5 Delicious Brussels Sprouts Recipes You'll Love

Brussels sprouts, often overlooked on the dinner plate, have made a significant comeback in recent years, not just as a side dish but as the star of innovative and delicious recipes. Whether you're a fan of these little green gems or are looking for ways to incorporate more greens into your diet, here are five scrumptious Brussels sprouts recipes that might just make you fall in love with this cruciferous vegetable all over again.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

If you think Brussels sprouts are bland, think again. This recipe showcases how roasting can transform these sprouts into crispy, caramelized delights.

• Ingredients:
• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¹⁄₄ cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until they’re tender and the edges are crisp.
4. While roasting, combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer until it reduces by half, creating a thick glaze.
5. Once the sprouts are done, drizzle them with the balsamic glaze and serve warm.

🍯 Note: Roasting Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness, making them an excellent pairing with a sharp, tangy glaze.

Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

Reimagine the classic Caesar salad by adding shaved Brussels sprouts for a fresh crunch.

• Ingredients:
• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and thinly sliced
• ¹⁄₂ cup Parmesan cheese, shaved
• 1 cup croutons
• Traditional Caesar dressing (homemade or store-bought)
• Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix the shaved Brussels sprouts with the Caesar dressing.
2. Add Parmesan shavings and croutons, tossing to combine.
3. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp texture.

🥗 Note: For a different twist, try adding anchovy fillets or capers to enhance the Caesar salad flavor.

Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Hash

Nothing screams comfort food like bacon, and when paired with Brussels sprouts, it’s a match made in culinary heaven.

• Ingredients:
• 6 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, shredded
• 1 medium onion, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Instructions:
1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet and add the onion. Sauté until soft.
3. Add the shredded Brussels sprouts and garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sprouts are tender but still have some bite.
4. Return the bacon to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and stir to combine. Serve hot.

🥓 Note: This dish can be customized further by adding potatoes for a heartier breakfast hash.

Brussels Sprouts Pesto Pasta

Pesto with a twist! Use Brussels sprouts instead of the traditional basil to give your pasta a unique twist.

• Ingredients:
• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• ¹⁄₂ cup pine nuts or walnuts
• ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan
• ¹⁄₃ cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 lb pasta of your choice
• Instructions:
1. Blanch the Brussels sprouts in boiling water for 2 minutes, then immediately shock in ice water. Drain and set aside.
2. In a food processor, blend the Brussels sprouts, nuts, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil until it forms a coarse pesto.
3. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water.
4. Toss the cooked pasta with the pesto, using reserved water to adjust the consistency if needed. Serve warm or at room temperature.

🌱 Note: This pesto can also be used as a spread for sandwiches or a dip for vegetables.

Brussels Sprouts and Chestnut Risotto

This luxurious risotto brings together the earthy flavors of Brussels sprouts with the sweet nuttiness of chestnuts, creating a dish that feels both indulgent and comforting.

• Ingredients:
• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and quartered
• ¹⁄₂ cup roasted chestnuts, chopped
• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ¹⁄₂ cup white wine
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth, heated
• ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Instructions:
1. In a pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add the rice, stir to coat with oil, then pour in the wine and stir until absorbed.
3. Gradually add the hot broth, one ladle at a time, stirring until each addition is absorbed before adding more. This should take about 20 minutes.
4. About halfway through cooking, add the Brussels sprouts. Continue to stir and cook until the rice is creamy yet al dente.
5. Once the risotto is done, stir in the chestnuts, butter, and Parmesan. Let it sit for a minute before serving.

🍲 Note: For an extra touch of luxury, you could finish the risotto with a drizzle of truffle oil.

These Brussels sprouts recipes showcase the versatility of this often-maligned vegetable. From a simple side dish to starring in main courses, these recipes prove that Brussels sprouts are not only good for you but can be absolutely delicious. Next time you're planning a meal, give these recipes a try, and you might just find a new favorite way to enjoy this leafy green.

Can Brussels sprouts be cooked in advance?

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Yes, Brussels sprouts can be roasted or blanched in advance and reheated before serving. However, for optimal taste, cook them within a day or two of preparation.

Are Brussels sprouts good for your health?

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Absolutely! They are rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, which can support digestion, immune health, and even cancer prevention.

What if I don’t like the taste of Brussels sprouts?

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Consider trying them in new ways. Roasting, frying, or pairing them with sweet or savory ingredients can significantly change their flavor profile.