If you think Brussels sprouts are just a side dish, you might want to reconsider. With their unique flavor and texture, they can easily take center stage on your plate. You'll find that a few simple recipes can transform these humble vegetables into memorable meals. From the savory notes of roasted garlic to the sweetness of maple glaze, each option offers something distinct. Curious about how these dishes can enhance your next dinner? Let's investigate the top five recipes that could change the way you view Brussels sprouts forever.
Roasted Brussel Sprouts With Garlic
Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Garlic is a simple yet flavorful dish that raises this often-overlooked vegetable to new heights. The combination of roasting and garlic brings out the natural sweetness of the sprouts while adding a delightful crunch. Perfect as a side dish or even a main vegetarian option, this recipe is easy enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Brussel sprouts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Begin by trimming the ends of the Brussel sprouts and removing any yellow or damaged leaves. Cut the sprouts in half to guarantee even cooking.
In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved sprouts with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until they're well coated. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the sprouts are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
Halfway through roasting, give them a good stir to guarantee even cooking. If using, drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Extra Tips:
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the oil mixture for a bit of heat.
Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can cause the sprouts to steam rather than roast, resulting in a less crispy texture.
If you want to add a bit of sweetness, try tossing in some sliced shallots or even a handful of dried cranberries during the last few minutes of roasting. Enjoy experimenting with different seasonings and toppings to make this dish your own!
Brussel Sprout Salad With Apples
Brussel sprout salad with apples is a revitalizing and nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavors of roasted brussel sprouts with the sweet crunch of fresh apples. This salad makes for a delightful side dish or a light main course, perfect for any season. The tangy dressing brings everything together, enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Preparing this salad is simple and quick, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound brussel sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 large apple, cored and diced (preferably a crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
To prepare the salad, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the halved brussel sprouts with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes until they're golden brown and crispy, stirring halfway through.
While the brussel sprouts are roasting, prepare the dressing by whisking together the remaining olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted brussel sprouts, diced apple, red onion, walnuts, cranberries, and feta cheese. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, toss gently to combine, and serve immediately.
For best results, make sure to let the roasted brussel sprouts cool slightly before adding them to the salad, as this will help maintain the crispness of the apples and other ingredients.
Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts or cheeses based on your preferences. You can also add a handful of fresh greens like arugula or spinach for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.
This salad can be made ahead of time, but it's best to add the dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy. Enjoy!
Sautéed Brussel Sprouts With Bacon
Sautéed Brussel Sprouts with Bacon is a delicious and simple side dish that combines the earthy flavors of Brussel sprouts with the savory richness of crispy bacon. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a weeknight dinner or a holiday feast.
The key to making this dish is to achieve the perfect balance of tenderness and crispiness, allowing the natural sweetness of the sprouts to shine through while being improved by the smoky flavor of the bacon.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Brussel sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it's crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
Add the halved Brussel sprouts to the skillet, cut side down, and sauté for about 5-6 minutes until they're golden brown. Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sprouts are tender.
Return the crispy bacon to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and toss everything together. If desired, drizzle with balsamic vinegar for an extra layer of flavor before serving.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, try to use Brussel sprouts that are roughly the same size to guarantee even cooking. If some of your sprouts are larger, you can cut them into quarters for uniformity.
Additionally, be careful not to overcrowd the skillet; if necessary, cook the sprouts in batches for ideal browning. Feel free to experiment with other additions, such as toasted nuts or dried cranberries, to add more texture and flavor to the dish.
Enjoy your Sautéed Brussel Sprouts with Bacon!
Brussel Sprout Casserole Delight
Brussel Sprout Casserole Delight is a hearty and comforting dish that showcases the unique flavor of brussel sprouts while blending them with creamy cheese and crunchy toppings.
Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this casserole is sure to impress both brussel sprout lovers and skeptics alike. The combination of textures and flavors will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb brussel sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until they're fragrant and translucent.
Add the halved brussel sprouts to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften.
In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Pour this mixture over the brussel sprouts and stir until well combined.
Transfer everything into a greased casserole dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider incorporating cooked bacon or pancetta into the casserole.
You can also experiment with different types of cheese for a unique twist—gouda or gruyere can provide a wonderful depth of flavor.
If you prefer a healthier version, substitute the heavy cream with a lighter cream or milk.
To save time, you can prep the brussel sprouts a day ahead and store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
Enjoy your Brussel Sprout Casserole Delight!
Maple Glazed Brussel Sprouts
Maple glazed Brussels sprouts are a delightful and easy side dish that combines the earthy flavors of the sprouts with the sweetness of maple syrup. This dish can boost any meal, whether it's a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner.
The caramelization of the Brussels sprouts, improved by the rich maple glaze, creates a perfect balance of savory and sweet, making them irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they're tender and caramelized.
While the sprouts are roasting, combine the maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
After 20 minutes, remove the Brussels sprouts from the oven and drizzle the maple mixture over the top. Toss to coat and return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize.
Extra Tips:
For added texture and flavor, consider sprinkling some chopped pecans or walnuts over the Brussels sprouts before serving.
If you prefer a bit more crunch, you can broil them for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching closely to avoid burning.
Feel free to experiment with different types of vinegar or add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
These maple glazed Brussels sprouts can also be made ahead of time and reheated, though they're best enjoyed fresh out of the oven!