Smashed & Breaded Brussels Sprouts

Smashed & Breaded Brussels Sprouts are a crispy, golden, and wildly addictive way to enjoy this humble vegetable. Softened, smashed, breaded, and baked until crunchy, they make the perfect appetizer, side dish, or snack. Served with a spicy Peri Peri dipping sauce, this dish brings a fun and flavorful twist to any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Brussels sprouts are everything you didn’t know you needed—tender on the inside, crispy on the outside, and packed with savory, garlicky flavor. The smashing process creates more surface area for crunch, while the simple breading adds just the right texture. They’re oven-baked, not fried, making them a healthier option without sacrificing taste. Plus, the spicy dipping sauce takes them to a whole new level.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Brussels Sprouts:

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed

• ¼ cup water

• Spray oil

For the Breading:

• 5 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• Pinch black pepper

• ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

• ½ cup unsweetened, unflavored nondairy milk

For the Peri Peri Dip:

• 2 teaspoons vegan mayonnaise

• 2 teaspoons Peri Peri sauce

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).

2. Place the trimmed Brussels sprouts in a microwave-safe bowl with ¼ cup water. Cover and microwave for 3–5 minutes, or until slightly softened. Drain well.

3. Use a flat-bottomed glass to gently smash each Brussels sprout until flattened but still intact.

4. In a shallow plate, mix together panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.

5. Set up a breading station: one bowl with flour, another with nondairy milk, and the breadcrumb mixture on a plate.

6. Bread each smashed Brussels sprout by dipping it first in flour, then in nondairy milk, and finally pressing into the breadcrumbs. Place on a baking sheet.

7. Spray generously with spray oil. Bake for 13–15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

8. While baking, mix together the vegan mayonnaise, Peri Peri sauce, and garlic powder in a small bowl to make the dipping sauce.

9. Once baked, transfer the crispy Brussels sprouts to a serving dish. Garnish with coarse sea salt and fresh oregano if desired. Serve with dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Air fryer method: Cook breaded Brussels sprouts in an air fryer at 400°F for 10–12 minutes for an extra crispy finish.

• Different dip: Swap the Peri Peri dip with vegan ranch, sriracha mayo, or tahini sauce.

• Cheesy coating: Mix nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan into the breadcrumbs for a cheesy twist.

• Spicy breading: Add smoked paprika, cayenne, or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make the recipe entirely gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing:
Freezing is not recommended as the breading may become soggy once thawed.

Reheating:
Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes or in an air fryer for 4–5 minutes to bring back crispiness.

FAQs

Can I make these without microwaving the Brussels sprouts?

Yes, you can steam or boil them briefly instead. The goal is to soften them enough to smash without breaking apart.

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

Fresh is best for texture, but if using frozen, thaw and pat them dry before smashing and breading.

How do I get the breading to stick well?

Be sure to coat each sprout thoroughly in flour, then milk, then press firmly into the breadcrumbs.

Can I fry these instead of baking?

Yes, pan-fry in a shallow layer of oil over medium heat until golden and crispy on both sides.

What does smashing the sprouts do?

Smashing increases the surface area, allowing for a crispier texture after breading and baking.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prep and bread them ahead, then bake just before serving for the best texture.

What is Peri Peri sauce?

Peri Peri sauce is a spicy, tangy chili-based sauce. You can substitute sriracha or hot sauce if needed.

Are these kid-friendly?

Yes, especially if served with a milder dipping sauce. The crispy texture often wins kids over.

Can I make this recipe oil-free?

You can skip the spray oil, but they may not get as crispy. An air fryer may help improve crispness without oil.

What can I serve with these?

Serve as an appetizer, party snack, or side dish alongside grain bowls, burgers, or pasta.

Conclusion

Smashed & Breaded Brussels Sprouts are a fun, crunchy, and flavorful way to elevate a simple vegetable into something snackable and crave-worthy. With a crispy coating and bold dipping sauce, they’re sure to impress whether you serve them at a party, as a side, or just as a creative way to eat more greens. Once you try them this way, plain Brussels sprouts just won’t be the same.

Print