel—wet sprouts steam instead of roast, and steaming is the enemy of crispy.
You can leave them whole, halve them, or even shred them for a salad. I like halving mine so the flat side gets golden brown like a tiny pancake. That’s the good stuff.
From here, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. High heat is your best friend—400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway. They’ll emerge with caramelized edges and a sweet, nutty flavor that’ll make you forget you ever hated them.