Tahini-Caesar Roasted Brussels Sprouts: A Show-Stopping Side Dish

I’ve always been a fan of Brussels sprouts, but it wasn’t until I tried them roasted with a unique dressing that I truly fell in love. I remember the first time I made this Tahini-Caesar Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe for a dinner party. The combination of the nutty tahini, savory anchovies, and the crispy roasted sprouts was an absolute hit. My guests were surprised by how flavorful and sophisticated this simple side dish was. This recipe is perfect for beginners because it transforms a humble vegetable into a gourmet experience with easy-to-follow steps and readily available ingredients. It’s a great way to introduce healthy and flavorful vegetables into your diet, offering a delicious twist on a classic side. Imagine biting into tender, roasted Brussels sprouts coated in a creamy tahini-Caesar dressing, topped with crunchy whole-wheat croutons and nutty sunflower seeds. It’s a delightful mix of textures and flavors that will elevate any meal. This recipe is ideal for those looking for a quick, easy, and impressive way to enjoy Brussels sprouts. Let’s dive into this simple and delicious recipe!

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Ingredients and Preparation: Your Brussels Sprouts Essentials – Simple and Flavorful

Creating these Tahini-Caesar Roasted Brussels Sprouts involves a few key ingredients, making it ideal for beginner cooks. Proper preparation ensures a smooth and delicious outcome.

For the Brussels Sprouts: The Heart of the Dish – The Star Vegetable:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil – Provides a healthy fat for roasting and adds flavor. Alternatives: Avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or melted coconut oil. Olive oil ensures the sprouts roast evenly, creating a golden-brown exterior.
• 2 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved lengthwise – Provides the main vegetable component. Alternatives: Broccoli florets, cauliflower florets, or a mix of root vegetables. Brussels sprouts offer a slightly bitter, nutty flavor that pairs well with the creamy dressing.
• Kosher salt and black pepper – Enhances the overall flavor. Alternatives: Sea salt, seasoned salt, or a pepper blend. Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning, bringing out the natural flavors of the sprouts.

For the Tahini Caesar Dressing: The Flavor Enhancer – The Creamy Sauce:

• 3 oil-packed anchovy fillets, chopped – Adds a savory, umami flavor. Alternatives: Anchovy paste, fish sauce, or a vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Anchovies provide a classic Caesar flavor, adding depth and complexity.
• 1 large garlic clove, chopped – Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor. Alternatives: Garlic powder, garlic paste, or roasted garlic. Fresh garlic adds a robust flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt – Enhances the overall flavor. Alternatives: Sea salt, or seasoned salt. Salt is crucial for balancing flavors, ensuring the dressing is well-seasoned.
• 2 tablespoons tahini – Adds a nutty, creamy flavor. Alternatives: 1 egg yolk, cashew butter, or almond butter. Tahini provides a unique, nutty depth that sets this Caesar dressing apart.
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – Adds a bright, citrusy flavor. Alternatives: Lime juice or apple cider vinegar. Lemon juice cuts through the richness of the dressing, adding a refreshing element.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Adds a tangy, sharp flavor. Alternatives: Yellow mustard or mustard powder. Dijon mustard adds a zesty kick that enhances the overall taste.
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil – Provides a base for the dressing and adds richness. Alternatives: Avocado oil or grapeseed oil. Olive oil emulsifies the dressing, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
• 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, finely grated – Adds a salty, savory flavor. Alternatives: Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a vegan option). Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, salty note that complements the creamy dressing.

For the Breadcrumbs: The Crunchy Topping – The Texture Element:

• 2 cups hearty whole-wheat bread, broken into craggy pieces – Provides a crunchy topping. Alternatives: Panko breadcrumbs, gluten-free bread, or croutons. Whole-wheat bread adds a nutty, hearty texture that enhances the dish.
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil – Helps the breadcrumbs crisp up. Alternatives: Melted butter or cooking spray. Olive oil ensures the breadcrumbs brown evenly, creating a crispy texture.
• 2 tablespoons roasted sunflower seeds – Adds a nutty crunch. Alternatives: Pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, or chopped walnuts. Sunflower seeds add a nutty, satisfying crunch that complements the other textures.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Your Guide to Tahini-Caesar Brussels Sprouts Success – Easy and Clear

1. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts:
   • Heat oven to 500°F with racks set in middle and lowest positions. This ensures even roasting, preventing any undercooked or burnt areas.
   • Toss sprouts with 2 tablespoons oil to evenly coat; season with salt and pepper. This ensures the sprouts are well-seasoned and roast properly, creating a flavorful base.
   • Transfer sprouts to a baking sheet and arrange cut side down in a single layer. This allows the cut sides to caramelize, adding a sweet and nutty flavor.
   • Tightly cover sheet with foil and roast 10 minutes on lowest rack. This steams the sprouts, making them tender and ensuring they cook evenly.
   • Remove foil from sheet and continue to roast on lowest rack 7–10 minutes more until sprouts are deep golden brown. This caramelizes the sprouts, adding flavor and texture, creating a crispy exterior.
2. Make the Tahini Caesar Dressing:
   • Mound anchovies, garlic, and ¾ teaspoon salt on a cutting board. Mince the anchovies, garlic and salt together until well combined. This creates a flavorful paste, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
   • Continue to work mixture, mashing and scraping with the side of the knife, until a smooth paste forms. (Alternatively, you can use a mortar and pestle to do this or use grated garlic and anchovy paste instead.) This ensures a smooth dressing, preventing any lumps or uneven textures.
   • Whisk tahini, lemon juice, and Dijon in a large bowl. Place the bowl on a damp kitchen towel or paper towel to hold in place. This prevents the bowl from moving while whisking, ensuring stability and ease of mixing.
   • Start slowly dripping oil into tahini mixture while whisking constantly and vigorously. Continue, slowly adding oil and whisking vigorously, until mixture looks slightly thickened and glossy. This emulsifies the dressing, creating a creamy texture and preventing separation.
   • Continue to gradually add oil in a slow, steady stream until all oil has been added and mixture looks like mayonnaise. This ensures a smooth and creamy dressing, achieving the desired consistency.
   • Add a dash of water and whisk, adjusting with more water as needed, until dressing is the consistency of heavy cream. This thins the dressing to the desired consistency, making it easier to coat the sprouts.
   • Add anchovy mixture and Parmesan and whisk until smooth. This incorporates the savory flavors into the dressing, creating a well-balanced taste.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste. This allows you to adjust the seasoning to your preference, ensuring the dressing is perfectly seasoned.
   • Transfer cooked Brussels sprouts to bowl with dressing and toss to coat. This ensures the sprouts are evenly coated with the dressing, creating a flavorful and cohesive dish.
3. Prepare the Breadcrumbs:
   • For the breadcrumbs, toss bread pieces with 1 tablespoon oil and season with salt and pepper. This ensures the breadcrumbs are well-seasoned and crisp up nicely, adding flavor and texture.
   • Arrange in a single layer on sheet pan. This allows the breadcrumbs to brown evenly, preventing any burnt or undercooked pieces.
   • Roast on the middle rack until golden brown and crunchy, about 5 minutes. This creates crispy breadcrumbs, adding a delightful crunch to the dish.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   • Transfer dressed Brussels sprouts to a serving platter and top with breadcrumbs and sunflower seeds. This adds a crunchy topping and completes the dish, creating a visually appealing presentation.

Beginner Tips and Notes: Your Kitchen Companion – Helpful Advice and Hacks

• Troubleshooting:
  • Brussels Sprouts Burnt: Reduce oven temperature slightly and monitor closely. You can also cover the edges of the baking sheet with foil to prevent burning.
  • Dressing Too Thick: Add more water or lemon juice to thin it out. You can also add a tablespoon of olive oil to adjust the consistency.
  • Breadcrumbs Burnt: Watch the breadcrumbs closely; they brown quickly. You can also stir the breadcrumbs halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
  • Dressing Separated: Whisk vigorously while slowly adding oil to emulsify. You can also add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to help emulsify the dressing.
• Prep Efficiency:
  • Prepare Dressing in Advance: Make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. This saves time during the cooking process.
  • Cut Sprouts in Advance: Trim and halve the sprouts ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. This allows for quick and efficient preparation.
  • Make Breadcrumbs in Advance: Make the breadcrumbs ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. This ensures they stay crispy and ready to use.

A Nutritious Conclusion: Sharing the Joy of Tahini-Caesar Brussels Sprouts

These Tahini-Caesar Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a delightful and simple side dish, perfect for any occasion. It’s a testament to how easy and delicious a healthy vegetable dish can be. The tender, roasted sprouts, creamy tahini-Caesar dressing, and crunchy toppings create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and add your personal touch. And most importantly, have fun! We’d love to see your Brussels Sprouts creations! Share your photos and any variations you try in the comments below. Happy cooking!

What other vegetable recipes would you like to see us explore? Are you interested in learning more about different roasting techniques or mastering other dressing variations? Let us know in the comments! We’re here to support you on your culinary journey, one delicious bite at a time. We can’t wait to hear about your culinary triumphs! Share your photos and tag us in your creations – we’re excited to see what you make! We’re confident that this recipe will become a regular part of your side dish rotation. It’s a guaranteed way to bring some flavorful and nutritious goodness to your table. Enjoy! And remember, cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating. With a little planning and the right recipes, you can create delicious and impressive meals that everyone will love.