Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
The aroma of Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts fills the kitchen, wrapping around you like a warm hug. The slight crunch of the outer leaves, caramelized to perfection, contrasts with the tender inside. Each sprout glistens with olive oil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, offering a promise of savory goodness. They look so inviting, with their rich, green hues mingled with golden-brown edges. Every bite sends you on a joyful journey, evoking memories of cozy family dinners, where we’d gather around the table, sharing laughter and returning for seconds.
Table of Contents
I distinctly remember the first time I impressed my friends with these little green gems. It was a chilly autumn evening, and I wanted to serve something simple yet spectacular alongside a hearty roast. The smiles at the table and the compliments that followed melted my heart. It’s moments like these that make cooking so special. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, a winter gathering, or just a regular weeknight dinner, preparing Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts is always a crowd-pleaser. So, let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic, onion powder, and Parmesan creates a savory explosion that keeps you coming back for more.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The contrast between golden-brown and vibrant green is not just tasty but also beautiful on your dinner plate.
- Flexible Serving: Whether as a side dish for holiday feasts or a healthy snack, these sprouts fit any occasion.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free, with variations for dairy-free or vegan diets if needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Brussels sprouts: One pound of fresh Brussels sprouts is ideal. Choose ones with vibrant green leaves and firm texture. If they’re smaller and more tender, cooking time might be slightly reduced.
- Olive oil: One tablespoon of high-quality olive oil adds flavor and helps in browning. Avocado oil can be an excellent substitute if you prefer.
- Salt: Half a teaspoon brings out the natural sweetness in the Brussels sprouts. You can use Himalayan or sea salt if preferred.
- Pepper: Half a teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper adds a bit of warmth. For a spicier kick, try a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Onion powder: Half a teaspoon enhances the flavor profile. If you have fresh onions, a tiny amount finely chopped can work too.
- Garlic powder: Half a teaspoon provides that irresistible aroma and taste. Fresh minced garlic is another scrumptious alternative.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: A quarter cup of grated Parmesan not only adds richness but also a delightful crispy finish. Nutritional yeast can be used for a vegan twist, giving a cheesy flavor without dairy.
How to Make Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. The right temperature is crucial for those golden edges everyone loves. Spray a rimmed cookie sheet lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Avoid using foil; we want those sprouts to roast directly, ensuring an even crispiness.
Wash and Trim: Rinse your Brussels sprouts under cold water, then remove the outer leaves and cut off the tough ends. Halve each sprout to ensure even cooking. Aim for similar sizes; this will help them roast uniformly and achieve that golden-brown perfection.
Par-Cook (Optional): If you’re short on time or want to enhance the texture, place the Brussels sprouts in a large microwave-safe bowl and zap them on high for one minute. This quick step makes the roasting phase even faster while helping retain a tender inside.
Toss with Goodies: In that same bowl (or a mixing bowl if you didn’t par-cook), drizzle the sprouts with olive oil, and sprinkle in the salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Add the grated Parmesan, and toss everything together until well coated. The assembly of flavors at this stage is a sure sign this dish will be a winner.
Arrange on Sheet: Transfer the seasoned sprouts onto the prepared cookie sheet, placing them cut side down. This helps caramelize those flat sides beautifully, resulting in a lovely crust. Make sure they have a little space to breathe; overcrowded sprouts won’t roast evenly.
Roast to Perfection: Slide the cookie sheet into your preheated oven. Roasting time can vary depending on whether you par-cooked them: about 15-20 minutes for par-cooked or 30 minutes for raw ones. Stir them halfway through to ensure they brown evenly, keeping an eye out until those edges turn a delightful golden hue.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two hours. If you need to store longer, pop them in the fridge where they’ll last for about 3-4 days. Just ensure they’re cooled before sealing. For those who want to savor these delightful sprout bites later, freezing is an option too. Simply let them cool, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat them in a 375°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, giving them a refreshed texture and flavor.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Make sure to trim the Brussels sprouts well—this helps them cook evenly and look appealing.
- Check the temperature of your oven occasionally; some run hotter than others, which can affect cooking time.
- If you prefer them extra crispy, turn on the broiler for a minute or two after roasting, but keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- For a zesty twist, add a squeeze of lemon juice or balsamic glaze right before serving, enhancing flavor effortlessly.
- You can prepare the sprouts ahead of time, seasoning them and placing them on the sheet. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to roast.
Brussels sprouts are often underestimated, but when roasted this way, they truly shine. Take a moment to savor those crispy bits, while the tender center surprises your taste buds with its warmth.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
While fresh Brussels sprouts are recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen ones in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain the excess moisture before seasoning and roasting, as they may not crisp up properly otherwise.
How do I know when the Brussels sprouts are done?
The perfect Brussels sprout is golden brown and can be pierced easily with a fork. Look for a beautifully caramelized exterior, while the interior should be tender but not mushy. A little char adds amazing flavor!
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Brussels sprouts pair wonderfully with other roasted veggies like carrots, sweet potatoes, or even cauliflower. Just chop them to a similar size and adjust cooking times as necessary.
Is there a vegan option for this recipe?
Yes! You can simply omit the Parmesan or replace it with nutritional yeast to maintain that cheesy flavor without the dairy. They’ll still be delicious and satisfying without sacrificing texture.
Embrace the flavor and joy that Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts can bring to your table. This simple, straightforward recipe promises to enliven your meal, transforming those little green veggies into a delightful side. Happy cooking!
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📖 Recipe Card
Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a quick and delicious side dish. Enjoy tender sprouts with crispy edges, enhanced by olive oil, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet.
- Wash Brussels sprouts, remove outer leaves, and cut off tough ends. Halve each sprout.
- Optionally par-cook in a microwave for one minute for quicker roasting.
- In a bowl, toss sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and Parmesan until evenly coated.
- Arrange cut side down on the baking sheet with enough space between them.
- Roast for 15-30 minutes until golden brown, stirring halfway through.
- Check for doneness by ensuring they are tender and caramelized.
Notes
These sprouts can be prepared ahead and refrigerated until ready to roast.
For extra crispiness, use the broiler for a minute after roasting.
Frozen Brussels sprouts can be used if thawed and drained prior to seasoning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
