SUPER EASY Roasted Sweet Chili Brussels Sprouts

 

Yes, Brussels sprouts – they really can be delicious if you cook them right. All you need are a handful of ingredients and a hot oven to turn them into crispy, sticky little bites that are sweet, spicy, and just a little bit addictive. This sweet chili roasted Brussels sprouts recipe has been a big hit with my family, and I’m pretty sure it will cure you of any Brussels sprouts skepticism.

SWEET CHILI ROASTED BRUSSEL SPROUTS

We never ate Brussels sprouts when I was a kid. Honestly, I only ever saw them in sad, boiled form on TV sitcoms and stories of how much people hated them, so I assumed they were bland. Then I roasted them “just to test” and my kids started stealing them off the pan. That sizzling pan-to-plate moment hooked us: crispy edges, glossy glaze, little pops of heat. Bye, side-dish problems.

 WHY DOES THIS RECIPE WORK?

• Roast > boil: High heat = golden, crispy edges with tender centers.
• Sticky, sizzling finish: Brushing on sauce and returning to the oven makes a shiny, sticky glaze that lightly chars and sizzles.
• Balanced flavor: Salty-sweet-spicy hits in every bite.
• Weeknight easy, holiday-worthy: 3 simple steps, ~35 minutes, scales beautifully.

HOW TO MAKE IT 

You can easily adapt this sweet chili brussels sprouts recipe to make it your own. Here’s are the ingredients I used to make it. 

• 1 1/2 lb Brussels sprouts
• 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tsp of garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp sriracha sauce
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper optional
• 3/4 cup sweet chili sauce (store bought, or homemade recipe linked above)
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• Salt to taste
• Ground pepper to taste
• Sesame seed (optional)

Gluten-free note: This recipe contains no soy sauce. To keep it gluten-free, use a gluten-free sweet chili sauce. Thai Kitchen Sweet Red Chili Sauce is labeled gluten-free. Always check labels on chili-garlic paste/sriracha, vinegar, and spices if you’re highly sensitive.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat your oven to 425℉.
2. Make sure Brussels sprouts are cleaned, dried, trimmed, and halved before cooking.
3. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. If you skip the foil, the sprouts roast directly on the pan for a slightly deeper, more caramelized texture.

HOW TO ROAST BRUSSEL SPROUTS 

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment or foil.
2. In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, sriracha, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Add ½ cup of the sweet chili sauce and mix until everything is coated. Reserve the remaining ¼ cup for later.
4. Spread the sprouts evenly on the baking sheet, cut-side down for maximum caramelization.
5. Roast for 20–25 minutes, until tender and golden-brown on the edge and the glaze is sticky, sizzling, and lightly caramelized.
6. Transfer to a serving bowl. Toss with the remaining ¼ cup sweet chili sauce for extra gloss. Sprinkle sesame seeds if you like. Serve hot.

Serving ideas

• Weeknight: roasted chicken, pan-seared salmon, or garlic rice.
• Holiday: turkey, ham, or prime rib — they cut through richer mains.
• Appetizer vibe: finish with toasted peanuts and lime zest.

FAQs

Is sweet chili sauce gluten-free?
Some are, some aren’t. Thai Kitchen Sweet Red Chili Sauce is labeled gluten-free. Check labels if you’re sensitive.

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Yes. Roast straight from frozen; add 5–10 minutes to the first roast. Pat dry if very icy.

Air fryer method?
Cook at 375°F for ~15 minutes, shaking halfway. Toss in ½ cup sauce and air-fry 3–5 minutes more to set the glaze. Finish with remaining sauce.

Make-ahead?
Best fresh. For prep: roast earlier in the day, then glaze and reheat before serving.

Sweet Chili Brussel Sprouts

April Boller Wright

Sweet chili brussels sprouts. Yes, brussels sprouts – they can be good if you cook them right. All you need are a few ingredients. This sweet and spicy side dish has been an absolute hit with my family, and I'm pretty sure it will cure you of your skepticism on brussels sprouts.