10 Ingredients to Pair with Roasted Brussels Sprouts
A side of roasted Brussels sprouts is one of the vegetables I look forward to the most in the cold-weather months — and its versatility is nearly endless. Sure, a simple sprinkle of salt and pepper does the job well, but there are a handful of ingredients that really pair so well with Brussels sprouts that it’s fun to play around a bit. Here are 10 we love to inspire you.
1. Mustard
The tang of a good mustard is a great match for earthy Brussels sprouts. A simple Dijon works wonders, but here whole-grain mustard lends that same flavor while also providing a little texture in the form of those crunchy mustard seeds.
Get the recipe: Honey-Mustard Brussels Sprouts
2. Fish Sauce
Fish sauce gives roasted Brussels sprouts a salty, umami-flavor kick that makes them even more irresistible. You don’t need a lot, though — just a few dashes will give you that rich, salty flavor.
Get the recipe: Thai-Style Brussels Sprouts
3. Smoked Paprika
Smoked paprika gives roasted Brussels sprouts a deep, almost meaty quality. Just sprinkle a little on the sprouts when you toss them with olive oil to take them to the next level.
Get the recipe: Smoky Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Kielbasa
4. Pomegranate Molasses
If you bought a bottle of Middle Eastern pomegranate molasses for that one Ottolenghi recipe and now, months later, have no idea how else to use it, the answer is on Brussels sprouts. The extra-tart syrup brightens the flavor of the roasted vegetable and helps get them super caramelized while roasting.
5. Apples
Pair Brussels sprouts with apples and you’ve got something that tastes even more of the season. The apple slices with soften and get extra sweet, which is a nice contrast to the slight bitter edge of the veggies.
Get the recipe:
Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Apples
6. Worcestershire Sauce
Here’s another ingredient that’s often forgotten about in your pantry. Worcestershire sauce brings an umami-rich flavor to roasted sprouts. You just need a little to benefit from its tangy, salty flavor, so toss your veggies in only a dash or two.
Get the recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts
7. Miso Paste
Tossing roasted Brussels sprouts with a quick miso paste-based vinaigrette suddenly makes them taste complex, thanks to the sweet and nutty notes in the paste.
Get the recipe: Roasted Winter Vegetables with Miso-Lime Dressing
8. Bacon
We already know that bacon is a good idea in most situations, and roasted Brussels sprouts are no exception. Toss chunks of thick-cut bacon on the sheet pan with the veggies while roasting and they’ll share their smoky richness with the sprouts.
Get the recipe: Roasted Potatoes with Bacon & Brussels Sprouts
9. Cider
Dress up roasted Brussels sprouts with an apple cider glaze — they deserve such royal treatment after all. Simmer the cider until reduced and thickened and then drizzle it over the veggies to lend a tart, sweet seasonal flair.
Get the recipe: Cider-Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Bacon
10. Honey
A drizzle of your favorite honey boosts Brussels sprouts’ caramelizing potential as they roast, while also offsetting their slight cabbage-like flavor. Any honey will do, but if you like heat with your sweet, give hot honey a try.
Get the recipe: Pancetta-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts with Honey