Discover the delicious magic of Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts – golden, crunchy, and full of bold flavor. Perfect for healthy, guilt-free cravings!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy And Tender: Boiled until soft and roasted to perfection for that ideal texture contrast
- Savory And Flavorful: Garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan bring out the best in Brussels sprouts
- Easy To Make: Simple steps using basic kitchen tools and ingredients
- Great For Entertaining: Makes an impressive and delicious side for dinner parties
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters might enjoy the crispy-cheesy combination
- Low-Carb Option: A satisfying side dish for those watching their carb intake
- Vegetarian-Friendly: A plant-based dish loaded with flavor
- Customizable: Add herbs, spices, or sauces to suit your taste
- Meal Prep Ready: Prep in advance and roast when ready
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight meals
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Brussels sprouts and cook for 10–15 minutes until tender.
- Drain the sprouts and place them in a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Once cooled, drain again and pat dry.
- Arrange the Brussels sprouts on the baking sheet. Use the bottom of a glass or flat utensil to gently press each sprout to about ½ inch thick.
- Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese evenly over the sprouts.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, until the edges are crispy and cheese is golden.
- Remove from oven and serve hot.
Servings And Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 150 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes before roasting
- Lemon Zest: Grate fresh lemon zest over the sprouts for a citrus twist
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle with balsamic reduction after roasting for sweet and tangy flavor
- Cheese Swap: Use Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan
- Herb Infused: Add chopped rosemary, thyme, or parsley before roasting
- Vegan Version: Skip the cheese or use plant-based Parmesan
- Mustard Kick: Mix a teaspoon of Dijon mustard into the olive oil before tossing
- Smoky Touch: Add a dash of smoked paprika for depth
- Garlic Lovers: Use fresh minced garlic instead of powder
- Crunch Factor: Add chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts before roasting
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Not ideal, as texture may change
- Reheating: Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven or air fryer for 5–10 minutes for best crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which may soften the sprouts
FAQs
Can I Make These Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can boil and flatten the Brussels sprouts ahead of time. Store them in the fridge and roast just before serving.
Why Do I Need To Smash The Brussels Sprouts?
Smashing increases surface area, which helps them get crispier in the oven.
Can I Use Frozen Brussels Sprouts?
Fresh works best, but if using frozen, make sure they are completely thawed and drained before boiling.
Can I Add Other Cheeses?
Yes, try cheddar, mozzarella, or even blue cheese for different flavor profiles.
Do I Need To Use Ice Water?
Ice water stops the cooking process and helps maintain texture, but you can skip it if you plan to roast immediately.
What Can I Serve These With?
They pair well with roasted meats, pasta dishes, or grain bowls. They’re also great on their own as a snack.
How Do I Get Them Extra Crispy?
Make sure the sprouts are dry before roasting and don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your cheese is labeled gluten-free if needed.
Can I Add Breadcrumbs?
Absolutely. For a crunchy topping, sprinkle with breadcrumbs (or gluten-free crumbs) during the last 5–10 minutes of roasting.
Are These Good Cold?
They’re best hot and crispy, but you can enjoy leftovers cold in salads or grain bowls.
Conclusion
Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts are a delicious way to elevate your vegetable game. Easy to make and full of flavor, they’re perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or healthy snacking. Whether you keep them classic or customize with your favorite toppings, this simple recipe delivers bold taste with every bite.
More Recipes to Try
Looking for more ways to serve crispy, savory sides or veggie-packed bites? Don’t miss these handpicked recipes from our kitchen:
- Dive into golden perfection with Crispy Garlic Mushroom Bites—a great alternative for mushroom lovers craving that same crunch.
- Pair your sprouts with the gooey charm of Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Muffin Cups for a crowd-pleasing combo.
- Add a fun and healthy twist with Zucchini Pizza Bites—bite-sized and bursting with veggie goodness.
- Love the crispy textures? Try these Crispy Smashed Broccoli Chips for another brilliant way to transform veggies.
- Complete your spread with Rustic Roasted Garlic Bread—warm, buttery, and full of flavor.
Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts are a savory, cheesy side dish with a crispy exterior and tender interior. Boiled and then roasted, they are topped with Parmesan for a flavorful and satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Brussels sprouts and cook for 10–15 minutes until tender.
- Drain the sprouts and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to cool. Once cooled, drain again and pat dry thoroughly.
- Place the Brussels sprouts on the prepared baking sheet and gently press down each sprout to flatten it to about ½ inch thick.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the sprouts.
- Roast for 20–25 minutes until edges are crispy and cheese is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and serve immediately.
Notes
- Ensure sprouts are dry before roasting to enhance crispiness.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste or add red pepper flakes for heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg