25 of Our Most Delicious Brussels Sprouts Recipes
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With a snap in the air as the nights turn long, the season is signaling a big shift. This is Brussels sprout weather, and the tiny cabbages seem to surround us. They are members of the great Brassica family and close cousins to cabbages, kohlrabi, cauliflowers, kale, and broccoli. Brussels sprouts are now piled in green heaps at supermarkets, on farmers' market tables, or tucked neatly into little cardboard nests beneath coverlets of cellophane at the local grocery. Sometimes they are sold attached dramatically to their giant, sturdy stems. They'll be in season fall through February.
Because Brussels sprouts still carry with them the faintest whiff of a bad reputation, we think it's only fair to reiterate that this little crucifer deserves far, far better than the notorious boiling to which it may have been subjected in the past. The characteristic nuttiness of Brussels sprouts is preserved if they are either boiled or steamed briefly until barely tender, sautéed, or roasted. Their tiny leaves and stout hearts turn sweet in dry heat with the addition of some fat or acid, and this quality is their most appealing. If you love good crunch, raw Brussels sprouts are juicily crisp and extremely healthy. Reinterpret a classic big cabbage slaw, or pair them with avocado for contrasting softness.
When shopping for Brussels sprouts, look for bright-green sprout heads, as mushy sprouts yield less flavor. Choose sprout heads of roughly the same size so they'll cook evenly. Store unwashed Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use them within three or four days.
There is great satisfaction in shopping and eating seasonally, and if you have waited almost a year to enjoy a crop now at market you should dive in headfirst and enjoy that vegetable thoroughly. Our recipes will help you do just that.
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Brussels Sprout, Apple, and Bacon Hash
Roasting vegetables and fruits intensifies their natural sweetness. Bacon adds the perfect touch of mouthwatering savoriness.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Honey-Chipotle Glaze
They're addictive—roasted then tossed with the dynamic combination of chipotle in adobo, honey, and soy sauce, this side might become the center of attention.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Grapes with Walnuts
We can't get enough of this sweet and savory side. Balsamic vinegar and fresh thyme really make the flavors of the sprouts and grapes pop.
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Warm Brussels-Sprout Dip
Try Brussels in place of spinach in a delicious, party-ready dip. This is a lighter take on the ever-popular creamy dip, using Neufchâtel cheese and Greek yogurt along with Parmigiano-Reggiano sprinkled on top for extra oomph.
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Crisp Brussels Sprout Leaves
Separating Brussels sprouts into individual leaves allows them to roast up quickly. A handful of walnuts and a showering of grated Pecorino Romano cheese add intrigue.
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Raw Swiss Chard, Cabbage, and Brussels Sprout Salad
Eating more greens is easy if you have this recipe in your arsenal! A bright dressing of sherry vinegar, Dijon, and soy sauce, plus shaved Pecorino Romano and toasted walnuts, take cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and Swiss chard to new heights.
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Crispy Brussels-Sprout Rösti
Whether you serve this crispy potato and Brussels sprout pancake as an appetizer or for brunch; either way, it will be a winner.
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Smoky Brussels Sprout Gratin
A rich smoked-Gouda sauce plus finely grated aged Gouda take this decadent Brussels sprout dish to the next level.
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Maple-Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Rutabaga with Hazelnuts
Give underrated rutabaga some love this season by roasting it with Brussels sprouts and tossing the whole shebang with a maple glaze. A sprinkling of toasted hazelnuts lends richness and crunch.
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Brussels-Sprout Tacos
Brussels make a surprisingly good, mineral-rich stand-in for chicken or beef in these tacos. Use our Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Honey-Chipotle Glaze for the filling along with avocado. Doesn't that sound good?
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Brussels Sprout Salad with Avocado and Pumpkin Seeds
Avocado's creaminess is a voluptuous partner for raw leaves of Brussels sprouts topped with rich pumpkin seeds. Lemon and its pungent zest create a vibrant dressing with mustard.
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Spicy Shrimp and Brussels Sprout Stir-Fry
The unexpected addition of Brussels sprouts to stir-fry standards such as bean sprouts, scallions, and shrimp brings a welcome change to your dinner routine.
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Brussels Sprout-Lemon Pizza
Brussels sprouts make for a crispy, chewy pizza topping. Lemon slices, ever so slightly caramelized, add zing.
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Brussels Sprouts Slaw
In this vivid, crunchy seasonal slaw, the raw goodness of Brussels sprouts is paired with the bite of radicchio in a honey-mustard dressing.
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Warm Brussels Sprout Salad
Have you tried shredding Brussels sprouts? The texture is irresistible, especially when topped with a splash of lemon juice and a sprinkle of pecorino.
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Baked Brussels-Sprout Custards
A rich nutmeg-spiked cheese sauce makes Brussels sprouts feel downright luxurious. The same technique works wonders with broccoli and cauliflower, too.
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Seared Scallops with Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Hazelnut Vinaigrette
We can't think of a more elegant supper than these seared scallops on a bed of roasted Brussels sprouts. A zingy hazelnut vinaigrette ties all the flavors together beautifully.
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Shaved Brussels Sprout, Meyer Lemon, and Quinoa Salad
Seeking a new lunch salad? Look no further than this healthy Brussels sprouts number. Quinoa and walnuts give it heft, and you can make it up to three days in advance.
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Whole-Wheat Pasta with Brussels Sprouts and Mushrooms
Add shredded Brussels sprouts and meaty mushrooms to your whole-grain pasta for a quick and super nutritious weeknight meal.
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Sauteed Brussels Sprouts
This delicious seasonal vegetable becomes sweet and nutty when browned. For the best flavor and texture, sauté the sprouts and season with lemon just before serving.
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Brussels Sprouts with Maple and Cayenne
Turn up the volume on simple roasted Brussels sprouts with fiery cayenne pepper and sweet maple syrup in this sheet pan side. It's the perfect partner for any pork dish.
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Quick Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Wondering what else you can throw onto your baking sheet when roasting Brussels sprouts? We recommend pears, shallots, and fresh thyme. They make a lovely chorus of sweet and savory flavors.
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Barley with Brussels Sprouts, Spinach, and Edamame
Like fried rice but way better for you, thanks to the barley and copious amount of greens. Chopped cashews give the dish the perfect amount of crunch.
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Spiced Lemony Brussels Sprouts
Curry powder adds extra oomph to lemony crisp-tender Brussels sprouts. The side dish pairs well with all manner of roasted meats, not just Thanksgiving turkey.
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Salad with Pancetta Crisps, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, and Pear
Crisp pancetta slices complement tender Brussels sprouts in this main-dish salad. Find delicately salty ricotta salata at cheese shops or use fresh goat cheese.