Craving the irresistible flavor of those crispy brussels sprouts from Yard House? This yard house brussel sprouts recipe, inspired by the restaurant favorite, lets you recreate the same caramelized crunch at home.
Packed with flavor and easy to make, this copycat yard house brussel sprouts recipe highlights the natural sweetness of brussel sprouts while keeping the signature texture fans love. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect brussel sprouts recipe or searching for standout brussel sprout recipes, this version delivers big flavor with simple steps.
By roasting the sprouts at high heat, you’ll achieve beautifully crisp edges and tender centers without the need for complicated techniques. The result is a side dish that feels restaurant-quality yet completely approachable for home cooks of any skill level. Each bite bursts with caramelized richness that pairs effortlessly with a variety of meals.
If you’ve been skeptical about yard house brussels sprouts in the past, this recipe is guaranteed to change your mind. The deep golden color, subtle char, and savory balance bring out everything there is to love about this humble vegetable. Get ready to enjoy a dish that’s just as addictive as the Yard House original-maybe even better.
What Are Yard House Brussels Sprouts and How Do They Taste?
Yard House Brussels Sprouts are the restaurant chain’s wildly popular roasted vegetable side dish known for their incredible texture contrast and deep, savory flavor.
Unlike traditional boiled or steamed preparations, this brussel sprouts recipe uses high-heat roasting to create crispy, almost chip-like outer leaves while maintaining a tender, sweet interior. The taste profile balances natural earthiness with nutty caramelization, enhanced by garlic undertones and a perfect salt seasoning. Each bite delivers satisfying crunch followed by creamy texture-a combination that converts even the most reluctant vegetable eaters.
The secret lies in the simple seasoning and proper roasting technique that allows the yard house brussels sprouts natural sugars to caramelize beautifully, creating those coveted golden-brown edges.
Yard House Brussel Sprouts Recipe Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450–500g) fresh brussels sprouts
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (plus extra for finishing)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Kitchen Utensils Needed:
- Large rimmed baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil (optional)
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Clean kitchen towel or paper towels
- Oven mitts
Preparation and Cooking Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 side dish portions
Copycat Yard House Brussel Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup-this step is optional but highly recommended for preventing sticking and simplifying post-cooking cleanup.
Step 2: Wash and Dry the Brussels Sprouts
Wash the brussels sprouts thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. This is crucial for food safety and flavor. Dry them completely using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels-wet sprouts will steam rather than roast, preventing that signature crispy texture.
Step 3: Trim and Halve
Using a sharp knife, trim off the tough stem end of each brussels sprout. Cut each sprout in half lengthwise from top to stem end. This halving technique is essential for creating maximum surface area for caramelization.
Step 4: Season the Sprouts
Place all halved brussels sprouts in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Add ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Using your hands or a spoon, toss everything together until every piece is lightly and evenly coated with oil and seasonings.
Step 5: Arrange for Roasting
Pour the seasoned brussels sprouts onto your prepared baking sheet. Arrange them all cut-side down in a single layer-this positioning is critical as it allows the flat side to caramelize beautifully while the outer leaves crisp up perfectly.
Step 6: Roast with Midpoint Shake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 30 minutes total. At the 15-minute mark, carefully pull the pan out and give it a good shake to redistribute the sprouts (don’t flip them cut-side up-just shake gently so they roll slightly for even cooking). Return to the oven for the remaining 15 minutes.
Step 7: Check for Perfect Doneness
The brussels sprouts are ready when the outer leaves turn deep golden-brown and achieve a crispy, almost chip-like texture, while the cut sides display beautiful caramelization. A little charring is actually perfect and adds depth of flavor.
Step 8: Final Touch and Serve
Remove from the oven immediately. Sprinkle with an extra pinch of kosher salt while they’re still hot to enhance flavor. Serve right away to enjoy maximum crispiness and warmth.
Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving
1. Balsamic Glaze Drizzle
Elevate your copycat yard house brussel sprouts recipe by drizzling aged balsamic glaze over the finished sprouts. The sweet-tart complexity complements the caramelized vegetables beautifully, adding restaurant-quality presentation and sophisticated flavor depth.
2. Parmesan Cheese Finishing
Immediately after removing from the oven, shower the hot brussels sprouts with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The residual heat melts the cheese slightly, creating a savory, umami-rich coating that enhances the nutty roasted flavor profile.
3. Crispy Bacon Bits Addition
Transform these sauteed brussel sprouts into a heartier side by tossing with crispy bacon pieces. The smoky, salty pork perfectly complements the sweet caramelization, making this combination irresistible for meat lovers.
4. Honey-Sriracha Glaze
For a sweet-and-spicy variation, toss the roasted sprouts with a mixture of honey and sriracha hot sauce. This Asian-inspired twist balances the earthy brussels sprouts with heat and sweetness, creating complex flavor layers.
5. Lemon Zest and Juice Brightening
Add fresh lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving to cut through the richness. The citrus acidity brightens the entire dish, making it feel lighter and more refreshing-perfect alongside heavier main courses.
6. Toasted Nuts for Crunch
Toss your finished brussel sprouts recipe with toasted almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts for additional textural contrast. The nutty flavor complements the caramelized vegetables while adding protein and healthy fats.
7. Protein Pairing Suggestions
These yard house brussel sprouts pair exceptionally well with grilled steak, roasted chicken, pan-seared salmon, or pork chops. They also complement vegetarian main dishes like mushroom risotto or quinoa bowls, making them incredibly versatile for any meal planning.
Essential Tips for Perfect Brussels Sprouts
1. Choose Fresh, Firm Sprouts
When learning how to cook brussel sprouts successfully, ingredient quality matters tremendously. Select bright green brussels sprouts that feel firm and heavy for their size. Avoid any with yellowing leaves, soft spots, or strong cabbage odors, as these indicate age and will result in bitter flavors and mushy texture.
2. Don’t Skip the Drying Step
The most common mistake in brussel sprout recipes is inadequate drying. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness-wet vegetables will steam in the oven rather than roast. Take extra time to thoroughly pat each sprout completely dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel before seasoning.
3. Cut-Side Down is Non-Negotiable
Positioning matters enormously for achieving that signature Yard House texture. Always arrange sprouts cut-side down on your baking sheet. This flat surface makes direct contact with the hot pan, creating the beautiful golden-brown caramelization that defines the best brussel sprout recipe results.
4. Don’t Overcrowd Your Pan
Overcrowding causes steaming instead of roasting, resulting in soggy vegetables. Arrange brussels sprouts in a single layer with slight space between each piece. If working with more than one pound, use two baking sheets or roast in batches for optimal crispiness.
5. High Heat Creates Crispy Magic
The 400°F temperature isn’t arbitrary-it’s the sweet spot for caramelizing brussels sprouts without burning. Lower temperatures won’t achieve proper browning, while higher heat risks charring before the interiors cook through. Trust the temperature for consistent restaurant-quality results.
6. Resist the Urge to Constantly Flip
Many home cooks over-handle their vegetables during roasting. After arranging cut-side down, leave them undisturbed for the first 15 minutes to develop proper caramelization. The midpoint shake redistributes heat without disrupting the browning process-flipping them would prevent optimal texture development.
7. Season Immediately After Roasting
Salt draws out moisture, so adding extra finishing salt only after cooking preserves crispiness while enhancing flavor. The hot surfaces help the salt crystals adhere perfectly, and your taste buds are more sensitive to salt on the exterior, meaning you’ll perceive more flavor with less sodium overall.
Storage and Reheating Guidance
Store leftover brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness-avoid microwaving as it makes them soggy and ruins the texture completely.
Yard House Brussel Sprouts Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup-this step is optional but highly recommended for preventing sticking and simplifying post-cooking cleanup.
- Wash the brussels sprouts thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. This is crucial for food safety and flavor. Dry them completely using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels-wet sprouts will steam rather than roast, preventing that signature crispy texture.
- Using a sharp knife, trim off the tough stem end of each brussels sprout. Cut each sprout in half lengthwise from top to stem end. This halving technique is essential for creating maximum surface area for caramelization.
- Place all halved brussels sprouts in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Add ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Using your hands or a spoon, toss everything together until every piece is lightly and evenly coated with oil and seasonings.
- Pour the seasoned brussels sprouts onto your prepared baking sheet. Arrange them all cut-side down in a single layer-this positioning is critical as it allows the flat side to caramelize beautifully while the outer leaves crisp up perfectly.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 30 minutes total. At the 15-minute mark, carefully pull the pan out and give it a good shake to redistribute the sprouts (don’t flip them cut-side up-just shake gently so they roll slightly for even cooking). Return to the oven for the remaining 15 minutes.
- The brussels sprouts are ready when the outer leaves turn deep golden-brown and achieve a crispy, almost chip-like texture, while the cut sides display beautiful caramelization. A little charring is actually perfect and adds depth of flavor.
- Remove from the oven immediately. Sprinkle with an extra pinch of kosher salt while they’re still hot to enhance flavor. Serve right away to enjoy maximum crispiness and warmth.
Video
Notes
Common Queries and FAQs
We’re here to help! Below, you’ll find answers to common questions people usually have about this recipe.
Q: Can I make this copycat yard house brussel sprouts recipe without oil?
A: While oil helps achieve crispiness and browning, you can use cooking spray or roast without fat. However, the texture won’t be quite as crispy, and you may need to adjust cooking time slightly.
Q: Why are my brussels sprouts bitter?
A: Bitterness usually comes from overcooking or using old sprouts. Choose fresh, bright green brussels sprouts and don’t roast beyond 30-35 minutes. The caramelization should balance any natural bitterness with sweetness.
Q: Can I prep brussels sprouts ahead of time?
A: Yes! Wash, trim, and halve brussels sprouts up to 24 hours ahead. Store them dry in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Season and roast just before serving for best results.
Q: What’s the difference between roasting and sautéing brussels sprouts?
A: Roasting uses dry oven heat to caramelize all surfaces evenly, while sauteed brussel sprouts cook quickly in a pan with direct heat. Roasting creates more consistent crispiness throughout, while sautéing is faster but requires more attention.
Q: How do I know when brussels sprouts are done?
A: Look for deep golden-brown outer leaves that are crispy (almost chip-like), caramelized cut sides with dark brown spots, and tender interiors when pierced with a fork. A little charring on the edges is actually desirable.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Absolutely! When doubling any brussel sprouts recipes, use two separate baking sheets to prevent overcrowding. Rotate the pans halfway through cooking for even roasting on both sheets.
Q: Are brussels sprouts healthy
A: Yes! brussels sprouts are nutritional powerhouses packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and antioxidants. This recipe uses minimal oil, making it a healthy side dish option that supports overall wellness while tasting indulgent.
This copycat yard house brussel sprouts recipe proves that restaurant-quality vegetables are absolutely achievable at home with simple ingredients and proper technique. By mastering the fundamentals of how to cook brussel sprouts-thorough drying, strategic positioning, and high-heat roasting-you’ll create crispy, caramelized perfection every single time.
Whether you’re serving these as a weeknight side dish or impressing dinner guests, this best brussel sprout recipe delivers consistently delicious results.
Now that you’ve discovered the secrets behind those addictively crispy sprouts, there’s no reason to wait for your next restaurant visit-crispy brussels sprouts perfection is just 40 minutes away!
We’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Give it a try, then drop a comment below to share your thoughts and tips with us.
They are perfectly crispy, sweet, and smoky-an easy side everyone will love.
Thanks zoe