Golden-Crusted Caramelized Brussels Sprouts with Cheese
Delight in the rich flavor of Caramelized Brussels Sprouts, perfectly complemented by a savory cheese crust. This dish features small Brussels sprouts that are expertly caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness, combined with the robust taste of your favorite cheese. The optional golden-breadcrumb topping adds an extra crunch, making it an irresistible side dish for any meal. Serve it at dinners, gatherings, or as a nutritious treat for yourself!
N/A
Servings
80
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Brussels sprouts
24 (small, trimmed, outer leaves removed, cut in half)
Garlic
1 (clove, minced)
Olive oil
1 (tablespoon, plus additional for coating)
Sea salt
to taste
Black pepper
to taste (fresh ground)
Cheese (Asiago, Romano, or Parmesan)
1/4 (cup, grated)
Seasoned breadcrumbs
optional
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Begin by trimming the outer leaves from the Brussels sprouts and cutting them in half.
3
In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with a light coating of olive oil, ensuring they are evenly coated.
4
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking.
5
Place the Brussels sprouts in the skillet, cut side down, in a single layer. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over them.
6
Cover the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the bottoms of the sprouts are just beginning to brown.
7
Remove the lid and increase the heat to high, allowing the flat sides to caramelize deeply. This should take an additional 3-4 minutes.
8
Once caramelized, add the minced garlic to the pan and turn the sprouts onto their rounded sides to slightly brown them.
9
Season the sprouts with more sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
10
Sprinkle your choice of grated cheese over the Brussels sprouts. If desired, lightly dust with seasoned breadcrumbs for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
11
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
12
Remove from the oven, serve warm, and enjoy your delightful Golden-Crusted Caramelized Brussels Sprouts!
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
6g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of these Brussels sprouts?
The dish features a balance of natural sweetness from deep caramelization and a savory, salty finish from the cheese crust.
Which cheeses are recommended for this recipe?
Asiago, Romano, or Parmesan are the best choices for a robust, salty flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you omit the optional seasoned breadcrumbs or use a gluten-free breadcrumb alternative.
How should I prepare the Brussels sprouts before cooking?
You should trim the outer leaves and cut each sprout in half for even cooking and better surface area for caramelization.
What oven temperature is required?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
Why do I need to cook the sprouts cut-side down?
Placing them cut-side down allows the flat surface to make direct contact with the skillet, resulting in a deep, golden-brown crust.
What kind of skillet should I use?
A large oven-safe skillet, such as cast iron, is ideal since the dish moves from the stovetop to the oven.
How long do the sprouts need to cook covered on the stove?
They should be covered and cooked for about 5 minutes to soften the centers.
When is the garlic added to the recipe?
Garlic is added after the sprouts have caramelized on their flat sides, just before transferring the pan to the oven.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this?
Fresh Brussels sprouts are highly recommended to achieve the proper texture and caramelization; frozen sprouts may become too mushy.
What is the purpose of the seasoned breadcrumbs?
The breadcrumbs are optional but add an extra layer of golden crunch and texture to the topping.
Is it better to use small or large Brussels sprouts?
Small Brussels sprouts are preferred as they tend to be sweeter and cook more quickly.
How many Brussels sprouts are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 24 small Brussels sprouts.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 80 calories per serving.
Can I use a different oil instead of olive oil?
Yes, you can use other oils with a high smoke point, like avocado oil, though olive oil is recommended for flavor.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What is the best way to reheat these sprouts?
Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F to help maintain their crispiness.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, adding cooked pancetta or crumbled bacon is a popular way to add more savory depth.
Why do I need to cover the skillet during the first phase of cooking?
Covering the skillet traps steam, which ensures the insides of the sprouts are tender while the bottoms begin to brown.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Add the garlic only after the main caramelization is complete and just before the final oven bake.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
While pre-shredded works, freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and often has a better flavor.
What does it mean to caramelize the sprouts deeply?
It means cooking them until the flat surface is a dark, rich brown, which develops a nutty, sweet flavor.
Is this a good dish for holiday meals?
Yes, its elegant presentation and rich flavor make it an excellent side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, you can use a vegan parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast and ensure your breadcrumbs are vegan-friendly.
What main courses pair well with these sprouts?
They pair beautifully with roast chicken, grilled steak, pork chops, or even a hearty grain bowl.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 3 grams of protein.
Can I add a balsamic glaze?
A drizzle of balsamic glaze after baking is a great way to add a tangy contrast to the rich cheese.
What if I do not have an oven-safe skillet?
You can caramelize them in a regular pan and then transfer them to a preheated baking sheet for the final oven step.
Is this recipe considered low-carb?
Yes, with only 6g of carbohydrates per serving, it is a great low-carb vegetable side dish.