Smashed Brussels Sprouts are the ultimate fall side dish. They're crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, plus smothered in vegan cheese!
Last year I was introduced to smashed potatoes. Since mashed potatoes already have their place on the Thanksgiving table, I decided to try smashed brussels sprouts! I love Brussels - roasted, pan-fried with garlic, drizzled with balsamic, I'll take em.
What really makes these smashed potatoes unbelievable are the crispy vegan cheese bits you get to bite into with your slightly crisp yet soft Brussels. Even my husband was a fan! Woohoo, I know what I'm making all holiday season long.
Even though we totally covered these bites in vegan cheese, they're definitely a healthier alternative, so just remember that as you stuff your face. Haha!
Initially, I wanted to smother my smashed brussels sprouts with a dairy-free mozzarella but my local grocery store only had pepper jack, so that's what we went with. Feel free to use your favorite! I'm sure they'll turn out perfect no matter what type you choose.
If you check out my Thanksgiving Leftovers Pizza post, you already know that I'm bringing a few things to the table this year. Brussels two ways, allergy-friendly/vegan dinner rolls, more veggies, and apple pie! Of course, these smashed brussels would be great year round but I think they make the perfect holiday dinner appetizer or side dish.
Alright, let's get cookin'!
This recipe is so simple and can be left until just before your guests arrive. Simply bring brussels sprouts to a boil and let cook until very tender, then drain.
Transfer them to a prepared baking sheet and toss with olive oil. Using a drinking glass, press down on each brussels sprout to smash
If they don't want to smash, pop them back in boiling water and let cook for a few more minutes. Once smashed, top with vegan cheese, salt, and pepper.
Bake those brussels for about 30 minutes then serve warm.
Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Vegan Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 pound brussels sprouts trimmed and cleaned
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Vegan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F and prepare a baking sheet.
- Bring brussels sprouts to a boil in a large pot, let cook until very tender, then drain.
- Transfer to the baking sheet and toss with olive oil. Using a drinking glass, press down on each brussels sprouts to smash. Top with vegan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes, until the bottom of the brussels sprouts are crispy and the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Kim says
"Let cook until very tender"--about how long did it take when you made them?
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Hi Kim, happy new year! It takes about 10 minutes of boiling until they’re tender. Enjoy!!
Kim says
Thanks! We tried this recipe and loved it!
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Yay 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing, Kim!
Monica says
My family loves smashed potatoes, but I never thought to do smashed brussels sprouts. Great idea! I'm going to make them for diner tonight!
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Yay 🙂 Let me know what you think!!
Brianna Hobbs says
I love brussels sprouts, but I've never thought of smashing them and topping with cheese. I can't wait to try this recipe!
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Lemme know what you think!! Enjoy 🙂
Kortney says
STOP! This is a genius idea! The best part of brussel sprouts is when they get crispy. I need these in my life now.
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Haha, thanks Kortney!! Let me know what you think if you give them a try 🙂
Kathy Hester says
I am a huge fan of brussel sprouts, but have never tried this way before! So easy, but I bet tastes amazing.
Jenna | The Urben Life says
We love em 🙂 I hope you give them a try!
Celeste Noland says
I love smashed potatoes...but Brussels sprouts?? BRILLIANT! my 9-year-old loves Brussels sprouts so I'll have to try these.
Jenna | The Urben Life says
So happy to hear that 🙂 Let me know what y'all think! Enjoy!!
Erin Dee says
These are the perfect side dish! Love the vegan cheese topping!
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Thanks 🙂 I hope you give it a try!
Sarah says
We are huge brussel fans in our house but have never tried them with cheese! The thought never crossed my mind, we'll have to give them a try.
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Oooh, they're sooo good 🙂 Let me know what you think!
Cassidy @ Cassidy's Craveable Creations says
I've only tried brussel sprouts once and didn't like them, but I think I would probably like them made like this with cheese I'll have to try it!!!
Jenna | The Urben Life says
If you try them smashed and smothered in cheese, be sure to let me know how you feel about them 🙂
Cathy says
I'm already a fan of roasted brussels sprouts, so why not smash them! Thank you, Jenna, for this great idea!
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Heck yes 🙂 You are welcome!!
Jules Shepard says
Is there anything more perfect than a Brussel Sprout? Just love them and this recipe would definitely be a crowd pleaser at this house! YUM! Pinning!
Jenna | The Urben Life says
They're the best!!! I hope you enjoy em soon 🙂
Amy @ Orison Orchards says
These look delicious! I think I could eat the entire pan by myself, though my kids would fight me for them! We all love brussel sprouts!
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Yes! They didn't last long between me and my husband haha.
Alisa Fleming says
This is positively brilliant Jenna! My husband still likes to act like he hates brussels sprouts even though he loves them roasted. I bet he would like these too.
Jenna | The Urben Life says
Thanks so much, Alisa! I'm sure he'll love these 🙂 My husband is the same haha
susie liberatore says
I actually LOVE brussel sprouts! We are going to try this recipe for sure, thanks.
Jenna | The Urben Life says
So happy to hear that 🙂 Brussels are my fave!