If you have been on the lookout for a side dish that blends irresistible flavor with wholesome ingredients, **Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts: A Delicious and Healthy Side Dish Recipe** is exactly what your table needs. This dish transforms humble Brussels sprouts into a golden, crispy, and cheesy delight that brings both comfort and nutrition. Roasted to perfection with fragrant garlic and topped with nutty Parmesan, every bite bursts with a satisfying combination of textures and flavors. It’s an ideal way to add a vibrant, healthy boost to any meal without compromising on taste or simplicity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of simple yet essential ingredients is all it takes to make this crowd-pleaser. Each one contributes something special, from texture to flavor, ensuring every bite is a harmony of taste and color.
- Brussels sprouts: Use fresh, firm, and halved sprouts for quick, even roasting and crisp edges.
- Olive oil: Adds rich moisture and helps achieve that beautiful caramelization.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the dish with a savory punch that truly wakes up the sprouts.
- Salt: Enhances and balances all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper: Gives a subtle heat and depth to every bite.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a slight kick, this sprinkle adds playful warmth without overpowering.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated to melt and cling to the sprouts, it adds a creamy, salty richness.
- Fresh parsley: Bright green garnish that lifts both color and freshness on the plate.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts: A Delicious and Healthy Side Dish Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Brussels Sprouts
Begin by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot, perfect for roasting. While it heats up, rinse the Brussels sprouts well under cold water, then pat them dry to guarantee they crisp up rather than steam. Trim off the tough ends and carefully slice each sprout in half lengthwise for the best roasting results.
Step 2: Toss with Olive Oil and Seasonings
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil—this coats each piece, helping them turn golden in the oven. Add the minced garlic right away so the raw garlic flavor gets roasted along with the sprouts. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and if you like, red pepper flakes. Toss everything thoroughly to make sure all the sprouts are evenly coated and ready for roasting.
Step 3: Roast to Crispy Perfection
Arrange your seasoned Brussels sprouts on a large baking sheet in a single layer to ensure they roast evenly. Place the sheet in your preheated oven and roast for about 20 to 25 minutes, turning them halfway through. Keep an attentive eye during the last few minutes—this is when they develop a gorgeous golden brown, crispy exterior that turns this dish from good to unforgettable.
Step 4: Add the Parmesan Cheese
Once your Brussels sprouts have that perfect roast, remove the tray from the oven and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over them. Toss gently but thoroughly so that the cheese nicely adheres to each crispy piece, adding that salty, creamy dimension that pairs so beautifully with the roasted garlic and sprouts.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer your Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts: A Delicious and Healthy Side Dish Recipe to a serving dish and finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. This bright green touch not only makes your dish look inviting but also complements the richness with a hint of herbal freshness. Serve them warm and watch them disappear fast!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts: A Delicious and Healthy Side Dish Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling chopped fresh parsley over these sprouts is a simple step that adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal kick. You can also experiment with a light drizzle of lemon juice or zest for a citrusy brightness that balances the savory flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with a wide range of main courses—from roasted chicken and grilled steak to pan-seared salmon. It also complements vegetarian mains, such as quinoa bowls or creamy risotto, turning any meal into a complete delight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or alongside warm crusty bread. You can even turn them into a warm salad by adding toasted nuts and dried cranberries for texture and sweetness that contrast the savory sprouts perfectly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and flavorful for 3 to 4 days, making for convenient, tasty additions to your lunch or dinner.
Freezing
While freezing roasted Brussels sprouts is possible, it’s best to do so if you want to save time later but don’t expect the same crispiness after thawing. To freeze, cool completely, spread in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To bring the sprouts back to life, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through and slightly crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the texture, as it can turn them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Fresh Brussels sprouts are definitely best for this recipe as they roast better and achieve that crisp exterior. Frozen sprouts tend to release more moisture and may come out soggy instead of crispy.
Is it necessary to use Parmesan cheese?
Parmesan adds a wonderful salty richness that elevates the dish, but if you’re vegan or allergic to dairy, you could substitute with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative for a similar umami boost.
How spicy do the red pepper flakes make the dish?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle heat that warms the palate without overpowering the garlic and Parmesan flavors. Feel free to adjust the amount or leave them out completely according to your spice preference.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the Brussels sprouts and toss them with oil and seasonings ahead of time, but roasting fresh just before serving yields the best texture and flavor.
What other herbs can I use instead of parsley?
Fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives make excellent alternatives for garnish. Each adds its own unique note and pairs marvelously with the Parmesan and garlic flavors.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the way Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts: A Delicious and Healthy Side Dish Recipe brings together simplicity and bold taste. It’s a dish that turns even the skeptics of Brussels sprouts into fans. So, go ahead and give this recipe a try to brighten up your meals with crispy, garlicky, cheesy goodness that everyone will love. Once you do, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
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Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts: A Delicious and Healthy Side Dish Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts is a flavorful and healthy side dish featuring oven-roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. Crisp on the outside and tender inside, this recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for adding a savory, cheesy twist to your meals.
Ingredients
Brussels Sprouts
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
Seasonings and Oil
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Cheese and Garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for roasting the Brussels sprouts to a crispy golden brown.
- Prepare Brussels Sprouts: Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water and dry them thoroughly with a kitchen towel or paper towels. Trim the ends and cut each sprout in half lengthwise to allow even cooking and better flavor absorption.
- Toss with Oil and Seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly with the oil and seasonings.
- Arrange for Roasting: Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a large baking sheet to promote even roasting and crispiness.
- Roast Until Crispy: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through to ensure all sides brown evenly. Keep a close watch during the last few minutes so they turn golden and crispy but not burnt.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Remove the roasted Brussels sprouts from the oven and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the hot sprouts. Gently toss to evenly distribute the cheese while it slightly melts.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the Garlic Parmesan Brussels sprouts to a serving dish and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve warm as a delicious side dish or vegetarian main course.
Notes
- Trim and halve Brussels sprouts for faster and more even roasting.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preference for heat.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and melting quality.
- Serve immediately for the best crispy texture; leftovers can be reheated but may lose crispiness.
- For an extra crunch, sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs before serving.
