Name: Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprout Bites
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For Brussels Sprouts: 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved; ½ cup panko breadcrumbs; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 3 tablespoons melted unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon black pepper; A pinch of cayenne (optional); Flaky salt (for finishing); Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish); For Mustard Aioli: ¼ cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; Juice of half a lemon

Brussels sprouts might not have the best reputation, but let me tell you, these Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprout Bites are a total game-changer. Forget everything you think you know about Brussels sprouts. When coated in Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, and just the right blend of seasonings, these golden bites become crunchy, cheesy, and completely irresistible.

They’re not just another veggie side dish—they’re the ultimate party snack or appetizer. Pair them with a tangy mustard aioli, and you’ll find yourself sneaking more than a few before they even make it to the table.

I first discovered this recipe while trying to make Brussels sprouts a little more exciting for my family. Honestly, I wasn’t sure how it would go over, but after one bite, even the pickiest eaters were hooked. Now, it’s one of those dishes that gets requested again and again for everything from game nights to holiday parties. And the best part? They’re super easy to make!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re still on the fence about Brussels sprouts, this recipe will win you over in no time. Here’s why these crispy bites are so lovable:

Crispy and golden: Thanks to the Parmesan-panko coating, every bite has a perfectly crunchy texture.
Flavor-packed: The garlic powder, cayenne, and Dijon mustard give these bites just the right amount of seasoning without overpowering the natural flavor of the sprouts.
Easy to make: You only need a few simple ingredients, and the whole process is straightforward, even if you’re new to cooking.
Party-perfect: These bite-sized snacks are ideal for sharing at gatherings, but they also make a fantastic side dish for weeknight dinners.
Kid-friendly: The crispy coating and cheesy flavor make them a hit, even with kids who typically avoid veggies.

Let’s be real: these aren’t just Brussels sprouts—they’re a crunchy, cheesy snack that feels more indulgent than healthy (but hey, you’re still eating veggies, so it’s a win-win).

Preparation Time and Servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4-6 (as an appetizer)

Ingredients

For the Brussels Sprouts

1 pound Brussels sprouts, cleaned, trimmed, and halved
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 large eggs, beaten
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon garlic powder
A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Flaky salt, for finishing
Chopped fresh chives, for garnish

For the Tangy Mustard Aioli

¼ cup mayonnaise
Juice of half a lemon
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Set Up a Breading Station

You’ll need three shallow bowls for breading:

In the first bowl, combine the flour, black pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne (if using).
In the second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
In the third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and melted butter. The butter helps the coating turn golden and crispy in the oven.

Step 3: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Clean and trim the Brussels sprouts, removing any tough outer leaves. Cut them in half if they’re large, so they cook evenly.

Step 4: Bread the Brussels Sprouts

Toss the Brussels sprouts in the flour mixture, making sure they’re evenly coated.
Dip each sprout in the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off.
Roll the sprouts in the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks.

Step 5: Bake the Brussels Sprouts

Arrange the breaded sprouts on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one. This helps them crisp up evenly.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, tossing them halfway through for even browning. The sprouts are ready when they’re golden and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Step 6: Make the Mustard Aioli

While the sprouts are baking, whip up the dipping sauce. In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth. Taste and adjust with more lemon juice or mustard, depending on your preference.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle the crispy Brussels sprouts with flaky salt and garnish with chopped fresh chives for a pop of color. Serve immediately with the mustard aioli on the side.

How to Serve

Crispy Parmesan Brussels sprout bites are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas for serving them:

As a snack: Pair them with the mustard aioli and serve as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
As a side dish: They make a great companion to roasted chicken, grilled fish, or pasta.
With a dipping platter: Add them to a platter with other snacks like veggie sticks, cheese cubes, and crackers.

Additional Tips for Success

Choose the right Brussels sprouts: Look for fresh, firm sprouts with tightly packed leaves. Avoid ones that are yellowing or have a strong odor.
Keep the coating crunchy: Use a light hand when breading the sprouts to ensure the coating sticks without being too thick.
Toss halfway through baking: This helps the sprouts crisp up evenly and prevents any soggy spots.
Customize the seasoning: If you want more heat, add extra cayenne or a dash of smoked paprika to the flour mixture. For a more herbaceous flavor, mix in dried oregano or thyme.
Serve immediately: These bites are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while they’re hot and crispy.

Recipe Variations

These Crispy Parmesan Brussels sprout are easily adaptable to suit different tastes and dietary needs:

Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or smoked paprika to the panko mixture for a bit of heat.
Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour and panko for gluten-free alternatives.
Cheese Lovers: Use a mix of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano for extra cheesiness.
Lemon-Herb Twist: Add lemon zest and dried thyme to the breadcrumb mixture for a bright, zesty flavor.

Storing and Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To keep them crispy, reheat in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 189
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Protein: 6g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread the Brussels sprouts a few hours ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Bake them just before serving for the best texture.

Can I air fry instead of baking?
Definitely! Air fry the breaded sprouts at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

What can I use instead of Parmesan?
Grated Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast (for a dairy-free option) works well.

Can I freeze them?
It’s not recommended to freeze cooked Brussels sprouts, as the texture can become mushy.

Conclusion

Crispy Parmesan Brussels sprout bites are the kind of dish that makes people fall in love with Brussels sprouts all over again. With their crunchy, golden coating and creamy mustard aioli, they’re guaranteed to steal the show at any gathering.

Give this recipe a try—I promise you won’t be disappointed. If you make it, I’d love to see your creations! Don’t forget to leave a comment or tag me on social media. Happy cooking!