Live a little with Gruyere roasted Brussels sprouts

Whatever you do this Thanksgiving, don’t spoil your spread with underdressed vegetables.

Sure, well-dressed produce — such as green beans adorned with bacon or buttered carrots — are less healthy than those that are simply steamed and seasoned. But they also taste a heck of a lot better.

And since this is Thanksgiving, why not live a little?

To get you in the mood, we dressed our roasted Brussels sprouts with Gruyere cheese, pumpkin seeds and dates: sweet, cheesy, caramelized deliciousness.

Gruyere roasted Brussels sprouts with pepitas and dates

• 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and ground black pepper
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (also called pepitas), toasted
• 1/2 cup chopped dates

Heat the oven to 400 degrees.

Spread the Brussels sprouts on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with the olive oil and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.

Roast for 30 to 40 minutes, or until tender and well browned. Sprinkle with the shredded cheese and return to the oven for 10 minutes. Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with the pumpkin seeds and dates.

Makes 6 servings. Per serving: 250 calories; 110 calories from fat (44 percent of total calories); 13 g fat (4.5 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 20 mg cholesterol; 26 g carbohydrate; 7 g fiber; 13 g sugar; 14 g protein; 260 mg sodium.