How to Make Crispy Baked Parmesan Brussels Sprouts: A Simple Guide
If you’ve been looking for a way to turn humble Brussels sprouts into a downright delicious snack or side dish, you’re in the right place. Crispy baked Parmesan Brussels sprouts are easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and great for impressing your family or guests. Not only do they taste amazing, but they’re also loaded with vitamins and nutrients, making them a healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks. The best part? You don’t need any fancy cooking skills to make them — just some basic ingredients and your oven!
Let’s get started.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
To make crispy baked Parmesan Brussels sprouts, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound (approximately 450 grams) of fresh Brussels sprouts
- 2–3 tablespoons of olive oil (or avocado oil for a neutral flavor)
- ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated Parmesan works best, but store-bought is fine)
- ½ teaspoon of garlic powder (optional, for added flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Breadcrumbs or panko (optional) (for extra crunch)
Step 1: Prep the Brussels Sprouts
Start by washing your Brussels sprouts thoroughly under running water. Remove any yellow or damaged leaves from the outside. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel, as moisture can prevent them from getting crispy in the oven.
Once they’re clean, trim off the tough ends and cut each one in half lengthwise. Cutting them in half exposes the inside layers, which caramelize and crisp up nicely during baking.
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, line a large baking tray with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 3: Season the Sprouts
Place your halved Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over them and toss to coat evenly. The oil helps the sprouts crisp up and gives them a golden-brown finish when baked.
Next, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder over the sprouts, along with a pinch of salt and black pepper. For an extra crunch, you can add a tablespoon or two of breadcrumbs or panko. Toss everything together until the sprouts are evenly coated. Make sure each piece gets a good coating of Parmesan and seasoning — that’s where the magic happens!
Step 4: Arrange and Bake
Spread the Brussels sprouts out on the lined baking tray in a single layer. Keep the cut sides facing down on the tray — this helps them caramelize and get wonderfully crispy on the outside. Avoid overcrowding the tray, as too many sprouts close together can steam instead of bake, which may leave them soggy. If you’re making a large batch, use two trays.
Place the tray in your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them after 20 minutes to make sure they don’t burn. If you want extra crunch, you can switch to broil mode during the last 1–2 minutes — just don’t step away!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once your crispy baked Brussels sprouts are ready, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. Use a spatula to transfer them to a serving dish or bowl.
These Parmesan Brussels sprouts are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a dipping sauce like garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Serve them as a side dish with chicken, steak, or pasta, or enjoy them as a healthy snack.
Tips for Success:
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Choose fresh Brussels sprouts: Fresh sprouts will give you the best flavor and texture. Look for ones that are firm and bright green.
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Don’t skip the oil: The olive oil helps the Parmesan stick to the sprouts and gives them that crispy finish. If you use too little oil, they may come out dry.
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Experiment with spices: If you want to get creative, you can add other seasonings like paprika, chili flakes, or Italian herbs for extra layers of flavor.
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Try other cheeses: While Parmesan is the classic choice, you can also experiment with other hard cheeses like pecorino or Asiago.
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Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
Final Thoughts
Crispy baked Parmesan Brussels sprouts are a simple yet delicious way to elevate this underrated vegetable. With the perfect balance of crispy texture, cheesy goodness, and roasted flavor, they’re sure to become a household favorite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or whipping up a quick snack, this easy recipe will make you fall in love with Brussels sprouts all over again. So, grab some sprouts, and let’s get baking!
Enjoy your creation!
