24 Brilliant & Definitely Not Bitter Brussels Sprouts Recipes (2024)

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 syrup for the base of this creamy vegetarian gratin, and top with a pecan-breadcrumb crumble.

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24 Brilliant & Definitely Not Bitter Brussels Sprouts Recipes (1)

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.

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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.

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

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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.

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6. Sautéed Brussels Sprouts

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 chickpeas, turmeric, and coconut milk.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 vinegar, honey, and soy sauce is key.

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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.

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

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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!

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18. Warm, Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Salad

Roasted red peppers, canned 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.

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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!

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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.

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“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.

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

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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.

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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.

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What is your favorite way to prepare Brussels sprouts? Let us know in the comments below!

24 Brilliant & Definitely Not Bitter Brussels Sprouts Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How do you cook brussel sprouts so they are not bitter? ›

The best way to cook brussels sprouts is this:
  1. Trim off the stem ends.
  2. If they are large, slice in half.
  3. Dress with olive oil, salt, pepper, and andy spices you like.
  4. Roast in the oven or grill until slightly charred but not overcooked.
Jul 13, 2020

Why aren't Brussels sprouts bitter anymore? ›

Over the last twenty years, farmers have mellowed the "unpleasant" flavor of brussels sprouts by breeding a vegetable that contains fewer bitter compounds or glucosinolates. So, brussels sprouts just taste better than they used to when we were kids. The rub is that glucosinolates help protect sprouts against pests.

What gives brussel sprouts a better taste? ›

About 30 years ago, a Dutch scientist identified the chemicals that made brussels sprouts bitter. He selected seed varieties with lower levels of the bitter chemicals and bred new high-yielding varieties that tasted less bitter.

When should you not use brussel sprouts? ›

Throw out fresh brussel sprouts that have a foul odor, yellow or wilted leaves, a mushy or slimy texture, or dark spots. Use fresh brussel sprouts within 1–2 weeks of getting them. Store the brussel sprouts in a plastic bag inside your fridge, and wash them before cooking them.

Should you cut brussel sprouts in half before cooking? ›

To maximize the flat areas, which get the most crispy surface area, cut your Brussels sprouts in half. If your Brussels sprouts are very small, you can leave them whole (and if they are very large, quarter them).

Why do you soak brussel sprouts in salt water? ›

For best results, soak your Brussels sprouts in salt water. Not only does salt act to tenderize the dense sprouts, but it will also help to season them all the way through. It won't take a lot -- just add 1 tablespoon of salt per 1 quart of water and toss in trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts.

Who made brussel sprouts less bitter? ›

A Dutch scientist named Hans van Doorn, who worked at a seed and chemical company, figured out exactly which chemical compounds in Brussels sprouts made them bitter. The next step was to plant sprouts with the least amount of these chemicals and eventually cross-pollinate the chemicals out.

Do brussel sprouts taste bitter to everyone? ›

Surprisingly, it could be your genes that determine your feelings about these controversial little vegetables. A 2011 study by Cornwall College found that sprouts contain a chemical, similar to phenylthiocarbamide, which only tastes bitter to people who have a variation of a certain gene.

Do brussel sprouts taste bitter to some people? ›

Because PTC is prevalent in Brussels sprouts, these so-called "Supertasters" perceive them as intensely bitter. This is all connected to a taste-related gene called TAS2R38, which has a variant called AVI and one called PAV.

Why do I feel so good after eating brussel sprouts? ›

The fiber in Brussels sprouts—over 3 grams per cup, according to the USDA—helps regulate blood sugar levels, support digestive health, and feed the beneficial gut bacteria. Gut bacteria are tied to positive mood, immunity, and anti-inflammation, according to Harvard University's School of Public Health.

How does Jamie Oliver cook brussel sprouts? ›

Place the Brussels in a large saucepan over a high heat for a couple of minutes, then, once the pan is nice and hot, cover with boiling salted water. Boil for 5 minutes, or until just tender but with a little bite. Taste to check – they should be slightly undercooked.

Do big or small brussel sprouts taste better? ›

The larger the Brussels sprouts grow, the more they take on the qualities of cabbage. Large pieces will be slightly more bitter, while smaller Brussels sprouts are a little bit sweeter. Save the big ones for roasting, when the combo of high heat and fat coaxes out every drop of sweetness.

What is one major side effect of eating brussel sprouts? ›

Like other cruciferous veggies, Brussels sprouts have a type of carbohydrate that your body can't easily break down. This can cause you to have belly pain, gas, and either diarrhea or constipation.

Who should not eat brussel sprouts? ›

Although a healthy vegetable, consuming too many Brussels sprouts can be unsuitable for people on anticoagulants since it contains vitamin K, which results in blood clotting. Another issue with consuming Brussels sprouts excessively is that it can lead to gas and bloating.

What is the black stuff on my brussel sprouts? ›

Fungal and bacterial infections cause black spots on Brussels sprouts. Prevent with spacing, air circulation, and tool sterilization.

Why does my brussel sprouts taste bitter? ›

The bitter taste of Brussels sprouts comes from compounds called glucosinolates and their degradation products, he explains. These bitter tasting compounds are an important part of the plant's defence mechanism against leaf-eating enemies, such as insects, nematodes, slugs, and herbivores, like pigeons and deer.

Why do some people find brussel sprouts bitter? ›

A 2011 study by Cornwall College found that sprouts contain a chemical, similar to phenylthiocarbamide, which only tastes bitter to people who have a variation of a certain gene. The research found that around 50 per cent of the world's population have a mutation on this gene.

How long do you soak brussel sprouts? ›

It won't take a lot -- just add 1 tablespoon of salt per 1 quart of water and toss in trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts. Soaking the sprouts in salt water doesn't take long --10 to 30 minutes is plenty long enough to soften up the centers.

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