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    Home » Recipes » Smashed Brussels Sprouts

    Published on Feb 11, 2020 by Alena Kharlamenko, MS, RD | Last modified on Dec 3, 2020

    Smashed Brussels Sprouts

    299 shares
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Who knew smashed Brussels sprouts could be so much fun to make? This delicious veggie dish is packed with flavor and only has 5 ingredients!

    Smashed Brussels Sprouts on a plate

    This has become my new favorite way to cook Brussels sprouts. For one, it's so much fun to smash the Brussels sprouts and I feel like it's almost therapeutic and stress-relieving. Also, the Brussels sprouts absorb the balsamic-olive oil sauce so much better when they're smashed and it's such a delicious flavor that I just can't get over it!

    Is it "Brussels Sprouts" or "Brussel Sprouts?"

    I've seen it spelled both ways, but the correct spelling is "Brussels sprouts," because they're named after the city of Brussels. Fun fact of the day!

    Ingredients

    Perhaps my favorite thing about this smashed Brussels sprouts recipe is that it's only 5 ingredients:

    • Brussels sprouts
    • Garlic
    • Balsamic vinegar
    • Extra virgin olive oil
    • Salt

    How to Blanch Brussels Sprouts

    Blanched Brussels Sprouts in a yellow bowl

    In order to be able to "smash" these Brussels sprouts, the most vital step is to blanch them. Trust me, I tried to forgo this step and it just didn't work.

    Heat a medium pot until boiling. Add Brussels sprouts to boiling pot and boil for 8-10 minutes. Take out 1 Brussels sprout and test it by smashing it with a jar. If it doesn't smash easily, boil for an additional 1-2 minutes.

    Once the Brussels sprouts are blanched, drain and place in an ice bath. This halts the cooking process. And there you have it - perfectly bright green blanched Brussels sprouts!

    How to Make Smashed Brussels Sprouts

    • Smashed Brussels Sprouts
    • Smashed Brussels Sprouts
    • Smashed Brussels Sprouts
    • Smashed Brussels Sprouts

    Dry off the Brussels sprouts as much as possible with a towel or paper towel. Combine garlic, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and salt in a small bowl and mix well.

    Lay Brussels sprouts on the baking sheet. TIP: Place a towel over the baking sheet to absorb any excess moisture; remove once you're done smashing.

    Use the bottom of a jar or cup to gently smash the Brussels one-by-one. This is such a fun stress-reliever, and my favorite step of the process.

    Drizzle the balsamic vinegar and oil mixture onto the Brussels sprouts. Toss well to evenly coat. Spread the Brussels sprouts evenly on the baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are slightly brown. If you want them extra crispy, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, making sure to check them so they don't burn.

    Smashed Brussels Sprouts

    Love this veggie dish? Then you’ll absolutely love these other side dishes!

    • Pesto Cauliflower
    • Maple Roasted Carrots with Lemon-Maple Tahini Sauce
    • Lemon Parmesan Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
    Smashed Brussels Sprouts

    Smashed Brussels Sprouts

    These balsamic roasted smashed Brussels sprouts are a fan favorite. They are a delicious veggie dish packed with flavor with only 5 ingredients.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: balsamic, brussels sprouts, Gluten Free, maple roasted, thanksgiving, fall, tahini sauce, carrots, Vegetarian, veggie side dish
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Author: Alena Kharlamenko, MS, RD

    Ingredients

    • 1 lb Brussels sprouts
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1½ tbsp balsamic vinegar
    • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
    • ¼ tsp salt

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 450F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Boil water in a medium pot. Chop ends off of Brussels sprouts. Add Brussels sprouts to boiling water and blanch for 8-10 minutes. Once the Brussels sprouts are blanched, drain and place in an ice bath. Dry off Brussels sprouts as much as possible with a towel or paper towel.
    • While the Brussels sprouts are blanching, combine garlic, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and salt in a small bowl.
    • Lay out Brussels sprouts on the baking sheet. Using the bottom of a jar or cup, gently smash the Brussels one-by-one. TIP: Place a towel or paper towel over the baking sheet to absorb any excess moisture; remove once you're done smashing.
    • Drizzle balsamic vinegar and oil mixture onto the Brussels sprouts. Toss well to evenly coat. Spread the Brussels sprouts evenly on the baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until the Brussels sprouts are slightly browned. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

    Pin this for later!

    Smashed Brussels Sprouts

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    299 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ben says

      April 16, 2020 at 6:59 pm

      5 stars
      Those would be perfect with a nice grilled piece of chicken. They look really good.

      Reply
    2. Lindsey says

      April 17, 2020 at 9:50 pm

      5 stars
      I adore Brussels sprouts in every form, but I love the balsamic element in this recipe!

      Reply
    3. Kushigalu says

      April 18, 2020 at 10:41 pm

      5 stars
      Love recipes like this that uses minimal ingredients. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    4. Paula Montenegro says

      April 19, 2020 at 9:29 am

      5 stars
      Just when I thought there are no more ways to eat great sprouts you come up with this recipe. Love it! It's just what I needed to add to my roasted trays. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    5. Loreto and Nicoletta Nardelli says

      April 19, 2020 at 9:40 am

      5 stars
      We are among brussels sprouts lovers so thank you for another great recipe to use them! We will try it soon!

      Reply
    6. Charity says

      April 19, 2020 at 7:44 pm

      5 stars
      So crispy! That's how I like to eat my brussels sprouts for sure! Saving the recipe for later!

      Reply
    7. Sam | Ahead of Thyme says

      April 20, 2020 at 1:44 am

      Yum, these brussels sprouts look so delicious! I love how easy it is to make them. I will have to try it soon!

      Reply
    8. Daniela says

      April 20, 2020 at 1:57 am

      Whoa! I've had smashed potatoes but never smashed Brussel sprouts! Def wanna try these :).

      Reply
    9. Natalie says

      April 20, 2020 at 4:37 am

      5 stars
      Nice. I'm making a chicken roast this weekend and this will be a perfect side. I have Brussels in my fridge. Can't wait to make this.

      Reply

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    Welcome to my tiny New York City kitchen!

    I'm Alena Kharlamenko - the registered dietitian, self-taught home cook, recipe developer, and taste taster behind the scenes here at Alena Menko Nutrition. Here you'll find healthy, and delicious recipes that are simple and quick to make.

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