Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Recipe
If you’re looking for a vibrant and flavorful way to brighten up your vegetable side dishes, this Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Recipe is an absolute must-try. Perfectly browned with a crispy edge, and loaded with savory parmesan and a subtle garlic kick, these Brussels sprouts transform from humble veggie to irresistible treat. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or just want to treat yourself to something deliciously wholesome, this recipe combines simple ingredients and straightforward steps to bring out the best in every sprout.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to balance flavor, texture, and richness, making every bite satisfying and memorable.
- ½ pound Brussels sprouts: Look for firm, bright green sprouts to ensure freshness and a great texture after roasting.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds a rich, creamy finish that helps the parmesan stick to the sprouts.
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese: This is the star ingredient that brings salty, nutty flavor and a delightful crust after baking.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a mellow garlic warmth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps with roasting and adds a subtle fruitiness that complements the butter.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances and enhances the natural sweetness of the Brussels sprouts.
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper: Lends a gentle bite and rounds out the seasoning.
How to Make Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
Start by trimming the Brussels sprouts: cut off the tough stem end and peel away any yellow or damaged leaves. Then slice them in half lengthwise to ensure even cooking and plenty of surface area for that wonderful golden crisp.
Step 2: Toss with Butter and Olive Oil
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and olive oil. Add the halved Brussels sprouts and toss gently but thoroughly, making sure each piece is coated. This fat combo is essential for turning the sprouts delectably crispy while keeping their tender inside.
Step 3: Season the Sprouts
Sprinkle the garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper over the coated sprouts. Toss again to distribute the seasoning evenly. This simple blend gives the recipe a flavorful foundation without overshadowing the parmesan’s richness.
Step 4: Arrange and Roast
Spread the Brussels sprouts out on a baking sheet in a single layer, cut side down. This positioning is crucial—it encourages caramelization, resulting in a luscious, nutty crunch. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, checking halfway to stir gently if needed to brown evenly.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Finish Roasting
Once the sprouts have started to brown and soften, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over them. Return to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden. This step locks in the cheese’s flavor and adds an irresistible crispy cheese crust.
How to Serve Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of color and flavor, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice over the finished dish. The brightness from these garnishes lifts the buttery richness and adds a refreshing contrast that makes every mouthful delightful.
Side Dishes
These Parmesan Brussels Sprouts make a wonderful accompaniment to roasted chicken, grilled steak, or pan-seared fish. Their crispy, cheesy flavor complements both simple and more complex mains beautifully, making them an incredibly versatile side dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve the sprouts in a beautiful shallow bowl and top them with toasted pine nuts or crispy bacon bits. This adds crunch and an extra layer of flavor that turns the dish into the star of any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Recipe, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They stay fresh for up to 3 days, maintaining much of their crispy-cheesy charm.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the texture of Brussels sprouts can become a bit softer after thawing. To freeze, cool the sprouts completely, then freeze flat on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Use within 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftover sprouts on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This method helps revive their crispiness better than microwaving, keeping that delightful texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Absolutely! Mince 1-2 cloves of fresh garlic and toss it with the Brussels sprouts before roasting. Just be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter if overcooked.
What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese on hand?
Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are excellent substitutes and offer similar nutty, salty flavors that work beautifully in this recipe.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a vegan Parmesan cheese substitute or nutritional yeast to keep that cheesy flavor in the dish.
Is it better to roast or sauté Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Roasting is preferred as it brings out a deeper, caramelized flavor and crispy texture that sautéing can’t quite achieve with the Parmesan crust.
How do I know when the Brussels sprouts are perfectly cooked?
The outer leaves should be golden brown and crisp, while the insides remain tender but not mushy. Use a fork to check tenderness after about 20 minutes in the oven.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Recipe. It’s that perfect comfort food that feels special but is incredibly easy to make, showcasing Brussels sprouts in their tastiest form. Give it a try at your next meal and watch these humble little veggies disappear fast!
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Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and flavorful Parmesan Brussels Sprouts recipe that combines roasted Brussels sprouts with melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and olive oil to create a delicious side dish ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- ½ pound (227 g) Brussels sprouts
Seasonings & Fats
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup (46 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon (3 g) garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon (1 g) kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Brussels sprouts: Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water to clean them, then trim the stem ends and halve them lengthwise for even cooking.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for roasting the Brussels sprouts.
- Toss with seasonings: In a large bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts with melted butter, olive oil, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly coat all pieces.
- Roast the Brussels sprouts: Spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, tossing halfway through to achieve an even golden brown color.
- Add Parmesan cheese: After roasting, remove the Brussels sprouts from the oven and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over them while they’re hot, allowing it to melt and add a delicious savory flavor.
- Serve: Transfer the Parmesan-coated Brussels sprouts to a serving dish and enjoy this tasty, nutritious side immediately.
Notes
- For a crispier texture, you can broil the Brussels sprouts for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Feel free to add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
