Easy Smashed Brussels Sprouts

Easy Smashed Brussels Sprouts
  • PREP TIME
    15 mins
  • COOK TIME
    40 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    55 mins
  • SERVING
    8 People
  • VIEWS
    63

Transform humble Brussels sprouts into a culinary revelation! Roasting them to caramelized perfection after a quick blanch and smash creates an addictive crispy-edged treat. A shower of Pecorino Romano and a bright squeeze of lemon elevates these from simple side to star attraction.

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    12 g
  • Cholesterol
    16 mg
  • Fiber
    5 g
  • Protein
    9 g
  • Saturated Fat
    4 g
  • Sodium
    207 mg
  • Sugar
    3 g
  • Fat
    11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step

Blanch the Brussels Sprouts: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the Brussels sprouts and cook until slightly softened, about 7-9 minutes depending on their size. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to halt the cooking process.

02

Step

Prepare for Roasting: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

03

Step

Dry and Smash: Thoroughly drain the cooled sprouts and spread them out on paper towels to dry completely. Pat the tops dry as well. Transfer the sprouts to a large baking sheet and use the bottom of a Mason jar or a similar flat-bottomed object to gently smash each sprout. Pat dry any excess moisture released during smashing.

04

Step

Season and Roast: Drizzle the smashed sprouts generously with olive oil, then season liberally with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Sprinkle red pepper flakes evenly over the sprouts. Toss gently to ensure even coating.

05

Step

Initial Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This initial roasting helps to develop the crispy edges.

06

Step

Cheese and Final Bake: Carefully flip the sprouts and sprinkle generously with finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sprouts are deeply golden and crisp.

07

Step

Finish and Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool slightly. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the hot sprouts. Transfer to a serving plate and serve immediately.

For extra crispy sprouts, ensure they are very dry before roasting. Moisture is the enemy of crispness!
Don't overcrowd the baking sheet; use two sheets if necessary to allow for even browning.
If you don't have Pecorino Romano, Parmesan cheese makes a good substitute.
Experiment with other seasonings! Garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika would all be delicious additions.

Carmen Stamm

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 4.4/ 5 ( 21 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (7)
  • Leon Volkman

    So easy and so delicious! I served these as a side dish for Thanksgiving and they were a huge hit.

  • Therese Lockman

    I used Parmesan cheese instead of Pecorino Romano and they still turned out great.

  • Frank Quigley

    Drying the sprouts is key! I skipped that step the first time and they were not crispy at all.

  • Lucienne Turcotte

    I added a little bit of garlic powder and it was fantastic!

  • Helen Prohaska

    The red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat. I'll definitely be making these again.

  • Dewayne Gutkowski

    Be careful not to overcook them, or they will get mushy.

  • Meaghan Heidenreich

    These were amazing! My kids, who usually hate Brussels sprouts, devoured them. The smashing technique is genius!

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