Smashed Brussels Sprouts

$- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and pepper to taste - Zest from 1 lemon - Fresh parsley, finely chopped I love using fresh Brussels sprouts for this dish. They bring a nice crunch and great flavor. You can find them in most grocery stores. Make sure they are bright green and firm. The olive oil adds richness and helps them crisp up in the oven. Garlic gives a lovely aroma and taste. For toppings, I always choose freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It melts beautifully and adds a savory note. Red pepper flakes give a slight heat, which I enjoy. Do not forget the salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. If you want to take it up a notch, try using lemon zest. It brightens the dish and adds a fresh twist. Chopped parsley makes a lovely garnish and adds color. This dish is not just about taste; it’s also about how it looks on the plate. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe linked above. - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Boil salted water and cook Brussels sprouts until tender. Start by preheating your oven. This step is key for achieving that crispy texture. While the oven heats, grab a large pot and fill it with salted water. Bring it to a boil. Once it bubbles, add the trimmed Brussels sprouts. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes. You want them tender but still bright green. This ensures they retain their flavor and nutrients. - Drain and cool Brussels sprouts. - Smash each Brussels sprout using a mug or spatula. After boiling, drain the Brussels sprouts in a colander. Let them cool for a few minutes. This helps you handle them without burning your fingers. Once cooled, place them on a lined baking sheet. Use the bottom of a sturdy mug or a flat spatula to smash each sprout. Aim to flatten them to about half an inch thick. This smashing creates more surface area, which leads to crispiness when roasting. - Drizzle olive oil and season the smashed sprouts. - Roast in the oven and add Parmesan for the final crisp. Next, drizzle about two tablespoons of olive oil over the smashed sprouts. Sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Add the minced garlic too. Toss them gently to coat. Now, place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes. Check for a golden brown color and crisp edges. After roasting, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. Return to the oven for another 5 minutes. This melts the cheese and gives it a crunchy finish. For more details, check the Full Recipe for Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Garlic & Parmesan. To get that crispy texture, roast your Brussels sprouts at 400°F (200°C). This high heat makes them golden and crunchy. Cook them for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spacing is key! Place the sprouts on the baking sheet with room in between. This allows hot air to circulate and crisps them up. For extra flavor, you can add spices like smoked paprika or cumin. These will give your sprouts a unique twist. Adding acidity can brighten the dish. A little lemon zest works wonders. It balances the rich flavors and brings freshness. Serve these smashed Brussels sprouts with grilled chicken or salmon for a full meal. They also pair well with quinoa or rice. For a fun presentation, arrange them on a large platter. You can add lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty touch. Enjoy sharing this dish with friends and family! {{image_4}} You can make this dish even tastier by adding bacon or pancetta. The salty, savory flavor pairs perfectly with Brussels sprouts. If you're looking for vegan options, consider using nutritional yeast instead of cheese. For oil, you can swap in avocado oil. Both choices keep the dish flavorful while catering to different diets. Changing up the cheese can add a new twist. Feta offers a tangy taste, while cheddar provides a rich flavor. You can also toss in some nuts or seeds for crunch. Pine nuts or sunflower seeds add texture and enhance the dish's appeal. Air frying is a great method for a healthier version. It cuts down on oil while keeping that crispy texture. Grilling gives a smoky flavor that can elevate the dish. Both methods change the taste while keeping the essence of smashed Brussels sprouts intact. For the Full Recipe, refer back to the main section of this article. To keep your smashed Brussels sprouts fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge. They will stay good for about three days. When you reheat them, use the oven or an air fryer. This helps keep them crispy. Avoid using the microwave, as it makes them soggy. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. If using an air fryer, heat them at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes. This way, they regain their crunch. If you have extra Brussels sprouts, you can freeze them. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Try to remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you are ready to cook, you can bake them from frozen. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to your cooking time. Check for crispiness as they cook. In the fridge, your smashed Brussels sprouts last about three days. If frozen, they last up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage. If they smell bad or look slimy, it’s best to throw them away. Freshness matters, and you want to enjoy every bite of your delicious dish. Want the full recipe? Check it out! Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts. However, fresh sprouts taste best. Frozen ones may be softer. If you use frozen, thaw them first. Pat them dry to avoid excess water. This helps keep them crispy. Brussels sprouts are very healthy. They are low in calories but high in fiber. They also have vitamins C and K. These vitamins help your immune system and bones. Plus, they contain antioxidants, which are good for your health. Eating Brussels sprouts may help reduce inflammation. To make this recipe gluten-free, check your ingredients. Olive oil, garlic, and Brussels sprouts are naturally gluten-free. Parmesan cheese is also fine. Just make sure the cheese is labeled gluten-free. Avoid any bread crumbs or sauces that may contain gluten. Smashed Brussels sprouts pair well with many dishes. You can serve them with grilled chicken or steak. They also go nicely with fish. For a vegetarian option, try serving them with quinoa or a hearty salad. Add a wedge of lemon for a fresh touch. Smashed Brussels sprouts are easy and fun to make. We covered the key ingredients like fresh sprouts, olive oil, and garlic, plus tasty toppings. I shared step-by-step instructions for the best texture and flavor. Don’t forget about the many variations you can try, from cooking methods to different cheeses. Experimenting with flavors and spices can make this dish your own. Whether you keep it classic or switch it up, enjoy every bite!$

Discover the ultimate Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Garlic & Parmesan recipe that will elevate your vegetable game! This delicious dish is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy tender sprouts that are golden and crispy on the outside, bursting with flavor. Click through to explore this mouth-watering recipe and impress your friends and family with your cooking skills!

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Ingredients

1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper, to taste

Zest from 1 lemon

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to achieve the perfect crispy texture.

In a large pot, bring salted water to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, carefully add the trimmed Brussels sprouts and cook them for 8-10 minutes, or until they are tender yet retain their vibrant green color.

After cooking, drain the Brussels sprouts in a colander and allow them to cool for a few minutes before proceeding.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Once cooled, arrange the Brussels sprouts on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking.

Take the bottom of a sturdy mug or a flat spatula and gently smash each Brussels sprout until they are beautifully flattened.

Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil evenly over the smashed Brussels sprouts. Next, liberally sprinkle with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and the minced garlic, ensuring they are well-coated.

Place the tray in the preheated oven and roast the Brussels sprouts for 20-25 minutes, or until they become golden brown and crispy to the bite.

Once they're perfectly roasted, remove the tray from the oven, and generously sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the sprouts. Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and has taken on a slightly crispy texture.

As a finishing touch, before serving, zest the lemon directly over the sprouts and add a drizzle of the remaining tablespoon of olive oil for added flavor and brightness.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a vibrant touch and a burst of flavor to the dish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy Brussels sprouts on a large platter, allowing everyone to enjoy the delightful presentation, and consider adding a wedge of lemon on the side for those who enjoy an extra citrusy kick!