Brussels sprouts carry an unfounded reputation for being smelly, bland, and unlikeable, yet nothing could be further from the truth. All that it takes to make these polarizing veggies a sensational side dish, or the lynchpin of a great main meal is to prepare them with flair and add flavor while providing opportunities for their nutty, crunchy texture and wholesome simplicity to shine.
Below you’ll find 6 Brilliant Brussels Sprouts Recipes that showcase this odd little vegetable at its absolute best. Brussels sprouts are versatile, engaging, and really quite tasty! If you give them a little bit of love and put some effort into finding contrasting ingredients that bring out their crunch, flavor, and verve, you’ll have dishes that will confound even the most ardent critic!
1. Mushroom and White Wine Brussels Sprouts
A top-notch veggie side dish for the table gives our tragically unpopular vegetable a tasty, earthy glow-up. White Wine and Mushroom Brussels Sprouts have all that yummy flavor you’d expect from a fine restaurant experience, except you can easily make this dish at home with a splash of wine and some simple pantry additions.
2. Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Dijon Aioli
I never thought that toasty, crisp Brussels sprouts could look and taste amazing. Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Dijon Aioli is a side dish that could be a dinner starter for the intrepid family, or a healthy party finger food when there are guests in your home. The cheat code to this brussels sprouts recipe is the Dijon Aioli, you could smother this dipping sauce on just about any polarizing vegetable and it will be devoured with gusto!
3. Shaved Brussels Sprouts Gratin
This creamy, indulgent Shaved Brussels Sprouts Gratin is hard to beat when you have a bit of time on your hands to craft a delicious side dish that blows sprout preconceptions right out of the water! The fine, thin strips of sprouts are tender but not mushy and have a genuinely enjoyable nutty flavor that is only enhanced by the richness of Gruyere cheese, in combination with a delightful shallot, garlic, and nutmeg infused cream sauce.
4. Parmesan Crusted Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts blanketed in breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese then baked until they’re irresistibly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Parmesan Crusted Brussels Sprouts could be the pinnacle of this veggie’s recipe options. I’d hazard a guess that many a sprout-hater would be popping these delights into their mouths like their favorite chocolate if given a blind test – they are that yummy!
5. Savory Brussels Sprout and Spinach Pie
Spinach and Brussels sprouts have spent far too many years being maligned – especially in my family – so pairing them together helps them shine in all kinds of delicious dishes and helps polish their image! The nuttiness and crispness of sprouts and the iron strength of spinach match well together, while salty parmesan and greek yogurt help amplify the flavor of this delightful. Savory Brussels Sprout and Spinach Pie is straightforward to put together as well, making the dish a great option for make-ahead lunches or dinner on busy weeknights.
6. Crunchy Brussels Sprout Salad
If you are looking for a tremendous side salad for when the cold weather starts to make its mark, this tremendously Crunchy Brussels Sprout Salad offers a great combination of flavor and texture. It’s the type of seasonal recipe that works as a versatile option during the holiday period. The combination of crispy sprouts and pecan nuts work in concert with the fresh bite of cranberries and dijon, plus the sweetness of maple syrup and sublimely fried onion.
Conclusion
Brussels sprouts are great vegetables for exploring recipes – you just need a little faith! By pairing these misunderstood, highly versatile veggies with contrasting tastes and textures, you’ll bring forth tremendously flavorful sides and main dishes that will have family and friends clamoring for the recipes, and your secret to making them delicious!