How to cook brussels sprouts
As a kid, brussels sprouts may have been your great enemy, but you don’t have to hate it now. There are so many easy how-to cook brussels sprouts recipes online that you can follow right in the comfort of your kitchen.
You don’t have to eat the same boiled, unseasoned vegetable when you can play around with recipes that will tickle your tastebuds.
These bright green veggies also have lots of vitamins and minerals that can benefit your body. Vegetables, in general, are good for you, so adding one more to the list in your diet shouldn’t hurt. If you want to know more about some of the best brussel sprout recipes, read below.
Benefits of Eating Brussels Sprouts
Brussel sprouts are not only delicious when cooked in different ways, but they also have many health benefits. The vegetable is packed with fibers, protein, and Vitamins A, C, and K.
Eating more sprouts can help with gut health, boost the immune system, aid the digestive system, and boost antioxidants in the body.
Opting for a serving of brussels sprouts instead of, say, mac and cheese for your sides would be a healthier option. That’s not to say you shouldn’t indulge anymore, but eating more leafy greens is always a good idea.
The best part? Brussel sprouts are extremely easy to add to your diet. As a side, you can have it as the main course, as a snack, a smoothie, or even as an add-on to many dishes.
Best Brussels Sprout Recipes
While some prefer the good old recipe for boiled and lightly seasoned brussels sprouts, you don’t have to be stuck with it if it’s not fit for your tastes.
Luckily, there are easy recipes for sprouts that can be done in 30 minutes or less. You won’t need elaborate ingredients, only the common ones already found in your pantry or fridge.
Check out some of the best brussels sprouts recipes below. These recipes range from brussels sprouts being a side dish to bring a snack to bring a dessert.
They’re fairly easy to make and require minimal cooking skills. If you can turn on a stove or oven, know how to chop and measure ingredients, and do basic cooking techniques, you should be good to go.
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Sautéed Brussels Sprouts
This recipe is among the easiest on this list. The best-tasting sautéed brussels sprouts should have crispy outer leaves and a lightly caramelized, soft, and meaty inside. If uncooked, sprouts can be bitter, so you must cook them well but not overdone.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of brussels sprouts
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil (add more depending on preference)
- Kosher salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Splash of acid (can be balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, pickle juice, or whatever you prefer)
Directions:
- Preheat the oil in a skillet or cast iron pan on medium to high heat.
- Add the brussels sprouts. You can have the whole or sliced in half if you prefer thinner slices. Sauté them until lightly caramelized. A bit of char on the outside is okay if the sprouts stick to the pan.
- Add the salt and pepper to taste and mix well.
- Remove from heat when sprouts have begun to look golden brown.
- Drizzle the vinegar just before serving and toss them well to cover the sprouts.
- Serve with cheese, herbs, and other preferred sides or toppings. Enjoy while warm!
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Grilled Brussels Sprouts
Another easy way to cook brussels sprouts is to pop them onto a grill and make a delicious, tender skewer or side. If you don’t have a charcoal grill, an electric one should serve the same purpose. Grilled brussels sprouts are also good for kebabs, burgers, salads, and other dishes.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of brussels sprouts, sliced in halves
- Three tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar
- One tablespoon of honey
- One tablespoon of grainy mustard
- ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the grill to a high setting.
- In a large bowl, combine the brussels sprouts with olive oil, vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well, and be sure to cover each half of the sprouts.
- You can grill your brussels sprouts in two ways: use a metal skewer or plop them onto the grill by themselves. For the former, skew the sprouts and start grilling. For the latter, depending on the type of grill you have, you can place them directly on the grill or use a foil.
- Grill the sprouts and turn frequently. Check to see if the veggies are tender and cooked through after about 10 to 15 minutes. Enjoy! Garnish with Parmesan or other toppings before serving.
Cheesy Brussels Sprout Bake
Last year, baking seemed to be everyone’s hobby. There’s probably a baked version of it, not just with pastries but almost every traditional dish you could think of.
Baked sushi and spaghetti are only two examples. Brussels sprouts can be baked too and embellished with cheeses and meats.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of brussels sprouts, sliced in halves
- Five slices of bacon, chopped
- Three tablespoons of butter
- Two small shallots, minced
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- ¾ cup of heavy cream
- ½ cup of shredded sharp white cheddar and Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup of shredded Gruyère
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, cook the bacon bits until it is crispy. Drain the bacon fat and set it aside.
- Return the skillet to medium heat and melt the butter. Add shallots and brussels sprouts. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne. Cook until tender for about 10 minutes while stirring frequently.
- Remove the sprouts from heat and layer with heavy cream. Top with both kinds of cheese and bacon.
- Bake until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and golden brown for about 12 to 15 minutes. Serve while hot and enjoy!
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Candied Walnut Brussels Sprouts
Who knew vegetables could be desserts? These delicious candied brussels sprouts are perfect as snacks or light dessert for any meal of the day.
Because sprouts are still vegetables, don’t expect this recipe to produce a super sweet dessert unless you double or triple the sugars in the ingredients.
Ingredients:
For the brussels sprouts:
- 1 pound of medium-sized brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- Two tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
- 8 oz. of brie cheese, cut into small pieces
- ¼ cup of sweetened or unsweetened honey
- 1 tablespoon of hot sauce
For the candied walnuts:
- 1 and ½ cups of California walnuts
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon of chili powder
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 425º. On a large baking sheet, toss the sprouts with olive oil, season with salt and pepper. Bake until crispy for about 25 minutes. Let cool slightly and set aside.
- Reduce the oven’s temperature to 350°. Scatter the walnuts on a large baking sheet and bake until they are toasted and golden brown for about 8 to 10 minutes.
- To make the candied walnuts, grease a large plate with cooking spray and set it aside. In a large pan, combine the walnuts, honey, sugar, and chili powder. Stir over medium to high heat until the sugar melts and coats the walnuts.
- Immediately transfer walnuts to the greased plate and spread into an even, single layer—season with more salt to taste. Let cool completely, but stir a few times to keep the walnuts from sticking together.
- Arrange the brussels sprouts cut side-up on a serving platter. Top each half with a piece of candied walnut and brie cheese. Then drizzle with a bit of hot honey for extra flavor. Serve while hot and enjoy!
Brussels Sprout Chips
Just like kale and spinach, brussels sprouts can also be made into healthy chips. Even better because sprouts are meaty, so they have more of a bite.
This recipe is pretty flexible, so you can add whatever flavors you want for the chips. Dips are also a good pair for brussels sprouts chips.
Ingredients:
- 1//2 pound of brussels sprouts, thinly sliced
- One tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
- Caesar, thousand islands, or whatever you prefer for dipping
Directions:
- For the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°. In a large bowl, toss the brussels sprouts with olive oil, Parmesan, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spread in an even layer on a medium baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 to 15 minutes. Toss and bake for another 8 to 10 minutes until the sprouts are crisp and golden. Place in a bowl and garnish with more Parmesan. Serve with dipping sauce.
- For the air fryer: Toss the sprouts in a bowl and season accordingly. Arrange in an even layer in the air fryer basket.
- Bake at 350° for 8 to 10 minutes, toss and bake for 8 to 10 minutes more until the sprouts are crisp and golden.
- Garnish with more cheese and serve with dipping sauce. Brussels sprout chips are best when freshly cooked.
What dishes go well with brussels sprouts?
Many dishes go well with this vegetable, as you can see from the recipes listed above. Just sauté the veggies and season lightly, then serve with the main dish.
Sprouts can serve as a side for main courses like steak, pork, chicken, or fish., You can also include sprouts in crock pots, soups, baked dishes, or practically anything you can think of.
While brussels sprouts are delicious on their own, they can be even better when paired with various recipes.
But if you don’t want to eat your veggies, why not drink them? Make a green smoothie with sprouts and other leafy greens. In any way, this wonder food is good with anything, even for those who are picky with their food.
How do you store brussels sprouts?
Cooked brussels sprouts can last longer than raw ones. To store cooked sprouts, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It can last for 4 to 5 days, depending on some factors like added ingredients or the sprouts’ quality. Raw brussels sprouts typically last 3 to 5 days, depending on storage. Try to wrap it in wax paper or cling wrap and place it in the fridge.
If you live in an area where the fresh harvest is hard to come by, frozen brussels sprouts are also sold in groceries. Fresh is always your best option, but frozen sprouts can still work.
They can become soggy and have a different texture, but if you don’t mind, you can opt for a frozen bag or freeze fresh ones for them to last longer. Cooked and frozen sprouts can last 2 to 3 months in the freezer.
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Summary
Brussel sprouts may have caused several kids to have nightmares about eating their vegetables, but you can change that. If you grew up eating boiled veggies, maybe it’s time to put these easy recipes to the test and how you and your family like it.
These recipes are especially good for children or adolescents who prefer their food with a lot of flavors. In any case, how you cook brussels sprouts will drastically change its taste while still giving you its slew of health benefits.
