Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic, Red Pepper, and Parmesan

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Looking for a delectable side dish that will impress your guests and elevate any meal? Look no further than these Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic, Red Pepper, and Parmesan. With tender Brussels sprouts roasted to perfection and enhanced with flavorful garlic, red pepper flakes, and savory Parmesan cheese, this dish is quick to prepare and perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). While the oven heats up, prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.
  2. Place the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss the Brussels sprouts well to ensure they are evenly coated with oil and seasoning. Arrange them on the baking sheet with the cut side facing down.
  3. Roast the Brussels sprouts in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender and have developed a golden brown color. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the cooking time to prevent burning.
  4. While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, prepare the garlic oil mixture. In a small skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute, or until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Once the Brussels sprouts are done roasting, transfer them to a serving dish. Drizzle the garlic oil mixture over the roasted sprouts and toss gently to coat them evenly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  6. To finish, sprinkle the roasted Brussels sprouts with grated Parmesan cheese just before serving. The heat from the sprouts will melt the cheese slightly, creating a deliciously savory topping.

Serving and Storage Tips:

  1. Serving Suggestions: Serve these Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic, Red Pepper, and Parmesan as a delightful side dish alongside your favorite main course. They pair wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even as part of a vegetarian meal. The savory flavors and crispy texture make them a versatile addition to any menu.
  2. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: For an extra burst of freshness and color, garnish the roasted Brussels sprouts with freshly chopped herbs such as parsley, thyme, or chives before serving. The herbs not only add visual appeal but also complement the flavors of the dish beautifully.
  3. Serve Hot: These roasted Brussels sprouts are best served hot straight from the oven to preserve their crispy texture and maximize flavor. Transfer them to a serving dish immediately after roasting and enjoy them while they’re still warm and delicious.
  4. Store Leftovers Properly: If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, place the sprouts on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid reheating them in the microwave, as this can make them soggy.
  5. Revitalize Leftovers: If the leftover roasted Brussels sprouts have lost some of their crispiness, you can revitalize them by briefly reheating them in a skillet over medium heat. This will help to recrisp the outer edges and restore their delicious texture.
  6. Enjoy Cold as a Salad: Alternatively, you can enjoy leftover roasted Brussels sprouts cold as a tasty addition to salads. Simply chop them up and toss them with your favorite greens, salad dressing, and additional toppings such as nuts or dried fruit for a flavorful and nutritious salad option.

Variations:

  1. Balsamic Glaze Drizzle: For a tangy twist, drizzle the roasted Brussels sprouts with a balsamic glaze before serving. Simply simmer balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over medium heat until it thickens into a syrupy consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the sprouts for added sweetness and depth of flavor.
  2. Maple Dijon Dressing: Toss the roasted Brussels sprouts with a homemade maple Dijon dressing for a sweet and savory flavor profile. Combine maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and a splash of apple cider vinegar in a bowl, then pour over the sprouts and toss to coat.
  3. Crispy Bacon Crumbles: Add some indulgent crunch by sprinkling crispy bacon crumbles over the roasted Brussels sprouts just before serving. Cook bacon until crispy, then chop or crumble it into small pieces and sprinkle generously over the sprouts.
  4. Asian-Inspired Sesame Glaze: Give the dish an Asian flair by tossing the roasted Brussels sprouts with a sesame glaze. Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan, then simmer until thickened. Drizzle the glaze over the sprouts and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
  5. Citrus Zest and Pomegranate Seeds: Brighten up the flavors of the roasted Brussels sprouts by adding citrus zest and pomegranate seeds. Sprinkle grated lemon or orange zest over the sprouts before serving, then scatter pomegranate arils on top for a burst of juicy sweetness.
  6. Spicy Sriracha Mayo: For a fiery kick, serve the roasted Brussels sprouts with a spicy Sriracha mayo dipping sauce on the side. Mix Sriracha sauce into mayonnaise to taste, then serve alongside the sprouts for dipping.

FAQs :

  1. Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe? While fresh Brussels sprouts are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts if fresh ones are not available. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before roasting to prevent excess moisture.
  2. Can I omit the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free option? Yes, you can omit the Parmesan cheese if you prefer a dairy-free version of this dish. The roasted Brussels sprouts will still be flavorful and delicious without it.
  3. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time? While these Brussels sprouts are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts, mince the garlic, and measure out the other ingredients, then store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to roast.
  4. How do I know when the Brussels sprouts are done roasting? The Brussels sprouts should be tender on the inside and golden brown and crispy on the outside when they are done roasting. You can test for doneness by piercing them with a fork; they should be easily pierced but not mushy.
  5. Can I adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness? Yes, feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences. If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether.
  6. What can I serve these roasted Brussels sprouts with? These roasted Brussels sprouts make a versatile side dish and pair well with a variety of main courses, such as roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even pasta dishes. They also make a delicious addition to holiday meals and gatherings.

With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic, Red Pepper, and Parmesan are sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether served as a side dish for a family dinner or as part of a holiday feast, these flavorful sprouts are guaranteed to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. Enjoy!