Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts are one of those dishes that makes my mouth water just thinking about them. The way they come out of the oven, golden and crispy, sends a delightful aroma wafting through the kitchen—it’s simply irresistible. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch, followed by the warm, nutty depth of the Brussels sprouts balanced perfectly with the savory bite of Parmesan cheese. Whether it’s a cozy autumn evening or a festive family gathering, these little green gems have a way of bringing everyone together around the dinner table.
Table of Contents
I still remember the first time I served Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts to my family during Thanksgiving. Skeptical at first, they ended up fighting over the last few on the platter! There’s something nostalgic about that flavor combination that feels like home. And don’t worry—making these roasted beauties is easier than you might think! Get ready to impress your family and friends with this straightforward recipe that brings joy to any meal. Let’s dive into crafting the perfect Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just about 30 minutes, making it an easy side for any meal.
- Irresistible Flavor: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness; the Parmesan adds a crunchy, savory finish.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden-brown sprouts look stunning on any plate and make for a great conversation starter!
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for holiday dinners, weeknight family meals, or even as a nutritious snack.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free, and with a few swaps, you can make these dairy-free too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved): Look for firm, vibrant green sprouts without any brown spots. If you can’t find Brussels sprouts, you can substitute with broccoli florets for a similar roasting effect.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This enhances flavor and helps achieve a crisp texture. If you want to switch it up, try using avocado oil for a higher smoke point and a slightly different flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for elevating the flavors. Feel free to use sea salt or Himalayan pink salt for an extra flavor boost.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a bit of heat. You could also consider using smoked paprika for a different taste.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: This brings a hint of sweetness and depth to the dish. Powdered garlic could work as a substitute if you prefer that flavor.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory profile of the Brussels sprouts. You can also finely chop fresh garlic if you wish to add a more pronounced garlic kick.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a wonderful cheesy and nutty flavor. For a dairy-free option, look for vegan cheeses made from nuts or soy.
How to Make Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature for achieving that golden-brown color while keeping the insides tender. While the oven heats up, prepare a rimmed cookie sheet by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray—definitely skip the foil here, as you want those sprouts to roast directly on the pan for maximum crispiness.
Wash and Trim: Rinse your Brussels sprouts under cold water. Take your time to trim the ends and slice them in half, ensuring uniformity in size so they cook evenly. A little tip: if you find any outer leaves that are wilted or yellow, discard them to keep the dish fresh.
Par-Cook (Optional): If you want to speed up the roasting time, place the halved Brussels sprouts in a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wet paper towel. Heat on high for about 1 minute. This step is optional but helps get them nice and tender.
Toss and Arrange: In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Make sure they are evenly coated! Once seasoned, arrange them cut side down on your prepared cookie sheet for optimal caramelization. Don’t crowd them to ensure each one gets that loving crispiness.
Roast to Perfection: Pop the tray in your preheated oven. If you par-cooked them, let the Brussels sprouts roast for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring once or twice to ensure even browning. If you went the raw route, give them about 30 minutes. Keep an eye out for that lovely golden color around the edges and a delicious fragrance filling your kitchen!
Add Cheese and Finish: In the last 5 minutes of roasting, sprinkle on the grated Parmesan cheese. This step adds a delightful crust that melts beautifully over the sprouts. Continue roasting until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Storing & Reheating
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, just pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Keep in mind that the texture may soften a bit, but giving them a quick roast helps restore their crunch!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Be sure to not overcrowd the baking sheet; give them room to breathe for extra crispiness.
- For deeper flavor, consider including a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or balsamic vinegar right before serving.
- If you’re making these ahead of time, roast them about 80% and finish off closer to meal time to achieve that crispy texture.
- Experiment with mixing in some other veggies, like carrots or sweet potatoes, for added color and flavor.
- A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can spice things up if you enjoy a little heat!
Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures that can easily become the star of any meal. From their crispy exteriors to their tender inside, these little veggies pack a flavor punch that is sure to impress. Plus, they’re quick to prepare, allowing you to join the fun at the dinner table faster than you’d expect. I encourage you to experiment with seasonings and pairings; there’s so much you can do. Enjoy this delicious recipe and make it your own!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fresh Brussels sprouts yield the best texture and flavor, frozen Brussels sprouts can work too. Just be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to remove excess moisture before roasting. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly since they’ll be more tender.
What’s the best way to ensure sprouts are crispy?
To achieve that ultimate crunch, make sure to cut the Brussels sprouts in half and place them cut-side down on the pan. Roasting them without overcrowding also helps them crisp up nicely. Lastly, letting them roast until golden brown is key!
Can I make these vegan?
Yes, you can easily make Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts vegan by substituting the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative. Nutritional yeast can also give you a cheesy flavor without the dairy; just sprinkle it on right before serving for that delightful umami taste.
How do I enhance the flavor?
For added flavor, drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over the roasted sprouts before serving, or toss them with some toasted nuts or seeds for crunch. Fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, can brighten the dish and add freshness!
Enjoy preparing these terrific Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts at your next gathering or even as a simple side for dinner this week. They’re sure to win hearts and stomachs alike!
PrintMore Dinner Recipes
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy the irresistible flavor of Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This easy recipe elevates any meal, making it perfect for festive gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a cookie sheet with nonstick spray.
- Wash Brussels sprouts, trim ends, and slice in half.
- (Optional) Par-cook Brussels sprouts in the microwave for 1 minute.
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Arrange cut side down on the cookie sheet.
- Roast for 15-30 minutes until golden, stirring occasionally.
- In the last 5 minutes, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the sprouts.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the baking sheet for crispy results.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
