Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Recipe

If you’re looking for a side dish that’s irresistibly crunchy, packed with flavor, and easy enough to whip up on any weeknight, you’re going to love this Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Recipe. I absolutely love how these little sprouts transform into golden, cheesy bites with just a handful of simple ingredients. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make them again and again – my family goes crazy for this one!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All of these ingredients work harmoniously together to create that perfect balance of crispy, savory, and slightly spicy. When shopping, I always look for fresh, firm Brussels sprouts with bright green leaves and no yellowing for the best results.

• Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin for great flavor and crispiness when roasting.
• Garlic: Freshly grated or pressed garlic gives a beautiful aromatic punch without overpowering the sprouts.
• Kosher salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors; kosher salt dissolves nicely and seasons evenly.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground adds a little peppery heat; freshness makes all the difference here.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): Just a pinch brings a subtle kick that complements the richness of the Parmesan.
• Brussels sprouts: Trimmed and halved for maximum surface area to get crisp and golden.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is key – it melts and crisps up on the baking sheet creating that addictive texture.

Variations

I love how flexible this Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Recipe is—you can easily tailor it to suit what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Experimenting with add-ins or toppings keeps it feeling fresh every time I make it.

• Spicy twist: I sometimes add a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne in place of red pepper flakes for a different kind of warmth.
• Vegan option: Swap the Parmesan for nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative; it won’t be the same crunch but still very tasty.
• Nuts and seeds: Toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts sprinkled on top after roasting add delightful texture and flavor.
• Herb boost: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary mixed in before baking give an aromatic boost that I adore.

How to Make Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Brussels Sprouts and Seasoning

Start by positioning your oven rack in the center—you want even heat for crispy, golden results. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking (and make cleanup a breeze). Trim the tough stems off each Brussels sprout and peel away any wilted outer leaves. Then, slice each sprout in half lengthwise. This exposes the cut side, which will get beautifully crispy later. Toss these halved sprouts in a large bowl with olive oil, finely grated garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them.

Step 2: Add Parmesan and Arrange on Baking Sheet

Next, add about a tablespoon of the grated Parmesan to the sprouts and mix well so they get a little cheesy coating. Spread the remaining Parmesan directly onto the center of your parchment-lined baking sheet in an even layer roughly the size of the sprouts pile. Now, arrange the Brussels sprouts cut side down over the cheese on the pan. Don’t worry if they’re touching slightly—it helps them cook evenly and crisp up.

Step 3: Roast to Crispy Perfection

Roast in your preheated oven at 400°F for 14 to 17 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, crispy crust and the sprouts are tender but still have that perfect bite. Keep an eye near the end to make sure the cheese doesn’t burn—it should be stunningly crisp and amber, not blackened. Once done, use a thin spatula to carefully transfer the sprouts and all that crispy cheese goodness straight to a platter.

How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these crispy sprouts with an extra handful of freshly grated Parmesan or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with hearty mains like roasted chicken, grilled steak, or simply tossed with pasta for a vegetarian meal. My go-to pairing is a creamy risotto or garlic mashed potatoes to balance the crispiness with something smooth.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these sprouts in a pretty shallow dish layered with prosciutto crisps and toasted pine nuts on top—it always impresses guests! You can also arrange them on individual appetizer plates with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a fancy twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep nicely for up to four days. The sprouts might soften a bit but the flavor stays delicious, especially after reheating.

Freezing

While I don’t usually freeze these, you can freeze roasted Brussels sprouts if you want. The Parmesan crispiness won’t hold up as well once frozen and thawed, but they’ll still taste great in soups or blended into other dishes.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftover crispy Parmesan Brussels sprouts is in a hot oven at 400°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet—spread them out cut side down and heat for about 5 minutes to re-crisp the cheese and warm through perfectly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I used to struggle to make Brussels sprouts that my whole family actually liked, but this Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Recipe changed that for me. The combination of tender sprouts with that crispy, cheesy crust is honestly addictive. I love how fast it comes together, and it always feels a little special when I serve it. Give it a try—I’m betting these will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen too!

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