RECIPE

24 brilliant Brussels sprouts recipes that are definitely not bitter

Get some green back in your life, especially for Thanksgiving!

Published October 4, 2021 4:44PM (EDT)

 (Julia Gartland / Food52)
(Julia Gartland / Food52)

This story first appeared on Food52, an online community that gives you everything you need for a happier kitchen and home – that means tested recipes, a shop full of beautiful products, a cooking hotline, and everything in between!

We're about to turn orange. And no, it's not because we're nervous or embarrassed; it's not because we're stressed about planning that gigantic meal for next week. It's because we're eating way too many sweet potatoes, squashes, pumpkins, and carrots

It's time to get some green back in our lives; it's time to eat more brussels sprouts. And it's time to start thinking about the ones you'll serve on Thanksgiving. A basic Brussels sprouts recipe would likely call for arranging the greens on a sheet pan, sprouts cut side down, drizzling them with olive oil, and roasting them in the oven for 20 minutes to 30 minutes, or until they're golden brown. Season the cooked Brussels sprouts with a little bit more salt and pepper, maybe some Parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes, and call it a day.

But there are so many other ways to cook and eat Brussels sprouts. They're great in soups and salads, stuffing and sides. Pro tip: No matter how you prepare to cook Brussels sprouts, always remove the outer leaves first. They're usually the toughest and bitter and no amount of olive oil or honey can save them. Here are 24 of our favorite Brussels sprouts recipes — because green is the new black.

1. Brussels Sprouts Gratin

Combine thinly sliced Brussels sprouts with heavy cream, whole grain mustard, and maple syrupfor the base of this creamy vegetarian gratin, and top with a pecan-breadcrumb crumble. 

2. Sheet-Pan Pasta With Brussels Sprouts and Garlicky Walnut Crumbs

Weeknight dinner has never been easier, thanks to this creative sheet pan pasta dinner. Pre-cooked pasta bakes alongside halved Brussels sprouts, red onion, and lots and lots of cheese for a family-friendly, quick-cooking meal.

3. Green Minestrone with Lime-Arugula Meatballs

"Minestrone made with green vegetables (like beans, peas, and zucchini) tastes crisp and fresh. But it still should be a soup that warms the soul, so I've added tiny meatballs, brightened with arugula and lime, for that cozy, hearty feeling," writes recipe developer Meike Peters.

4. Sheet-Pan Miso Tofu with Brussels Sprouts, Apple and Arugula

Extra-firm tofu and Brussels sprouts team up for one flavorful, colorful fall feast. Soy saucemiso, and maple syrup bring bursts of umami and sweetness to every bite. 

5. Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Garlic-Chile Butter in a Multi-Cooker

Make use of the always-popular multi-cooker for crispy-tender Brussels sprouts that are loaded with spice, thanks to an abundance of garlic (two! whole! heads!) and Fresno chile peppers. 

6. Sautéed Brussels Sprouts

Simple and sautéed, this Brussels sprouts recipe is a timeless side dish that never fails. 

7. Pasta with Brown Butter and Brussels Sprouts

Choose your own adventure — in this case,  your favorite shape of pasta — for this nutty Brussels sprout recipe that we want to eat all fall long.

8. Brussels Sprouts With Bacon

The only way to make Brussels sprouts more delicious? Add bacon! Okay, it's not the ONLY way, but it's kind of the best way.

9. Squash and Brown Butter Tortelli with Brussels Sprouts and Balsamic

Pasta is often thought of as a quick dinner when you just want to "throw something together." But Meryl Feinstein has taught us that it can be a labor of love, deeply innovative, and beautiful too. This autumnal recipe is the perfect example of that.  

10. Turmeric Chickpea Soup with Charred Brussels Sprouts

Crispy pan-fried Brussels sprouts are served atop a piping hot bowl of vegan soup made with chickpeasturmeric, and coconut milk.

11. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pears and Pistachios

This Brussels sprout recipe was voted our readers' favorite "green holiday side," so you know it's good. And really, you can't go wrong with this trio of crunchy, nutty ingredients.

12. Brussels Sprouts Hash and Eggs

If the only hash you're acquainted with is potato, it might be time to widen your horizons. Here, slivers of sprouts served with butter, garlic, and olives instantly upgrades a breakfast of fried eggs and toast.

13. Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad

"Thinly shaved brussels sprouts have a discernible flavor that stands up to and complements the lemon juice, garlic, and parmesan cheese of the Caesar dressing," writes recipe developer Josh Cohen.

14. Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad with Honey Balsamic Dressing

Ribbons of Brussels sprouts and bitter kale team up for a cheesy, crunchy salad that will be at the center of the dinner table all fall long. The two greens are known for being quite bitter, so a sweet dressing made with balsamic vinegarhoney, and soy sauce is key.

15. Julia Child's Brussels Sprouts with Braised Chestnuts

Chestnuts are roasting on an open fire for this beautiful Brussels sprouts recipe by the one and only Julia Child.

16. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic-Cranberry Glaze

If you have leftover cranberry sauce post-Thanksgiving feast, turn it into a rich syrupy glaze for roasted sprouts.

17. Sheet Pan Stuffing with Brussels Sprouts and Pancetta

The perk of making stuffing in a sheet pan instead of a deep baking dish is that the croutons get extra crispy and crunchy versus custardy...and let's face it, sometimes a little soggy!

18. Warm, Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Salad

Roasted red pepperscanned artichoke hearts, and Castelvetrano olives pack a punch in this Brussels sprouts recipe that can serve two as an entrée, or a few more as a side salad.

19. Gaby Dalkin's Shaved Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pizza

We've said it here before, but we'll say it again. Brussels sprouts and bacon are a dream team. So put them on the best base ever: pizza!

20. Union Square Café's Hashed Brussels Sprouts with Poppy Seeds and Lemon

Quickly sautéeing sprouts in a skillet over high heat gets them crispy, and a sprinkle of crunchy poppy seeds, garlic, white wine, and lemon juice brings it all together.

21. Brussels Sprouts and Apple Salad with Cheddar and Rye Bread Crumbs

"With its Brussels sprouts, apple, cheddar, rye bread, and mustard, this hearty salad is the kind of thing you'll want alongside a sausage and beer on a Saturday, but — good news — it's also light enough for Tuesday's lunch, and making it won't drag you down, either," writes recipe developer Ali Slagle.

22. Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprout and Bread Stuffing with Apples

A savory mix of winter squash, brussels sprouts, cranberries, apples, nuts, and good bread (think: sourdough or cornbread) make an unstoppable Thanksgiving stuffing. 

23. Brussels Sprouts with Honeycrisp Apples

Bacon and apples and Brussels sprouts, oh my! Meet the trio of peak-fall ingredients in this fall side dish recipe.

24. Boiled Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Mayo

You may be thinking, "boiling? Why, of all the cooking methods on the planet, would you boil Brussels sprouts?" I thought the same thing too, until this thoughtful recipe changed my mind. Follow it exactly and you won't end up with sprouts that are mushy, smelly, ugly, or any of the other horrid qualities you may associate with boiled Brussels sprouts.


By Brette Warshaw

MORE FROM Brette Warshaw


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