The Ultimate Guide to Brussels Sprouts Recipes
The Ultimate Guide to Brussels Sprouts Recipes contains everything you need to know about Brussels Sprouts. Plus, we've included a roundup of the best Brussels Sprouts recipes.
Brussels sprouts recipes have made a serious comeback in the past few years and, for anyone who has eaten them properly prepared, it is easy to understand why. They take well to lots of different flavors and turn almost nutty tasting when well roasted. You can eat them every meal of the day, from breakfast to dessert. Seriously, even dessert.
In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know about Brussels sprouts, from how to buy and store them, why you should eat them, tons of delicious Brussels sprouts recipes and even a few fun facts.
How To Buy and Store Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts can be purchased on the stalk or loose. When choosing the perfect Brussels, look for ones that are firm, heavy for their size, bright green and have tightly wrapped leaves. The smaller ones tend to be the sweetest.
Before you buy them, have a look at their stems; they should look freshly cut. If the stems look old, they won't last as long when you bring them home.
Store them in your fridge in a slightly opened plastic bag for up to 4-5 days. If you've left them a little too long and some of the leaves are turning yellow you can still use them, just make sure to peel off the yellowing leaves before you cook them.
Brussels Sprouts Season
Brussels sprouts are grown in temperate climates and harvested between September and March. If you are growing Brussels at home delay harvest until after a frost as they will become extra sweet.
Brussels sprouts other family members include: broccoli, kale, cabbage, kohlrabi, collard greens, and cauliflower.
Are Brussels Sprouts healthy?
Yes! Brussels sprouts are high in protein (for a green) and contain a full day's worth of vitamin A and K in just one serving. They're also high in dietary fiber, antioxidants and contain 20 vitamins and minerals. They are also being studied for cancer prevention.
Fun Facts
- Whether you like or loathe Brussels sprouts depends on if you have the gene TAS2R38. If you have this gene and eat something with phenylthiocarbamide (PTC), or a brassica, which contains a similar chemical, you will experience a taste of bitterness.
- Brussels sprouts were used in paternal testing in the 1930s and 40s. Sort of. What actually happened is scientists would use PTC to determine if there was a genetic link between father and child.
- The Guinness World Record for the person who ate the most Brussels sprouts in one minute belongs to Linea Urbanec of Sweden, who scarfed down 31 in 2008.
Favorite Brussels Sprouts Recipes
Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts
Late Autumn Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
Whole Roasted Brussels with Lemon and Garlic
Bacon Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Brussels Sprouts Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpea Croutons
Crispy Garlic Butter Chicken and Brussels Sprouts
Blue Cheese and Brussels Sprouts Pizza
Coconut Oil Fried Brussels Sprouts with Garlic, Chili, and Lime
Pan Fried Brussels Sprouts with Almonds and Balsamic
Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad with Bacon, Walnuts, and Apricots
Sweet Potato and Apple Chicken with Brussels Sprouts
I can only imagine the time you invested putting this together. THANK YOU!! What a great resource.
You’re so welcome, Deidre! I’m so happy that you find it useful. 🙂
Wow! I have never seen such a comprehensive guide to brussel sprouts OR more fabulous ideas to use them! I LOVE brussel sprouts. Don’t get the haters at all!
Ha ha I don’t get the haters at all either! (and I used to be one lol)
Hopefully this guide will help change a few opinions. 🙂
Loving this post! I’m sure I’ll be coming here many times looking for ideas for my brussels sprouts! I just wanted to ask you what’s your opinion on frozen brussel’s sprouts since sometimes those are the only ones I can get. Do you have any advice on preparing them? Should I wait them to defrost or prepare them coming out of the freezer? Thanks!
Thank you so much!
As far as frozen Brussels go I’ve never actually used them. Let me see if I can find out some information about them and add it to the guide. 🙂
Wow, this is very helpful! I haven’t seen anything so comprehensive!
Thank you so much, Vy! I’m so happy that you find it helpful!!
This is a fabulous resource Kristen – I think it’s enough to bring the most stubborn Brussels sprout haters to their knees!
Thanks, Sue! I’m convinced that if Brussels haters tried them properly prepared they would love them. 🙂