40 Healthy Ways to Cook Brussels Sprouts

October 30, 2018
Jennifer Causey
These easy and healthy Brussels sprouts recipes showcase the best ways to cook one of our favorite cruciferous veggies. (It's tough to believe they once had a bad rap!) Whether roasted, topped with bacon, or drizzled with balsamic vinegar, Brussels sprouts are versatile enough to cook on a weeknight or for a special gathering. Browse our delicious Brussels sprouts recipes to find the perfect dish for your occasion.
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40 Healthy Ways to Cook Brussels Sprouts

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Healthy Brussels Sprouts Recipes

Photo: Ellen Silverman
View Recipe: Cheesy Brussels Sprouts and Mushrooms

Brussels sprouts are a powerful member of the cabbage family—they're known for their ability to enhance DNA repair in cells and help block the continued growth of cancer cells. What's the best way to cook Brussels sprouts? Whether they're steamed, roasted, or boiled, these cruciferous veggies make a fabulous base for casseroles and salads or work as a hearty and healthy side dish.

First on the list is our Cheese Brussels Sprouts and Mushrooms. Shopping hint: Cremini mushrooms are often labeled as baby bellas; there’s no flavor difference. Substitute your favorite variety, or pick up pre-sliced mushrooms to cut your chopping time in half. Leftovers are delicious served atop a salad or tossed with a quick tahini dressing.

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Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mustard Dressing

Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Mustard Dressing

Here’s proof that Brussels sprouts can be delicious without bacon. Sherry (or apple cider) vinegar lends complementary sweet-tart notes, and grainy mustard adds peppery tang. High-heat roasting gives the sprouts a little char and the faintest hint of smoky flavor. It’s a quick dish that yields fantastic results.

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Maple-Mustard Roasted Chicken with Squash and Brussels Sprouts

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Maple-Mustard Roasted Chicken with Squash and Brussels Sprouts

We give the large bone-in breasts a head start in the oven so they will be perfectly cooked by the time the vegetables are done. This cut is also rather juicy; you’ll want to drain off the liquid from the pan before adding the vegetables so they can caramelize evenly. Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, and acorn squash are at their absolute best when roasted. The trick is to cut them into even pieces with a maximum surface area (halves or cubes) so they can benefit from all the direct heat. A sprinkle of hazelnuts is a fine finishing touch, but you can skip it if you like.

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Tangy Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Caitlin Bensel
View Recipe: Tangy Glazed Brussels Sprouts

Tangy white balsamic vinegar teams up with pomegranate juice to rev up this twist on the classic Thanksgiving side dish.

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Brussels Sprouts Tarte Tatin

Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Tarte Tatin

The key to delicious Brussels sprouts is to cook them just enough so their flavor stays earthy-sweet and their texture tender without too much give. Use our “knife test” as described in this recipe to check for doneness. They’re best served right away (they’re not a great make-ahead option), so plan accordingly.

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Coffee-Rubbed Steak with Brussels Sprouts Salad

Caitlin Bensel
View Recipe: Coffee-Rubbed Steak with Brussels Sprouts Salad

This super fast weeknight meal comes together in 20 minutes, but is elegant enough to impress a date, or wow a family. The blue cheese and honey give the salad plenty of depth and flavor, and the coffee adds an unbeatable richness to the steak. (Don't worry. It's not enough to keep anyone up.) And it all comes together at just 427 calories per serving! Serve this company-worthy entrée with garlic mashed potatoes and sautéed green beans, and pour a bottle of cabernet sauvignon.

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Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Photo: Alison Miksch; Styling: Lindsey Lower
View Recipe: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

Chef Jonathan Waxman taught Cooking Light Editor Hunter Lewis how to make this fall salad many years ago. Riff with the ingredients to find the flavor balance you prefer. For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan cheese.

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Brussels Sprouts Gratin

Photo: Jonny Valiant
View Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Gratin

Often served as a Thanksgiving side, but great for everyday use, this tasty dish is best created in stages by assembling the ingredients ahead of time and reheating before serving.

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Chicken with Brussels Sprouts and Mustard

Photo: Johnny Autry and Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Chicken with Brussels Sprouts and Mustard

A zesty mustard sauce dresses chicken breasts and sautéed Brussels sprouts, and when paired with Rosemary Potatoes, this delectable dish will quickly become one of your go-to meals for busy weeknights.

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Braised Brussels Sprouts with Cider and Bacon

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Braised Brussels Sprouts with Cider and Bacon

The sweetness of the cider complements the saltiness of bacon bits. One bite will leave you craving more (and more, and more). 

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Brussels Sprouts Salad with Pickled Rye Berries

Photo: Iain Bagwell
View Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Salad with Pickled Rye Berries

Something rather lovely happens when you soak the chewier whole grains (such as rye or wheat berries) in a pickling brine; the tangy notes make the chew that much more enjoyable.

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Braised Brussels Sprouts with Chorizo and Garlic

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Braised Brussels Sprouts with Chorizo and Garlic

With chorizo, spice and everything nice, this brussels sprouts side dish has a fiery kick that's to-die-for.

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Maple-Caraway Brussels Sprouts

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Maple-Caraway Brussels Sprouts

Layer upon layer of bold flavor earned these Brussels sprouts our test kitchen’s highest rating. The sprouts get deeply caramelized in toasted caraway and browned butter, then are quickly finished with a sweet and pungent mixture of maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and sherry vinegar. Caraway has an anise-like flavor similar to fennel seed. Add to roasted carrots or parsnips, or sprinkle over whole-grain rolls or crackers. Start the caraway and thyme in a cold pan so they can infuse the butter as it browns.

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Pasta with Bacon, Shredded Brussels Sprouts, and Lemon Zest

Photo: Brie Passano
View Recipe: Pasta with Bacon, Shredded Brussels Sprouts, and Lemon Zest

Dicing bacon before tossing it into a pan allows for quicker cooking and even browning. Remove crisped bits with a slotted spoon to keep all of the tasty drippings in the pan.

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Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Garlic, and Shallots

Photo: Charles Masters
View Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Garlic, and Shallots

Garlic, bacon, shallots, and just over 15 minutes are all you need to create a Brussels sprouts side dish with intense flavor.

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Brussels Sprouts Salad with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette

Photo: Ellen Silverman
View Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Salad with Warm Bacon Vinaigrette

Perfect for a first course, this recipe combines sliced Brussels sprouts, chopped pecans, and a simple bacon vinaigrette for a variety of flavors and textures.

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Pomegranate, Avocado, and Citrus Brussels Sprouts Salad

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Pomegranate, Avocado, and Citrus Brussels Sprouts Salad

Be sure to toss the salad gently so the pieces of orange and avocado keep their shape. Pair with a fall chili or tacos.

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Roasted Chicken Thighs with Brussels Sprouts

Photo: Brian Woodcock
View Recipe: Roasted Chicken Thighs with Brussels Sprouts

Cook the Brussels sprouts in a hot skillet while the chicken thighs roast to juicy, delicious perfection. This budget-friendly dinner runs just $2.36 per serving. Serve with 2 cups of hot cooked brown rice.

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Meatballs in Brussels Sprout Cups

Photo: Justin Walker
View Recipe: Meatballs in Brussels Sprout Cups

Friends will love the ingenuity of these appetizers—little meatballs cradled in Brussels sprout cups—cleverly seasonal.

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Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Pecorino

Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Garlic and Pecorino

Take the flavor of Brussels sprouts to a new level with the addition of six cloves of garlic and pecorino Romano cheese. The total cooking time is only 20 minutes.

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Maple-Glazed Chicken with Apple-Brussels Sprout Slaw

Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Maple-Glazed Chicken with Apple-Brussels Sprout Slaw

Chicken cutlets can range in size from about 2 ounces each to close to 5 or 6 ounces each. For this dish, we chose the smaller ones.

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Braised Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic and Grapes

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Braised Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic and Grapes

The sweetness of red grapes tones the acidity of balsamic vinegar to create a ridiculously delicious and balanced side.

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Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Say hello to your new favorite Brussels sprouts recipe. Try one of our variations like Lemon and Pecan, Sesame, Garlic, and Ginger, and Garlic and Pecorino, and you will find there are limitless options for this dinnertime standby.

 

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Pecan and Blue Cheese Brussels Sprout Salad

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Pecan and Blue Cheese Brussels Sprout Salad

Drizzled with a simple vinaigrette, this side salad comes together in minutes. To save even more time, you can finely shred the brussels sprouts with a food processor.

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Sweet and Savory Pan-Seared Brussels Sprouts

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Sweet and Savory Pan-Seared Brussels Sprouts

There's nothing we love more than a side of crispy Brussels sprouts, and fish sauce adds a complexity that make these truly crave-worthy.

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Apple and Pistachio Brussels Sprout Salad

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Apple and Pistachio Brussels Sprout Salad

This salad incorporates the best of fall produce for a sweet-and-salty side the whole family will enjoy.

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Brussels Sprouts with Currants and Pine Nuts

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Currants and Pine Nuts

At just 90 calories per serving, this dish is both healthy and satisfying. And by peeling away the outer leaves from the fresh Brussels sprouts, you can shorten cook time and create a nice presentation.

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Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Pecan

Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Sautéed Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Pecan

Simple but scrumptious, this Brussels sprouts classic uses zesty lemon juice and pecans for an extra dose of flavor.

 

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Shredded Brussels Sprouts with Slow-Fried Shallots

Photo: Ryan Liebe
View Recipe: Shredded Brussels Sprouts with Slow-Fried Shallots

This recipe takes richness to a new level with the crunchy fried topping. Slow-frying allows the shallots to brown and crisp evenly without any burned pieces.

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Browned Butter and Lemon Brussels Sprouts

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Browned Butter and Lemon Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are packed with fiber, Vitamins C and K, and other valuable nutrients. Served with creamy butter and tangy lemon juice, this nutritious side dish will melt in your mouth.

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Penne with Brussels Sprouts and Crisp Bacon

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View Recipe: Penne with Brussels Sprouts and Crisp Bacon

This creamy pasta dish combines steamed Brussels sprouts, crisp bacon, grated cheese, and toasted hazelnuts for an aroma and taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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Sauteed Brussels Sprouts and Shallots

Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Sautéed Brussels Sprouts and Shallots

Slicing Brussels sprouts lengthwise helps them cook more quickly and will allow you to complete this recipe in under 10 minutes. They’ll retain just a hint of crunch but develop a lovely flavor from the browned bits created in the hot skillet.

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Brussels Sprouts with Pecans

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Brussels Sprouts with Pecans

The dish’s sweet, buttery flavors mellow the bite of the Brussels sprouts and take a just a brief turn in the pan. Cut down on cooking time by slicing the sprouts during prep.

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Steamed Brussels Sprouts and Cauliflower with Walnuts

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Steamed Brussels Sprouts and Cauliflower with Walnuts

This quick and versatile side dish is good with roasts or chicken. A serving boasts nearly one-fourth of daily fiber needs while the walnuts add a dose of heart-healthy unsaturated fat.

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Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Ham and Garlic

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Ham and Garlic

Roasting brings out the best in Brussels sprouts: It lightly caramelizes their edges but keeps them tender inside. Plus the country ham imparts saltiness to the dish and will make for a scrumptious entrée.

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