Okay, confession time! I used to be *so* anti-Brussels sprouts. Seriously, the soggy, bitter things my mom made? No thanks! But then I tried these… these *smashed* Brussels sprouts. Wow! It’s like a total transformation. They’re ridiculously crispy, like little Brussels sprout potato chips, and the flavor? Amazing! Roasting them this way brings out all this nutty sweetness you just wouldn’t believe.

Honestly, I was shocked. I’m talking, converted-on-the-spot shocked. Now, I can’t get enough! This recipe is seriously my go-to side dish. If you’re a Brussels sprouts skeptic (like I was!), or just looking for a fun new way to enjoy them, you *have* to try these. Trust me, these Smashed Brussels sprouts - detail 1 smashed Brussels sprouts will change your mind. Prepare to be amazed!

Why You’ll Love These Smashed Brussels Sprouts

Quick and Easy

Seriously, this recipe is a breeze! You just toss, roast, smash, and roast again. Done! Weeknight-dinner-easy, I promise!

Super Flavorful

Forget those sad, bland Brussels sprouts you might have had before. Roasting ’em this way brings out so much flavor. It’s kinda nutty, kinda sweet… totally addictive!

Crispy Texture

Okay, this is the best part. These smashed Brussels sprouts get *seriously* crispy. Like, satisfyingly crunchy in every bite. You gotta experience it!

Healthy Side Dish

Brussels sprouts are good for you, y’know! This is a vegetarian side dish that’s packed with vitamins. So you can feel good about eating something delicious *and* good for you!

Ingredients for Perfect Smashed Brussels Sprouts

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! You’ll need 1 pound of Brussels sprouts – make sure they’re trimmed and halved, nobody wants woody ends! Then, grab 2 tablespoons of olive oil (the good stuff!), half a teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. Easy peasy!

Now, for the fun part: toppings! These are totally optional, but trust me, they take things to the next level. I love a drizzle of balsamic glaze, some freshly grated parmesan cheese, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Yum!

How to Make Smashed Brussels Sprouts: Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Brussels Sprouts

First things first, let’s get those little guys ready! Trim the ends off your 1 pound of Brussels sprouts and slice ’em in half. Oh, and go ahead and preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Gotta get that oven nice and toasty!

Roasting the Smashed Brussels Sprouts

Now, in a bowl, toss those halved Brussels sprouts with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, half a teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. Give ’em a good mix so they’re all coated. Then, spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Seriously, don’t overcrowd ’em!

Smashed Brussels Sprouts to Perfection

Pop ’em in the oven for 20 minutes. After that, take the baking sheet out (careful, it’s hot!). Now for the fun part: smashing! Use the bottom of a glass or a spatula to gently press down on each Brussels sprout. You want to flatten them a bit, but not completely squish them. See how they’re looking? Awesome!

Final Roasting and Toppings

Back into the oven they go for another 10-15 minutes, or until they’re crispy and golden brown. Keep an eye on them, ovens can be tricky! Once they’re perfect, take them out and add your favorite toppings. Balsamic glaze? Parmesan? Red pepper flakes? Go wild!

Tips for the Best Smashed Brussels Sprouts

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

Okay, this is *so* important! If you pile those Brussels sprouts on top of each other, they’ll steam instead of roast. And nobody wants soggy sprouts! Make sure they’re in a single layer with some space around ’em for maximum crispiness.

Adjust Roasting Time

Ovens are weird, right? Mine runs a little hot, so I usually check the Brussels sprouts a few minutes early. Yours might need a little longer. Just keep an eye on them and roast ’em until they’re perfectly golden brown and crispy. You’ll know!

Use a Good Quality Olive Oil

Trust me on this one: the better the olive oil, the better the flavor. Splurge a little! It really makes a difference. My favorite part is the slightly fruity taste it gives the Brussels sprouts!

Experiment with Toppings

Don’t be afraid to get creative! Balsamic glaze and parmesan are my go-to’s, but there are *so* many other possibilities. Try a sprinkle of toasted nuts, a squeeze of lemon juice, or even a drizzle of hot sauce. Have fun with it!

Smashed Brussels Sprouts Variations

Spicy Smashed Brussels Sprouts

Want to kick things up a notch? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili powder with the olive oil. It adds *just* the right amount of heat. Ooh, spicy!

Parmesan Smashed Brussels Sprouts

Oh man, this is a good one! Sprinkle some freshly grated parmesan cheese over the Brussels sprouts during the last few minutes of roasting. The cheese gets all melty and crispy… Mmm!

Balsamic Glazed Smashed Brussels Sprouts

Drizzle balsamic glaze over the roasted Brussels sprouts *right* when they come out of the oven. The tangy sweetness is just incredible with the nutty sprouts. So fancy, but so easy!

Add Garlic for Smashed Brussels Sprouts

Minced garlic? YES, please! Toss some minced garlic with the Brussels sprouts *before* roasting. Careful, it can burn easily, but the flavor? Totally worth it!

Serving Suggestions for Your Smashed Brussels Sprouts

These crispy smashed Brussels sprouts go with *everything*! Seriously, try ’em with roasted chicken, a juicy steak, or even some flaky white fish. They’re the perfect way to add a little veggie goodness to your plate. So easy, right?

In a Salad

Want to jazz up your salad? Toss in some of these smashed Brussels sprouts! They add a fantastic crunch and a burst of flavor that’s totally unexpected. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!

With a Main Course

Don’t eat meat? No problem! These Brussels sprouts are amazing with vegetarian mains like a hearty lentil loaf or some stuffed bell peppers. They’re a great way to make a vegetarian meal feel extra special. Yum!

How to Store and Reheat Smashed Brussels Sprouts

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just pop those smashed Brussels sprouts into an airtight container and stick ’em in the fridge. They’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Easy!

Reheating Instructions

Okay, so they’re best right out of the oven, but reheated Brussels sprouts are still pretty darn good! I like to toss ’em in the air fryer for a few minutes until they’re crispy again. Or, you can spread them on a baking sheet and reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until they’re warmed through.

Smashed Brussels Sprouts: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

Okay, so, technically, *can* you? Yeah, probably. *Should* you? I wouldn’t recommend it! Frozen Brussels sprouts tend to be a bit more watery, and that crispiness we’re going for? Much harder to achieve. If you absolutely *have* to, make sure they’re fully thawed and patted super dry before roasting. But fresh is best, trust me!

How do I prevent soggy Brussels sprouts?

Ah, the soggy sprout fear! The key is all about moisture control. Don’t overcrowd the pan (we talked about that!), and make sure those sprouts are nice and dry before you toss them with olive oil. A little extra roasting time can also help crisp ’em up!

What other toppings can I use?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! A squeeze of fresh lemon juice is always a winner. Toasted nuts (like pecans or walnuts) add a great crunch. Fresh herbs, like thyme or rosemary, are also delicious. Get creative and see what you like best!

Are Smashed Brussels Sprouts healthy?

You betcha! Brussels sprouts are packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. So you can enjoy these crispy, delicious smashed Brussels sprouts knowing you’re doing something good for your body. Win-win!

Nutritional Information for Smashed Brussels Sprouts

Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m just a home cook, not a nutritionist! So, any nutritional information you see for these smashed Brussels sprouts is just a rough estimate. It can totally vary depending on the exact ingredients you use (like, different brands of olive oil or parmesan), and how much you load up on those yummy toppings. I’m not providing precise nutritional facts here, okay? Just enjoy those sprouts!

Smashed Brussels sprouts - detail 2

Enjoy Your Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts!

Alright, go make these! Seriously, you won’t regret it. And hey, if you try ’em, leave a comment and let me know what you think! Oh, and share a pic on social media – I wanna see your crispy creations!