Today I have a tasty dinner for you that comes together in a flash – one pan cheesy sausage and brussels sprouts. The “cheese” flavor actually comes from nutritional yeast. The first time I came across nutritional yeast in a recipe I found myself at the store feeling totally lost. I was looking at the little packets of dry active yeast thinking that was probably a bad idea, so I started googling it on my phone. After unraveling the mystery, nutritional yeast has become a newly discovered favorite health food in my home. As the name suggests, it’s packed with nutrition. Below I’ll cover what it is, the health benefits, uses, where to buy, and how to use it in this delicious one pan cheesy sausage and brussels sprouts recipe!
What is nutritional yeast?
Nutritional yeast is a yeast grown on molasses and then harvested and dried with heat to deactivate it. It’s not the same as brewer’s yeast like in beer, or any kind of baking yeast (like I thought about buying). Baking yeast is active, which is why it makes food rise and is, well, gross tasting on its own.
What are the health benefits?
Nutritional yeast is full of B-vitamins including B-12, which most people are deficient in. It contains all 18 amino acids and is a complete protein. It has 80 calories per tablespoon. Nutritional yeast contains 4 grams of fiber per serving and also has folic acid. Not bad for a few little flakes!
What can you do with it?
Nutritional yeast has a tasty cheesy flavor and the possibilities for using it are endless. You can add it as the cheese for homemade macaroni and cheese or mix it in with your mashed potatoes or grits. It can be used like parmesan on your pizza and pasta. Or you could sprinkle it on popcorn or mix it into your scrambled eggs. It’s great on veggies (think broccoli and cauliflower) and I’ve also included a recipe below.
Where can I find it?
I was not able to find nutritional yeast at my neighborhood grocery store but it was available from my nearest health food store. They had it in a canister, which is how I purchased it, and also in the bulk bins section where you measure out your own portion to buy. Alternatively, you can always count on Amazon!
One Pan Cheesy Sausage and Brussels Sprouts
Behold, cheesy without the cheese! This is an easy one pan entree for a weeknight. It’s spicy, cheesy, comforting, filling, OH, and healthy too! Hope you’ll give it a try. It doesn’t disappoint!
This one pan cheesy sausage and brussels sprouts dish contains just 8 ingredients and you can have dinner on the table in 25 minutes. Pretty great for a weeknight! Feel free to adjust the amount of nutritional yeast if you want a cheesier flavor. Just add the same amount of water. This recipe is written for two but can easily be doubled. (It’s doubled in the photos.)
If you try out my creation be sure to tag me on social media so I can check it out! #allthekingsmorsels and @allthekingsmorsels
Looking for more main dish recipes? Try my coconut chicken curry.
One Pan Cheesy Sausage & Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 12 oz brussels sprouts, rinsed, ends removed, halved
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 lb smoked turkey sausage, sliced
- 1/8 cup nutritional yeast flakes
- 1/8 cup water
- salt and pepper, to taste
- dash cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add brussels sprouts and cook about 5 min.
- Add onion and sausage. Cook until sausage is starting to brown and caramelize a bit.
- Add salt, pepper, and cayenne to taste. A little cayenne goes a long way!
- Add nutritional yeast and water and stir around until mixture is coated and all is heated through.
Mindy says
This dish looks and sounds amazing! I am a huge Brussels fan and an even bigger fan of recipes that can be whipped together this quickly. Adding it to my “to make” recipe list.
Kristen King says
Thank you, Mindy! Brussels sprouts are definitely a love it or hate it kind of thing but I think most people don’t realize how many different ways you can prepare them!
Jordan says
I love everything about this recipe! Brussels sprouts are one of our favorite veggies around here and we are big nooch fans too. Definitely gonna try this out soon!
Maria says
I discovered nutritional yeast some time last year and fell in love with it straight away! It’s a very tasty and versatile ingredient for sure.
Tatiana says
Nutritional yeast is such a cool find! I love to add it everywhere but didnt try with Brussels sprouts yet.
Shelley @ Two Healthy Kitchens says
This is such a fantastic idea! As soon as the weather starts turning chilly, one of the things I start to crave is Brussels sprouts. I’m so excited to find this recipe that turns them into an easy one-pot dinner, that’s sooooo HEALTHY, too! Brilliant! Great info on nutritional yeast, too – even though I’ve cooked with it (and have some in my pantry right this moment – yay!), I have to confess that I didn’t realize that it contains all the amino acids to be a complete protein. Gorgeous pics, too BTW! Definitely pinning this terrific recipe to remember and to share!
Kelly says
This looks so comforting! Perfect for the fall!
Elaine says
It was great to find out more about the nutritional yeast… Paired with a great recipe for something I really like, this was a perfect read for me!
ElCitraKale says
İ am a fan of brussels sprouts. Your dish looks delicious! And thank you for sharing information about nutritional yeast as well.
Anne says
Great recipe! I use nutritional yeast a lot will have to try it on my Brussels sprouts.
prasanna hede says
I have heard about nutritional yeast but need to try this soon.Lovely recipe.
Marisa Franca says
What a great dish — you won me over with one pan. I love to cook but clean-up I’m not too fond of. Brussels Sprouts are one of our favorite vegetables and you certainly can’t go wrong adding sausage to them. Sprinkle some cheese on top and you have an ideal dish.
Tina says
I love the idea of adding nutritional yeast to dishes. What a great idea. I really like brussels sprouts, saving this for later. Thanks for the recipe!
Emily says
I really like brussels sprouts – they really get a tough rep in the UK, and only seem to get eaten at Christmas. I’d happily eat them all year round!
Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen says
I’m all about one pan meals, and I loooooove brussels sprouts! This looks like a perfect comfort food combo!
Jordan says
I am in full on brussels sprouts mode right now – can’t get enough of them! I can’t wait to try out this dish this week. My hubby will love it!
Krista says
A lot more filling than I expected. Paired with mashed potatoes…yummy!
Kristen King says
So glad to hear that Krista and I think I will pair it with mashed potatoes the next time I make it too. That sounds delish!
Kristie Foncannon says
I don’t like Brussel sprouts. I told myself that for 30+ years. I grew up being force fed frozen then boiled Brussel sprouts. Not once did my mother ever serve them to sautéed or roasted using fresh ones. I made this since I’m looking for new low carb options for us. We had it with a serving of brown rice. It was tasty. I will definitely be making it again.
I was delighted to find the recipe using items I already had on hand. I just had to buy the sprouts.
Kristen King says
Thank you so much Kristie! Preparing them a different way changes the whole flavor. So glad you enjoyed it and I appreciate you coming back to tell me!