Smashed Brussels sprouts are not just a side dish; they can be the star of your dinner table! This delightful recipe offers a new twist on classic Brussels sprouts, transforming them into crispy and flavorful bites that everyone will love. When you smash these little green gems, you create more surface area for crisping up in the oven or skillet, making them irresistibly crunchy on the outside while remaining tender inside. Adding spices and seasonings elevates the flavor profile to new heights. With minimal preparation and cooking time, this dish is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Whether you’re serving it alongside roasted meats or enjoying it on its own as a vegetarian option, smashed Brussels sprouts are sure to impress! Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Smashed Brussels Sprouts

• Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
• Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners

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Ingredients for Smashed Brussels Sprouts

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Brussels Sprouts: Use fresh Brussels sprouts that are firm and bright green for the best flavor.
• Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil enhances the flavor and helps achieve that crispy texture.
• Salt: Sea salt or kosher salt works well to bring out the natural flavors of the Brussels sprouts.
• Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a nice kick to balance the sweetness of the sprouts.
• Garlic Powder: This spice adds depth to the flavor profile without overpowering the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese (optional): Grated Parmesan cheese can be sprinkled on top before serving for added richness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Smashed Brussels Sprouts

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is crucial for achieving crispy edges on your smashed Brussels sprouts.

Step 2: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Trim the ends of each Brussels sprout and remove any yellow or damaged leaves. Rinse them under cold water and dry thoroughly.

Step 3: Steam Them Lightly

Place the prepared Brussels sprouts in a pot with a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes until they’re slightly tender but not fully cooked.

Step 4: Smash Them Down

Once steamed, transfer the Brussels sprouts to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a fork or potato masher to gently smash each sprout down until flattened but still intact.

Step 5: Season and Drizzle

Drizzle olive oil over the smashed sprouts. Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any other desired seasonings evenly over them.

Step 6: Bake Until Crispy

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy around the edges. For extra crunchiness, broil them for an additional minute at the end.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
• Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
• Crispier Texture: For an even crispier finish, use a cast-iron skillet instead of a baking sheet during roasting

How to Serve Smashed Brussels Sprouts

This Smashed Brussels Sprouts is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
• Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: You can prepare Smashed Brussels Sprouts in advance by washing and trimming the sprouts. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days before cooking. Roasting can be done just before serving for optimal flavor.
• Storing: Leftover Smashed Brussels Sprouts should be cooled completely before placing them in a sealed container. They can last in the refrigerator for about three to four days. For longer storage, consider freezing them for up to two months.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the Smashed Brussels Sprouts in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Heat for about five to seven minutes until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can use the microwave on medium power for about two to three minutes.

Suggestions for Smashed Brussels Sprouts

Choose the Right Brussels Sprouts

When preparing smashed Brussels sprouts, selecting fresh, vibrant sprouts is crucial. Avoid any with yellowing leaves or brown spots, as these indicate age and reduced flavor. Fresh Brussels sprouts should feel firm to the touch and have a bright green hue. If you’re unsure, check the stem; it should be moist and not dried out. Using high-quality ingredients enhances the dish’s overall taste, making your effort worthwhile.

Don’t Overcook Your Brussels Sprouts

Overcooking can ruin the texture and flavor of your smashed Brussels sprouts. Aim for a tender-crisp consistency by boiling or steaming them just until they are bright green and fork-tender. If you overdo it, they can become mushy and lose their lovely shape. Monitoring cooking times closely ensures your sprouts retain that delightful crunch, which is essential for achieving that satisfying smash.

Season Generously but Wisely

While seasoning is important, balance is key when preparing smashed Brussels sprouts. Start with basic salt and pepper, then build layers of flavor with garlic, lemon juice, or balsamic vinegar. However, avoid overwhelming the natural taste of the sprouts with too many spices or overly strong flavors. Taste as you go to find that perfect harmony between seasoning and the inherent flavor of the Brussels sprouts.

Use Appropriate Cooking Techniques

The method you choose for smashing your Brussels sprouts can significantly impact their final texture. Avoid using a blender or food processor as this can turn them into mush rather than retaining some bite. Instead, opt for a potato masher or fork to gently crush them after boiling or steaming. This technique allows you to control how smashed they become while ensuring they keep some of their original shape.

FAQs

What are Smashed Brussels Sprouts?

Smashed Brussels sprouts are a delicious twist on traditional roasted or steamed Brussels sprouts. This dish involves lightly boiling or steaming the sprouts until tender and then smashing them down slightly before seasoning and roasting them to perfection. The result is a flavorful side dish that highlights the natural taste of Brussels sprouts while providing an appealing texture that’s both crispy and tender.

How do I prepare Smashed Brussels Sprouts ahead of time?

You can prepare smashed Brussels sprouts ahead by pre-boiling or steaming them until tender but still firm. After cooling, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When ready to serve, simply smash them lightly and roast them in the oven until crispy and heated through. This makes it easy to enjoy a delicious side dish without spending too much time in the kitchen on busy days.

Can I make Smashed Brussels Sprouts vegan?

Absolutely! Smashed Brussels sprouts can easily be made vegan by using olive oil instead of butter and omitting any cheese toppings if your recipe calls for it. You can enhance flavor by adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy or incorporating various herbs and spices to elevate the dish further while maintaining its vegan-friendly status.

What should I serve with Smashed Brussels Sprouts?

Smashed Brussels sprouts pair wonderfully with a variety of main dishes such as roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked salmon. Their rich flavors complement protein well while adding a nutritious vegetable side to your meal. You can also incorporate them into grain bowls with quinoa or farro for a healthy vegetarian option that is both filling and flavorful.

Conclusion

In summary, smashed Brussels sprouts offer an enticing way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable while enhancing its natural flavors through careful preparation techniques. By avoiding common pitfalls like overcooking and excessive seasoning, you ensure that each bite remains delightful and satisfying. Additionally, these versatile little gems can be prepared ahead of time and served alongside various dishes to create memorable meals that everyone will love. Embrace this trendy take on an often-underappreciated vegetable for your next culinary adventure!

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Smashed Brussels Sprouts

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• Author: Cecilia
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Smashed Brussels sprouts are a delectable twist on a classic vegetable side dish, perfect for elevating any meal. This recipe transforms humble Brussels sprouts into crispy, flavor-packed bites that everyone will adore. By lightly steaming and smashing these green gems, you create a delightful texture that’s crunchy on the outside while remaining tender inside. Enhanced with olive oil, garlic powder, and your choice of seasonings, these smashed Brussels sprouts pair beautifully with roasted meats or grain bowls, making them versatile enough for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends alike while showcasing the unique flavor of Brussels sprouts like never before.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb fresh Brussels sprouts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Trim the ends of Brussels sprouts, remove yellow leaves, rinse, and dry.
3. Steam Brussels sprouts for about 5-7 minutes until slightly tender.
4. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and gently smash each sprout using a fork or potato masher.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Broil for an additional minute for extra crunch if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 460mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: For added flavor variations, experiment with different spices or herbs such as paprika or thyme. To achieve an even crispier texture, consider using a cast-iron skillet instead of a baking sheet during roasting.