Pairs well with a side of Lemon Pepper Tofu and Creamy Chickpea Soup, or toss them into this Crunchy Kale Salad. Brussels sprouts are one of those vegetables that most people grow up not liking…and then they have one dish at a restaurant and their whole world changes. This is because Brussels sprouts are all about how you cook them. These crispy smashed Brussels sprouts require boiling first, which normally I would say no way to, but then we smash and bake them. This combined with nutritional yeast creates a cheesy and crispy taste that’s totally vegan!
They’re Worth the hype
No special equipment is needed to smash the Brussels sprout. You just need a wide glass or cup. Can be enjoyed in many ways including as a snack with your favorite dip or as a topping on a warm harvest bowl.
Ingredients for Smashed Brussels Sprouts
The ingredients for this recipe are all classics. The only one that is a little bit different is nutritional yeast. But, I’ll tell you where to get that!
The Main Parts: The majority of this recipe relies on fresh Brussels sprouts that have been cleaned and trimmed and good quality olive oil to crisp them in. Seasoning: The seasoning for this appetizer is a combination of nutritional yeast, which has an umami and cheesy flavor, salt, and pepper. Nutritional yeast is sold as flakes, usually in a bag near the flour.
How to make Crispy Smashed Brussels sprouts
Making this smashed Brussels sprout recipe is incredibly easy. It requires a little bit of time but very little effort for a ton of reward! This is a quick overview, and you can jump to the recipe for the full printable instructions!
Storage
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat them, pop the Brussels Sprouts in the oven or air fryer to crisp them up again.
Why this Recipe Works
Smashing = more surface area which means more area to get crispy and caramelized. Vegan (but you wouldn’t know it). Most smashed Brussels sprout recipes use parmesan but nutritional yeast creates the same savory flavor as cheese. So many ways to enjoy them with different spices and flavor profiles. You can add a drizzle of balsamic vinegar or crispy vegan bacon bits.
Can you freeze these?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. But, they will be soggy when you thaw them so you need to let them cook in the oven a little bit longer to dry out that excess moisture. You might need to toss in the nutritional yeast seasoning again.
What happens if I overcook the Brussels sprouts while boiling?
It’s super important to not overcook them while boiling, but if you do it’s ok. It will still be delicious but they will not be as crispy or hold together as well.
Should I cut the stem off the Brussels sprouts?
You want to leave most of the stem intact so that the leaves hold together when smashed. Trim just the very bottom off of each sprout.
What to serve with crispy brussels sprouts
This dish can be served with an array of other appetizers or side dishes or just eaten on its own with your favorite dip. Here are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy the Brussels sprouts.
With a sea of other appetizers like Baked Onions and Tomato Confit with toasty bread. With literally any sauce you like. My favorites are Romesco Sauce and Vegan Queso.
