Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan and Garlic are a delightful vegetable side dish, bursting with aromatic garlic and savory Parmesan cheese. This recipe transforms humble Brussels sprouts into a flavorful, perfectly roasted culinary experience, guaranteed to impress even the most discerning palates. Forget everything you thought you knew about Brussels sprouts – these are designed to be loved!

Just like our popular Baked Artichoke Hearts, Baked Eggplant, and Roasted Asparagus, this recipe proves that simple roasting can unlock incredible flavors in vegetables. Prepare to elevate your weeknight dinners and holiday spreads with this surprisingly easy and incredibly tasty dish.

The Ultimate Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts: A Flavorful Side Dish

Gone are the days when Brussels sprouts were met with groans and pushed to the side of the plate. This recipe is a game-changer, demonstrating that when prepared correctly, these mini cabbages can be incredibly delicious. Roasting is, without a doubt, the best method to bring out their natural sweetness and achieve that coveted crispy exterior. Tossed with a delectable mix of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and seasoned breadcrumbs, these roasted Brussels sprouts become a side dish so good, they might just steal the show.

Whether you’re looking for a quick and healthy weeknight accompaniment or an impressive dish for a special occasion, these garlic Parmesan Brussels sprouts fit the bill. The preparation is remarkably simple: a few minutes of tossing ingredients in a bowl, followed by 25 to 30 minutes in a hot oven. The result? Tender-crisp, golden-brown Brussels sprouts that are fragrant, flavorful, and will disappear from plates in no time.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

• Unforgettable Flavor: The combination of savory Parmesan, aromatic garlic, and crispy breadcrumbs creates a taste sensation that’s hard to resist.
• Effortlessly Easy: With minimal prep and hands-on time, this recipe is perfect for busy schedules.
• Crispy Perfection: Roasting at high heat ensures the Brussels sprouts are beautifully caramelized and tender on the inside, with a satisfyingly crisp outer layer.
• Versatile Side: It pairs wonderfully with a wide array of main courses, from roasted chicken to grilled salmon or a hearty steak.
• Healthy & Nutritious: Brussels sprouts are packed with vitamins and fiber, making this a delicious way to boost your vegetable intake.

The Magic of Roasting Brussels Sprouts

What makes roasting the superior cooking method for Brussels sprouts? It’s all about the Maillard reaction and caramelization. High heat transforms the sugars within the sprouts, creating a slightly sweet, nutty, and deeply savory flavor profile that boiling simply cannot achieve. The outer leaves become delightfully crispy, while the interior softens to a tender bite. This intense dry heat also helps to drive off excess moisture, allowing the Parmesan and breadcrumb coating to crisp up beautifully, adding an extra layer of texture and taste that makes these Brussels sprouts truly irresistible.

Key Ingredients for Irresistible Flavor

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this exceptional side dish. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture:

• Fresh Brussels Sprouts: Opt for firm, bright green sprouts without blemishes. Freshness is key for the best roasting results and crisp texture.
• Olive Oil (or Avocado Oil): A good quality oil helps the sprouts crisp up and ensures the seasonings adhere evenly. Avocado oil is another excellent choice for its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are recommended for superior taste.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a pungent, aromatic kick that complements the earthiness of the sprouts beautifully. Don’t skimp on this!
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty, umami-rich depth and helps form a crispy crust. Use real Parmesan for the best flavor.
• Breadcrumbs (Italian Seasoned): These provide a fantastic crunchy coating. Italian seasoned breadcrumbs add herbs like oregano and basil, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Guide: Achieving Perfectly Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Follow these simple instructions to create a truly spectacular side dish:

Step 1: Preparation is Key (Trim and Wash)

1. Preheat your oven to a robust 400°F (200°C). This high heat is crucial for achieving that desired crispness.
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup. Set aside.
3. Begin by trimming the tough, woody ends of each Brussels sprout.
4. Carefully peel off any loose, discolored, or damaged outer leaves. You want only the freshest, cleanest sprout for roasting.
5. Wash the trimmed sprouts thoroughly under cold water.
6. Crucially, dry the sprouts very well with a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel. Excess moisture can steam the sprouts instead of roasting them, preventing crispiness.

Step 2: Coating with Flavor (The Flavor Foundation)

6. Place the thoroughly dried Brussels sprouts in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
7. Drizzle generously with olive oil (or avocado oil) and add the minced garlic.
8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
9. Toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring each sprout is lightly coated with oil and seasoning. This foundational layer is important for even cooking and flavor distribution.
10. Now, add the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoned breadcrumbs to the bowl.
11. Stir gently once more, making sure the breadcrumbs and cheese adhere to the oiled sprouts. You want a nice, even coating on every piece.

Step 3: Roasting to Perfection (Golden and Crispy)

12. Spread the coated Brussels sprouts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, use two baking sheets to ensure they roast rather than steam. Overcrowding is the enemy of crispiness!
13. Bake on the center rack of your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes.
14. Keep an eye on them: they are ready when they are beautifully golden brown, tender-crisp, and the breadcrumb coating is visibly crunchy. A little charring on the outer leaves is a sign of good caramelization and adds fantastic flavor.
15. Remove from the oven and serve immediately for the best texture and taste.

Expert Tips for Roasting Success

Achieving perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts is simple with a few key techniques:

• Dry Sprouts are Key: Always ensure your Brussels sprouts are completely dry after washing. Moisture leads to steaming, not roasting, resulting in soggy sprouts.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your sprouts space! Arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet without overlapping. This allows for proper airflow and ensures they roast evenly and get crispy. If needed, use two baking sheets.
• High Heat is a Must: Roasting at 400°F (200°C) is essential. The high temperature promotes caramelization and creates a crispy exterior quickly.
• Parchment Paper for Easy Cleanup: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, especially with the cheesy coating.
• Uniform Size: For even cooking, try to select Brussels sprouts of similar size. If you have very large sprouts, consider halving them before roasting.
• Toss with Oil First: Coating the sprouts with oil before adding the breadcrumbs and Parmesan helps the dry ingredients stick better, creating a more uniform and delicious crust.
• Shake it Up: For an easy way to coat, place the sprouts, oil, salt, and pepper in a large Ziploc bag and shake. Then add Parmesan and breadcrumbs and shake again.
• Low-Carb Option: To make this recipe low-carb, simply substitute the breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds for a similar crunchy effect, or omit them entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts to make this recipe?

While fresh Brussels sprouts are highly recommended for this recipe, especially with the breading, some readers have successfully used frozen ones. The main challenge with frozen sprouts is the added moisture, which can prevent the breading from becoming truly crispy. If you do use frozen, ensure they are thawed and thoroughly dried before tossing with oil and breadcrumbs. You may also need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to achieve desired crispness.

How do I store leftover roasted Brussels sprouts?

You can store any leftover roasted Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. While they won’t be as crispy as fresh, they will still be delicious.

How do I reheat roasted Brussels sprouts?

To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 5 to 10 minutes, or until heated through and slightly re-crisped. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain some crispness.

Can I freeze roasted Brussels sprouts?

If you plan to freeze roasted Brussels sprouts, it’s best to omit the breadcrumb coating. The breading tends to become soggy and loses its crisp texture once frozen and thawed. For plain roasted sprouts, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

How do I know when the Brussels sprouts are done?

Perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts will be tender when pierced with a fork, with a golden-brown and slightly charred exterior. The breadcrumb and Parmesan coating should appear crispy and golden.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can trim and wash the Brussels sprouts a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also mix them with the oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. However, for the best crispy results, add the Parmesan and breadcrumbs and roast them just before serving. The coating loses its crispness the longer it sits before baking.

Serving Suggestions: What Pairs Well?

These flavorful roasted Brussels sprouts are incredibly versatile and make a fantastic side dish for almost any meal. Their savory, garlicky, and cheesy profile complements a wide variety of proteins and vegetarian options. Here are just a few ideas to inspire your next meal:

• Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
• Pork Schnitzel
• Baked Teriyaki Salmon
• Honey Mustard Chicken
• Garlic and Herb Chicken with Potatoes
• Alongside a perfectly grilled steak or pork tenderloin.
• As a vibrant addition to grain bowls or hearty salads.

More Delicious Roasted Vegetable Recipes

If you love the simplicity and incredible flavor of roasted vegetables, you’ll want to try these other fantastic recipes:

• Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
• Lemon Garlic Roasted Potatoes
• Garlic Parmesan Roasted Baby Carrots
• Baked Acorn Squash
• Roasted Green Beans
• Roasted Asparagus

If you like this recipe and make it, we’d love to see your creation! Snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Tag us @crunchycreamysweet so we can check it out and leave a comment!

This recipe was originally published on August 21st, 2017, and updated on October 20th, 2019, to provide enhanced details and clarity.