29 Brussels Sprout Recipes With an Unexpected Twist (2024)

Table of Contents
Entrées 1. Maple Roasted Cranberry and Brussels Sprout Sandwich 2. Brisket on Sourdough With Sriracha-Shaved Brussels Sprouts 3. Brussels Sprout and Spinach Truffle Frittata 4. Brussels Sprout Burgers with Strawberry Jalapeño Salsa 5. Brussels Sprout and Walnut Pizza With Whole-Wheat Flax Crust 6. Brussels Sprout Fried Rice With Crispy Cauliflower 7. Brussels Sprout Mac and Cheese 8. Baked Eggs With Brussels Sprouts and Mushrooms 9. Pasta With Lemony Brussels Sprouts 10. Kale and Slivered Brussels Sprout Soba Noodles 11. Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Goat Cheese Pizza 12. Brussels, Bacon, and Bean Quesadillas 13. Brussels Sprout Hash With Sweet Potato and Bacon 14. Shrimp and Brussels Sprout Dumplings Salad 15. Brussels Sprout Salad With Pomegranate, Walnuts, and Jalapeño 16. Creamy Brussels Sprout and Smoky Bacon Salad 17. Shredded Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad With Lemon Dressing 18. Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad 19. Chopped Brussels Sprout Salad With Chicken and Walnuts 20. Warm Roasted Brussels Sprout Apple Salad With Blue Cheese and Pecans Sides 21. Spicy Honey Mustard Brussels Sprouts 22. Brussels Sprout Poppers 23. Cinnamon Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Toasted Almonds 24. Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Mint, Cilantro, and Vietnamese Dressing 25. Maple Sesame Miso Brussels Sprouts 26. Cauliflower and Brussels Sprout Gratin 27. Brussels Sprout Pesto 28. Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Parmesan and Truffle Oil 29. Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Prosciutto Bites FAQs References

Brussels sprouts are one of the many vegetables people flock to in colder months. And it’s clear why: The in-season veggie is healthy, filling, and versatile. That said, the go-to recipes—like maple and mustard, balsamic roasted, and pan-fried with honey and vinegar—can get old. It’s not that they don’t taste good (classics are classics for a reason!), but sometimes our taste buds (and dinner guests) want something with a little more pizzazz. So we searched high and low for Brussels sprouts recipes—entrées, salads, and sides—that bring new flavor and flare to table.

1. Maple Roasted Cranberry and Brussels Sprout Sandwich

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Get a taste of Thanksgiving no matter what time of year with this mouthwatering grilled cheese. Muenster, fresh cranberries (with their antioxidant boost), orange zest, and a dash of maple syrup for natural sweetness make this so delicious it’ll be your new go-to grilled cheese.

2. Brisket on Sourdough With Sriracha-Shaved Brussels Sprouts

Take a plain brisket sandwich up a notch by sneaking in Brussels sprouts that have been tossed in sriracha mayo. You could forgo the spicy sauce, but why would you want to? If you don’t have brisket casually lying around, sliced roast beef or turkey are excellent substitutes.

3. Brussels Sprout and Spinach Truffle Frittata

This tasty frittata comes together easily but looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, which makes it the perfect dish for a Sunday brunch or holiday meal. It’s packed with spinach for a vitamin boost, made with truffle oil for an extra elegant touch, and topped with avocado slices for a dose of healthy fats. This recipe is meat-free, but it’s cooked with bacon fat—just use butter if you’re a vegetarian. If you eat meat, consider frying up a few slices of bacon to sneak in—for cooking purposes, of course.

4. Brussels Sprout Burgers with Strawberry Jalapeño Salsa

Who needs beef when you’ve got these hearty veggie burgers? Brussels sprouts, beans, oats, and an egg make up the patty. Top them with a spicy strawberry salsa, goat cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for meat-free burgers that both carnivores and plant eaters will love.

5. Brussels Sprout and Walnut Pizza With Whole-Wheat Flax Crust

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Give those greasy pizza pies a break and opt for this good-for-you version instead. The homemade crust is made of whole-wheat flour and flaxseed for an extra fiber and protein boost and topped with shallots, Brussels sprouts, and walnuts for a grown-up ‘za. If you can get your hands on burrata, your taste buds will thank you, but fresh mozzarella works too.

6. Brussels Sprout Fried Rice With Crispy Cauliflower

Need some vitamin C? Skip the oranges and add Brussels sprouts to your fried rice for a nutritional kick. Combined with crispy cauliflower (or whatever veggies you have on hand) and scallions, this vegan-friendly version is a great way to use up cooked rice.

7. Brussels Sprout Mac and Cheese

This mac and cheese is healthy comfort food at its finest. The cheesy, homemade noodles mixed with green goodness from the sprouts is enough to convince anyone to toss out the blue box forever. Use whole-grain macaroni for more fiber, and if you dare, sneak in a few extra veggies, like broccoli or green beans.

8. Baked Eggs With Brussels Sprouts and Mushrooms

Brussels for breakfast? You’ll be a convert with this recipe. Baked eggs get an upgrade with the addition of vitamin D-rich cremini mushrooms, Gruyere cheese, and leafy sprouts. We love that this makes a hearty serving for one that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even brinner.

9. Pasta With Lemony Brussels Sprouts

Sometimes a handful of ingredients—in this case, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and leafy Brussels—are all you need for a knock-your-socks-off meal. This recipe transforms plain pasta into a dish that’s yummy enough to serve as a main or a side.

10. Kale and Slivered Brussels Sprout Soba Noodles

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Need a new way to use ever-popular kale? Mix it up with Brussels sprouts in this Asian-inspired noodle dish. The kale and Brussels sprouts work well as a salad, but toss in the soba noodles, and you’ve got an awesome dinner in just minutes.

11. Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Goat Cheese Pizza

Ready for a gourmet take on pizza? Balsamic vinegar stands in for tomato sauce and gets topped with roasted olive oil, goat cheese, and red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Prepare the dough earlier in the day to get this pizza on the table in less time than delivery.

12. Brussels, Bacon, and Bean Quesadillas

Brussels add a little crispiness and green, bacon (use a turkey or beef variety if you’re not down with pork) lends a smoky flavor, and cannellini beans add extra fiber and texture. Top the quesadillas off with a homemade blue cheese dip made with Greek yogurt and naturally sweetened with honey.

13. Brussels Sprout Hash With Sweet Potato and Bacon

There’s no need to wait until dinnertime to get your dose of Brussels sprouts. Sweet potatoes balance out Brussels’ bitterness, while adding potassium and vitamins to this whopper of a breakfast dish. Crisp bacon pieces and a fried egg top it all off. For extra probiotics, add in a half cup of kimchi—the saltiness pairs well with the sweet potatoes.

14. Shrimp and Brussels Sprout Dumplings

Who needs takeout when you can make your own dumplings? These come together easily with wonton wrappers purchased at the supermarket. Filled with shredded Brussels sprouts, cooked shrimp, and green onions, these dumplings are full of protein, flavor, and healthy goodness. Make them vegetarian by subbing tofu for the shrimp.

15. Brussels Sprout Salad With Pomegranate, Walnuts, and Jalapeño

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Sick of the traditional pomegranate and Brussels sprouts combo? Spice things up (literally) by adding jalapeño, using white balsamic vinegar in place of regular, and throwing in a handful of toasted walnuts. No cheese needed—though this recipe tastes great sprinkled with soft goat varieties.

16. Creamy Brussels Sprout and Smoky Bacon Salad

It wouldn’t be a complete list without a recipe that includes bacon, right? Made with Paleo mayo (Greek yogurt works too), hazelnuts, spices, and a dash of vinegar, this tasty salad is a great way to get your healthy fill—before dessert, of course.

17. Shredded Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad With Lemon Dressing

Talk about a power salad. This recipe mixes nutrient-rich kale with Brussels sprouts, lemon juice, agave or honey, a touch of mustard, shallots, sliced almonds, and an optional cheese topping. To make it extra healthy, skip the cheese and top with hot sauce to boost your metabolism.

18. Brussels Sprout Caesar Salad

Caesar salads are often junk food masquerading as something nutritious. But when you sub Brussels sprouts for nutrient-deficient iceberg lettuce and whip up a homemade dressing, the salad becomes healthy and delicious. Whisk up an extra batch of the dressing to drizzle on salads throughout the week.

19. Chopped Brussels Sprout Salad With Chicken and Walnuts

When you need a change from the usual leafy green suspects—we’re looking at you, spinach and kale—let Brussels sprouts make up the base of your next salad. Cooked, shredded chicken packs in the protein, while walnuts add crunch and healthy fats. The result is a salad that makes an easy main dish or a yummy side.

20. Warm Roasted Brussels Sprout Apple Salad With Blue Cheese and Pecans

Fruits and vegetables go hand in hand in this warm salad. Crisp apples are tossed with roasted Brussels sprouts, then sprinkled with pomegranate seeds, drizzled with balsamic vinegar, and finished off with crumbled blue cheese and toasty, crunchy pecans. Take this one up a notch and add sliced strawberries. A little sweet, a little sour, and a lot delicious!

21. Spicy Honey Mustard Brussels Sprouts

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Mixing Brussels sprouts and mustard may sound like standard procedure, but have you tried spicy honey mustard? With an extra kick from red pepper flakes, these above-average Brussels are an easy, healthy way to change up Thanksgiving offerings—or any meal.

22. Brussels Sprout Poppers

Gluten-free poppers? Don’t mind if we do. This fall snack is a foolproof crowd-pleaser: The crust is made from corn Chex and Italian seasoning, and the poppers are filled with goat cheese and sriracha. Serve as game-day snack or holiday appetizer.

23. Cinnamon Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Toasted Almonds

Maple syrup tends to be the go-to sprout sweetener, but cinnamon works just as well. The spice gives the fibrous veggie a taste similar to Snickerdoodle cookies—can’t hate that! Dried cranberries and sliced almonds make tart and crunchy additions that pack extra antioxidants and healthy fats.

24. Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Mint, Cilantro, and Vietnamese Dressing

This recipe is sweet, sour, spicy, and salty—and that’s just the dressing. The addition of fresh herbs, chili, and scallions creates a beautiful presentation, and the mix of pan-frying and roasting creates an irresistibly crunchy outside and soft inside. Mix in chicken or tofu to make it a complete meal, or serve alongside soup.

25. Maple Sesame Miso Brussels Sprouts

Asian flavors are no stranger to Brussels sprouts, but miso is a new addition to the world of hoisin, soy, and sweet chili—and it’s a great one. Simply mix high-quality miso with maple syrup and onion powder, roast the Brussels until tender, and top with sesame seeds.

26. Cauliflower and Brussels Sprout Gratin

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Switch up the usual carb-y potato gratin for this Brussels sprout and cauliflower version. The blend of cheeses pairs well with the Brussels sprouts. Plus, cancer-fighting cauliflower adds vitamins and antioxidants. Serve this as a side to a meat dish or just enjoy solo.

27. Brussels Sprout Pesto

For a different spin on pesto, we love using Brussels sprouts and almonds, which are loaded with good fats and are more budget-friendly than traditional pine nuts. Mix them with pasta and Parmesan cheese for a delicious dinner, slather it onto bread before making a grilled cheese, or just enjoy a spoonful—we won’t tell.

28. Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Parmesan and Truffle Oil

Truffle oil is one of the oldest tricks in the book. A few small drops is enough to take any dish from oy vey to OH HEY! With only four ingredients (and salt, pepper, and olive oil), this recipe could be the easiest (and most impressive) one you serve all season. To make it even more decadent, top with a drizzle of thick balsamic.

29. Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Prosciutto Bites

If you’re looking for a crazy easy appetizer, these prosciutto and Brussels bites take the cake. Roast the sprouts, sauté the prosciutto, and thread them on skewers. So easy, so delicious—don’t wait for a party to prepare them.

29 Brussels Sprout Recipes With an Unexpected Twist (2024)

FAQs

Why do you soak brussel sprouts before cooking? ›

The soak time tenderizes the sprouts so the middles are softer. Don't worry, they won't be soggy! I would never do that to you. If, like me, you don't mind some chew to your sprouts, you don't need to soak the Brussels sprouts prior to cooking.

Why not to boil brussel sprouts? ›

Steaming and boiling use moist heat, and moist heat can make Brussel Sprouts mushy and stinky—not a good combo. Give them the treatment they deserve by roasting them instead.

How does Rachael Ray cook brussel sprouts? ›

Season with salt and pepper. Cook Brussels sprouts 2 to 3 minutes to begin to soften, then add broth. Bring broth to a bubble, cover and reduce heat to medium low. Cook 10 minutes, until tender.

How does Jamie Oliver cook brussel sprouts? ›

Place the Brussels in a large saucepan over a high heat for a couple of minutes, then, once the pan is nice and hot, cover with boiling salted water. Boil for 5 minutes, or until just tender but with a little bite. Taste to check – they should be slightly undercooked.

Is it better to parboil brussel sprouts before roasting? ›

Unlike other vegetables, Brussels sprouts can be parboiled (even a day ahead) to reduce the roasting time without hurting their texture. That means the sprouts can be popped in the oven while the meat is resting before carving. Of course, if the main course is grilled or pan-cooked, the oven will be free for roasting.

Is it better to boil brussel sprouts before roasting? ›

Your first step should always be to blanch the brussels sprouts. This is basically when they get submerged in boiling water just for a few minutes, not until they're fully cooked, but just enough to take away some of the bitterness. Blanching also softens them and preserves their beautiful bright green color.

Should you cut brussel sprouts in half before cooking? ›

To maximize the flat areas, which get the most crispy surface area, cut your Brussels sprouts in half. If your Brussels sprouts are very small, you can leave them whole (and if they are very large, quarter them).

When should you not eat brussel sprouts? ›

Throw out fresh brussel sprouts that have a foul odor, yellow or wilted leaves, a mushy or slimy texture, or dark spots. Use fresh brussel sprouts within 1–2 weeks of getting them. Store the brussel sprouts in a plastic bag inside your fridge, and wash them before cooking them.

When not to use brussel sprouts? ›

If any of the leaves have brown spots or are yellowing, it's a sign of early spoilage. If you remove the blemished leaves and the interior looks OK, you can still use the sprout. However, if the interior leaves are also showing blemishes or yellowing, it's best to toss it (or compost it, if you can).

What is negative about brussel sprouts? ›

Side Effects of Brussels Sprouts:

Although a healthy vegetable, consuming too many Brussels sprouts can be unsuitable for people on anticoagulants since it contains vitamin K, which results in blood clotting. Another issue with consuming Brussels sprouts excessively is that it can lead to gas and bloating.

Why do brussel sprouts taste bad to some people? ›

"People with certain genetic variants in the TAS2R38 gene can detect bitter taste more than others and therefore may be more likely to dislike sprouts,” 23andMe senior product scientist Alisa Lehman recently told the Daily Record. "There are many factors outside genetics that play a part in the foods we like.

Why do my brussel sprouts taste weird? ›

Some people are very sensitive to the taste of cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts etc.) This is a genetic trait and it makes these vegetables taste bitter and unpleasant. You should be thankful that you have the genes that allow you to enjoy these delicious vegetables.

Are brussel sprouts better steamed or boiled? ›

Steaming Brussels sprouts preserves more of the nutrients and antioxidants than any other cooking method. And they turn out tasting like crisp-tender, sweet little nuggets. Plus they're just about the quickest veggie side dish you can cook.

Why won't my brussel sprouts get crispy? ›

If you want your roasted Brussels sprouts to be seriously crispy, you need to crank up the heat. Roasting at a low temperature won't allow them to brown properly, so you want to get that oven nice and hot before tossing in your baking sheet. Follow this tip: Roast Brussels sprouts at a minimum of 400°F.

Is it better to roast brussel sprouts whole or cut in half? ›

To maximize the flat areas, which get the most crispy surface area, cut your Brussels sprouts in half. If your Brussels sprouts are very small, you can leave them whole (and if they are very large, quarter them).

References

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