10 Ingredients to Pair with Roasted Brussels Sprouts (2024)

Sheela Prakash

Sheela PrakashSenior Contributing Food Editor

Sheela is the Senior Contributing Food Editor at Kitchn and the author of Mediterranean Every Day: Simple, Inspired Recipes for Feel-Good Food. She received her master's degree from the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Italy and is also a Registered Dietitian.

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updated Jun 8, 2019

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

10 Ingredients to Pair with Roasted Brussels Sprouts (2024)

FAQs

What pairs well with roasted brussels sprouts? ›

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.

What fruit pairs well with Brussels sprouts? ›

What Goes with Brussels Sprouts? Apples, artichoke, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, eggplant, endive, fennel, garlic, ginger, orange, radish, zucchini. Basil, bay leaf, blue cheese, caraway seeds, nutmeg, parmesan cheese, parsley, pistachio, thyme.

What season is best for brussel sprouts? ›

A slow-growing, long-bearing crop, Brussels sprouts should be planted in early spring, or mid- to late summer for a crop that matures in the fall. The small heads mature best in cool and even in light frosty weather. Spring planting is also fine in cooler climates.

Are roasted Brussels healthy? ›

Eating a lot of Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous veggies may help protect against cancers of the stomach, lungs, kidney, breast, bladder, and prostate. Crunchy veggies like Brussels sprouts may also help you stave off other health issues, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes.

What is a good companion for brussel sprouts? ›

Onions and Garlic:

These pungent alliums are great companions for Brussels sprouts. Garlic and onions have strong scents are effective in deterring common pests like aphids and some beetles. Plus, they occupy a different space in the garden bed, ensuring efficient use of space.

What protein pairs well with Brussels sprouts? ›

When we think about which meats go with Brussels sprouts, bacon usually comes to mind first. Upgrade that to prosciutto, add poultry and fish to the list, and leave room on the menu for steak.

What gives brussel sprouts a better taste? ›

In the late 1990s scientists identified specific chemicals, called glucosinolates, that made Brussels sprouts taste bitter. Plant breeders started growing old seeds, previously discarded for producing paltry harvests, to identify tastier versions with lower levels of these compounds.

How do you support brussel sprouts? ›

It is not necessary to stake Brussels sprouts at the time of planting. If you find that maturing plants are getting top-heavy and prone to flopping over, stake each plant individually with a thick bamboo stake, wooden stake, or piece of rebar and a loose piece of twine.

What are the best conditions for brussel sprouts? ›

Brussels sprouts like a sunny location with fertile, well-drained, firm soil. They form quite tall plants, so choose a sheltered spot, where they won't be buffeted by strong winds. If your soil is very acidic, apply lime to raise the pH to at least 6.5.

Why won't my brussel sprouts get crispy? ›

Roast the Brussels Sprouts at high heat

If you don't hear them crisping up in the oven, add a little more oil and roast them for a few more minutes until your desire crispiness is achieved!

When not to use brussel sprouts? ›

If any of the leaves have brown spots or are yellowing, it's a sign of early spoilage. If you remove the blemished leaves and the interior looks OK, you can still use the sprout. However, if the interior leaves are also showing blemishes or yellowing, it's best to toss it (or compost it, if you can).

Why do you soak Brussels sprouts before cooking? ›

The soak time tenderizes the sprouts so the middles are softer. Don't worry, they won't be soggy! I would never do that to you. If, like me, you don't mind some chew to your sprouts, you don't need to soak the Brussels sprouts prior to cooking.

What is the healthiest way to eat Brussels sprouts? ›

Roasting Brussels sprouts caramelizes their natural sugar and mellows out bitter notes, providing rich flavor and a crispier texture. Brussels sprouts are a good source of fiber and vitamins C and K, notes the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Is it OK to eat Brussels sprouts everyday? ›

Is it OK to eat Brussels sprouts everyday? Go for it. “If you enjoy sprouts and can tolerate them, absolutely! They're lower in calories and contain a myriad of important nutrients” says Snyder.

How do you get the bitterness out of roasted brussel sprouts? ›

A splash of lemon juice, or even apple cider vinegar, works wonders on bitter sprouts. Another key ingredient is fat, which helps Brussels sprouts to crisp up. This is why it's so popular to render bacon fat and cook Brussels sprouts in it, then add the bacon bits back in at the end.

Do you cut the ends off brussel sprouts before roasting? ›

How to Trim Brussels Sprouts Efficiently. No matter how you're going to cook your Brussels sprouts, you'll want to trim them first. At the base of each sprout is the spot where it was originally connected to the plant.

How do Belgians eat brussel sprouts? ›

For the most part, Belgians parcook their sprouts in either steam or boiling water, then finish them off by sauteing them in butter. A shallot or onion sweetens the mix, while a really creative recipe will add some cream or lemon juice. Nearly all recipes include a pinch of nutmeg.

How do you keep roasted brussel sprouts from getting soggy? ›

Don't be shy with oil when roasting veggies. Stick with olive oil or grapeseed oil, but avocado, canola, or vegetable oil work fine too. Just make sure there's enough fat on the brussel sprouts (and the pan) to help them get crispy. A good rule of thumb is at least 1 Tbsp olive oil per pound of brussel sprouts.

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