If you’re hunting for a veggie side that’s irresistibly crunchy, packed with umami, and easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight, the Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts (TikTok Recipe) Recipe is your new best friend. This recipe transforms humble Brussels sprouts into little golden bites of pure joy by boiling, smashing, seasoning, and baking them to crispy perfection. The secret? Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy depth without dairy, and a quick broil finishes them off with that crave-worthy crunch. Once you try this, you’ll be wondering why you ever settled for soggy sprouts!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: tenderizing, flavoring, or crisping the Brussels sprouts to perfection. You don’t need anything fancy, but the combo creates layers of texture and taste that feel gourmet.
- 2 lbs small Brussels sprouts: Choose small, tightly packed sprouts for even cooking and smashing ease. Trim just the bottom of the stem to keep leaves intact.
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast: This adds a savory, cheesy flavor and gives the sprouts a gorgeous golden crust.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances natural flavors and balances the seasoning.
- ½ tsp ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the overall profile.
- Oil (spray or drizzle): Helps the sprouts crisp up beautifully in the oven without sticking.
How to Make Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts (TikTok Recipe) Recipe
Step 1: Boil to Tenderness
Start by bringing a large pot of water halfway full to a rolling boil. Drop in your Brussels sprouts and cook them until they’re just fork-tender—this usually takes around 10 minutes. This step softens the sprouts enough to smash easily but be careful not to overcook. As soon as they’re tender, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and drain well. Patting them dry now is key to achieving that crispiness later, so don’t skip this step.
Step 2: Preheat and Prep
While the sprouts cool off, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly. This ensures the sprouts won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze, plus it helps with even browning later on.
Step 3: Smash with Care
Transfer the sprouts to your baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer. Take a sturdy cup or glass and gently but firmly press down on each sprout to flatten it without tearing it apart. The smashing not only increases the surface area for crispiness but also creates those perfectly crinkled edges where flavor can really cling.
Step 4: Dry and Season
Grab a few paper towels and gently pat the flattened sprouts dry. Moisture is the enemy of crispness here. Once dry, spray or brush each piece lightly with oil—this is what will give you that irresistible crunch. In a small bowl, mix together the nutritional yeast, salt, and black pepper, then sprinkle this savory seasoning blend evenly over the sprouts.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the end — once they’re golden brown and crispy, you’re almost done. If after 30 minutes they aren’t quite as crispy as you want, switch your oven to broil and let them cook for another 1 or 2 minutes, but watch very closely to avoid burning. That final broil step delivers the irresistible crunch and deep golden color that makes this Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts (TikTok Recipe) Recipe so addictive.
How to Serve Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts (TikTok Recipe) Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your crispy sprouts, try garnishing with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. For extra indulgence, a drizzle of pesto mayo (equal parts pesto and mayo) adds a creamy, herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the crisp texture.
Side Dishes
These sprouts work wonderfully alongside almost any main dish. Pair them with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a hearty grain bowl for a well-rounded meal. Their crispy exterior and tender inside offer a fresh, vibrant alternative to heavier sides like mashed potatoes or creamy casseroles.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts (TikTok Recipe) Recipe as a shareable appetizer with an assortment of dipping sauces like spicy aioli, garlic tahini, or balsamic glaze. Arranged on a platter with toothpicks, they quickly become a party favorite that’s as delightful to eat as they are to look at.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though they rarely last long), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s not ideal for maintaining that crispy texture. If you do freeze, flash freeze the smashed sprouts on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw fully before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven crunch, reheat the sprouts in a hot oven or air fryer rather than the microwave. This method revives their crispiness and keeps that unbeatable texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use larger Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Small Brussels sprouts work best because they cook evenly and smash without falling apart. Larger ones can be used but might take longer to cook and can be trickier to smash without breaking.
What if I don’t have nutritional yeast? Can I substitute it?
You can try using grated Parmesan or a mix of garlic powder and smoked paprika as a substitute, but nutritional yeast really gives that unique cheesy flavor without dairy that sets this recipe apart.
Is it necessary to boil the Brussels sprouts first?
Boiling softens the sprouts just enough for smashing and ensures they cook evenly in the oven. Skipping this step might result in undercooked centers or tough textures.
Why is it important not to overcook the sprouts when boiling?
Overcooking makes the leaves too soft, causing them to fall apart when smashed and preventing the desired crispiness after baking. Slightly undercooked or perfectly tender sprouts hold their shape and crisp better.
Can I add other seasonings to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili flakes, or even a sprinkle of lemon zest to personalize your Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts (TikTok Recipe) Recipe and make it your own.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts (TikTok Recipe) Recipe is truly a game changer for anyone looking to elevate their vegetable game. It’s quick, simple, and results in a snack or side that’s bursting with flavor and crunch. Whether you’re a Brussels sprout skeptic or an unabashed lover, this recipe has the power to win you over. So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and treat yourself to these golden bites of veggie bliss—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts (TikTok Recipe) Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Crispy Smashed Brussels Sprouts recipe is a deliciously simple way to turn ordinary Brussels sprouts into a crunchy, flavorful side dish. Boiled until tender, then smashed and baked to perfection with nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, and a light coating of oil, these Brussels sprouts deliver satisfying texture and a cheesy, savory taste without any dairy. Perfect for a healthy snack or a vibrant side for any meal.
Ingredients
Brussels Sprouts
- 2 lbs small Brussels sprouts, cleaned and trimmed (leave most of the stem intact, about 900 g)
Seasoning Mix
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast (15 g)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
For Baking
- Oil, spray or drizzle (such as olive oil)
Instructions
- Boil: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, filling it about halfway. Add the cleaned and trimmed Brussels sprouts and cook until fork-tender, approximately 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain them and immediately run under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain well and pat the sprouts as dry as possible with paper towels.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (218°C) to prepare for baking the Brussels sprouts.
- Smash: Transfer the Brussels sprouts to a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet. Spread them out evenly. Using a cup or flat-bottomed glass, gently but firmly press down on each sprout to flatten it slightly without breaking the leaves apart.
- Dry: Use paper towels to pat the smashed Brussels sprouts dry again, removing excess moisture to help achieve crispiness.
- Flavor: Lightly spray or brush each smashed sprout with your choice of oil. In a small bowl, combine nutritional yeast, salt, and ground black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly over the oiled Brussels sprouts.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, checking for crispiness and golden-brown color. If after 30 minutes they are not crispy enough, switch the oven to the broil setting and broil for 1 to 2 minutes. Watch carefully during broiling to prevent burning and to obtain a perfect golden crust.
Notes
- Leave most of the stem intact when trimming the Brussels sprouts; this helps the leaves stay together during smashing.
- The pictured serving suggests pairing these sprouts with pesto mayo, a mixture of equal parts pesto and mayonnaise for an extra flavorful dip.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to regain crispiness.
- Avoid overcooking the Brussels sprouts during boiling to help them hold their shape and achieve maximum crispiness.
- Trim only the very bottom of the sprout stem to keep the leaves intact while smashing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
