I confess – I was a sprout non-believer for a very long time. Longer than I care to admit. However, this recipe was the gateway to my sprout-believing. Admittedly my experience of sprouts up until then was just plain boiled, which nobody likes (not sorry). But smashed and roasted sprouts offer a FAR tastier experience. Follow me…
Preparing Brussels Sprouts
This is a very simple recipe, in fact the most time consuming part is trimming the sprouts, and even that’s a pretty quick process.
How do you trim Brussels Sprouts?
It’s a really simple 2 step process: What you’re left with should be a slightly smaller, but cleaner and more compact brussels sprout. Process shots: trim stem (photo 1), discard loose/discoloured leaves (photo 2).
Boiling Brussels Sprouts
Don’t panic, this process is just to part-cook them. You essentially just need to get the sprouts soft enough so they’re able to be smashed. Don’t over boil otherwise the sprouts will turn to mush and won’t get crispy. They should be just about fork tender, but firm enough the leaves aren’t falling off in the pot.
Can I steam them instead?
Yep! Like I said, this process is simply to get them soft enough so they can be smashed, so steam away if you’d prefer! Process shots: add sprouts to salted boiling water (photo 1), boil until fork tender then steam dry (photo 2).
Making Smashed Brussels Sprouts
Alright, here’s where the fun begins. Before we smash the sprouts, we’re just gonna coat them in a little oil and seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic powder).
How do you smash brussels sprouts?
I find it easiest with an empty jar, but a cup or mug will do the trick. You’ll want to one by one smash them until level thickness, ensuring they don’t break apart.
Space them out
Once you’ve smashed the sprouts it’s important to give them room to breathe. Space them out otherwise they steam on each other and won’t crisp up.
Parmesan roasted brussels sprouts
One of the key ingredients here is parmesan. By sprinkling the smashed sprouts with parmesan you not only add flavour, but it also helps them crisp up as they bake. Process shots: coat sprouts in oil and seasoning (photo 1), smash (photo 2), space out (photo 3), sprinkle with parmesan (photo 4).
Serving Smashed Brussels Sprouts
Once they’re deep golden and lightly charred, I usually let them rest for a couple of mins to allow them to crisp up a little more. I tend to serve these as part of a Roast Dinner with a few other Sides. To take them up a notch you can serve them with Cheddar Cheese Sauce drizzled over! Alrighty, let’s tuck into the full recipe for these smashed sprouts shall we?!
How to make Smashed Brussels Sprouts (Full Recipe & Video)
For another ‘smashing’ recipe check out my EXTRA Crispy Smashed Potatoes! For more similar recipes check out these beauties:
Roast Dinner Vegetable Sides Recipes
Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower Roasted Broccolini Honey Balsamic Roasted Carrots Garlic Green Beans Roasted Parsnips
If you loved these Brussels Sprouts recipe then be sure to pin it for later! Already made them or got a question? Give me a shout in the comments below and pick up your free ecookbook along the way!
