If you’ve been searching for a side dish that’s bursting with flavor but insanely easy to pull off, let me share this fan-freaking-tastic Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe with you. It’s got that perfect balance of crispy edges, garlicky goodness, and cheesy richness that will make both Brussels sprouts lovers and skeptics gobble them up without hesitation. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become your go-to veggie fix!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy—just staples you probably already have.
- Flavor Packed: Garlic and Parmesan take these sprouts next level, turning them into a crave-worthy dish.
- Versatility: Perfect as a side or tossed into salads and bowls for an extra punch.
- Crowd Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this, even the Brussels sprouts haters!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients just work so well together — the olive oil helps everything roast beautifully, garlic brings the aroma, lemon juice adds a light zing, and Parmesan cheese finishes it all off with creamy, salty goodness. When you pick your Brussels sprouts, look for firm, bright green heads for the best results.
- Brussels sprouts: Choose fresh, firm sprouts without yellowing leaves to get that crispy yet tender roast.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve a beautiful golden crust on the sprouts.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key — it infuses the dish with a delightful punch.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens and balances the richness of cheese and oil perfectly.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out all the flavors without overpowering.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts just a bit on top, adding nutty, savory depth.
Variations
I love customizing this Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the mood I’m in. You can tweak it easily without losing that delicious core flavor.
- Lemon zest: I sometimes grate some lemon zest on top before roasting for an extra citrus punch that pairs beautifully with the Parmesan.
- Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes is my go-to when I want to add a little heat for a bolder bite.
- Bacon or pancetta: Toss in crispy bacon bits after roasting for smoky crunch that’s irresistible to my family.
- Nutritional yeast: For a dairy-free twist, nutritional yeast gives that cheesy flavor without Parmesan.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Prep and season your Brussels sprouts
Start by trimming the ends of your Brussels sprouts and slicing them in half — this helps them cook evenly and get crispy edges. Toss them in a large bowl with olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. I like to really massage the oil and seasonings into each piece so the flavor seeps in, which always pays off after roasting.
Step 2: Roast for golden, crispy perfection
Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet, cut side down — this little trick helps get nice caramelization. Roast them at 400ºF for about 25 minutes, flipping once halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they have gorgeous golden edges and a tender inside. Cooking time can vary slightly, so keep an eye near the end to avoid burning.
Step 3: Finish with Parmesan and serve immediately
Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan right on top so it melts into the warm sprouts. This step is what really elevates the dish — I absolutely love how that salty, creamy layer contrasts their nutty flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp texture at its best.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Cut side down for crispiness: Laying them flat lets caramelization happen and gives you those irresistible edges.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give each sprout room to roast instead of steam; otherwise, they won’t crisp up properly.
- Use fresh grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese just doesn’t melt and flavor the same way; freshly grated makes all the difference.
- Keep an eye when tossing: Flip the sprouts gently halfway through roasting to avoid breaking them apart.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping these with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan just before serving or even a few toasted pine nuts for added texture and nuttiness. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before eating brightens everything up and feels so refreshing.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even alongside pasta. For a vegetarian meal, I sometimes serve it with my favorite creamy risotto or a hearty quinoa salad—it just complements flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday dinners or special occasions, I like serving these Brussels sprouts in a beautiful rustic bowl garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. Lining the serving dish with lemon slices underneath the sprouts adds a pop of color and subtle citrus aroma that guests always notice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend reheating them in the oven or air fryer to bring back that lovely crispiness, instead of microwaving which can make them soggy.
Freezing
Freezing roasted Brussels sprouts isn’t my favorite because they can get mushy after thawing, but if you need to, flash freeze them on a tray first before transferring to freezer bags. Defrost gently in the fridge and re-crisp in the oven for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the sprouts in a hot oven (around 375ºF) for 5-7 minutes until crispy again. If you have an air fryer, that’s even better for restoring that delicious crunch without drying them out.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
While fresh Brussels sprouts are best for roasting because they crisp up better, you can use frozen if needed. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry very well to avoid sogginess, then roast as usual with a bit more time.
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What’s the best Parmesan cheese to use?
I highly recommend using freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for the richest flavor and best melting quality. Pre-grated or powdered versions often have additives and don’t melt as well, so the taste and texture won’t be as good.
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How do I avoid mushy Brussels sprouts?
Make sure they’re cut in half and spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet with space around each one. Roasting at a high temperature (400ºF) helps them get crisp edges, and flipping them halfway promotes even cooking.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap out the Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative. Also, double-check your oil choice if you’re strict vegan—extra virgin olive oil is usually perfect.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen. It’s the dish I lean on when I want something fast but fancy enough to impress, yet approachable enough that everyone from kids to picky eaters loves it. I’m so excited for you to try it—it’s that kind of recipe that once you make it, you’ll keep coming back to. Happy roasting!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Roasted Brussel Sprouts Recipe with Garlic is a flavorful and simple side dish featuring halved Brussel sprouts tossed with olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and seasoned with salt and black pepper. Roasted until golden and crispy on the edges, these sprouts are finished with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a deliciously savory touch.
Ingredients
Brussel Sprouts
- 1 pound Brussel sprouts, ends trimmed and cut in half
Seasoning & Toppings
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC) to ensure it’s ready for roasting the Brussel sprouts.
- Prepare Sprouts: In a large bowl, combine the halved Brussel sprouts, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together thoroughly so the sprouts are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the coated Brussel sprouts onto a baking sheet in a single even layer with the cut-side facing down. This will help them roast evenly and develop a golden, crispy exterior.
- Roast and Toss: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for about 25 minutes, tossing the sprouts once halfway through cooking. This helps ensure all sides get nicely browned and tender.
- Add Parmesan and Serve: Once roasted to a golden brown on the edges, remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- This easy Garlic Parmesan Roasted Brussel Sprouts recipe makes a perfect savory side dish featuring a bright lemony flavor with rich Parmesan cheese.
- For extra crispiness, make sure the sprouts are spread out evenly without overcrowding the pan.
- You can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or another hard cheese if preferred.
- Adjust garlic amount to taste for milder or stronger flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (approximately)
- Calories: 268 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
