Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan: Crispy, Cheesy Perfection!

Brussels sprouts. They’re either the bane of your existence or a surprisingly delightful vegetable. For many years, they suffered from a bad reputation, often boiled into a soggy, bitter mess. But, when prepared correctly, especially roasted with Parmesan cheese, they transform into something truly special – a crispy, nutty, and utterly addictive side dish.

This recipe for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan is a game-changer. It’s incredibly simple to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor. The high heat of the oven caramelizes the natural sugars in the sprouts, bringing out their sweetness and eliminating any lingering bitterness. The Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory, and umami-rich element that perfectly complements the earthy flavor of the Brussels sprouts. The result? A dish that even Brussels sprouts skeptics will love!

Why This Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe Works

There are several key factors that contribute to the success of this recipe:

High Heat: Roasting at a high temperature (typically 400°F or higher) is crucial for achieving crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts. The high heat allows the sprouts to brown properly and prevents them from becoming mushy.
Proper Preparation: Trimming and halving (or quartering, if they’re large) the Brussels sprouts ensures even cooking and allows them to develop a beautiful, golden-brown crust.
Generous Coating of Oil: Olive oil is essential for both flavor and texture. It helps the Brussels sprouts crisp up nicely in the oven and prevents them from drying out.
Parmesan Power: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is the star of the show. It melts beautifully and creates a salty, savory crust that is simply irresistible. Using freshly grated Parmesan is much better than the pre-shredded kind, which often contains cellulose and doesn’t melt as well.
Simple Seasoning: A simple combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder is all you need to enhance the natural flavors of the Brussels sprouts and Parmesan.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious side dish:

Brussels Sprouts: Look for Brussels sprouts that are firm, compact, and bright green in color. Avoid sprouts that are yellowing or have wilted leaves. Fresh Brussels sprouts are best for roasting. About 1.5-2 pounds is a good amount.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its flavor, but any good-quality olive oil will work.
Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Grate it yourself from a block of Parmesan for the best flavor and melting.
Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients. Use kosher salt or sea salt.
Black Pepper: Adds a touch of spice. Freshly ground black pepper is always best.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Roasting Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts with Parmesan:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving crispy Brussels sprouts.
Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly. Trim off the ends and remove any outer leaves that are yellowed or damaged. Cut the sprouts in half lengthwise. If the sprouts are large, you can quarter them instead.
Toss with Oil and Seasonings: In a large bowl, toss the halved or quartered Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the sprouts are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. Use your hands to ensure thorough coverage.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking and makes cleanup easier. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this can steam the sprouts instead of roasting them. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
Roast: Roast the Brussels sprouts in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and golden brown, with some slightly charred edges. Flip the sprouts halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
Add Parmesan Cheese: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the roasted Brussels sprouts.
Return to Oven: Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for another 3-5 minutes, or until the Parmesan cheese is melted and lightly golden brown.
Serve Immediately: Remove the roasted Brussels sprouts with Parmesan from the oven and serve immediately. They are best enjoyed hot and crispy.

Tips for Perfect Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Here are some additional tips to ensure your roasted Brussels sprouts turn out perfectly every time:

Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Overcrowding the baking sheet will cause the Brussels sprouts to steam instead of roast, resulting in soggy sprouts. Use two baking sheets if necessary to ensure that the sprouts are arranged in a single layer.
Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper prevents the Brussels sprouts from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Adjust Roasting Time as Needed: The roasting time may vary depending on the size of your Brussels sprouts and the accuracy of your oven. Keep an eye on the sprouts and adjust the roasting time as needed.
Don’t Be Afraid of Char: A little bit of charring is a good thing! It adds a delicious smoky flavor to the Brussels sprouts.
Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor of your roasted Brussels sprouts. Some other options include red pepper flakes, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, or herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Variations and Add-Ins

This recipe is delicious as is, but you can also customize it with different variations and add-ins. Here are a few ideas:

Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle the roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness and tanginess.
Bacon: Add crispy bacon pieces to the roasted Brussels sprouts for a smoky and savory flavor. Cook the bacon separately until crispy, then crumble it over the sprouts before serving.
Pancetta: Similar to bacon, pancetta adds a salty and savory flavor. Dice the pancetta and cook it until crispy, then add it to the roasted Brussels sprouts.
Toasted Nuts: Add toasted nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. Toast the nuts in a dry skillet or in the oven until they are lightly golden brown.
Dried Cranberries: Add dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness and chewiness.
Maple Syrup: Drizzle the roasted Brussels sprouts with maple syrup for a hint of sweetness.
Lemon Juice: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the roasted Brussels sprouts for a bright and tangy flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Other Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses, such as Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or Gruyere.

Serving Suggestions

Roasted Brussels sprouts with Parmesan are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. Here are a few suggestions:

Roasted Chicken: Serve with roasted chicken for a classic and comforting meal.
Pork Tenderloin: Pair with pork tenderloin for a flavorful and satisfying dinner.
Salmon: Serve with grilled or baked salmon for a healthy and delicious meal.
Steak: Accompany steak with roasted Brussels sprouts for a restaurant-worthy experience.
Vegetarian Dishes: Serve as a side dish to vegetarian mains like lentil soup, vegetable curry, or a hearty salad.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Brussels sprouts ahead of time to save time on the day of cooking. Here are a few make-ahead tips:

Trim and Halve/Quarter: You can trim and halve or quarter the Brussels sprouts up to a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Toss with Oil and Seasonings: You can also toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper up to a few hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to add the Parmesan cheese just before roasting, as it can become soggy if it sits for too long.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover roasted Brussels sprouts with Parmesan can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, spread the sprouts on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave, but they won’t be as crispy.

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