The company recipes I like best are the ones I can prepare ahead of time and finish when the guests arrive. This is one of them. Asparagus, broccoli, fennel, and green beans can also be prepared this way.

Baked Brussels Sprouts with Butter and Parmesan is a delightful side dish that transforms humble Brussels sprouts into a flavorful and satisfying treat. This recipe combines the nutty sweetness of roasted Brussels sprouts with the richness of melted butter and the savory notes of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

In this dish, tender Brussels sprouts are blanched to achieve a perfectly cooked texture. They are then coated with softened butter and generously sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which adds a creamy and tangy element to each bite. The combination of butter and cheese creates a luscious coating that melts and melds with the roasted sprouts, enhancing their natural flavors.

The Brussels sprouts are carefully arranged in a baking dish and baked in the oven until they are tender and the Parmesan cheese forms a golden crust. This process caramelizes the edges of the sprouts, imparting a delicious sweetness and creating a delightful contrast in textures between the crisp outer leaves and the tender interior.

The result is a dish that perfectly balances the earthy flavors of Brussels sprouts with the richness of butter and the salty richness of Parmesan cheese. The combination of these simple ingredients creates a mouthwatering side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses.

Baked Brussels Sprouts with Butter and Parmesan is not only delicious, but it is also packed with nutrients and fiber, making it a healthy addition to your meal. It is a versatile dish that can be served as a side for family dinners, holiday feasts, or even enjoyed on its own as a satisfying vegetarian option.

Whether you’re a Brussels sprouts lover or looking for a new way to enjoy this cruciferous vegetable, Baked Brussels Sprouts with Butter and Parmesan is sure to impress with its comforting flavors and irresistible appeal.

Serves 6 to 8

INGREDIENTS

• Salt
• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved through the base
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• Freshly ground pepper
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the Brussels sprouts to the boiling water and cook for 3 minutes, or until they are almost tender.
3. Drain the Brussels sprouts in a colander and cool them under cold running water.
4. Pat the sprouts dry with a clean kitchen towel. They can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
5. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
6. Coat a 9-×-9-×-2-inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon of the softened butter.
7. Place the Brussels sprouts in the baking dish and sprinkle them with pepper to taste and the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano.
8. Dot the sprouts with the remaining tablespoon of softened butter.
9. Bake the Brussels sprouts in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are tender and the cheese is melted.
10. Remove from the oven and serve the Baked Brussels Sprouts with a delightful cheesy crust.

VARIATION:

• Baked Brussels Sprouts with Gorgonzola: Follow the same steps as above to blanch the Brussels sprouts. Instead of using Parmigiano-Reggiano, sprinkle 3 ounces of crumbled Gorgonzola dolce over the sprouts in the baking dish. Dot with butter and bake as directed.

Enjoy the rich and comforting flavors of these Baked Brussels Sprouts, whether with the classic Parmigiano-Reggiano or the bold Gorgonzola variation. This side dish is perfect for holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, or whenever you want to add a delicious twist to your Brussels sprouts.