Balsamic Roasted Kale Sprouts with Shaved Parmesan is a healthful, dramatic and inspired vegetable side dish that's also super easy to make!
I'm so excited about sharing these Balsamic Roasted Kale Sprouts with Shaved Parmesan with you!
About a year ago, I read a Facebook posting about Brussels sprouts and kale being successfully crossbred to produce.......(drum roll).....kale sprouts! Oh, be still my beating heart!
First of all, I was a weird kid who actually loved Brussels sprouts. Then I became the weird adult who loved Brussels sprouts.
I'm also crazy about kale, so when I saw these little babies at Whole Foods the other day (sold under the brand name Kalettes®), it was a no-brainer--they were coming home with me. If you have a garden in a cool climate, you can even grow them yourself now!
Here's an easy recipe for these special little sprouts--Balsamic Roasted Kale Sprouts with Shaved Parmesan. Roasting is my all-time favorite way to prepare any cruciferous vegetable.
How to roast kale sprouts:
- Spread them out on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, good balsamic vinegar and add garlic.
- Give the sprouts a light "massage" to work the oil and balsamic vinegar in a bit. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes or until edges become lightly browned and sprouts are just tender.
- The roasting time may vary depending upon the size of the sprouts. They're done when the leaves are crispy but not burned. However, just as with kale and Brussels sprouts they can taste bitter if burned.
- And Parmesan! You need Parmesan cheese for these. The nutty flavor of the cheese, the mild bitterness of the sprouts and the mild acidity of the balsamic vinegar all sing together. Grated Parmesan is fine, but shaved adds to the drama!
How easy is that?
If you can't find kale sprouts, ask your grocer to get them. You'll be amazed at how responsive your produce manager is--especially if you're a good customer.
This dish also works well with Brussels sprouts. Enjoy!
More recipes that can be adapted to kale sprouts:
- Massaged Kale Antipasto Salad
- Spicy Sauteed Kale with Andouille Sausage
- Roasted Purple Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Parmesan Cheese
Balsamic Roasted Kale Sprouts with Shaved Parmesan
Ingredients
- 12 ounces kale sprouts - 2 packages (may be sold under the brand name Kalettes)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1-2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - to taste
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper - to taste
- 2 cloves garlic - minced
- ½ cup shaved Parmesan cheese - loosely packed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Toss kale sprouts with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until edges become lightly browned and sprouts are just tender.
- Toss with minced garlic, return to oven for 1-2 minutes.
- Transfer to serving bowl. Top with shaved Parmesan cheese and gently toss.
Notes
Nutrition
These are estimated values generated from a nutritional database using unbranded products. Please do your own research with the products you're using if you have a serious health issue or are following a specific diet.
Gina Carach says
Carol,
I pinned a recipe for Chili roasted kale sprouts with lime salt.
I can no longer find this recipe on your sight. I would love to try this recipe as well Can you tell me how to find it ?
Thank you,
Gina
Carol says
Hi, Gina, Thanks so much for your question. I removed it in an effort to optimize my site with Google. I e-mailed it to you. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thanks again!
Orna @ OrnaBakes says
Hi Carol, thanks for this fab recipe! I've been looking for the ultimate Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe after trying it at a local restaurant - but I think they peel each leaf and then deep fry them. Not good! So when I found Kalettes at Costco and the TJ's I fell in love! And thought this might be a good veg to make for my upcoming (first) Rosh Hashanah dinner. Your recipe looks great. I'm just wondering if a) it could be made ahead and b) it could be served at room temp. And perhaps I could use TJ's shaved cheese blend (with Unexpected Cheddar)... Hmmmm so much to think about. I'd love any advice from someone who invented this recipe! Thanks so much in advance. Orna (PS I'm also cookbook obsessed. I just wish I wouldn't spend so much time perusing and deliberating and choosing recipes and could just MAKE one! ???? )
Melissa says
What an intriguing dish. I bet I would love this!
Cindy @ Hun... What's for Dinner? says
OMGosh I've yet to see these in Canada. I bet they taste so good! Great way to prepare them.
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
I saw some of these at the grocery store the other day! What a tasty way to use them! I'll have to go back 🙂 Great idea!
Kirsten says
Carol,
These little sprouts are so cute!
I too was a kid that loved Brussels sprouts--and I know I'll like these.
I just have to find some.
Thanks!