Forget everything you thought you knew about Brussels sprouts! This isn't just another boring vegetable side dish—this is a flavor explosion that will make even the most veggie-skeptical person at your table beg for seconds. Imagine crispy, golden-brown Brussels sprouts kissed with tangy balsamic and crowned with creamy, salty feta cheese—a combination so irresistible, it'll turn your vegetable haters into veggie enthusiasts in just one bite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash Brussels sprouts thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Using a sharp knife, trim the tough stem ends of the Brussels sprouts and discard them.
- Chop the Brussels sprouts into uniform, small pieces approximately 1/4 inch thick to ensure even cooking.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and is hot but not smoking.
- Add the chopped Brussels sprouts to the skillet, spreading them in a single layer to allow proper browning and caramelization.
- Season the Brussels sprouts with salt and freshly ground black pepper, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Cook the Brussels sprouts for approximately 10-12 minutes, stirring intermittently, until they develop golden-brown edges and become tender.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the Brussels sprouts during the last 2 minutes of cooking to add a tangy flavor and enhance caramelization.
- Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the cooked Brussels sprouts to a serving dish.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese evenly over the warm Brussels sprouts, allowing the residual heat to slightly melt the cheese.
- Serve immediately as a delicious side dish, ensuring each serving gets a good mix of crispy Brussels sprouts and creamy feta cheese.
Tips
- Size Matters: Chop your Brussels sprouts into uniform, small pieces (about 1/4 inch thick) to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Don't Crowd the Pan: Spread the sprouts in a single layer to achieve beautiful caramelization. Overcrowding leads to steaming, not browning.
- High Heat is Key: Use medium-high heat to get those gorgeous golden-brown edges that add incredible depth of flavor.
- Timing the Balsamic: Add the balsamic vinegar in the last 2 minutes of cooking to prevent burning and create a rich, tangy glaze.
- Cheese Temperature Trick: Sprinkle feta while the Brussels sprouts are still warm to slightly melt the cheese and create a creamy texture. Pro Tip: For extra crunch, consider toasting some pine nuts or almonds to sprinkle on top just before serving!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
