5 Delicious Brussels Sprouts Recipes You Must Try

Brussels sprouts are a winter staple, bringing a touch of festive green to holiday meals and offering a wealth of health benefits. However, their reputation for being a bland or even disliked vegetable often stems from less-than-stellar preparations. Fortunately, with a little creativity and the right recipes, Brussels sprouts can transform from the often overlooked side dish into the star of your meal. Let's explore five mouth-watering Brussels sprouts recipes that will have even the biggest skeptic reaching for seconds.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Roasting is one of the best methods to bring out the natural sweetness of Brussels sprouts. Here’s how you can make them irresistible:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¹⁄₄ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated. Spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet.
  3. Roast for about 20-25 minutes, until the sprouts are golden brown and crispy on the edges, flipping halfway through.
  4. While roasting, in a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey, then simmer until thickened into a glaze.
  5. Once the Brussels sprouts are done, transfer them to a serving dish, drizzle with the balsamic glaze, and serve immediately.

📢 Note: You can add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving for an extra flavor kick.

Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

Give the traditional Caesar salad a twist by incorporating Brussels sprouts:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts, shredded
  • 2 cups of croutons
  • ¹⁄₂ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Caesar dressing to taste
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
• Instructions:
  1. Trim the stems and outer leaves from the Brussels sprouts, then shred them finely using a mandoline or a sharp knife.
  2. Toss the shredded Brussels sprouts with croutons in a large bowl.
  3. Drizzle Caesar dressing over the salad, then add Parmesan cheese and toss to combine. If the salad seems dry, add a bit more dressing or olive oil.
  4. Serve fresh, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Sauteed Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta

For those who appreciate the savory notes, pairing Brussels sprouts with pancetta creates a luxurious side:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¹⁄₂ lemon for juice
• Instructions:
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook pancetta until crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove pancetta, but keep the rendered fat in the pan.
  2. Add butter to the skillet, then the Brussels sprouts. Season with salt and pepper, and sauté until they start to caramelize.
  3. Return the pancetta to the pan, squeeze in some lemon juice for brightness, and toss everything together.
  4. Serve warm as a delicious side dish.

Spicy Sriracha Brussels Sprouts

If you love a bit of heat, this dish is for you:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • Salt to taste
  • Sesame seeds for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Mix olive oil, Sriracha, honey, and soy sauce to make a glaze.
  2. Toss Brussels sprouts with half the glaze, then spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, or until crispy.
  3. Remove from oven, coat with the remaining glaze, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve.

Crispy Brussels Sprouts Fritters

Turn Brussels sprouts into crispy, fritter form for a fun and delicious appetizer or side:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts, finely shredded
  • ¹⁄₂ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • ¹⁄₄ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying
• Instructions:
  1. In a bowl, mix shredded Brussels sprouts, Parmesan, beaten eggs, flour, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  2. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil.
  3. Fry until golden brown on each side, about 2-3 minutes per side, then drain on paper towels.
  4. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Brussels sprouts are a versatile vegetable that can be transformed into dishes that are both visually appealing and packed with flavor. Whether you roast them with a balsamic glaze or turn them into crispy fritters, there's a recipe here that can turn any skeptic into a Brussels sprout enthusiast. Remember, the key to delicious Brussels sprouts lies in how they are prepared. Cooking techniques like roasting or sautéing enhance their natural sweetness, while bold flavors like Sriracha or the rich, smoky notes of pancetta can elevate this humble vegetable to new heights. Embrace the opportunity to experiment and surprise your taste buds with these five delightful recipes. Brussels sprouts might just become your new favorite vegetable.

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts in these recipes?

+

Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts, but ensure they are thawed and pat dry before using them in any cooking method to avoid excess moisture.

How can I store leftover cooked Brussels sprouts?

+

Cool the sprouts to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Are Brussels sprouts healthy?

+

Brussels sprouts are very nutritious, providing a good source of vitamins K and C, fiber, and antioxidants which can help reduce inflammation and improve digestion.