When it comes to Thanksgiving ours is never the same. Growing up we did Thanksgiving in Pennsylvania with my mom’s side of the family. It was your classic, more formal Thanksgiving full of relatives. Many extended relatives knew you, but as a kid, sometimes you had no idea who you were talking to. My brothers and I didn’t hate it though. We’d do Thanksgiving dinner around 3 pm if I recall correctly. Then that night the family would head to the family cabin in Ripley, New York for the long weekend. Some of my best memories. When we moved to Colorado. I had the best time working on creating the entire menu. And from my very first Thanksgiving, to this year’s Thanksgiving, there has always been a brussels sprouts recipe on the table. Some years I’ll switch it up, last year I roasted them in bacon. In other years I fall back on my classic recipe, the one I personally love the most. Today’s recipe, it’s basic and easy. And in my eyes, perfect, they are the best Brussels sprouts.
Here are the details
Make the dressing first. This is a very basic dressing, but also the one I make the most. Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fig preserves mixed with garlic, thyme, and chili flakes. The balsamic and fig preserves make this special. I rarely hear of people using fig preserves but they add a subtle sweetness that I find so wonderful in the fall and winter. You could also use honey. They’re so nice paired with a tangy balsamic. Once the dressing is mixed, which literally takes 5 minutes, I move to the brussels sprouts. Cut them in half and toss them on a baking sheet with the shallots, then pour the dressing over top. Layer the brussels sprouts cut side down on the baking sheet. They will soften in the center and get extra crispy on the outside. The best part for me is that the balsamic glaze cooks into every nook and cranny of the brussels sprouts making every bite beyond good. But they’re made even better by tossing the warm sprouts with manchego cheese. I love the nutty flavor of the sweet manchego cheese. But I know some of you may have trouble sourcing Manchego, in that case, parmesan cheese is great too. Plate the sprouts on a platter, add the pomegranates, and then the remaining dressing. If the pomegranate is throwing you off, that’s fine you can skip it. BUT the sweet arils really add to the flavors. I personally love them. They make these sprouts spicy and tangy, which goes so well with the nutty cheesy. Truly nothing more delicious.
Make them ahead
Just roast the sprouts and chill, then you can either serve them at room temperature with fresh pomegranates or crisp them up first in the oven. I always crisp them up! Can’t wait for you all to try these!!! They’re my favorite holiday side dish, for both Thanksgiving and Christmas! Looking for other Thanksgiving sides? Here are a few ideas: Shredded Brussels Sprout and Prosciutto Salad Hasselback Butternut Squash with Sage Butter Crispy Parmesan Thyme Sweet Potato Stacks Winter Pomegranate Salad with Maple Candied Walnuts Citrus Avocado Salad with Orange Tahini Vinaigrette Kale Caesar Salad with Sweet Potatoes and Crispy Chickpeas Lastly, if you make these Roasted Balsamic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
