Roasted Parmesan Brussel Sprouts Recipe

These Roasted Parmesan Brussel Sprouts transform the humble vegetable into an irresistible side dish that even the most stubborn sprout-avoiders will love. The high-heat roasting brings out their natural sweetness while creating perfectly crispy edges, and the salty Parmesan cheese forms a golden crust that adds incredible flavor. Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe proves that vegetables can be both nutritious and crave-worthy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Brussels Sprouts: The star of the show! Look for bright green, firm sprouts with tightly packed leaves for the freshest flavor. Smaller sprouts tend to be sweeter.
• Olive Oil: Helps the sprouts caramelize and prevents sticking. Use a good quality one for better flavor.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps draw moisture out of the sprouts for better crisping.
• Pepper: Adds a subtle kick that balances the nutty sweetness of the roasted sprouts.
• Garlic Powder: Provides aromatic flavor without the risk of burning that comes with fresh garlic at high heat.
• Parmesan Cheese: Creates an irresistible savory crust. Freshly grated works best, but pre-grated will work in a pinch.

Variations

Flavor Boosters

Add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar or a drizzle of honey before roasting for a sweet-tangy twist.

Spice It Up

Sprinkle with red pepper flakes along with the Parmesan for a hint of heat.

Bacon Lover’s Version

Toss in some cooked, crumbled bacon bits when you add the Parmesan cheese.

Herb-Enhanced

Add fresh thyme leaves or dried Italian herbs to the oil mixture for an aromatic boost.

How to Make Roasted Parmesan Brussel Sprouts

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This high heat is crucial for developing those deliciously crispy edges without burning.

Step 2: Trim and Halve

Cut off the tough stem ends of each Brussels sprout, then slice them lengthwise through the core. Remove any discolored outer leaves as you go.

Step 3: Season Thoroughly

Place your halved sprouts in a bowl, then add olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss everything until each piece is evenly coated. This is key for consistent flavor and texture.

Step 4: Arrange for Maximum Crispiness

Place the sprouts cut-side down on your lined baking sheet. Don’t crowd them – they need space to release moisture and crisp up properly.

Step 5: First Roasting Phase

Bake for 10 minutes at 425°F. This initial roasting develops caramelization on the flat surfaces.

Step 6: Flip and Cheese

Flip each sprout so the cut sides face upward, then sprinkle evenly with Parmesan cheese. This positioning allows the cheese to form a perfect crust.

Step 7: Final Roasting

Return to the oven for 5-10 more minutes, watching carefully until the cheese turns golden brown and crispy, and the sprouts are tender when pierced with a fork.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

These roasted sprouts shine alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon. The slight bitterness of the sprouts balances rich, savory meats beautifully.

Holiday Tables

Make these a star on your Thanksgiving or Christmas table – they’re elegant enough for special occasions but simple enough for regular weeknights.

Meal Prep Option

Double the recipe and use leftovers in grain bowls or salads throughout the week for a nutritious boost.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled sprouts in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They’ll lose some crispness but will still taste delicious.

Freezing

While possible, freezing isn’t ideal as it affects the texture. If you must freeze, store in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. A quick trip under the broiler for 1-2 minutes can help restore some crispness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it makes them soggy.

FAQs

Why are my Brussels sprouts not getting crispy?
The most common culprits are overcrowding the pan or having too much moisture. Make sure to dry your sprouts thoroughly after washing, cut them in half to expose more surface area, and give them plenty of space on the baking sheet. Also, check that your oven is properly preheated to 425°F.

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
While fresh is always best for optimal crispiness, frozen can work in a pinch. Thaw them completely and pat very dry before proceeding. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time, and they might not get quite as crispy as fresh ones.

How do I know when the Brussels sprouts are perfectly done?
The perfect Brussels sprout should have deeply browned, crispy edges, a tender interior that yields easily to a fork, and the Parmesan crust should be golden brown but not burnt. Trust your eyes and nose—they should look caramelized and smell nutty.

Can I make these without Parmesan for a dairy-free version?
Absolutely! The sprouts are delicious even without cheese. For a similar savory boost, try sprinkling with nutritional yeast during the last few minutes of roasting, or simply enjoy them with just the garlic, salt, and pepper seasoning.

These Roasted Parmesan Brussels Sprouts might just change your mind about vegetables forever. The magic combination of high-heat roasting and savory Parmesan transforms this often-maligned vegetable into something truly craveable. Give them a try tonight—they take just minutes to prepare but deliver restaurant-quality results that will have everyone reaching for seconds!

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