10 Ingenious Ways to Cook Brussels Sprouts That Go Way Beyond Roasted
Roasted Brussels sprouts are an amazing, miraculous thing. They’re sweet and savory, hearty and wholesome; they go with just about anything; and they couldn’t be easier to make. Toss them with a glug of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and put them in a fiery hot oven until they’re crisp and caramelized, and you’re basically set.
But, maybe it’s March (it is!) and you’ve been roasting your Brussels all winter long and you’re looking for something a bit different. Well, you’re in luck because there are many other great ways to cook these green globes: Toss them with a punchy pantry glaze, shred them into a fresh salad, serve them in a creamy sauce, cook them in the slow cooke, or the air fryer! If you’re feeling like your go-to Brussels sprouts could use a little freshening up, take inspiration from these 10 recipes.
1. Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
Psst: The air fryer is actually a fantastic way to cook all variety of vegetables. The high heat circulating around the veggies makes them crunchier, sweeter, and much more flavorful than they’ll get in the oven. If you love that tender-inside/crispy-outside, this may be the best-ever way to make them.
Get the recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
2. Smoky, Lemony Sautéed Shredded Brussels Sprouts
Meet my favorite quick-and-easy Brussels sprouts side of all time. Shredded sprouts get jazzed up with a sprinkle of smoked paprika and a squeeze of lemon juice and zest. I recommend starting with a bag of pre-shredded sprouts to save time — but don’t sleep on the smoked paprika, which is worlds away from the regular stuff in terms of flavor.
Get a recipe: Smoky, Lemony Sautéed Shredded Brussels Sprouts
3. Lemony Brussels Sprouts & Breadcrumb Spaghetti
The best thing about this simple pasta dinner is that it starts with the leftover roasted Brussels sprouts from last night’s meal.
Get the recipe: Lemony Brussels Sprouts & Breadcrumb Spaghetti
4. Roasted Potatoes with Bacon & Brussels Sprouts
The combination of bacon, Brussels sprouts, and potatoes is a win. We tossed in a spoonful of grainy mustard to make it even more irresistible.
Get the recipe: Roasted Potatoes with Bacon & Brussels Sprouts
5. Slow Cooker Cheesy Garlic Brussels Sprouts
These slow-cooked Brussels sprouts are deliciously tender and coated in a velvety garlic and Parmesan cream sauce. It’s all the proof you need that it’s possible to make wow-worthy sprouts without a crispy leaf or charred bottom in sight.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Cheesy Garlic Brussels Sprouts
6. Honey-Mustard Brussels Sprouts
Ready to give basic Brussels sprouts a twist? All it takes it a few pantry ingredients to give this classic side a sweet-and-savory pop of flavor.
Get the recipe: Honey-Mustard Brussels Sprouts
7. Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples, Hazelnuts & Brown Butter Dressing
Don’t forget that Brussels sprouts are also great raw, and make a good, hearty base for a salad. Save yourself some time and extra work by starting with a package of shaved sprouts.
Get the recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Apples, Hazelnuts & Brown Butter Dressing
8. Stovetop Brussels Sprouts Hash with Crispy Sage and Walnuts
I go back and forth on whether the best part of this side is the shredded sprouts sautéed with onions and pancetta, or the butter-browned walnuts and crispy fried sage topping. You’ll have to make it and decide for yourself.
Get the recipe: Stovetop Brussels Sprouts Hash with Crispy Sage and Walnuts
9. Smoky Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Kielbasa
Kielbasa’s sweet-salty flavor pairs really well with crispy sprouts, but this dish is the perfect partner to any kind of sausage.
Get the recipe: Smoky Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Kielbasa
10. Grilled Brussels Sprouts
Slice ’em, toss ’em in dressing, skewer ’em and drop ’em on a hot grill, and those everyday sprouts take on a whole new smoky world of flavor. The direct heat and open flame give them a charred exterior that is well worth the effort, and turns them into much more than a side.
Get the recipe: Grilled Brussels Sprouts