There’s nothing quite like the heartwarming aroma of Brussels sprouts roasting in the oven, especially when they’re transformed into the ultimate holiday treat: Stuffed Brussels Sprouts! As I prepped these little bundles of joy for a recent gathering, the combination of creamy ricotta and savory Parmesan created a mouthwatering filling that brought smiles to everyone’s faces. The hint of garlic and fresh lemon zest added a delightful zing that perfectly complemented their earthy flavor.
These colorful, bite-sized appetizers have quickly become my go-to for Thanksgiving celebrations or any occasion where I want to impress without a lot of hassle. Can you believe they come together in just a few quick steps? You’ll find that even your non-veggie-loving friends will be reaching for seconds! So let’s dive into making these gorgeous Vegetarian Stuffed Brussels Sprouts, destined to be the star of your holiday appetizer spread.
Why are Stuffed Brussels Sprouts a must-try?
Unique Flavor Explosion: The creamy ricotta and savory Parmesan blend creates a taste sensation that elevates the humble Brussels sprout.
Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have impressive appetizers ready to serve.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Even non-vegetarians will fall in love with this delightful twist on a classic veggie.
Visual Appeal: Their vibrant colors make for an eye-catching addition to any holiday spread.
Versatile Options: Customize the stuffing by adding greens, herbs, or other flavorful ingredients.
Make Ahead Convenience: Prepare in advance and simply pop them in the oven when it’s time to indulge!
Delicious Stuffed Brussels Sprouts Ingredients
For the Filling
• Ricotta – Creamy filling that provides moisture and richness; substitute with cottage cheese for a lower-fat option.
• Parmesan – Adds savory depth; use freshly grated for better melting and flavor, or swap with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
• Italian Bread Crumbs – Provides structure and crunch; ensure they are plain to avoid extra seasonings, or replace with panko for extra crispiness.
• Garlic – Aromatic flavor for the stuffing; always use fresh minced for the best results.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Adds a hint of heat; adjust to taste or omit for a milder dish.
• Lemon Zest – Enhances flavor with fresh citrus notes; use fresh lemon for the best aroma.
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper – Essential seasonings; adjust to your personal taste preferences.
For the Brussels Sprouts
• Brussels Sprouts – Base ingredient; trimmed and halved for easy stuffing, choose fresh sprouts for the best flavor and texture.
• Extra-virgin Olive Oil – Drizzling over the sprouts for richness; substitute with melted butter if desired.
These ingredients come together to create the perfect Stuffed Brussels Sprouts, a must-try appetizer for your next gathering!
How to Make Stuffed Brussels Sprouts
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Prep the Brussels Sprouts: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with cooking spray. Trim the ends and halve the Brussels sprouts to create perfect little bowls for stuffing.
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Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, blend together the ricotta, freshly grated Parmesan, Italian bread crumbs, zesty lemon peel, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir until you achieve a smooth and well-combined mixture.
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Stuff the Sprouts: Carefully fill each halved Brussels sprout with the creamy ricotta mixture, using a spoon to press down gently. You want them well-stuffed but not overflowing.
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Bake: Arrange the stuffed Brussels sprouts on the prepared baking sheet, then drizzle them with extra-virgin olive oil. Sprinkle a little more Parmesan on top, and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden and tender.
Optional: For a crispy finish, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Stuffed Brussels Sprouts
- Fresh is Best: Always choose fresh Brussels sprouts for the best flavor and texture; avoid any that appear wilted or discolored.
- Don’t Overstuff: Be careful not to fill the sprouts too much; leaving a little room helps prevent the filling from spilling out while baking.
- Preheat Matters: Ensure your oven is completely preheated before baking the stuffed Brussels sprouts for even cooking and perfect crispiness.
- Add a Crunch: For an extra layer of texture, consider adding chopped nuts or a sprinkle of panko on top before baking your stuffed Brussels sprouts.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs or spices in your filling for a personalized touch that suits your taste.
- Make Ahead-Friendly: You can prep your stuffed Brussels sprouts a few hours in advance; just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake!
How to Store and Freeze Stuffed Brussels Sprouts
Fridge: Keep cooked stuffed Brussels sprouts in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through.
Freezer: If you want to freeze them, place the stuffed sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to serve, reheat from frozen by baking at 375°F for 25–30 minutes or until heated thoroughly. Enjoy your delicious stuffed Brussels sprouts anytime with these handy storage tips!
What to Serve with Stuffed Brussels Sprouts?
Elevate your meal with delightful sides that perfectly complement these creamy, cheesy bites.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, these mashed potatoes provide a comforting side that pairs wonderfully with the crispiness of the sprouts.
- Mixed Greens Salad: A fresh salad adds crunch and brightness, balancing the richness of the stuffed Brussels sprouts. Tossed with a light lemon vinaigrette, it’s a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness and soft texture beautifully complement the savory filling, creating a delicious harmony on your plate.
- Cranberry Sauce: A tart and vibrant sauce adds a festive touch while enhancing the flavors of both the sprouts and your main dish.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: A similar stuffed appetizer idea, these savory bites resonate with the flavors of ricotta and Parmesan, creating a cohesive starter.
- Sautéed Garlic Green Beans: Tender green beans with a hint of garlic provide a crunchy, fresh element that pairs delightfully with the rich stuffing.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc will enhance the flavors of the filling, making each bite of stuffed Brussels sprouts even more enjoyable.
- Pumpkin Cheesecake: For dessert, a slice of spiced pumpkin cheesecake offers a sweet end to your meal that compliments the seasonal nature of the Brussels sprouts.
Stuffed Brussels Sprouts Variations
Feel free to get creative and make these scrumptious stuffed Brussels sprouts your own with delightful twists and substitutions!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute ricotta with a vegan cream cheese alternative for a plant-based option that’s equally creamy.
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Nutty Delight: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
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Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or parsley into the stuffing for a fresh flavor boost that enhances every bite.
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Mediterranean Twist: Add diced sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives to the filling for a Mediterranean flair that’s bursting with flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños for an extra hit of heat that spicy food lovers will adore.
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Mushroom Blend: Sauté finely chopped mushrooms and mix them into the filling for an earthy richness that complements the Brussels sprouts beautifully.
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Smoky Flavor: Add some smoked paprika into the stuffing for a hint of smokiness that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
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Zesty Option: Try swapping lemon zest with fresh lime zest for a citrusy twist that brightens up the entire dish!
Make Ahead Options
These Vegetarian Stuffed Brussels Sprouts are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the stuffing for up to 3 days in advance; simply mix the ricotta, Parmesan, bread crumbs, lemon zest, garlic, and seasonings, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can stuff the Brussels sprouts and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover them tightly to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to serve, preheat the oven and bake them as directed. This way, you’ll enjoy warm, delicious stuffed Brussels sprouts with minimal effort, impressing your guests while saving valuable time!
Stuffed Brussels Sprouts Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best Brussels sprouts?
Absolutely! When choosing Brussels sprouts, look for fresh ones that are firm and green. Avoid any that are wilted, discolored, or have dark spots all over. A good sprout should feel heavy for its size; this ensures it’s juicy and fresh.
How should I store leftover stuffed Brussels sprouts?
For the best storage, keep cooked stuffed Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F and warm them for about 10-15 minutes. This will help retain their crispy exterior and warm interior, making them taste almost as good as fresh.
Can I freeze stuffed Brussels sprouts?
Absolutely! To freeze, first place your stuffed Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag and they’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake from frozen at 375°F for 25-30 minutes or until heated through. This method ensures they maintain their delicious flavor and texture!
What if I overstuff the Brussels sprouts?
Very understandable! If you accidentally overstuff your Brussels sprouts, they might spill out during baking. To avoid this, fill them just enough so that the filling is slightly mounded but not overflowing. If you do find a bit of filling spilling, simply use a spoon to push it back in gently while rotating them on the baking sheet.
Are Stuffed Brussels Sprouts pet-friendly?
It’s important to be cautious. While Brussels sprouts are safe for dogs in small amounts, keep in mind that ingredients like garlic and onion (if included) can be harmful to them. It’s best to keep these delicious appetizers reserved for human enjoyment to ensure the safety of your furry friends!
Can I make these Brussels sprouts vegan?
Certainly! For a vegan version of stuffed Brussels sprouts, swap out the ricotta for a plant-based cream cheese alternative and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for that cheesy flavor without dairy. You can still follow the same preparation method, and they will be just as delicious!
Delicious Stuffed Brussels Sprouts with Creamy Ricotta Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with cooking spray. Trim the ends and halve the Brussels sprouts.
- In a mixing bowl, blend together the ricotta, Parmesan, bread crumbs, lemon zest, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until well-combined.
- Fill each halved Brussels sprout with the ricotta mixture, pressing down gently.
- Arrange the sprout on the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with Parmesan, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden.
- Optional: Broil for 2-3 minutes for a crispy finish.