Unbelievably Delicious Caesar Brussels Sprouts in 25 Minutes

Oh my gosh, you have to try these Caesar Brussels sprouts – they’re my latest obsession! I used to think Brussels sprouts were just those mushy little cabbages my mom boiled to death when I was a kid. Then I discovered roasting them transforms them into these crispy, caramelized bites of heaven. Tossing them with tangy Caesar dressing was a total game-changer in our house. Now my kids actually beg for seconds of veggies – can you believe it?

The magic happens when those halved sprouts get all golden and crispy in the oven. Then you shower them with Parmesan and crunchy croutons for that classic Caesar salad vibe. It’s got that perfect balance of savory, garlicky dressing against the nutty Brussels sprouts flavor. Trust me, this dish will convert even the most stubborn sprout skeptics at your table!

Why You’ll Love These Caesar Brussels Sprouts

This recipe is a total winner for so many reasons:

• Effortless prep: Just trim, toss, and roast – dinner’s ready in under 30 minutes!
• Bold flavors: That garlicky Caesar dressing paired with nutty roasted Brussels sprouts? Absolute perfection.
• Crowd-pleaser: Even veggie skeptics go crazy for these crispy, cheesy sprouts.
• Super versatile: Serve them hot as a side, or chill leftovers for an amazing salad the next day.

Seriously, once you try these Caesar Brussels sprouts, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients for Caesar Brussels Sprouts

Here’s all you need for this simple yet flavor-packed dish:

• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (make sure to remove any loose outer leaves!)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (the good stuff – it makes a difference)
• 1/2 tsp salt (I use kosher salt for better distribution)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground if you’ve got it)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the real stuff, not the powdered kind)
• 2 tbsp Caesar dressing (my secret is using the refrigerated kind – so much fresher tasting)
• 1/2 cup croutons (homemade or store-bought both work)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed, please!)

How to Make Caesar Brussels Sprouts

Okay, let’s get cooking! This recipe is so simple, but I’ll walk you through each step to make sure those Caesar Brussels sprouts turn out perfectly every single time.

Step 1: Prep the Brussels Sprouts

First things first – give those sprouts some love! Trim off the dry stem ends, then cut each sprout in half lengthwise. Any loose outer leaves? Toss ’em – they’ll just burn in the oven. You want nice, tight sprouts that’ll get evenly crispy. Trust me, this little bit of prep makes all the difference!

Step 2: Roast to Perfection

Preheat your oven to a nice hot 400°F (that’s 200°C for my metric friends). Toss your prepped Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper – get them all nicely coated. Spread them cut-side down on a baking sheet (don’t crowd them!) and roast for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown with those delicious crispy edges that make Caesar Brussels sprouts so irresistible.

Step 3: Toss with Dressing and Toppings

Transfer your gorgeous roasted sprouts to a bowl while they’re still warm. Drizzle with Caesar dressing and lemon juice – the warmth helps the flavors soak in. Then sprinkle with Parmesan and croutons. Gently toss everything together (you don’t want to crush those beautiful crispy leaves!) and serve immediately while it’s still warm and wonderful.

Tips for the Best Caesar Brussels Sprouts

After making these Caesar Brussels sprouts dozens of times (my family won’t let me stop!), here are my can’t-miss tips:

• Don’t skimp on roasting time: Those crispy edges are everything! If your sprouts aren’t caramelized enough, give them 5 more minutes.
• Dressing control: Start with 2 tbsp dressing and add more to taste – too much will make them soggy.
• Protein boost: Toss in some grilled chicken or shrimp to turn this side into a killer main dish.
• Crouton timing: Add croutons right before serving so they stay crunchy.

My secret? Letting them sit for 5 minutes after tossing – the flavors meld perfectly!

Ingredient Substitutions

No problem if you need to switch things up! Here’s how to keep those Caesar Brussels sprouts delicious:

• Vegan? Swap the Parmesan for nutritional yeast and use a dairy-free Caesar dressing – it’s still crazy good!
• Gluten-free? Just grab gluten-free croutons or make your own from GF bread.
• No fresh lemons? A splash of white wine vinegar works in a pinch, though you’ll lose a bit of brightness.

Pro tip: If you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil works great for roasting too!

Serving Suggestions

These Caesar Brussels sprouts are crazy versatile! They’re amazing alongside grilled chicken or salmon for a complete meal. I love them piled on pasta for a veggie boost, or even as a fancy topping for baked potatoes. For parties? Serve ’em in a pretty bowl – they disappear fast!

Storage and Reheating

Here’s the deal with leftovers – these Caesar Brussels sprouts keep surprisingly well! Pop them in an airtight container and they’ll stay good in the fridge for 2-3 days. When reheating, skip the microwave (it makes them soggy) and use your oven or toaster oven instead. Just spread them on a baking sheet at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until they’re warmed through and crispy again. The croutons will lose some crunch, so I often sprinkle fresh ones on top before serving leftovers!

Caesar Brussels Sprouts Nutrition

Nutritional values are estimates only. One serving (about 1/4 of the recipe) contains: 180 calories, 12g fat (2.5g saturated), 15g carbs (4g fiber, 3g sugar), and 5g protein. You’ll also get a nice boost of vitamin C from those Brussels sprouts and lemon juice!

FAQ About Caesar Brussels Sprouts

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Oh honey, I wouldn’t recommend it! Frozen sprouts release way too much water when roasting, so you’ll end up with soggy Caesar Brussels sprouts instead of those gorgeous crispy edges we love. Fresh sprouts make all the difference here – their texture holds up beautifully in the oven.

How to make it vegan?
Easy peasy! Just swap the Parmesan for nutritional yeast (it gives that same umami kick) and use your favorite vegan Caesar dressing. Some brands make amazing dairy-free versions now that taste just as rich and garlicky as the original.

Can I prep ahead?
Absolutely! Here’s my trick: roast the sprouts up to 2 days ahead, then store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just warm them briefly in the oven before tossing with dressing and toppings. The croutons and cheese should always go on last-minute though – they don’t like waiting around!

For more delicious Caesar-inspired recipes, check out this Blackened Chicken Caesar Salad or this unique Elote Grilled Caesar Salad. If you’re looking for a different dressing, try our Miso Caesar Dressing.

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