Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
When the oven starts to warm and the delightful aroma of roasting Brussels sprouts fills the kitchen, you know something special is about to happen. The savory scent mingles with a buttery, cheesy whiff that beckons you closer. Picture those beautifully crisped edges, glistening with olive oil and topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Oh, they’re not just vegetables; they’re tiny flavor morsels waiting to make your dinner radiant and fulfilling!
Table of Contents
I remember the first time I introduced these Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts to my family. We were gathered for a holiday dinner, and I was hesitant. Would they appreciate Brussels sprouts? To my surprise, they all devoured them! Each bite was a crispy delight, and they lingered at the table a little longer just to savor the last bits. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a lively weeknight dinner, this dish shines bright on everyone’s plate. Let’s dive in and create that same magical moment in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight!
- Irresistible Flavor: The savory, cheese-infused taste is a crowd-pleaser.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Those crisp golden edges and cheesy crust are simply irresistible.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect as a side dish or tossed in a salad.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Naturally gluten-free and can be made vegetarian!
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 pound Brussels sprouts
Trimmed and halved; they’re the star of the show. Fresh Brussels sprouts are key for the best flavor. If you can’t find them, frozen can work in a pinch, but fresh yields a superior texture.
1 tablespoon olive oil
Extra virgin olive oil is ideal here. It adds richness and helps achieve that perfect crisp. You could substitute with other oils like avocado oil if you prefer a neutral flavor.
½ teaspoon salt
Enhances the natural flavors of the sprouts and all other ingredients. Feel free to adjust according to your taste preferences!
½ teaspoon pepper
Adds a little kick! Freshly ground black pepper works best for depth of flavor.
½ teaspoon onion powder
It provides a lovely savory note without overpowering the dish. If you like more zing, you might try garlic salt instead.
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Garlic brings out that signature umami flavor. Fresh minced garlic can be swapped in if you prefer a more pungent flavor!
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
This is where the magic happens! Aged Parmesan melts beautifully and creates a delectable crust. Pecorino Romano can be a fun substitute for a sharper taste.
How to Make Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to a toasty 400°F. Grab a rimmed cookie sheet and spritz it with non-stick cooking spray. This little step prevents sticking and ensures that your Brussels sprouts achieve that beautiful golden-brown hue without hassle. Avoid using foil; you want them to bake directly on the sheet for optimal crispiness!
Wash and Trim: Rinse your Brussels sprouts under cool water, removing any outer leaves that are wilted or damaged. Trim the stems and slice each sprout in half. Aim for even pieces for consistent cooking. This helps them to roast evenly, becoming perfectly tender and not mushy.
Par-Cook (Optional): If you’re short on time, pop the trimmed Brussels sprouts into a microwave-safe bowl and heat them on high for 1 minute. This slight pre-cooking can cut down the roasting time without sacrificing flavor. It’s not necessary, but it’s a handy trick!
Toss with Flavor: In a large bowl, mix the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and the grated Parmesan cheese. Give everything a good toss to coat each sprout evenly with the spice blend. This step is where the magic begins, so make sure every sprout gets some love!
Arrange and Bake: Place the sprouts cut-side down on the prepared cookie sheet. This allows the cut side to crisp beautifully while maintaining a tender interior. Bake them for about 15-20 minutes if you par-cooked or 30 minutes if you went straight to roasting, stirring occasionally. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn golden brown and you catch that inviting roasted aroma.
Serve and Enjoy: Once beautifully roasted, remove the sprouts from the oven and serve them hot as a delightful side dish. They also work wonderfully in salads or even as a healthy snack! Don’t be surprised if you find even the pickiest eaters enjoying these tasty morsels.
Storing & Reheating
To store your Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts, let them cool down to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll last about 3-4 days in the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They could be kept for up to 3 months! When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, simply reheat them in a 375°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until they’re piping hot. Feel free to drizzle a little olive oil to refresh their crispiness!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Overcrowding the baking sheet can lead to steaming rather than roasting. Keep them in a single layer for that perfect roast!
- If your sprouts are larger, they may need a touch more time in the oven. Keep an eye on them!
- For extra parmesan flavor, sprinkle a little more on top during the last few minutes of baking.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, try tossing in a bit of lemon zest or crushed red pepper for an exciting twist!
The benefits of making Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts go beyond the flavors—they’re quick, easy, and bring joy to any meal. With versatility and a delightful crunch, these little green gems are perfect for experimentation. Try mixing in other herbs or spices if you’re in the mood. More importantly, enjoy the magic of cooking and share it with those you love!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Brussels sprouts and toss them with the olive oil and spices a few hours in advance. Just store them covered in the fridge and let them come to room temperature before roasting. This way, they’ll still be fresh and flavorful!
What can I serve with Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts?
These delightful Brussels sprouts pair really well with almost any main dish! Think roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or even pasta. They can also be an interesting addition to a fall-themed salad alongside apples, walnuts, and feta.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts, but keep in mind that they might not get as crispy as fresh ones. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain excess water before seasoning and roasting.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Of course! Feel free to mix in root vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes. Just be mindful that different veggies may have varying cooking times, so add them accordingly to ensure everything is perfectly roasted together!
More 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: 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 wonderful blend of flavors with a crispy texture. Perfect for any meal, this easy recipe makes for a great side or snack.
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 the oven to 400°F and prepare a rimmed cookie sheet with non-stick spray.
- Wash, trim, and halve the Brussels sprouts for even cooking.
- (Optional) Par-cook the sprouts in the microwave for 1 minute to reduce roasting time.
- In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and Parmesan.
- Arrange the sprouts cut-side down on the prepared cookie sheet and bake for 15-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown.
- Serve hot as a side dish or salad topping.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Reheat in a 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes for optimal crispiness.
For extra crunch, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
