What Is Cacio e Pepe?
Cacio e pepe, which translates to “cheese and pepper,” is a Roman pasta made with Pecorino Romano cheese and freshly ground black pepper. Parmesan works well too, if that’s what you’ve got: both are aged, hard cheeses that pair deliciously with the pepper’s sharp and fruity flavor. A pairing this good, in fact, should be enjoyed as often as possible, which is why such things as cacio e pepe chicken wings exist. When applied to roasted Brussels sprouts, the grated cheese crisps and clings onto every nook and cranny, ensuring every bite is packed with salt-and-pepper flavor.
Prepping Your Stalk for Roasting
After securing a stalk at the store—I’ve seen them at Wegman’s, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and my local farmers market—it’s time to prepare it for the oven. Here are a few tips to set you up for success:
Trim the ends, if necessary: A standard rimmed baking sheet measures 21 inches diagonally. It’s okay if the ends of the stalk hang off a little bit, but if it’s longer than two feet, go ahead and trim it so it can sit securely on the baking sheet. Rub the oil into the sprouts: I find it easiest to rub the oil in with my hands, but you can also brush it onto each sprout. Do your best to avoid big pools of oil on the baking sheet, which will splatter and smoke in the oven. Adjust the amount of salt: A smaller 2-pound stalk will need about 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, while larger stalks with bigger sprouts can handle more. Remember that you’ll be adding a lot of salty cheese, so it’s better to be conservative.
Serving Your Sprouts
If you want to give your guests an interactive eating experience, serve the stalk with a knife and let them slice off their own sprouts. Alternatively, present it to them so they can witness the masterpiece, then slice off the sprouts yourself and toss them in all the crispy cheese that’s fallen onto the baking sheet. Serve with lemon wedges to brighten up each bite.
More Fantastic Brussels Sprouts Recipes
Roasted Brussels Sprouts Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Brussels Sprouts Gratin Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Lemon Honey Chipotle Roasted Brussels Sprouts
While the stalk is edible, you’ll need to cook them for longer until it’s tender enough to eat. The most popular preparations are braising or pressure cooking. Toss the sprouts and leaves in any crunchy cheese and pepper that’s on the baking sheet. Transfer to a bowl and serve with lemon wedges, if using. Alternatively, present the stalk with a chef’s knife to your guests and have them slice off their sprouts. Did you love the recipe? Leave us stars below!
