Name: Parmesan Brussel Sprouts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ pound (227 g) brussels sprouts; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; ⅓ cup (46 g) grated parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon (3 g) garlic powder; 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil; ¼ teaspoon (1 g) kosher salt; ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

This incredible Parmesan Brussel Sprouts recipe transforms the humble vegetable into a crispy, cheesy delight that even veggie skeptics will devour. Ready in just 30 minutes, these sprouts develop a golden, crispy exterior while maintaining a tender interior, creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Minimal Ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples elevate brussel sprouts to restaurant-quality perfection.
Quick Preparation: From cutting board to table in just 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without the fuss.
Crowd-Pleasing: Even self-proclaimed brussel sprout haters will be converted by the irresistible combination of nutty parmesan and garlicky, buttery goodness.
Versatile Side Dish: Pairs beautifully with everything from a simple roast chicken to an elaborate holiday feast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Brussels Sprouts: The star of the show, these little cabbage-like vegetables develop a wonderful caramelized flavor when roasted. Look for bright green, firm sprouts for the best results.
Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich base for the cheese paste and helps achieve that golden-brown exterior. Using unsalted lets you control the saltiness of the dish.
Parmesan Cheese: Brings a nutty, salty dimension that’s essential to this dish. Freshly grated works best for maximum flavor and proper melting.
Garlic Powder: Adds aromatic depth without the risk of burning that fresh garlic might have at high temperatures.
Olive Oil: Helps the exterior crisp up beautifully and adds a subtle fruity flavor that complements the sprouts.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish. Kosher salt’s larger crystals make it easier to distribute evenly.
Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat that balances the richness of the cheese and butter.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are some delicious ways to customize your Parmesan Brussels Sprouts:

Bacon Addition: Sprinkle some cooked, crumbled bacon over the top before serving for an irresistible smoky flavor.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a gentle heat that complements the nutty flavors.
Herb Infusion: Mix in some fresh thyme leaves or dried Italian herbs to the cheese paste for an aromatic twist.
Lemon Zest Finish: Grate some fresh lemon zest over the finished sprouts to add brightness and cut through the richness.
Balsamic Drizzle: A light drizzle of reduced balsamic vinegar just before serving adds wonderful acidity and sweetness.

How to Make Parmesan Brussel Sprouts

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Position your oven rack in the middle and preheat to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect caramelization without overcooking the sprouts.

Step 2: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Trim the woody stem ends from each sprout, then slice them in half lengthwise. This exposes more surface area for browning and allows the cheese mixture to penetrate deeper.

Step 3: Create the Cheese Paste

In your baking dish, combine the melted butter, parmesan cheese, and garlic powder, whisking until well blended. Spread this mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish, creating a flavor-packed bed for your sprouts.

Step 4: Arrange the Sprouts

Place each sprout cut-side down into the cheese mixture, pressing gently to ensure good contact. This is where the magic happens – the cut surface will develop an incredible cheese crust during baking.

Step 5: Final Seasoning

Brush the rounded tops with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add a light dusting of additional parmesan on top for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Step 6: Roast to Perfection

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese forms a deep golden crust and the sprouts are tender when pierced with a fork. The tops should be nicely browned and slightly crispy.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow to cool for 5 minutes on a wire rack. This brief resting period lets the cheese crisp up further and makes the sprouts easier to remove from the pan. Gently separate using a paring knife or spoon and serve while still warm.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Even Sizing: Try to select brussels sprouts of similar size so they cook evenly.
Don’t Overcrowd: Leave a little space between each sprout to promote browning rather than steaming.
Fresh Parmesan: Grate your own parmesan instead of using pre-packaged for the best flavor and melting quality.
Check Early: Start checking for doneness around the 18-minute mark, as oven temperatures can vary.
Get the Cut Right: Make sure to position all sprouts cut-side down – this is essential for developing that delicious cheese crust.

How to Serve

These Parmesan Brussels Sprouts shine as a versatile side dish that elevates any meal:

Perfect Pairings:

Serve alongside roast chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon for a complete and satisfying meal.
Add to a holiday spread next to turkey, ham, or prime rib for an impressive side that’s easy to prepare.

Meal Ideas:

Transform into a light main course by serving over creamy polenta or risotto.
Include in a vegetable-forward feast with other roasted vegetables for a colorful, nutritious spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor actually develops nicely as they sit, though the crispiness will diminish.

Freezing

While technically possible to freeze, these sprouts are best enjoyed fresh as freezing can make them soggy. If you must freeze, store in an airtight container for up to 1 month.

Reheating

For the best texture when reheating, place in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, microwave in 15-30 second increments, though this method won’t restore the crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Fresh brussels sprouts are strongly recommended for this recipe. Frozen sprouts contain too much moisture and won’t develop the same crispy exterior or caramelized flavor. If frozen is your only option, thaw and thoroughly pat them dry before proceeding, though the results won’t be quite the same.

How do I prevent my brussels sprouts from becoming bitter?
The high-heat roasting method used in this recipe naturally reduces bitterness by caramelizing the natural sugars in the sprouts. For best results, choose smaller, bright green sprouts, which tend to be sweeter, and don’t overcook them, as that can intensify bitter flavors.

Can I prepare the cheese mixture ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cheese mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it briefly to melt the butter before spreading in your baking dish. This is a great time-saver for holiday meals.

What’s the best way to clean brussels sprouts?
Rinse brussels sprouts under cold running water, removing any discolored outer leaves. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels before trimming and halving, as excess moisture will prevent proper browning and crisping during roasting.

Ready to transform humble brussels sprouts into a dish worthy of center stage? This Parmesan Brussels Sprouts recipe strikes the perfect balance between everyday simplicity and special-occasion worthiness. The magic combination of nutty parmesan, aromatic garlic, and perfectly caramelized vegetables creates a side dish that might just steal the spotlight from your main course. Give these a try tonight – your dinner table (and family) will thank you!