Bj’s Brewhouse Brussel Sprouts Recipe

BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse is famous for their roasted Brussels sprouts, and this BJ’s brussel sprouts copycat recipe perfectly recreates the caramelized char, sweet citrus notes, and nutty crunch that make this side dish so irresistible.

The secret lies in blanching for tenderness, then pan-charring for that signature smoky crust. Whether you’re craving BJ’s brewhouse brussel sprouts or want to impress dinner guests, this copycat BJ’s brussel sprouts recipe delivers restaurant-quality results every time.

Topped with a bright citrus-cranberry dressing and toasted walnuts, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout.

What Does BJ’s Brewhouse Brussel Sprouts Taste Like?

The flavor profile of BJ’s brussel sprouts is a masterclass in balance. Each bite delivers caramelized, almost BBQ-like char with a tender interior that’s never bitter.

The citrus-cranberry dressing adds vibrant sweetness and tang, cutting through the earthiness of the sprouts. Toasted walnuts provide buttery crunch, while fresh thyme brings herbaceous depth.

The orange zest brightens everything, creating layers of complexity that make this BJ brewhouse brussel sprout recipe stand out from ordinary roasted vegetables. It’s savory, slightly sweet, nutty, and utterly crave-worthy.

Bj’s Brewhouse Brussel Sprouts Recipe Ingredients and Kitchen Utensils

For the Brussels Sprouts

• 1 kg Brussels sprouts (mixed sizes, halved)
• Salt (for boiling water and seasoning)
• Olive oil (for roasting)

The Citrus-Cranberry Dressing

• Zest and juice of 1 orange
• 100g dried cranberries
• 50 ml olive oil
• 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme (or dried thyme)
• 1 tbsp honey
• Salt to taste

For the Garnish

• A handful of walnuts, toasted

Essential Kitchen Utensils

• Large pot for boiling
• Bowl of ice water
• Mixing bowl for dressing
• Large frying pan or cast-iron skillet
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Zester or microplane
• Slotted spoon

Preparation and Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6 as a side dish

Bj’s Brewhouse Brussel Sprouts Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Trim the stem base from each Brussels sprout and remove any damaged outer leaves. Slice each sprout in half lengthwise to create flat surfaces that will caramelize beautifully in the pan.

Step 2: Blanch for Perfect Texture

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the halved Brussels sprouts and boil for exactly 3 minutes. Immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water using a slotted spoon to halt the cooking process and preserve their vibrant green color.

Let them chill for 10 minutes, then drain thoroughly and pat dry.

Step 3: Make the Citrus-Cranberry Dressing

In a mixing bowl, combine orange zest, fresh orange juice, dried cranberries, olive oil, chopped thyme, honey, and a pinch of salt. Whisk together and let the mixture sit while you prepare the other components.

This resting time allows the cranberries to soften and the flavors to meld into a harmonious dressing.

Step 4: Toast the Walnuts

Heat a dry frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the walnuts and toast them, stirring constantly, until they become fragrant and develop a golden color (about 3-4 minutes). Watch carefully to prevent burning. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5: Char the Brussels Sprouts

Heat a large frying pan or cast-iron skillet over high heat until very hot. Toss the blanched and dried Brussels sprouts with olive oil and salt. Place them cut-side down in the pan in a single layer.

Resist the urge to stir-let them sit undisturbed for 4-5 minutes to develop a deep, caramelized crust with that signature BBQ-like char.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Pour the citrus-cranberry dressing over the charred Brussels sprouts in the pan. Add the toasted walnuts and toss everything together until the sprouts are evenly coated with the dressing. If you’re comfortable with pan technique, give it a confident toss.

Transfer to a serving dish immediately while hot.

Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving

1. Protein Pairing Power: This BJ’s restaurant brussel sprouts recipe pairs exceptionally well with grilled chicken, pan-seared salmon, or herb-crusted pork chops. The citrus notes complement fish beautifully, while the earthy sprouts balance richer meats perfectly.

2. Holiday Table Showstopper: Elevate your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner by serving these alongside roasted turkey or glazed ham. The cranberries make it seasonally appropriate, while the sophisticated flavors impress guests who expect traditional green bean casserole.

3. Add Bacon for Extra Indulgence: Crisp up 4-5 strips of bacon, crumble them, and toss with the finished sprouts for a smoky, meaty variation. The bacon fat can even replace some of the olive oil for deeper flavor that takes this copycat recipe to the next level.

4. Vegan-Friendly Adaptation: Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to keep this dish completely plant-based. The natural sweetness works just as well with the citrus dressing, making it perfect for vegan dinner parties.

5. Cheese Lover’s Dream: Shave fresh Parmesan or crumble tangy goat cheese over the hot sprouts just before serving. The salty, creamy cheese creates another layer of complexity that complements the sweet-tart dressing beautifully.

6. Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes to the dressing or drizzle with hot honey for those who like heat. A pinch of cayenne pepper in the charring step adds subtle warmth without overwhelming the delicate citrus notes.

7. Grain Bowl Base: Transform these BJ’s brussel sprouts into a hearty meal by serving them over quinoa, farro, or wild rice. Add chickpeas or grilled chicken for protein, and you’ve got a complete, nutritious dinner that’s restaurant-worthy.

Essential Tips for Perfect BJ’s-Style Brussels Sprouts

Tip 1: Size Matters for Even Cooking: When selecting Brussels sprouts, try to choose ones of similar size. If you have a mix, cut larger ones into quarters and smaller ones in half. This ensures everything cooks evenly and achieves that perfect tender-crisp texture that makes BJ’s brewhouse brussel sprouts recipe so memorable.

Tip 2: Don’t Skip the Ice Bath: The blanching and shocking process isn’t just about color-it’s about texture control. This technique pre-cooks the interior while keeping the exterior firm enough to develop serious char without turning mushy. Professional kitchens use this method for a reason.

Tip 3: Dry Thoroughly Before Charring: After the ice bath, pat your Brussels sprouts completely dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Excess moisture creates steam instead of char, preventing that signature caramelized crust. Dry sprouts equal better browning and more intense flavor.

Tip 4: Use High Heat Without Fear: That restaurant-quality char requires confidence with high heat. Your pan should be smoking hot before the sprouts go in. Don’t reduce the heat when they start to brown-that caramelization is exactly what you’re after in this copycat BJ’s brussel sprouts recipe.

Tip 5: Resist Stirring Too Soon: The hardest part of this recipe is patience. Once the sprouts hit the pan cut-side down, leave them alone for at least 4 minutes. Constant stirring prevents proper crust formation. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when they release easily from the pan and show deep brown color.

Tip 6: Fresh Thyme Makes a Difference: While dried thyme works in a pinch, fresh thyme adds a brightness that dried herbs can’t match. The delicate, floral notes complement the citrus beautifully. If you’re growing thyme in your garden or can find it fresh, it’s worth the small splurge.

Tip 7: Serve Immediately for Best Results: Brussels sprouts lose their textural magic as they sit. The contrast between caramelized exterior and tender interior is most pronounced when served straight from the pan. If you’re entertaining, prep everything in advance but do the final charring and assembly right before serving to capture that just-cooked restaurant experience.

Storage and Reheating Guidance

Store leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes to re-crisp the exterior, or use an air fryer at 375°F for 5 minutes for best texture restoration.

Common Queries and FAQs

Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions that people often ask.

Q: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this BJ’s brussel sprouts copycat recipe?

A: Fresh Brussels sprouts work best for achieving that signature char and texture. Frozen sprouts contain more moisture and may turn mushy during the blanching and charring process, preventing proper caramelization.

Q: What if I don’t have fresh oranges for the citrus-cranberry dressing?

A: You can substitute with 3-4 tablespoons of bottled orange juice and 1 teaspoon of orange extract or a splash of orange liqueur. However, fresh orange zest provides aromatic oils that truly elevate this BJ brewhouse brussel sprout recipe.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead for meal prep?

A: You can blanch and shock the Brussels sprouts up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Prepare the dressing separately. Only do the final charring step right before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Q: Why are my Brussels sprouts bitter?

A: Overcooking causes bitterness. The blanching should be brief (3 minutes max), and the charring should caramelize the exterior without burning. Also, ensure you’ve removed any yellow or damaged outer leaves, which tend to be more bitter.

Q: What’s the best pan for charring Brussels sprouts?

A: A large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan works best. These materials retain heat well and create even caramelization. Non-stick pans don’t get hot enough to develop proper char for authentic copycat BJ’s brussel sprouts.

Q: Can I bake these instead of pan-charring?

A: While roasting at 425°F for 20-25 minutes will cook them, you won’t achieve the same concentrated char that defines BJ’s Restaurant style. The high-heat pan method creates more intense caramelization on the cut surfaces.

Q: How do I prevent the cranberries from burning?

A: Add the citrus-cranberry dressing only after the Brussels sprouts have developed their char. The liquid and sugar content will prevent further charring and could cause burning if added too early in the cooking process.

Q: What substitutes work for walnuts?

A: Pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts all work beautifully and provide similar nutty crunch. For nut-free versions, try toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds) or sunflower seeds, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

This BJ’s brewhouse brussel sprouts recipe brings restaurant magic into your home kitchen with surprisingly simple techniques. The combination of blanching for tenderness, pan-charring for flavor, and that signature citrus-cranberry dressing creates a side dish that steals the spotlight from any main course.

Whether you’re recreating a favorite dining memory or discovering these flavor combinations for the first time, this copycat BJ’s brussel sprouts recipe delivers every time. Master this technique once, and you’ll find yourself making these addictive sprouts on repeat for family dinners, holiday gatherings, and whenever you need a vegetable side that actually excites people.

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