Forget everything you think you know about Brussels sprouts. This Christmas, ditch the side dish struggles and embrace a recipe so good, it’ll rival your favorite restaurant’s offerings. TikTok chef Kelly Scott (@kellyscleankitchen) has unveiled the secret to transforming these often-maligned greens into a culinary masterpiece: Parmesan Smashed Brussels Sprouts.
Many home cooks lament that their Brussels sprouts never quite reach the delicious heights of restaurant versions. Kelly’s recipe promises to change all that. The key? A simple yet genius combination of techniques and ingredients that elevate the humble sprout to new levels of flavor and texture.
This recipe is surprisingly easy. Begin by trimming the ends of your Brussels sprouts and steaming them for 8-10 minutes, or until they’re tender enough to easily pierce with a fork. For a time-saving shortcut, microwave steaming works just as well. Once cooked, thoroughly pat the sprouts dry with paper towels. This crucial step is essential for achieving that perfectly crispy texture when roasting.
Now for the magic. Using a kitchen utensil (a potato masher works well), gently smash each sprout, creating a slightly flattened shape. This increases the surface area, allowing for even cooking and maximum flavor absorption. Next, toss the sprouts in a mixture of olive oil, salt, pepper, the juice of one lemon, and a generous 1/3 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Make sure every sprout is evenly coated.
Spread the Parmesan-coated sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring adequate space between each one for even roasting. Bake at a moderate temperature for approximately 20 minutes. Flip them over halfway through and continue roasting for another 15 minutes, until they are golden brown and delightfully crispy.
The result? Restaurant-quality Brussels sprouts with a satisfying crunch and a burst of Parmesan flavor. The perfect complement to any Christmas meal or even a weeknight dinner. Kelly’s video has already garnered over 1,600 likes, with enthusiastic commenters sharing their excitement to try this game-changing recipe. One user exclaimed, “I am terrible at Brussels sprouts. They are my kryptonite. I can’t wait to try these!” Another chimed in, “They look amazing. Adding to my dinner menu!”
So, this holiday season, bid farewell to bland Brussels sprouts and say hello to a culinary revelation. This recipe is a simple, delicious, and surprisingly transformative way to elevate this often-divisive vegetable into a must-have Christmas dish. Give it a try, and prepare to be amazed!
