Just in time for fall and the holidays ahead, I made this simple recipe for you to keep handy. Cheesy Cacio e Pepe Brussels Sprouts, a super delicious way to eat Brussels sprouts, can be made in the oven, air fryer or partly in a skillet. We toss the sprouts in a garlic infused olive oil, roast them, and then top them with freshly cracked pepper, Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese, then baked until the cheese is melted. Thats it!
What is cacio e pepe?
Cacio e pepe, (kaa·chee·ow ee peh·pay) is a classic pasta dish from Rome. Usually spaghetti is smothered in a creamy cheesy buttery black pepper sauce and thickened with starchy pasta water. Cacio e Pepe Brussels sprouts is very similar, lighter as we swap out the pasta for delicious crunchy Brussels sprouts, butter is replaced with olive oil. This makes it a lot lighter by cutting out the carbs from the pasta, yet super delicious without compromising on flavor.
Ingredients you’ll need for Cacio e Pepe Brussels sprouts:
- Brussels sprouts
- Garlic powder
- Freshly cracked black pepper: freshly cracked gives the amazing flavor to finish.
- Grated or shaved Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese
- E. Virgin Olive Oil
Why we love this recipe:
- This recipe makes an excellent side dish for weeknight dinners to accompany any protein and elegant enough to serve at a dinner party, Thanksgiving or Christmas table.
- Brussels Sprouts belong to the cruciferous family, and are packed with tons of nutrients.
- The recipes comes together with few ingredientsnd cooks in under 15 minutes in the oven.
Cacio e Pepe Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and sliced in half
- 3 tbsp e.v olive oil
- ½ cup Parmesan or Pecorino shaved or grated
- ½ tsp garlic powder or 1 tsp fresh garlic grated
- freshly ground black pepper as needed
Instructions
- Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the one to 400ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, toss the halved brussels sprouts in e.v olive oil, garlic powder, and black pepper until they’re evenly coated. If you have loose leaves that get detached from the sprouts, set them as side and add them along with the cheese. This roasts them evenly along with the sprouts.
- Spread out the brussels sprouts on to the baking dish in a single layer and roast for 15-18 minutes or until they’re tender, browned and crispy around the edges. Sprinkle with cheese, and pop under the broiler for 30 seconds –2 minute or until the cheese melts and gets all bubbly and golden. Crack a little more black pepper and optionally a thin drizzle of e.v olive oil before serving.
Notes
- If you have loose leaves that get detached from the sprouts, set them as side and add them along with the cheese. This roasts them evenly along with the sprouts.
- For Air Fryer Method: Set the air fryer at 375ºF. Spread the Brussels sprouts out in the air fryer basket, and cook for 5-6 minutes. Then, open the air fryer, top with cheese. Close the air fryer and continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes until golden, crispy and cooked.
- Brussels sprouts size vary, if your sprouts are on the larger side they may need 1-2 minutes extra to cook.
Looks so good. Will surely give it a try.