Skip the boiled, mushy sprouts nobody wants on their plate — Brussels sprouts deserve a flavour makeover! This versatile little veg takes brilliantly to bold flavours: parmesan, chilli, maple syrup, bacon, garlic and even beer. If your family has written sprouts off, one of these recipes might just change their mind.
Brussels sprouts are a bit like Marmite — you either love them or you don’t. But they’re a great source of vitamins and fibre, so if you can win your kids over, it’s well worth the effort. Here are eight ways to cook them differently that might just do the trick.
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Brilliant Brussels Sprouts Recipes
Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
Image: Damn Delicious
This parmesan Brussels sprouts recipe from Damn Delicious will transform any misgivings you may have about sprouts. A crispy, salty mix that sits happily alongside cranberry sauce and buttered carrots.
Slow Cooker Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Image: Damn Delicious
Another winner from Damn Delicious, these slow cooked balsamic sprouts take just minutes to prep, then you can leave them to do their thing in the slow cooker while you get on with everything else.
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Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries, Chorizo & Bread
This flavour-packed recipe for sprouts with chorizo from Kevin Dundon combines the delicious flavours of chorizo with thyme and cranberries to make a lovely side dish for any meal.
Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Image: Ambitious Kitchen
These maple-roasted sprouts from Ambitious Kitchen combine maple syrup, bacon and toasted hazelnuts to create a side dish that’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Brussels Sprouts and Cauliflower Cheese Recipe
Image: Food Network
This cheesy sprouts recipe from the Food Network, courtesy of Lotte Duncan, combines Brussels sprouts with cauliflower so you cook both vegetables together and save time. Cheesy, bubbling goodness in one dish.
Brussels with Hustle
Image: Jamie Oliver
This ‘Brussels with hustle’ recipe from Jamie Oliver is made in the food processor, making it a quick and easy side dish to rustle up any time. The sprouts are flavoured with garlic and Worcester sauce, and best of all, you can prepare it the day before and reheat when needed.
Braised Brussels Sprouts with Chilli
Image: Wholesome Ireland
Add a bit of spice to your Brussels sprouts with this braised sprouts recipe from Wholesome Ireland. Braising also has the added benefit of making your sprouts taste sweeter.
Beer Battered Brussels Sprouts
Image: We Are Not Martha
This recipe for beer-battered Brussels sprouts from We Are Not Martha turns the sprouts into delicious golden balls of tastiness! Don’t miss the cool yoghurt and blue cheese dip to go with them. Great as an appetiser or served as a vegetable side dish.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop Brussels sprouts tasting bitter for kids?
Bitterness usually comes down to overcooking. Roasting, braising or pan-frying sprouts rather than boiling them helps keep the flavour sweeter and the texture firmer, which tends to go down better with kids. Adding something sweet or salty — maple syrup, bacon, parmesan — also helps balance the natural bitterness.
Can I prepare Brussels sprouts ahead of time for family dinners?
Yes, several of these recipes are ideal for prepping ahead. The ‘Brussels with hustle’ recipe can be made the day before and reheated, and the slow cooker balsamic sprouts need very little hands-on time once they’re in the pot.
What’s the best way to get kids to try Brussels sprouts?
Pairing sprouts with familiar, well-loved flavours — cheese, bacon, maple syrup — is a good starting point. Roasting rather than boiling gives a crispier texture that’s often more appealing to kids than soft, boiled sprouts.
Can these recipes be made vegetarian?
Most of these recipes can be adapted by leaving out or swapping the bacon or chorizo. The parmesan, maple, cauliflower cheese and beer-battered versions all work well as vegetarian dishes with a simple swap or omission.
Have your say! Which of these Brussels sprouts recipes would convert your family? Which flavours do you enjoy? Leave a comment below and let us know — we’d love to hear from you!
More Family Food Ideas
- 25 Delicious Zucchini Recipes to Make the Most of This Versatile Veggie
- 8 Alternative Christmas Dinner Ideas That Aren’t Turkey
- 15 Easy Christmas Recipe Ideas Everyone Will Love
Fancy more veggie side dishes the whole family will actually finish? Browse our full collection of family food and recipe ideas for more inspiration you can save for later.
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