These smashed Brussels sprouts are ultra crispy with caramelized edges and loaded with parmesan cheese. Learn how to make the best holiday (but not only!) side dish using just 5 easy ingredients.
Let me introduce you to my new favorite way to cook Brussels sprouts. Roasted Brussels sprouts are super popular in our house, but if you’re looking for ultra-crispy vegetables, smashed Brussels sprouts are so easy to make.
These can be served as a side dish or a main meal by dipping them in a delicious sauce. I’m sure everyone’s going to love these crispy Brussels sprouts recipe!
Why Are You Going To Love This Smashed Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Easy to make with only 5 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep
- The best side dish to make ahead for the holidays
- Super crispy and cheesy
- It’s a healthy, keto, and low-carb recipe.
Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts Ingredients
You’ll need just 5 ingredients to make this easy side dish with Brussels sprouts:
- Brussels Sprouts – Use fresh Brussels sports for the best flavor and texture. Choose sprouts that have a similar size so they cook evenly. Remove any yellow outer leaves.
- Olive oil – you can also use butter for even more flavor. It also helps the sprouts to caramelize and become super crispy on the edges.
- Garlic Powder – adds a slightly sweet and subtle garlic flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese – choose the best quality you can find. Avoid that parmesan in the bag that is already grated.
- Salt & Pepper – to taste. You have to be careful with the amount of salt since the parmesan is quite salty.
How To Make Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts
Creating these mouthwatering crispy smashed Brussels sprouts is a breeze when you follow these simple and straightforward steps:
Preheat the Oven: To begin, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for roasting the Brussels sprouts to perfection.
Preparation: Start by carefully cleaning the outer leaves of the Brussels sprouts. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
Boil the Brussels Sprouts: Next, prepare a pot of water and add a pinch of salt. Submerge the cleaned Brussels sprouts in the water and bring it to a gentle boil. Cook the Brussels sprouts in the simmering water for approximately ten minutes or until they become slightly tender.
Drain and Dry: Once the Brussels sprouts have reached the desired tenderness, carefully remove them from the water using a slotted spoon. Place them on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Gently pat them dry to ensure better roasting results.
Seasoning: Transfer the blanched and dried Brussels sprouts to a mixing bowl. Add the remaining ingredients for seasoning, which may include olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, or any other desired herbs and spices. Toss the Brussels sprouts in the bowl, ensuring that each sprout is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the Brussels sprouts from sticking during roasting.
Smash the Brussels Sprouts: Now, arrange the seasoned Brussels sprouts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each sprout. To enhance caramelization and ensure even cooking, gently press down on each Brussels sprout using a measuring cup or a flat-bottomed glass until they are slightly flattened.
Baking: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the Brussels sprouts for about 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them and rotate the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
Golden Brown Perfection: The Brussels sprouts are ready when they have turned a beautiful golden brown color and are tender and crispy on the edges.
Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the roasted Brussels sprouts from the oven and transfer them to a serving dish. They are now ready to be enjoyed as a delicious and nutritious side dish or a flavorful snack.
Tips For Making The Best Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts
- Choose Smaller Brussels Sprouts for Enhanced Sweetness: If possible, opt for smaller Brussels sprouts as they tend to be sweeter and develop a delightful caramelized flavor when roasted. Their compact size also allows for more even cooking.
- Try Frozen Brussels Sprouts: Don’t fret if fresh Brussels sprouts are not available or if you want a convenient option. You can also use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe. Just thaw them according to the package instructions and pat them dry before seasoning.
- Importance of Dry Brussels Sprouts: Before seasoning and placing the Brussels sprouts in the oven, it’s crucial to ensure they are thoroughly dry. Excess moisture can hinder the crisping process during roasting, resulting in less desirable texture. So, take a few extra moments to gently pat them dry using paper towels before proceeding.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to get creative with your seasoning choices! Besides the classic olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper, you can add various herbs like rosemary, thyme, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice. The combination of flavors is entirely up to your taste preferences.
- Space Them Out on the Baking Sheet: To achieve optimal caramelization and prevent steaming, make sure to leave enough space between each Brussels sprout on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and hinder the lovely browning effect you’re aiming for.
- Roast at High Heat: Roasting Brussels sprouts at a high temperature (around 425°F/220°C) helps to bring out their natural sweetness and develop that appealing golden brown color. The high heat ensures that the outer leaves crisp up nicely while the inside remains tender.
- Flip or Stir for Even Roasting: About halfway through the cooking time, gently flip the Brussels sprouts on the baking sheet or give them a gentle stir. This will help to ensure even roasting and prevent any potential burning on one side.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep a close eye on the Brussels sprouts as they roast. Overcooking can result in a loss of their vibrant green color and a mushy texture. Aim to remove them from the oven as soon as they turn golden brown and are tender to your liking.
- Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve the roasted Brussels sprouts immediately after they come out of the oven. The crispy outer leaves and tender center are at their peak right after roasting.
- Leftover Makeover: If you happen to have any leftovers, don’t worry! You can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispy texture. Alternatively, try adding them to salads, pasta dishes, or stir-fries for a delicious and nutritious twist.
Recipe Variations
- You can add a little lemon juice over Brussels sprouts for a tangy flavor.
- Add some mild chili powder, ground cumin, and a touch of cinnamon to the mix to make it a little spicier.
- Add some crispy oven bacon baked pieces and enjoy.
- Balsamic Smashed Brussels Sprouts – Add one tablespoon of balsamic vinegar over the sprouts, then bake in the oven.
- To make vegan smashed Brussels sprouts, omit the Parmesan cheese – easy and delicious.
Can I Make This Recipe In An Air Fryer?
Sure, this is a great way to prepare these smashed Brussels sprouts. All you have to do is follow the directions; then air fry Brussels sprouts for about 15 minutes at 350F. Flip them halfway and sprinkle with more parmesan cheese.
How To Store
- Fridge: Store smashed Brussels sprouts in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
- Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing the Brussels sprouts because they will completely change their texture and taste.
- Reheat the sprouts on a baking sheet at 350°F for about 5 minutes.
Benefits Of Eating Brussels Sprouts
- Brussels Sprouts are high in fiber, which can fight constipation.
- Vitamin K, which is important for bone health and blood clotting, is abundant in Brussels sprouts.
- Brussels sprouts are a wonderful plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids, which might be difficult to get enough of if you don’t eat fish or shellfish.
- Brussels sprouts contain antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress in the body, thus preventing chronic diseases and protecting the skin from premature aging.
More Delicious Side Dish Recipes
- Crispy Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
- Air Fryer Cauliflower
- Oven Roasted Vegetables
- The Best Sautéed Mushrooms With Garlic
Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts
Description
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425F/220C.
- Place a large pot of salted water over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Add the Brussels sprouts to the boiling water and cook for 10 minutes or until fork tender.
- Drain the water and transfer to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to cool for about 5 minutes. Pat them dry and remove the paper towels.
- Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Using the base of a glass or measuring cup, gently press down on each sprout to flatten. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
- Roast the smashed brussels sprouts for 25-30 minutes until the edges look golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with more Parmesan Cheese. Serve immediately with your favorite main meal.
How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.
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