Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Recipe

If there’s one side dish that wows a crowd while secretly being a breeze to whip up, it’s Parmesan Brussels Sprouts. Imagine perfectly crispy edges, golden cheesy bits all over, and bursts of garlicky flavor in every bite. With just a handful of real ingredients and a hot oven, these little green gems transform from everyday veggies into something altogether irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a dinner party, this is your secret weapon for turning Brussels sprouts skeptics into lifelong fans.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how straightforward this ingredient list is. Every simple pantry staple plays its part, ensuring your Parmesan Brussels Sprouts are full of flavor and texture—from tender centers to crispy, cheesy edges.

• Brussels sprouts: Fresh, halved sprouts become nutty, sweet, and irresistibly crisp when roasted.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and encourages those golden, caramelized edges.
• Parmesan cheese: Provides a salty, savory kick and melts into beautiful, crispy bits on top.
• Garlic: Adds a warm, aromatic punch that pairs perfectly with the cheese and veggie flavors.
• Fresh parsley: Offers a pop of color and brightness just before serving.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors and balancing each bite.

How to Make Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Get started by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). For effortless cleanup later, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This not only prevents sticking but helps your Parmesan Brussels Sprouts release easily—and that means not leaving behind any of the delicious crispy bits!

Step 2: Trim and Halve the Brussels Sprouts

Trim off the tough stems and peel away any yellowed or spotty outer leaves from your sprouts. Halve each sprout lengthwise to create more surface area for caramelization. This step makes every bite golden and flavorful, not just the outside!

Step 3: Toss with Flavor

In a big mixing bowl, add your halved Brussels sprouts. Drizzle with olive oil, then add minced garlic, plus a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Toss everything well so every sprout is coated evenly—this is what ensures each piece roasts to golden perfection and soaks up all that garlicky goodness.

Step 4: Arrange for Maximum Crispiness

Lay the coated sprouts cut-side down onto your prepared baking sheet. Give them a little space so the hot air can circulate and work its magic. Spacing them out is key: it’s how you get that incredibly crispy, browned cut side that makes Parmesan Brussels Sprouts so addictive.

Step 5: Roast to Golden Perfection

Slide the tray into your hot oven and let the Brussels sprouts roast for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the cut sides are deeply golden and the edges have a bit of crunch. Keep an eye on them towards the end—they can go from fabulous to overdone quickly!

Step 6: Add the Cheesy Finishing Touch

Now sprinkle your grated Parmesan cheese all over the hot sprouts. Pop the tray back into the oven for another 3 to 5 minutes, just until the cheese gets melty and golden. The cheese forms its own little crunchy crust—absolute magic!

Step 7: Finish with Freshness

As soon as the sprouts are out of the oven, shower them with fresh chopped parsley. This instantly lifts the richness and adds a bright, herby finish. Serve them up immediately while they’re at their crispiest and most irresistible.

How to Serve Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

Garnishes

A final scattering of freshly chopped parsley is always perfect, but you can also add a grating of extra Parmesan or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zing. Either option will enhance the color and flavor, making your Parmesan Brussels Sprouts look and taste even more inviting.

Side Dishes

Parmesan Brussels Sprouts shine alongside roasted meats like chicken, pork, or steak, but they’re also delicious with vegetarian mains like risotto or pasta. And if you want to build a stunning holiday table, pair them with mashed potatoes and a crisp salad for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Parmesan Brussels Sprouts on a vibrant platter with pomegranate arils or toasted nuts for some festive flair. For a fun twist, thread them onto skewers as party appetizers, or layer them in a grain bowl for a hearty lunch. They’re versatile enough to be as casual or as fancy as you like!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Parmesan Brussels Sprouts cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to three days without losing too much of their delicious texture or flavor.

Freezing

While you can freeze Parmesan Brussels Sprouts, keep in mind their texture may soften once thawed. If you do freeze them, spread them on a tray until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll stay good for about a month.

Reheating

To restore crispiness, reheat your sprouts in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes rather than using the microwave, which tends to make them soft. Just spread them out on a baking sheet and heat at 400°F until warmed through and re-crisped.

FAQs

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts instead of fresh?

Fresh is best for the crispiest texture, but if frozen is all you have, thaw and pat them very dry before roasting. Expect them to be a bit softer, but still full of Parmesan Brussels Sprouts flavor.

What kind of Parmesan is best?

Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano provides the best melt and flavor, but pre-grated works in a pinch. Avoid the powdered stuff in the can, as it doesn’t melt or crisp up the same way.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the Parmesan for a savory vegan cheese alternative and use nutritional yeast for that signature cheesy punch. The results will still be delicious and dairy-free.

How do I keep Brussels sprouts from getting soggy?

Make sure the sprouts are dry after washing, use enough oil, don’t crowd the pan, and always roast at a high temperature. These tips are the secret to the signature crispy edges of great Parmesan Brussels Sprouts.

Can I prep this recipe ahead for a holiday meal?

You can trim and halve the Brussels sprouts and mince your garlic a day ahead—just keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to toss and roast. This makes day-of assembly a snap!

Final Thoughts

There’s something special about sharing a platter of Parmesan Brussels Sprouts that are crispy, golden, and brimming with cheesy flavor. If you haven’t fallen in love with Brussels sprouts yet, this is your moment to try—and if you already adore them, prepare to savor a new favorite. Happy cooking!

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