Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts
Get ready for an explosion of flavor and crunch! These Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts are the perfect healthy side dish that's incredibly easy to make and packed with savory goodness. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any meal!
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Sturdy glass or mason jar
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil plus a little more for your baking sheet or cooking spray
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 1/2 teaspoons sea salt divided: 2 teaspoons for boiling, 1/2 teaspoon for seasoning
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper add more if you love a little spice!
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided: 5 tablespoons for mixing, 3 tablespoons for topping, optional but highly recommended!
Instructions
- Heat Things Up: Preheat your oven to a toasty 425°F (218°C).
- Boil 'Em Tender: Fill a large pot with water, add 2 teaspoons of sea salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Carefully drop in your Brussels sprouts and let them simmer for about 8-10 minutes. They should be tender enough for a knife to slide in easily, but not mushy. Quickly drain them, rinse under cold water, and pat them really dry with paper towels – this helps them get extra crispy!
- Season & Toss: In a big bowl, drizzle the boiled sprouts with olive oil. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt, and cayenne pepper. Give them a good toss to coat evenly. Now, add 5 tablespoons of the Parmesan cheese and toss again until every sprout is happy.
- Smash Time: Lightly grease a large baking sheet with oil or cooking spray. Arrange your seasoned sprouts in a single layer, making sure they have some room to breathe (about 1.5-2 inches apart). Grab the bottom of a sturdy glass or mason jar and gently but firmly press down on each sprout to flatten it. Fun, right?
- Cheesy Topping (Optional): If you're using it, sprinkle the remaining 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese right over your smashed sprouts. This creates an extra golden crust!
- Roast to Perfection: Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Roast for 25-30 minutes, making sure to flip them halfway through so both sides get beautifully golden and super crispy. Keep an eye on them – you want them browned, not burnt! Serve hot and enjoy your healthy, crunchy side!
Notes
These crispy smashed Brussels sprouts are a fantastic way to enjoy your vegetables with a satisfying crunch. Don't skip the step of thoroughly drying the sprouts after boiling – it's key for ultimate crispiness!
Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 160
Total Carbs: 11.1g
Net Carbs: 6.7g
Fats: 10.3g
Protein: 8.4g
Calories: 160
Total Carbs: 11.1g
Net Carbs: 6.7g
Fats: 10.3g
Protein: 8.4g
