Description
A crispy, flavorful Brussels sprouts recipe featuring smashed sprouts roasted to perfection with garlic and Parmesan cheese, perfect for getting even picky eaters to enjoy their veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds (680g) Brussels sprouts, fresh and firm
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) olive oil, extra virgin preferred
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- ½ cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
- ½ teaspoon (1g) freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon (0.5g) red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- ¼ cup (30g) toasted pine nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Your Brussels Sprouts (5 minutes): Rinse and trim off tough ends and any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Cut large sprouts in half for even cooking. Pat dry thoroughly.
- Roast the Brussels Sprouts (25 minutes): Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until deep golden and tender.
- Smash the Sprouts (5 minutes): Remove baking sheet from oven. Using a potato masher or flat-bottomed glass, gently press each sprout until flattened but still in one piece. Return to oven and roast for another 10 minutes until edges are dark golden and crispy.
- Add Garlic and Parmesan (3 minutes): Mix minced garlic with a little olive oil. Drizzle garlic oil over sprouts, sprinkle Parmesan and red pepper flakes if using. Toss gently and return to oven for 2-3 minutes to toast garlic without burning.
- Finish with Lemon and Serve (2 minutes): Remove from oven, squeeze fresh lemon juice over sprouts, and toss again. Optionally sprinkle chopped parsley or toasted pine nuts. Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not skip the smashing step to achieve crispy edges. Roast at high heat (425°F) for best browning without mushiness. Pat sprouts dry before roasting to ensure crispiness. Add garlic near the end to prevent burning. Use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor and melting. Leftovers reheat best in the oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup per serv
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 220
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 10
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 6
Keywords: Brussels sprouts, smashed Brussels sprouts, garlic Parmesan, crispy vegetables, roasted Brussels sprouts, easy side dish, family-friendly, vegetable recipe