12 Ways to Cook With Brussels Sprouts Beyond Just Roasting Them

By Isadora Baum
January 20, 2020
Credit: Maja Bryning - Mazgaj / EyeEm / Getty Images

Brussels sprouts are a fantastic veggie that's high in fiber and protein and super versatile. Yet most people just stick to roasting them with some olive oil and lemon, as well as herbs and spices. (And that yummy charred texture is amazing, too, so we get the appeal.) However, there are so many other ways to enjoy Brussels sprouts. From shredding them, pureeing for dips and soups, and stuffing them into eggs, Brussels sprouts are nearly as versatile as you are creative.

For example, you can add shaved Brussels sprouts to a frittata with other veggies like spinach, butternut squash, turkey bacon, and cheese. Frittatas are a fun and easy make-ahead breakfast or brunch that you can pack a lot of veggies into for added nutrition, says Maggie Michalczyk, MS, RD.

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Or you can make a breakfast hash with shaved Brussels sprouts and half the amount of potatoes. "Their texture will go with the potatoes perfectly, and you'll be getting extra vitamin C and fiber," Michalczyk says.

You can use Brussels sprouts in tacos in place of shredded lettuce. "Or toss with roasted veggies and any type of grain for a seasonal side dish that helps you to get more veggies at any get-together or holiday party," she says.

You can even use sprouts as toppings for pizza. "Brussels sprouts pair really well with cheese and bread, so make them the star of pizza night," says Natalie Rizzo, MS, RD. They can also be blended into dips, soups, and smoothies. "Instead of throwing a handful of kale or spinach into a smoothie, try raw shredded Brussels sprouts. If you combine them with sweet fruit, like banana or mango, you won't even know they are in there," says Rizzo.

Interested in playing around with this fun veggie? Here are 12 Brussels sprouts recipes to get you started.

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The Brussels Sprouts Special

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For a low-carb pizza, top this cauliflower pizza crust with thinly sliced Brussels sprouts and other veggies. You can add on protein, like chicken, bacon, sausage, or more cheese, and you are still keeping carbs low. Great for any keto dieters in need of some pizza comfort, and it takes just 30 minutes to make.

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Brussels Sprouts Gratin

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You can make a delicious, rich, and creamy gratin for the ultimate comfort food. By baking the Brussels sprouts in cheese, heavy cream, and bacon, this gratin is thick and decadent. And the crispy breadcrumbs on top add some great crunch. Go with Parmesan cheese for that strong, pungent taste that makes the dish pop.

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Fried Brussels Sprouts

Credit: France C
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Instead of roasting Brussels sprouts, you can fry them, which will give them that crispy texture that's the perfect side for a piece of steak or pork. Or you can even pair with a fried egg or use in hash for breakfast. And a tip? Add about 2 tablespoons sugar simply to soften the taste, along with bacon for that meaty, chewy mouthfeel.

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Truly Delicious Brussels Sprouts

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These shaved and thinly-sliced Brussels sprouts make a warm salad or side dish. You keep it simple and cook in a skillet with butter, salt and pepper, lemon juice, and some olive oil. Plus, it's ready in 10 minutes, which is short and sweet for a Brussels sprouts side dish.

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Chopped Brussels Sprout Salad

Credit: PeanutKrow
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The cooking technique is easy, since the sprouts are raw in the salad. All you need to do is slice up the sprouts, toss with the other ingredients, and drizzle on the delicious dressing for a simple, light salad. Add in dried cranberries, almonds, and some nuts and seeds for flavor and good fats and protein.

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Brussels Sprouts Soup with Caramelized Onions

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This creamy, lucious soup has a ton of fiber and good nutrients from the Brussels sprouts, and the caramelized onions give it a rich, savory flavor and kick to take it up a notch. Cook with chicken stock, and add hot sauce if you like, which will give it some more spice and heat.

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Brussels Sprouts With Bacon Dressing

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"This creative uncooked Brussels sprouts recipe has a great contrast between the raw, crunchy vegetable and the rich, smoky bacon dressing," says Chef John. Plus there's some cayenne pepper to bring the heat and give a spicy kick, too. You can add more or less depending on preference.

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Skillet-Braised Brussels Sprouts

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Cook these braised Brussels sprouts in a cast-iron skillet, which is great for one-pan cooking and easy clean up, too. Add in bacon, garlic, and balsamic vinegar for a savory glaze and flavor notes. Let them get nice and tender, so they'll just melt in your mouth. It's done in 40 minutes.

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Brussels Sprouts and Barley Soup

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This soup with Brussels sprouts is creamy and flavorful, and there are great nutrients, like fiber and antioxidants, from the use of the sprouts, green beans, carrots, leeks, and other herbs. You can touch it up with more spice if you like, and serve with bread, like a nice warm baguette or sourdough, for dunking.

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Creamy Cucumber Brussels Sprouts

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This creamy, indulgent Brussels sprouts recipe has a rich texture and is super comforting for a cold winter evening. The creamy sauce and cucumber tastes great, making it a green side dish that'll go perfectly with grilled chicken, a piece of fish, like salmon, or lamb chops.

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Brussels Sprouts Bake

Credit: Melissa Goff
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Baked brussels sprouts and cheese are a dynamic duo, and this recipe doesn't disappoint one bit. It's a great take on green bean casserole but with Brussels sprouts instead. Use cream of mushroom soup, Cheddar cheese, and breadcrumbs to make this "wow" dish a star during the holiday season.

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Chef John's Irish Pork Stew

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This Irish pork stew with baby cabbage and Brussels sprouts is hearty and delicious, making it the perfect dish for wintertime when the temperatures are low and you need something high in protein and fiber, as well as thick in texture, to stick to your bones and fill you up fast. It takes a bit longer to cook, but it's well worth the effort.

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By Isadora Baum