If you’re anything like me, finding a way to make Brussels sprouts actually exciting can be a bit of a challenge. That’s why I’m so thrilled to share this Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts Recipe with you—it’s absolutely fan-freaking-tastic. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness, and then smothering them in a luscious garlic butter sauce with honey and a hint of cayenne? Total game changer. Stick with me here and I promise, even if you’re not a big Brussels sprouts fan, you’ll be hooked.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deep, Rich Flavors: Roasting caramelizes the sprouts, and the garlic butter adds an irresistible savory sweetness.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry and fridge, making it an easy, go-to side dish.
Quick & Easy: From start to finish, it takes about 30 minutes—perfect for weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Family-Friendly: My family goes crazy for these, even my kids who used to turn their noses up at Brussels sprouts.

This close-up image shows several roasted Brussels sprouts resting on a white marbled surface. Each Brussels sprout is halved, revealing an inner layer of tightly packed leaves that are light green and yellow with caramelized, dark brown edges from roasting. Some outer layers are slightly charred and crispy, showing darker green and brown colors. Small bits of seasoning or salt are visible on the caramelized tops, adding texture and contrast. The moisture and oil around the sprouts create a slight shine, making the roasted texture stand out. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts, Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Butter, Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Healthy Brussels Sprouts Side Dish, flavorful Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts Recipe plays its part perfectly. The fresh garlic and butter create that luscious sauce, while the honey and cayenne provide just the right balance of sweet heat.

Flat lay of fresh halved Brussels sprouts with bright green leaves, a few whole uncracked brown eggs nearby, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy yellow butter cubes, a small white ceramic bowl holding several peeled garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl filled with amber honey, a small white ceramic bowl containing finely grated parmesan cheese, and a few scattered black peppercorns and a pinch of cayenne pepper powder artfully arranged on a simple white ceramic plate, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts, Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Butter, Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Healthy Brussels Sprouts Side Dish, flavorful Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Brussels sprouts: Fresh and firm is the key—avoid any that look wilted or yellowed.
Olive oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for roasting to get that beautiful crispness.
Butter: Unsalted butter works best so you can control the salt level—it melts into a creamy, garlicky sauce.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic really makes a difference here; minced finely so it blends smoothly into the butter.
Honey: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the bitter edge of the sprouts and the heat from the cayenne.
Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch adds a gentle kick—add more if you like things spicy.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for a nutty, salty finish that melts beautifully on top.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to enhance all the other flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts Recipe my own depending on the season or what I’m serving it with. You can easily tweak it and still get amazing results.

Swap the parmesan: I sometimes swap parmesan for crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangier twist that pairs wonderfully with the honey sweetness.
Add nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch and a boost of texture.
Make it vegan: Use olive oil or a plant-based butter and skip the cheese—still delicious!
Add fresh herbs: Toss in some fresh thyme or rosemary before roasting for an earthy herbal note.

How to Make Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Roast Your Brussels Sprouts

First things first, set your oven rack to the center and preheat to 450ºF. You want it nice and hot to get that perfect crisp outside while keeping the inside tender. While the oven’s heating, toss your halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and plenty of freshly ground black pepper. I like to use a big pinch of black pepper here because it adds a subtle bite that pairs so well with the buttery sauce. Spread the sprouts evenly on your parchment-lined baking sheet—crowding them will steam rather than roast, so make sure they have space. Roast for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through so they brown evenly. You’re aiming for golden, slightly crispy edges with a tender bite inside.

Step 2: Whip Up the Garlic Honey Butter

When your sprouts have about five minutes left in the oven, let’s make the magic garlic honey butter. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then stir in the minced garlic, honey, and cayenne pepper. I usually zap mine for around 30 seconds to a minute, but keep an eye on it so the garlic doesn’t burn in the microwave. Stir it until everything is blended into a smooth sauce. This is the heart of the recipe where flavor really amps up, so don’t rush this part.

Step 3: Toss, Add Cheese, and Finish Roasting

Once the Brussels sprouts are perfectly roasted, transfer them to a bowl and pour the garlic honey butter over them. Toss well so every sprout gets coated in that gorgeous sauce. Then sprinkle generously with your grated parmesan cheese. Return everything to the oven for about 5 more minutes—just enough time for the cheese to melt and create a slightly crispy cheesy crust. Serve these warm and watch them disappear!

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Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Giving sprouts space lets them roast and crisp up instead of steam.
Use Fresh Garlic: It really makes a difference! Pre-mince and have it ready to avoid burning during melting.
Honey Balance: Adjust honey based on your sweetness preference, especially if your sprouts are very bitter.
Watch the Cheese: Keep an eye during the final roast so the parmesan melts but doesn’t burn or brown too deeply.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts Recipe

A white bowl filled with two layers of roasted Brussels sprouts, each piece halved to show a mix of light green interiors and crispy dark brown charred edges, giving a textured look; sprinkled with small bits of golden-brown garlic or breadcrumbs on top, a silver spoon placed inside the bowl rests against the side; the bowl is set on a white marbled surface with a white cloth nearby, creating a simple, clean setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts, Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Butter, Easy Roasted Brussels Sprouts, Healthy Brussels Sprouts Side Dish, flavorful Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing these sprouts with a sprinkle of extra parmesan and a touch of freshly grated lemon zest—it gives a lovely brightness that cuts through the richness. If you want to get fancy, add a few toasted pine nuts or some crispy bacon bits for texture contrast and an extra flavor punch.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a hearty pasta dish. I’ve often served it alongside garlic mashed potatoes or creamy risotto for a comforting, well-rounded meal that everyone loves.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to pile these Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts Recipe into a rustic cast-iron skillet right on the table. It looks inviting and keeps them warm longer. You could also drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the top just before serving for an elegant, unexpected twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and honestly, they reheat really well the next day. Just give them a quick toss in a hot pan or microwave and they’re almost as good as fresh. The garlic butter sauce keeps everything flavorful without drying out.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing these Brussels sprouts with the garlic butter sauce since the texture can change, and the buttery sauce might separate when thawed. If you want to freeze, roast plain sprouts and then add the garlic butter fresh when reheating.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer a skillet on medium heat with a small splash of olive oil or butter to revive the crispiness. A quick stir helps warm the garlic butter through without losing that roasted charm.

FAQs

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts Recipe?

While fresh Brussels sprouts yield the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen sprouts in a pinch. However, be aware they might be a bit softer and less crispy after roasting. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and pat them dry to remove excess moisture before roasting to get the best results.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning in the butter?

The best way is to add minced garlic to the melted butter after it’s fully melted to avoid high heat exposure. Melting the butter in short bursts in the microwave and stirring gently helps prevent the garlic from burning, which can turn it bitter.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can roast the Brussels sprouts in advance and store them separately from the garlic butter. When ready to serve, warm the sprouts and toss with freshly melted garlic butter and parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
What if I don’t have cayenne pepper?

No worries! You can leave out the cayenne or substitute with a pinch of red chili flakes or paprika to add a little smoky warmth without heat. The honey and garlic will still create that amazing balanced flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts Recipe has genuinely become a staple in my kitchen because it’s so straightforward yet bursting with flavor. When I first tried roasting Brussels sprouts like this and tossing them in that sweet, garlicky butter, I was hooked instantly—so much so, my whole family now asks for seconds. If you’re looking for a way to turn Brussels sprouts from “meh” to “wow,” give this a try. I know you’ll love how easy it is to make them irresistible at any meal!

Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 316 reviews

Author: Villerius
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 25 min
Total Time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

These Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts are crispy, flavorful, and irresistible, combining roasted Brussels sprouts with a luscious garlic honey butter sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a savory side dish that even Brussels sprout skeptics will enjoy.

Ingredients

Brussels Sprouts

1 ½ – 1 ¾ pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and cut in half
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Salt and pepper, to taste

Garlic Honey Butter

3 tablespoons butter
4-6 fresh garlic cloves, minced
3 – 4 teaspoons honey
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more to taste)

Finishing Touch

3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Prep Brussels Sprouts: Position a rack in the center of your oven and preheat it to 450ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil sprayed with cooking spray. In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and a generous pinch of black pepper until evenly coated.
Roast Brussels Sprouts: Spread the Brussels sprouts evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until they become crisp and golden, tossing them halfway through cooking to ensure even roasting.
Prepare Garlic Honey Butter: About 5 minutes before the sprouts finish roasting, combine butter, minced garlic, honey, and cayenne pepper in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the butter has fully melted, then stir well to blend the ingredients.
Toss Sprouts in Sauce: Once the Brussels sprouts are roasted, transfer them to a mixing bowl and immediately toss with the warm garlic honey butter mixture until they are well coated. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the sprouts.
Finish in Oven: Return the coated Brussels sprouts to the baking sheet and place back in the oven for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the Parmesan to melt and the flavors to meld together. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

The garlic honey butter sauce adds incredible flavor and sweetness that balances the natural bitterness of Brussels sprouts perfectly.
Tossing the sprouts in the sauce immediately after roasting ensures they absorb maximum flavor.
Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control the heat to your preference.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste and melting quality.
This recipe yields about 6 servings and makes a fantastic side dish for dinner parties or weeknight meals.