Are you looking for a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make dish to liven up your dinner table? Look no further than these Smoky Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Dried Apricots and Goat Cheese. Packed with nutrients and bursting with complex flavors, this dish is an ideal combination of smokiness, sweetness, and creaminess. Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner or simply want to make vegetables the star of your meal, this recipe has everything you need to delight your taste buds.
Brussels sprouts have always been considered a nutrient-rich powerhouse. When roasted to crispy perfection, they take on a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet chewiness of dried apricots and the creaminess of goat cheese. This dish is versatile enough to serve as a savory side dish or a main for those seeking a lighter, vegetarian option.
In this long-form article, we’ll walk you through every step of preparing this delightful dish, complete with detailed instructions, tips, health benefits, and answers to frequently asked questions. Plus, you’ll discover how to make this dish shine on your table, no matter the occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
Brussels sprouts are the star of this dish. They roast beautifully, transforming from a bitter veggie into a caramelized, flavorful delight. - 2 tbsp olive oil
Olive oil ensures the Brussels sprouts are coated evenly for roasting, giving them a crispy finish. - 1 tsp smoked paprika
Smoked paprika adds a warm, smoky flavor that elevates the dish from ordinary to extraordinary. - 1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
The sweetness of dried apricots brings a delightful contrast to the smoky Brussels sprouts, creating a wonderful balance of flavors. - 2 oz goat cheese, crumbled
Creamy goat cheese adds a rich, tangy layer that complements the smokiness of the sprouts. - Salt and pepper to taste
These essential seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 160 kcal
Directions
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preparing the oven at the right temperature ensures your Brussels sprouts roast evenly, resulting in that perfect crispy outer layer that makes this dish so delectable.
While the oven preheats, start by trimming the ends of your Brussels sprouts and then slicing them in half. If some leaves fall off, keep them—they get extra crispy in the oven and make for a delicious texture contrast.
Step 2: Toss and Season
In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. The smoked paprika is what gives this dish its smoky kick, which pairs perfectly with the Brussels sprouts’ natural earthy flavors. Toss everything together until the sprouts are well-coated in the seasoning.
Step 3: Arrange on a Baking Sheet
Next, spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure there is enough space between each sprout—crowding the pan can lead to steaming rather than roasting, preventing the sprouts from becoming crispy.
Step 4: Roast the Brussels Sprouts
Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping the sprouts halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them during the last 5 minutes of roasting, as ovens vary, and you want a beautiful caramelized exterior without overcooking them.
Step 5: Add Dried Apricots
In the last 5 minutes of roasting, sprinkle the 1/4 cup of chopped dried apricots over the Brussels sprouts. This step allows the apricots to soften slightly and meld their sweet flavor with the smoky sprouts.
Step 6: Add Goat Cheese
Once the Brussels sprouts are roasted to perfection, remove the baking sheet from the oven. While the sprouts are still warm, crumble 2 ounces of goat cheese over the top. The heat from the sprouts will cause the cheese to soften, adding a creamy, tangy element to the dish that brings all the flavors together.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the roasted Brussels sprouts to a serving dish. You can garnish with additional cracked black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil if you like. Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the perfect combination of smoky, sweet, and creamy flavors.
Tips for Perfect Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: To ensure your Brussels sprouts roast properly, spread them out in a single layer. Overcrowding leads to steaming, which prevents the sprouts from achieving that crispy, caramelized finish.
- Use High Heat: Roasting at 400°F is ideal for getting those crispy edges on the Brussels sprouts. If your oven tends to run cool, consider increasing the temperature slightly.
- Flip Halfway Through: Flipping the sprouts halfway through roasting is key to ensuring both sides get evenly browned.
Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a nutritional powerhouse that offers numerous health benefits:
- Rich in Vitamins: Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of vitamins C and K, which are crucial for immune function and bone health, respectively.
- High in Fiber: They are also rich in dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and helping to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
- Antioxidant Properties: Brussels sprouts contain antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.
- Supports Heart Health: The fiber, antioxidants, and potassium content in Brussels sprouts work together to support cardiovascular health by reducing cholesterol levels and regulating blood pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Absolutely! To make this dish vegan, simply substitute the goat cheese with a vegan cheese alternative. You could also sprinkle nutritional yeast on top for a cheesy flavor without any dairy.
Can I Use Fresh Apricots Instead of Dried?
You can use fresh apricots if they are in season, but keep in mind that they have a higher water content compared to dried apricots. You may want to roast them separately and add them just before serving to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Tips for Meal Prep
This dish can be prepped in advance if you’re looking to save time:
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts Ahead of Time: Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts up to 2 days in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Chop the Apricots: You can also chop the dried apricots ahead of time and keep them in a sealed container until you’re ready to use them.
Variations to Try
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted almonds or walnuts over the dish just before serving for an added crunch.
- Use Different Cheese: Instead of goat cheese, try using feta or blue cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Add a Protein: To make this dish more substantial, add a source of protein like chickpeas or quinoa.
Conclusion
Smoky Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Dried Apricots and Goat Cheese is an incredibly versatile and flavorful dish that makes a perfect side or even a main for a lighter meal. The combination of smokiness from the paprika, sweetness from the apricots, and creaminess from the goat cheese creates a balance of flavors that will delight everyone at the table.
By following these simple steps and incorporating the tips provided, you’ll have a dish that is not only healthy and delicious but also visually stunning. The next time you’re looking for a way to elevate your Brussels sprouts, give this recipe a try—it might just become your new favorite way to enjoy this underrated vegetable.
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