Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or prepping your meals for the week, these cheesy smashed brussels sprouts are a must-try for their versatility, flavor, and ease. This Cheesy Smashed Brussels Sprouts recipe is the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and savory. These little flavor bombs make for a delightful side dish or snack that even brussels sprouts skeptics will adore. With a simple ingredient list and straightforward steps, you’ll be whipping up a restaurant-quality dish in no time!
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Calories: 154kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 400mg | Potassium: 344mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 736IU | Vitamin C: 72mg | Calcium: 107mg | Iron: 1mg
Why You’ll Start Loving Brussels Sprouts
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of crispy roasted brussels sprouts, savory cheese, and the tangy sweetness of balsamic glaze creates a delicious flavor profile that feels both festive and comforting.
- Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Even picky eaters who claim they don’t like brussels sprouts might change their minds once they taste the crispy edges and cheesy topping. It’s a side dish that can convert skeptics into fans.
- Holiday-Worthy Presentation: The golden brown sprouts topped with melted cheese look stunning on a holiday table. Plus, they pair beautifully with classic holiday proteins like roast turkey, ham, or beef tenderloin.
- Simple Yet Sophisticated: This recipe uses minimal ingredients but delivers a restaurant-quality dish. It’s easy to make yet has a refined look and flavor, making it perfect for impressing guests or upgrading a weeknight meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Brussels sprouts hold up well when reheated, making this recipe ideal for weekly meal prep. Just store them in an airtight container, and they’ll stay flavorful and satisfying for days.
- Versatile Pairing Options: Whether you’re serving them alongside a holiday feast or pairing them with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or a veggie-packed grain bowl for meal prep, these sprouts complement a wide range of dishes.
- Customizable for Any Occasion: Swap out mozzarella for Parmesan, Gruyère, or even cheddar to tailor the flavors to your liking. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or drizzle extra balsamic glaze for added sweetness—perfect for different tastes and occasions!
Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
- Brussels Sprouts: These little green veggies are the star of the show! When roasted, their natural sugars caramelize, creating a nutty, slightly sweet flavor. Their hearty texture holds up well to boiling, smashing, and roasting, making them the perfect base for this recipe.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil enhances the roasting process by helping the brussels sprouts crisp up in the oven. Its mild, fruity flavor complements the natural sweetness of the sprouts and allows the other seasonings to stick to their surface.
- Balsamic Glaze: This tangy-sweet ingredient adds a pop of bold flavor, balancing the earthiness of the sprouts. The glaze also caramelizes during roasting, creating a glossy, slightly sticky layer that amplifies the dish’s appeal.
- Salt: A small but mighty ingredient, salt enhances all the flavors in the dish, drawing out the natural sweetness of the brussels sprouts and balancing the tang of the balsamic glaze.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder provides a subtle, savory depth that pairs beautifully with both the roasted sprouts and the cheese. Its mild, consistent flavor ensures every bite is seasoned perfectly without overpowering the dish.
- Pepper: Black pepper adds a hint of warmth and spice that balances the richness of the cheese and the sweetness of the balsamic glaze. It gives the dish a touch of complexity.
- Shredded Mozzarella (or Parmesan Cheese): Cheese brings richness, creaminess, and a touch of indulgence. Mozzarella adds a melty, stretchy texture, while Parmesan offers a sharp, nutty flavor and creates crispy edges. Whichever you choose, the cheese elevates the sprouts to irresistible comfort food territory.
How to Make Cheesy Smashed Brussels Sprouts
- Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Trim the Brussels Sprouts: Rinse the brussels sprouts under cool running water to remove any dirt. Use a small, sharp knife to cut off the stem ends (the hard, dry part at the bottom). Peel away any outer leaves that are damaged or discolored.
- Cook the Sprouts Until Tender: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully add the brussels sprouts and cook them for 8-10 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Be careful not to overcook, as they will soften further in the oven.
- Cool the Sprouts: Once tender, drain the brussels sprouts in a colander. To prevent them from continuing to cook and becoming mushy, run them under cold water or place them in a bowl of ice water for about 1 minute. Drain again and pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Make the Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, balsamic glaze, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. This will serve as a flavorful coating for the sprouts.
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts for Roasting: Spread the brussels sprouts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one to ensure even roasting.
- Smash the Sprouts: Using the bottom of a sturdy glass or jar, gently press down on each brussels sprout to flatten it slightly. Aim for a disc shape, about ½-inch thick, but don’t press too hard—you want them to stay intact.
- Season and Add Cheese: Brush the smashed sprouts generously with the olive oil mixture, coating both sides for maximum flavor. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of each sprout.
- Roast to Crispy Perfection: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges of the brussels sprouts are golden brown, the cheese is bubbly, and everything looks deliciously crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the sprouts cool slightly before serving. These are best enjoyed warm, as a side dish or snack.
Reference the recipe card below for detailed instructions.
Meal Prep Tips
- Smashing Tip: If the glass sticks while smashing, spray its bottom lightly with cooking spray.
- Cheese Choice: Mozzarella gives a stretchy texture, while Parmesan adds a crispy, nutty flavor. Pick your favorite or mix both!
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in an air fryer or oven to restore their crispy texture.
- Protein Pairings: Grilled or roasted chicken pairs wonderfully with the crispy, cheesy flavors of this dish. Baked or glazed pork tenderloin complements the sweetness of the balsamic glaze. Light proteins like salmon or shrimp add a fresh, buttery element that contrasts with the earthy brussels sprouts.
- Sauces and Condiments: Add a drizzle of garlic aioli, pesto, or honey mustard dressing for an extra layer of flavor. A light drizzle of extra balsamic glaze after cooking can amplify the dish’s sweetness and tang.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen brussels sprouts instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen brussels sprouts in a pinch! However, fresh brussels sprouts will give you the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and pat them dry before boiling or roasting to avoid excess moisture.
Can I add other seasonings or ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile and allows you to get creative with seasonings. Try adding red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, smoked paprika for a smoky touch, or even chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for added aroma.
How do I know when the brussels sprouts are done roasting?
They’re ready when they are golden brown and crispy on the edges, and the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you notice any burnt spots, reduce the oven temperature slightly for the next batch.
Cheesy Smashed Brussels Sprouts
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition