Parmesan-crusted Roasted Brussels Sprouts have been a game-changer in my household. I still remember the first time I served them up – it was Thanksgiving a few years back, and my extended family was over for the big feast. My aunt took one look at the brussels sprouts and turned up her nose, muttering something about how she hated the little green veggies. But when she finally gave them a try, her eyes went wide, and she couldn’t stop raving about how delicious they were! The Parmesan-crusted exterior provided the perfect contrast to the tender, caramelized sprouts, and everyone at the table was hooked. From that day on, Parmesan-crusted Roasted Brussels Sprouts have become a staple side dish for all our holiday gatherings.
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Why This Parmesan-crusted Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Parmesan-crusted Roasted Brussels Sprouts
What makes this recipe for Parmesan-crusted Roasted Brussels Sprouts so special is the unique technique I use to get that irresistible crispy, cheesy crust. Instead of just tossing the brussels sprouts with Parmesan, I actually coat them in a Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture before roasting. This creates a super crunchy, flavorful coating that takes the humble brussels sprout to new heights. And the best part? It’s so easy to make, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been doing it this way all along.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up a batch of these Parmesan-crusted Roasted Brussels Sprouts, you’ll need:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Step-by-Step Parmesan-crusted Roasted Brussels Sprouts Instructions
Preparing Your Parmesan-crusted Roasted Brussels Sprouts
These Parmesan-crusted Roasted Brussels Sprouts come together in a snap, with just a few simple steps. In about 30 minutes total, you’ll have a delectable side dish that’s sure to be a hit. All you need is a baking sheet and a mixing bowl – no fancy equipment required.
1- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. While it’s heating up, trim the ends off the brussels sprouts and cut any larger ones in half so they’re all about the same size.
2- In a large mixing bowl, toss the brussels sprouts with a generous drizzle of olive oil, making sure they’re all evenly coated.
3- In a separate bowl, combine the grated Parmesan and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture over the brussels sprouts and use your hands to toss everything together until the sprouts are fully coated.
4- Spread the Parmesan-crusted brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet. You want to make sure they have plenty of room so they can get nice and crispy.
5- Roast the sprouts for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway, until they’re tender and the Parmesan crust is golden brown and crispy.
6- Remove from the oven, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and serve hot.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to getting those Parmesan-crusted Roasted Brussels Sprouts perfectly crispy is to make sure you don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. If the sprouts are too close together, they’ll steam instead of roast, and you won’t get that signature crunch.
Another tip is to use freshly grated Parmesan rather than the pre-shredded kind. The finer texture of the freshly grated cheese helps it adhere better to the brussels sprouts.
And don’t be afraid to let the sprouts get nice and browned – that caramelization is where a lot of the flavor comes from. Just keep an eye on them towards the end to make sure the crust doesn’t burn.
Serving and Storing Your Parmesan-crusted Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Perfect Pairings for Parmesan-crusted Roasted Brussels Sprouts
These Parmesan-crusted Roasted Brussels Sprouts make an amazing side dish for all kinds of meals. They’re a natural fit alongside roasted chicken or turkey, but they also pair beautifully with steak, pork chops, or grilled fish.
For a complete vegetarian meal, serve the sprouts alongside some quinoa or roasted sweet potatoes. And they’re an absolute must-have at Thanksgiving or Christmas, where their bold, savory flavors complement all the classic holiday dishes.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Luckily, these Parmesan-crusted Roasted Brussels Sprouts reheat really well, so you can easily make them ahead of time. Just let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
When you’re ready to serve, simply pop them back in the oven at 400°F for 5-10 minutes until hot and crispy again. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but the oven method will give you back that perfect crunchy texture.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Parmesan-crusted Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Creative Parmesan-crusted Roasted Brussels Sprouts Variations
While the classic Parmesan-crusted version is hard to beat, there are lots of ways you can switch up this recipe to suit your tastes. Try adding a sprinkle of garlic powder, dried herbs, or red pepper flakes to the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
You can also experiment with different cheeses – Pecorino Romano or Asiago would both be delicious alternatives to Parmesan. And for a pop of color and sweetness, toss in some dried cranberries or chopped apple before roasting.
Making Parmesan-crusted Roasted Brussels Sprouts Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers. For a dairy-free version, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and make sure to check that your breadcrumbs are dairy-free as well.
If you’re watching your carb intake, you can skip the breadcrumbs altogether and just coat the brussels sprouts in a mixture of Parmesan, olive oil, salt, and pepper. The Parmesan will still give you that crispy, flavorful crust without the extra carbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen brussels sprouts instead of fresh?
A: While fresh brussels sprouts are ideal, you can definitely use frozen ones in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before tossing with the oil and Parmesan mixture. The texture won’t be quite as crispy, but they’ll still be delicious.
Q: How do I get the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture to stick better?
A: The key is to make sure the brussels sprouts are evenly coated in oil before adding the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture. Toss them well to distribute the oil, then use your hands to really press the coating onto the sprouts. This will help it adhere better during roasting.
Q: Can I reheat leftovers in the air fryer?
A: Absolutely! The air fryer is a great way to reheat Parmesan-crusted Roasted Brussels Sprouts. Just pop them in at 400°F for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until they’re hot and crispy again.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe for Parmesan-crusted Roasted Brussels Sprouts will yield 4-6 servings, depending on portion size. It’s a great side dish to share with family or friends.
Q: Why are my brussels sprouts bitter?
A: If your Parmesan-crusted Roasted Brussels Sprouts taste bitter, it’s likely because they were overcooked. Brussels sprouts can become quite bitter if they’re roasted for too long. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the cooking time and pull them out as soon as they’re tender and the Parmesan crust is golden brown.
Parmesan-crusted Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, golden-brown Brussels sprouts coated in a delicious Parmesan crust – a restaurant-quality side dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
– 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. – In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper until well coated.
3. – Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
4. – Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and the Parmesan crust is golden-brown and crispy.
5. – Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For extra crispy results, try broiling the Parmesan-crusted Brussels sprouts for 2-3 minutes at the end. You can also try different types of cheese, such as Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Parmesan-crusted Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a total game-changer, taking this humble veggie to new heights of deliciousness. With their irresistible crispy, cheesy exterior and tender, caramelized interior, they’re guaranteed to convert even the biggest brussels sprouts skeptics.
This easy recipe is sure to become a new staple in your household, whether you’re serving it up for a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner. So what are you waiting for? Grab some brussels sprouts and get roasting! And don’t forget to let me know how your Parmesan-crusted Roasted Brussels Sprouts turn out – I love hearing from readers.
