42 Brussels Sprouts Recipes Even Haters Will Love (2024)

Even picky eaters can't say no to Parmesan-crusted Brussels sprouts. 😉

By Camille Lowder
42 Brussels Sprouts Recipes Even Haters Will Love (1)

There's one thing that really unites us all: plenty of bad childhood memories with Brussels sprouts. But we’re here to tell you, they’ve got the potential to be SO much better than you remember. Trust us, like other unfairly maligned veggies (mushrooms, beets, radishes...), it’s all in the way you cook them. They’re glorious as a side dish, of course, but we’re also snacking on them and pairing them with our mains too. Check out our 42 best Brussels sprouts recipes for ideas—you might just change your mind on these tiny cruciferous veggies.

Let’s start with the basics. Brussels often get a bad rap, and we think it’s because people don’t know how to properly cook them. Due to their chemical make-up, they (along with other members of the brassica family, like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale) can taste a little bitter or sulfur-y (read: farty) to some people. If you just steam or boil them, you’re pretty much just locking that flavor in, and no one wants that. Instead, try roasting them, sautĂ©ing them, grilling them, smashing them like potatoes, or making them in your air fryer—trust us, they’re wildly improved with a little added crisp to their edges.

Once you’ve got that down, you can get creative and add any flavors you like. Try our bang bang Brussels sprouts, our Kung Pao Brussels sprouts, or our BBQ lime Brussels sprouts for ideas, but really, the sky’s the limit. Enjoy these as sides or in your main dishes too. Check out our Brussels sprouts hash (great for breakfast!), our bacon harvest chicken skillet, or our for ways you can incorporate them into meals you’ll come back to again and again.

You can also enjoy them just as a snack or appetizer, like in our Parmesan crusted Brussels sprouts, our bacon ranch Brussels, or our candied walnut Brussels sprouts bites. Bust these out at your next party, and be prepared to share the recipes!

Want more seasonal produce inspiration? Check out our top apple recipes, our favorite butternut squash recipes, and our best beet recipes too.

1

Parmesan Crusted Brussels Sprouts

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Whether you’re a die-hard Brussels sprouts lover or a hater, it’s hard not to see the appeal of these irresistible crispy, cheesy bites. We coat them in a cheesy, garlicky mixture before baking on a high heat, giving them an ultra-crispy crust perfect for dunking in homemade Caesar dressing.

Get the Parmesan Crusted Brussels Sprouts recipe.

2

Honey Mustard Chicken

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Chicken thighs are certainly the juiciest and most flavorful part of the chicken, but they also take the longest to cook. Here we trim them and sear the skin before roasting to help speed up the cooking, meaning you can have this one-skillet meal featuring Brussels and sweet potatoes on the dinner table in no time.

Get the Honey Mustard Chicken recipe.

3

Shredded Brussels Sprouts

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We love classic sautéed Brussels sprouts, but sometimes we crave something with a bit more kick. These slightly spicy salty-sweet sprouts make for a unique and easy fall side dish.

Get the Shredded Brussels Sprouts recipe.

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4

Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts

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Inspired by the popular Chinese takeout dish Kung Pao chicken, these saucy Brussels sprouts are dangerously delicious. If you want to up the spice level, feel free to add red chiles with the garlic.

Get the Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts recipe.

5

Air-Fryer Brussels Sprouts

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Crispy, tender Brussels are possible in only 18 minutes thanks to your air fryer. The quick dressing makes them a little more vibrant and brightens the veggie up—skip or replace the honey with agave or maple if you don't eat it.

Get the Air-Fryer Brussels Sprouts recipe.

6

Cheesy Brussels Sprout Bake

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This is one side dish that will everyone freak out about (and run for seconds). If you have vegetarian guests, feel free to skip the bacon! We're usually all about the smoky flavor, but for this dish, it's all about the CHEESE.

Get the Cheesy Brussels Sprout Bake recipe.

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7

Crispy Cheddar Pork Chops With Brussels Sprouts & Apples

42 Brussels Sprouts Recipes Even Haters Will Love (9)

It’s time for some next-level shake and bake with these crispy, cheddary pork chops served with an easy Brussels sprouts and apples side. Both the panko and the cheddar crisp up on the outside of the chops to form a tasty spiced crust that keeps the pork super-juicy and tender. Try this method with any variety of spices to change things up all fall long.

Get the .

8

Grilled Brussels Sprouts

42 Brussels Sprouts Recipes Even Haters Will Love (10)

Brussels sprouts aren't a particularly dirty vegetable (*cough* leeks), but it's still good to give them a good rinse to remove any debris. Trim the ends of the sprouts and discard any leaves that fall off in the process. Place trimmed sprouts in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Drain in a colander, pat dry, and continue with your recipe!

Get the Grilled Brussels Sprouts recipe.

9

Autumn Kielbasa Sheet Pan Bake With Creamy Curry Dijon Sauce

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The idea of combining curry powder with sausage comes from a German fast food dish called currywurst (sausage with French fries and curry ketchup), and it's equally delightful in this ketchup-free, creamy rendition. It adds a hit of flavor to the freshly roasted kielbasa, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and grapes.

Get the Autumn Kielbasa Sheet Pan Bake With Creamy Curry Dijon Sauce recipe.

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10

Honey Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts

42 Brussels Sprouts Recipes Even Haters Will Love (12)

The hardest part of making these Brussels sprouts is leaving them alone. They're cooked until perfectly tender and golden brown, then glazed with a balsamic glaze that will change your life. If you're anything like us, you're going to be popping these in your mouth like they're popcorn.

Get the Honey Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts recipe.

11

Creamed Brussels Sprouts

42 Brussels Sprouts Recipes Even Haters Will Love (13)

These are a holiday party MUST—even Brussels haters will love it. Not a fan of Fontina? Gruyùre or white cheddar would also be delicious here!

Get the Creamed Brussels Sprouts recipe.

12

Brussels Sprouts Hash

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Brussels sprouts are the perfect vegetable. They're amazing roasted, go great with , and now they make up the best low-carb hash that you can serve for breakfast or as a side. We keep falling more and more in love.

Get the Brussels Sprouts Hash recipe.

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13

Holiday Roasted Vegetables

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The dried cranberries and balsamic vinegar add some sweetness and tartness while the pecans provide an extra crunch to these holiday-worthy vegetables. We use Brussels sprouts and carrots, but feel free to use up extra vegetables or swap in some of your favorites.

Get the Holiday Roasted Vegetables recipe.

14

Smashed Brussels Sprouts

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In order to smash the Brussels sprouts, you need to boil them first. (Just like smashed potatoes!) Make sure to pat them realllll dry, even after you smashed them, so that they crisp up in the oven. And don't skimp on the cheese!

Get the Smashed Brussels Sprouts recipe.

15

Brussels Sprout Chips

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Not only are are Brussels our favorite veggie side, they're now our favorite salty, crunchy snack! We love this garlic-Parm variety dipped in Caesar dressing, but ranch wouldn't be a bad idea either.

Get the Brussels Sprout Chips recipe.

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16

Bacon Harvest Chicken Skillet

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This easy chicken thigh recipe with bacon and Brussels sprouts comes together in one skillet. It's the perfect cozy dinner to make during fall and winter. Don't forget to toast a few good slices of bread to sop up all the delicious juices!

Get the Bacon Harvest Chicken Skillet recipe.

17

Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Salad

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Making this salad might seem intimidating, but it doesn't actually require much prep. Tossed with a combo of toasted almonds, shaved Parmesan, and pomegranate seeds, Brussels make a great side for any fall get-together.

Get the Parmesan Brussels Sprouts Salad recipe.

18

Sautéed Brussels Sprouts

42 Brussels Sprouts Recipes Even Haters Will Love (20)

As much as we love roasted Brussels sprouts, the speed and ease of sautéed sprouts can't be beat. These little guys are endlessly riffable, so throw in red pepper flakes, cumin seeds, fresh oregano, or any other flavors you love.

Get the Sautéed Brussels Sprouts recipe.

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19

Harvest Chicken Casserole

42 Brussels Sprouts Recipes Even Haters Will Love (21)

This satisfying casserole has ALL of your fall favorites—Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, cranberries... Make it for a big crowd, or pack it up and eat the leftovers for lunch. It's a meal prep DREAM.

Get the Harvest Chicken Casserole recipe.

20

Crispy Balsamic Chicken

42 Brussels Sprouts Recipes Even Haters Will Love (22)

Simple, healthy weeknight dinners are a must during the fall, and this one-pan dinner is a favorite of ours. Crispy chicken thighs are surrounded by Brussels sprouts and a tangy balsamic sauce. It's quick and easy and might inspire you to want to cook a homemade dinner every night of the week.

Get the Crispy Balsamic Chicken recipe.

42 Brussels Sprouts Recipes Even Haters Will Love (2024)

FAQs

Why is brussel sprouts controversial? â€ș

According to a 2011 study by Cornwall College, sprouts contain a chemical, similar to phenylthiocarbamide. This matters because people who have a variation of a gene called TAS2R38 are able to taste the 'bitterness', whilst those without it simply don't.

Why do you soak Brussels sprouts before cooking? â€ș

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.

Is it OK to eat Brussels sprouts everyday? â€ș

Is it OK to eat Brussels sprouts everyday? Go for it. “If you enjoy sprouts and can tolerate them, absolutely! They're lower in calories and contain a myriad of important nutrients” says Snyder.

When should you not use brussel sprouts? â€ș

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).

Who should not eat brussel sprouts? â€ș

This may cause even more discomfort among people with existing digestive conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as well as in those who may not be used to eating Brussels sprouts or similar vegetables. The most common side effect of eating raw Brussels sprouts is that it may cause increased gas.

What is the superstition about brussel sprouts? â€ș

In Medieval times, it was believed that evil spirits and demons lived between the leaves of the vegetable, and they would enter anyone who ate them, making them ill. A cross cut into the base of the sprouts was thought to drive the evil spirits away.

How do you get bugs out of Brussels sprouts before cooking? â€ș

Or if after trimming and removing a few leaves there are still some aphids and it seems a waste to cut away more sprout to remove them, use a soft-bristle brush under a little running water to clean remaining aphids out of the crevices. I sometimes do this; I go back and forth.

Should you cut Brussels sprouts in half before cooking? â€ș

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).

Why won't my Brussels sprouts get crispy? â€ș

Roast the Brussels Sprouts at high heat

If you don't hear them crisping up in the oven, add a little more oil and roast them for a few more minutes until your desire crispiness is achieved!

What organ is brussel sprouts good for? â€ș

Eating a lot of Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous veggies may help protect against cancers of the stomach, lungs, kidney, breast, bladder, and prostate. Crunchy veggies like Brussels sprouts may also help you stave off other health issues, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes.

What's healthier, broccoli or Brussels sprouts? â€ș

While broccoli may have a higher count of calories, fat, and carbs, it is richer in calcium, iron, and pantothenic acid (a B vitamin that does wonders for healthy hair), and has a bit more potassium. Brussels sprouts, on the other hand, are lower in sodium.

What do Brussels sprouts do for your liver? â€ș

Cruciferous vegetables

This cruciferous vegetable — along with cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and mustard greens — are good for your liver. They are a source of fiber, which supports liver health. Plus, they contain antioxidants and phytochemicals that may help prevent liver cancer.

What is one major side effect of eating Brussels sprouts? â€ș

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.

What is the black stuff on my brussel sprouts? â€ș

Fungal and bacterial infections cause black spots on Brussels sprouts. Prevent with spacing, air circulation, and tool sterilization.

How long will Brussels sprouts last in the refrigerator? â€ș

Even though Brussels sprouts can last up to a week in the fridge, sometimes a little longer, their taste gets stronger and less sweet with time. They are at their best when prepared within three to four days of purchase. Avoid washing Brussels sprouts until you're ready to prepare them, as the moisture can cause decay.

Why don't children like brussel sprouts? â€ș

Because Brussels sprouts are bitter, and kids generally don't like bitter tastes. It's not their fault. Researchers say that an aversion to bitter and sour (generally a heightened gag reflex) is a survival instinct, since most toxins taste that way too.

Are brussel sprouts genetically made? â€ș

The new brussels sprouts varieties were developed through conventional plant breeding.

What is the bitter chemical in brussel sprouts? â€ș

Sinigrin and progoitrin relate to the bitter taste on eating Brussels sprouts. However, the story is complicated as a mixture of glucosolinates and other compounds are involved in the bitterness and flavour of Brussels, and this taste experience varies from person to person.

Why cant you eat raw brussel sprouts? â€ș

“Like other cruciferous vegetables, raw Brussels sprouts contain indigestible fiber that could cause extra gas in some people who may not be used to eating it raw,” says p*rnsriniyom.

References

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