5 Delicious Brussels Sprouts Recipes You'll Love

Brussels sprouts are often hailed as the underappreciated gem of the vegetable world. Once despised for their pungent odor when overcooked, these mini cabbages have had a culinary renaissance in recent years. From crispy roasted delights to flavorful salads, Brussels sprouts offer a versatile canvas for a variety of flavors and cooking methods. Let's explore 5 delicious Brussels sprouts recipes that will make you fall in love with this nutritious and surprisingly tasty vegetable.

1. Pan-Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Roasting Brussels sprouts caramelizes their natural sugars, turning them into crisp, flavorful bites. Here’s how you can make this simple yet elegant dish:

• Ingredients:
  • 500g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl until they are well coated.
  3. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer.
  4. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until the sprouts are tender and their edges are crispy and brown.
  5. While roasting, mix balsamic vinegar with maple syrup or honey in a small saucepan over low heat until thickened.
  6. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the roasted sprouts before serving.

⚠️ Note: Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure even roasting.

2. Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

If you're looking for a fresh and crunchy take on Brussels sprouts, this salad is the way to go:

• Ingredients:
  • 450g Brussels sprouts, shredded
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1/3 cup almonds, toasted
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries
  • Dressing:
    • Juice of 1 lemon
    • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
    • 1/4 cup olive oil
    • Salt and pepper to taste
• Instructions:
  1. Shred Brussels sprouts finely with a sharp knife or use a food processor.
  2. In a large bowl, combine shredded sprouts with Parmesan, almonds, and cranberries.
  3. Whisk together lemon juice, mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
  4. Pour over the salad and toss to combine. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to soften the sprouts slightly.

3. Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts

Garlic and butter can transform any vegetable into a delicacy, and Brussels sprouts are no exception:

• Ingredients:
  • 500g Brussels sprouts, halved
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Instructions:
  1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add Brussels sprouts, salt, and pepper. Cook until they start to brown, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add lemon juice and stir to coat the sprouts. Cook for another minute.
  5. Optionally, sprinkle with Parmesan before serving.

4. Brussels Sprouts Gratin

This comforting dish is perfect for cold evenings, combining the earthiness of Brussels sprouts with a rich, cheesy sauce:

• Ingredients:
  • 900g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Gruyère or cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Blanch Brussels sprouts in boiling salted water for about 5 minutes, then drain.
  3. In a saucepan, heat cream with garlic and onion powder until just simmering.
  4. Add cheese to the cream and stir until melted.
  5. Arrange sprouts in a baking dish, pour the cream-cheese mixture over them, and sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.

5. Spicy Sriracha Brussels Sprouts

If you like a bit of heat, these spicy Brussels sprouts will be a welcome addition to your table:

• Ingredients:
  • 500g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Mix Sriracha, soy sauce, honey, and olive oil in a bowl.
  3. Toss Brussels sprouts in the mixture until well coated.
  4. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes or until crispy.
  5. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

As we wrap up our culinary journey with Brussels sprouts, remember that these recipes are just a beginning. They highlight the versatility of this often-misunderstood vegetable, turning it into a star ingredient in dishes that range from sophisticated to comfortingly familiar. Whether you're looking to add some green to your meals or impress your dinner guests, these 5 delicious Brussels sprouts recipes offer something for everyone. Enjoy experimenting with Brussels sprouts, and don't hesitate to tweak these recipes to suit your taste or to accommodate seasonal ingredients!

What’s the best way to store Brussels sprouts?

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Store Brussels sprouts in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer, ideally in a perforated plastic bag, to keep them fresh for up to a week. Keep them away from ethylene-producing fruits to prevent wilting.

Can I prepare Brussels sprouts in advance?

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Yes, you can prep Brussels sprouts a day or two in advance by trimming and halving them. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and you’re ready to cook or roast them quickly when needed.

Are Brussels sprouts good for you?

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Brussels sprouts are highly nutritious. They’re rich in vitamins C, K, and fiber, which supports digestion, heart health, and overall well-being. They also contain antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties.

How can I make Brussels sprouts less bitter?

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To reduce bitterness, roasting at high heat caramelizes the natural sugars in Brussels sprouts. Also, using sweeter elements like honey or maple syrup, or pairing them with complementary flavors like garlic or lemon can balance out the taste.

What should I serve with Brussels sprouts?

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Brussels sprouts pair wonderfully with proteins like pork, chicken, or even fish. They also complement starchy sides like roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes, creating a balanced meal that’s both delicious and visually appealing.