There was a time when Brussels sprouts were persona non grata at every meal, but luckily, those days are long past. Now, everyone is all about this cruciferous veggie. To celebrate, we put together a list of the very best Brussels sprouts recipes to have on hand next time you get a serious craving. Turns out, there are so many ways to dress up sprouts and make them ultra tasty.
This cute little veggie has made its way from the compost to the centerpiece of many a Thanksgiving feast. But that’s not to say its previous reputation was unwarranted! Like a few of its fellow cruciferous friends, (broccoli, cauliflower, and collards) Brussels sprouts can have high amounts of glucosinolates which give them their characteristically sharp or bitter taste. Using a bit of fat can help offset the bitterness, which is why they’re oh-so-good when you cook them in butter or bacon fat. Given that this is decidedly not how sprouts were prepared in mid-century meals, it’s no wonder so many of us have historically turned our nose up at them.
If you’re a longtime hater, then you need to check out these delicious Brussels sprouts recipes. This hearty winter vegetable is just begging for you to give it a chance. All you need is the right mix of ingredients to help it truly shine. I’ve also found that chopping them into smaller pieces helps to crisp them up. Just a pro tip to keep in mind.
Feature image by Ashleigh Amoroso.
Keep reading—you don’t want to miss out on the 20 best Brussels sprouts recipes around.
Sweet & Sour Cider Brussels Sprouts
Why we love it: Camille loves to shred these into thin little ruffly bites, then do a hard sear in a cast-iron skillet to get them nicely charred. Sweet vinegar sauce and a sprinkle of pecans, dates, and chile flakes make this a nourishing veggie bowl you won’t want to miss. They’re pretty close to perfect.
Hero ingredient: Apple cider is the secret ingredient in the sweet vinegar sauce.
Get the recipe for Sweet & Sour Cider Brussels Sprouts.
Why we love it: It’s the perfect combo of savory, salty, and sweet since bacon balances out the tasty touch of sweetness from the dates. It’s an extremely quick and easy recipe that you can whip up on a weeknight for a lovely little side dish.
Hero ingredient: Pan-fried halloumi is the perfect topper.
Get the recipe for Pan-Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Bacon, Dates, and Halloumi.
Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad With Roasted Beets, Pecans and Goat Cheese from Foodie Crush
Why we love it: One of the beautiful things about a Brussels sprouts salad is that it has staying power—no melty, wilty, gooeyness to be found here. This is an easy shaved sprouts recipe that is sweetened with roasted beats and crunchy pecans, making it as delicious as it is healthy.
Hero ingredient: Beets = nature’s candy.
Get the recipe for Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad With Roasted Beets, Pecans and Goat Cheese.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts With Radishes, Bacon, & Dates
Why we love it: This dish is all about the charred and crispy caramelized leafy edges. Bacon and dates take these sprouts to the next level, though you could sub golden raisins in if you don’t have dates. A few halved radishes and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds dress up the meal and add points for presentation with minimal effort.
Hero ingredient: Even if you don’t usually subscribe to the “bacon makes everything better” ethos, here they give so much smokiness and depth of flavor that it really transforms the entire dish.
Get the recipe for Crispy Brussels Sprouts With Radishes, Bacon, & Dates.
Soft Pretzel Panzanella from How Sweet Eats
Why we love it: Whip up a flavor bomb with this easy salad. All you need are some apples, sprouts, bacon, and caramelized onion. It’s basically all our favorite fall flavors thrown together into salad form and topped with a delicious mustard vinaigrette.
Hero ingredient: Hot pretzels in a salad, what more could we want?
Get the recipe for Soft Pretzel Panzanella.
Why we love it: This is a creamy and comforting pasta dish that will warm you up on even the coldest days. Don’t be put off by the thought of sprouts in a pasta dish—it’s seriously good. Add a little bacon and mascarpone and well. Dinner can’t get better than this.
Hero ingredient: Pecans add a really lovely nutty taste.
Get the recipe for Caramelized Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Fettuccine Alfredo.
Spicy Peanut Brussels Sprouts Tacos
Why we love it: Nothing can hit the spot quite like tacos, and this Brussels sprouts-filled version is one of Camille’s most successful vegetarian experiments of late. The spicy peanut sauce and mashed avocado make them feel substantial, making it a delicious, filling meal for even the pickiest eaters.
Hero ingredient: This peanut sauce is a stealth superhero that takes the rest of the ingredients and turns them into something addictive.
Get the recipe for Spicy Peanut Brussels Sprouts Tacos.
Crispy Buffalo Brussels Sprouts from Yes to Yolks
Why we love it: This is the perfect thing to serve vegetarians when you need to satisfy your craving for buffalo chicken. They’re deliciously crispy and tossed in a spicy-tangy buffalo sauce then loaded up with fresh herbs and crumbled cheese. Talk about mouthwatering!
Hero ingredient: That buffalo sauce is an absolute dream.
Get the recipe for Crispy Buffalo Brussels Sprouts.
Why we love it: Coming together in just 30 minutes, this shockingly simple dinner couldn’t be more delicious. It’s a buttery, nutty, cheesy confection that is chock-full of delicious fall flavors.
Hero ingredient: It doesn’t get much better than this bacon pan sauce.
Get the recipe for Brown Butter Brussels Sprout and Bacon Ravioli.
Maple Harissa Brussels Sprouts
Why we love it: These simply-cooked sprouts are loaded with flavor. It’s the perfect side dish for any protein, and you won’t want to wait until Thanksgiving to try this yummy recipe out.
Hero ingredient: Harissa sauce is a lovely and unexpected touch of zesty flavor.
Get the recipe for Maple Harissa Brussels Sprouts.
Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad With Warm Prosciutto-Mustard Vinaigrette from Spoon Fork Bacon
Why we love it: This is the perfect balance of comforting, hearty salad and healthy, crisp shaved Brussels sprouts. It’s all about balance, right? Good thing it also tastes divine.
Hero ingredient: Prosciutto is a nice deviation from all the bacon.
Get the recipe for Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad With Warm Prosciutto-Mustard Vinaigrette.
Why we love it: We just found your next easy weeknight go-to. It’s an Asian-inspired chicken dish that also happens to be a simple sheet pan dinner. It’s healthy, delicious, and will trick you into thinking you ordered takeout.
Hero ingredient: Gingery, sweet, spicy, and extra sticky soy pomegranate sauce.
Get the recipe for Sheet Pan Sticky Ginger Sesame Chicken and Crispy Brussels Sprouts.
Asian Citrus Brussels Sprouts Slaw from Fed and Fit
Why we love it: Get ready to fall in love with this easy, simple, and delicious slaw. It’s as nutritious as it is satisfying and tasty. This is everything we could possibly want from a Brussels sprouts recipe.
Hero ingredient: You’ll want to guzzle the delicious orange ginger sauce.
Get the recipe for Asian Citrus Brussels Sprouts Slaw.
Brussels Sprout & Apple Salad
Why we love it: This salad is bursting with some of our favorite fall flavors. You can’t go wrong with a sprouts and apple combo, and the addition of lightly caramelized onions and crunchy walnuts make it positively addictive.
Hero ingredient: Golden raisins add a bit of sweetness that balances out the rest of the ingredients.
Get the recipe for Brussels Sprout & Apple Salad.
Why We Love It: Pizza night, but make it healthy! Homemade pizza dough is topped with a delicious balsamic sauce, creamy Havarti cheese, and shaved Brussels sprouts, and crispy bacon. Yum! It’s a flavor sensation.
Hero Ingredient: The salty bacon seals the deal.
Get the recipe for Shredded Brussels Sprout and Bacon Pizza.
Rigatoni With Brussels Sprouts & Kale Pesto
Why We Love It: Camille says that when she and Adam took a bite of this pasta, they were stunned to silence. It’s that good.
Hero Ingredient: Buttery pine nuts bring the flavor and texture.
Get the recipe for Rigatoni With Brussels Sprouts & Kale Pesto.
Cacio E Pepe Brussels Sprouts
Why We Love It: Sign me up for anything with Cacio E Pepe in the name. It’s guaranteed to have great flavor.
Hero Ingredient: Another superstar, toasted hazelnuts shine through with a burst of nutty flavor and unbeatable crunch.
Get the recipe for Cacio E Pepe Brussles Sprouts.
Sheet Pan Green Goddess Salmon With Bacony Brussels Sprouts from The Defined Dish
Why We Love It: Sheet pan salmon is such an easy and rewarding weeknight dinner. You can throw it together in under 30 minutes and it always tastes amazing. Double win.
Hero Ingredient: Those Brussels sprouts, obviously. They’re bacony, crispy, and just so delicious.
Get the recipe for Sheet Pan Green Goddess Salmon With Bacony Brussels Sprouts.
Kale and Brussels Sprouts Winter Salad from Rainbow Plant Life
Why We Love It: This salad is good year-round go-to for a hearty lunch or dinner. It’s packed with veggies, healthy fats, and fruits so you can really enjoy eating the rainbow. Your body will thank you later.
Hero Ingredient: Those pomegranate arils bring a burst of fruity freshness to each delicious bite.
Get the recipe for Kale and Brussels Sprouts Winter Salad.
Butternut Squash & Miso Brussels Sprouts Nourish Bowl from Minimalist Baker
Why We Love It: This hearty bowl earns a spot among the best brussels sprouts recipes because it’s just that good. Full of sweet potato, Brussels sprouts, and kale plus topped with a garlicky tahini sauce, this is a plant-based meal you’ll wanna make every week.
Hero Ingredient: That garlicky tahini sauce is to die for.
Get the recipe for Butternut Squash & Miso Brussels Sprouts Nourish Bowl
This post was originally published on September 9, 2021 and has since been updated.