Brussels sprouts don’t exactly have the best reputation. It’s like everyone’s childhood nightmare of the veggie world. But here’s the thing—when they’re cooked the right way, Brussels sprouts can actually be the star of the dinner table. Whether you’re roasting them, tossing them in a salad, or even wrapping them in bacon, these little green gems are way more versatile than most people give them credit for. Here are some fun ways to use them that even serious haters may end up liking.
Brussels Sprouts Pasta
This Brussels sprouts pasta takes just 25 minutes to make and is perfect for a busy weeknight. With bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichokes, it’s packed with flavor while still being quick and easy.
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Creamy Brussels Sprouts Soup
This creamy Brussels sprout soup is garlic-packed and made right in the blender in no time. It’s a quick and cozy dish for those looking for something easy but still full of flavor.
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Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts wrapped in crispy bacon and glazed with maple syrup—sounds perfect for game day or any get-together. A salty, sweet bite that pairs great with a spread of dips and snacks.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts on the Stalk
Whole Brussels sprouts roasted on the stalk with a maple balsamic glaze make for a show-stopping side dish. Serve the stalk whole for a fun table centerpiece, or just slice them off for easy serving.
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Cheddar Bacon Dutch Baby
This savory Dutch baby is topped with crispy bacon and sautéed Brussels sprouts, putting a savory spin on the classic pancake. Perfect for brunch or a fun dinner.
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Brussels Sprouts with Anchovy Caper Butter
Roasted Brussels sprouts meet a bold, salty punch with this anchovy caper butter. The rich, caramelized flavor of the sprouts pairs perfectly with the butter, making it a great way to win over anyone who’s on the fence about Brussels sprouts.
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Kale Brussel Sprouts Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
A crisp salad with kale, Brussels sprouts, and cranberries, drizzled in a punchy honey mustard dressing. It’s fresh, crunchy, and stays that way, even if you prep it early. Perfect for those who like their greens with a bit of tang.
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Brussels Sprouts Gratin
Brussels sprouts baked in a cheesy béchamel sauce make this gratin rich and satisfying. It’s inspired by a Julia Child classic, and for those who love a good cheese sauce, this side dish is a perfect way to serve sprouts at dinner.
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Chili Brussel Sprouts
These panko-crusted, roasted Brussels sprouts are covered in a spicy sauce, making them a fun and crunchy vegan option for any occasion. They’re roasted until crispy and perfect for a holiday side or a regular dinner.
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Brussels Sprout Salad with Pear and Pomegranate
A crisp salad packed with Brussels sprouts, pear, and pomegranate, dressed with a simple apple cider vinaigrette. The bright colors and flavors make this a perfect side for the holidays or a light dish any night of the week.
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Brussels Cranberry Quinoa Salad
This shaved Brussels sprouts and quinoa salad is quick, easy, and great for anyone who’s never been a fan of Brussels sprouts before. It’s loaded with cranberries and tossed together in no time for a light, healthy meal or side dish.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze
Roasted Brussels sprouts take on a whole new level of flavor with a balsamic glaze. Simple but impressive, this side dish is perfect for Thanksgiving or any meal where you want Brussels sprouts to really shine.
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Shaved Brussels Sprout Slaw with Lemon Apple Cider Vinaigrette
Looking for a slaw with a twist? Shaved Brussels sprouts bring crunch and flavor when paired with cabbage and a tangy lemon apple cider vinaigrette. It’s a fresh, crunchy slaw that’s perfect for something a little different.
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Miso Brussels Sprouts
These miso Brussels sprouts are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and packed with sweet and savory flavor. A great, simple side dish that comes together quickly and is perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Indian Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Spiced up with Indian flavors, this Brussels sprouts dish is packed with aromatic spices. It’s a flavorful way to shake up your Brussels sprouts routine and bring a bit of excitement to your dinner.
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Honey Sriracha Brussels Sprouts
Sweet, spicy, and crisp, these honey sriracha Brussels sprouts pack a lot of flavor. They’re roasted to perfection and take just a few minutes to prep—great for when you want something bold but easy.
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Roasted Maple Bourbon Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts get a little extra something with maple syrup, bourbon, and bacon. This combo of sweet, savory, and crispy makes for the perfect side dish, adding a bit of fun to any meal.
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Healthy Fall Harvest Pasta Salad
Packed with fall veggies, this pasta salad is super easy to throw together. It’s perfect for using up any extra produce you’ve got lying around and makes a simple, no-fuss meal that still feels fresh.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Fall Harvest Pasta Salad
Maple Roasted Brussel Sprouts and Sweet Potatoes
Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes roasted with maple syrup make a perfect side dish for any holiday or weeknight meal. It’s easy to make ahead of time and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
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Asian-Inspired Teriyaki Brussels Sprouts
These teriyaki Brussels sprouts bring a great balance of sweet and savory. Roasted to perfection, they’re a great side dish when you’re looking for something a little different to jazz up your dinner.
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Zhoug Pasta With Brussels Sprouts
This quick and easy zhoug pasta is loaded with shredded Brussels sprouts and spicy zhoug sauce. Fresh and full of flavor, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts on Cheese Sauce with Prosciutto Crumbs
Roasted Brussels sprouts served on top of creamy cheese sauce and sprinkled with crispy prosciutto crumbs make for a fun, flavorful side dish that’s sure to stand out on the table.
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Easy Brussels Sprouts Pita Pizzas with Optional Bacon
These mini pita pizzas topped with shredded Brussels sprouts, mozzarella, and a touch of bacon (if you’re feeling it) come together in under 10 minutes. They make for a quick and fun meal, great for a light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Easy Brussels Sprouts Pita Pizzas with Optional Bacon
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.