Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Updated version of this recipe can be found here:

Bacon and Blue Cheese Brussels Sprouts

 

 

As a kid you couldn’t pay me a $100 a week allowance to eat Brussels sprouts. About a month ago, I went by my local Earth Fare and they had Roasted Brussels Sprouts on the hot bar. I decided to give them a try again and they were so good! They were served with a delicious Thai-glazed Mock “Chicken”. For some strange reason last week I was craving them, so I got to brainstorming on a great way to prepare them. First thing that came to mind was bacon and blue cheese crumbles — Thus the birth of my new favorite veggie dinner/side! Trust me these things are great by themselves, but I also love preparing them with baked fish.

Roasted Blue Cheese Brussels Sprouts—Recipe!

 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of Brussels sprouts
• 2 Tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil (good healthy oil)
• 1 Tablespoon of  balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup of reduced fat blue cheese crumbles
• 1  1/2 Tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese
•  Mrs. Dash – a few sprinkles (salt-free)
• 5 pieces of reduced-sodium turkey bacon (cook to make bacon bits) — optional

 

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450 F.
2. While oven is preheating. Heat turkey bacon in microwave on a microwave, splatter-proof plate for approximately 2 mins 30 seconds or 3 minutes if you like them real crispy. Make sure you keep an eye out to keep them from overcooking. Once bacon strips are finished, let them cool for a few minutes.
3. Trim Brussels sprouts, remove any discolored leaves, and cut into halves if small or in quarters (what I prefer). Place sprouts in mixing bowl and toss with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
4. Spray baking pan (cookie sheet will work) with non-stick spray if needed. Arrange sprouts on baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes. Stir once and cook until sprouts are lightly crisped and golden brown on the edges. Some of the loose leaves will be more brown and crispy.
5. Break cooled bacon into little pieces to make your bits (You can opt to use bacon bits already prepared).
6. Serve Brussels Sprouts by topping with bacon bits and blue cheese crumbles.