Why we love brussels sprouts
Cultivated in Belgium in the 16th century (hence the name), brussels sprouts are a relative of cabbage and they share a similar flavour profile of tasting slightly mustardy, sweet and (some people think) bitter. Often overcooked if boiled, which brings out more of their bitterness, stir-frying or roasting is the best method of cooking sprouts. They can also be eaten raw, finely shredded and added to slaws or salads.
Health benefits of brussels sprouts
Sprouts have some impressive health credentials. They're high in a number of antioxidants, which are known for reducing inflammation in the body and supporting a healthy heart. They also contain compounds that may help protect against cancer, and they're rich in sulphur so they may contribute to good gut health.
Easy brussels sprouts recipes
Brussels sprouts gratin
This epic festive side dish combines brussels sprouts with streaky bacon and is baked until golden and crisp.
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Alternatively, try our cauliflower and manchego cheese gratin.
Brussels sprouts with bacon and chestnuts
This easy brussels sprouts recipe uses only four ingredients and is a great side dish to serve a crowd. The smoked streaky bacon adds a salty kick to the buttered green vegetable.
Check out our best ever Christmas dinner ideas.
’Nduja-fried sprouts
’Nduja adds a touch of fiery spice and meaty richness to this easy, speedy side dish.
Got 'nduja leftover? Check out our top ways to use it.
Sticky miso roast sprouts
There are so many ways to make the most of sprouts while they're in season – here, they're slicked with umami-packed miso and zingy lime, and roasted until golden and caramelised.
Next up, try our creamy miso and celeriac soup.
Creamy sprouts and pancetta spaghetti
Pair earthy brussels sprouts with plenty of cream, pancetta, garlic, white wine and lemon for an indulgent dinner for two.
Or try a classic spaghetti carbonara.
Creamed sprouts with brown buttered walnuts
Even sprout haters will enjoy these. They're cooked with butter, cream and chicken stock. You can make them in the morning, then just reheat and add the walnuts to serve.
A great alternative is creamed spinach with nutmeg and grueyère.
Brussels sprouts bhajis with raita
Coated lightly in spices and served with a fresh minty dip, these crispy sprout clusters make a great starter at a winter dinner party.
Wow the crowd with our dinner party mains.
Cacio e pepe sprouts
Take your Christmas feast to the next level with these jazzed-up salt and pepper sprouts tossed with pecorino cheese.
Like these? You'll love our cacio e pepe pizza.
Sprouts with ginger and orange
Adding warm ginger and zesty orange is a great way to bring flavour to sprouts – everyone is sure to come back for seconds.
For a zingy starter, try carrot and orange soup.
Spiced sprout fritters with duck eggs
Have these easy fritters for brunch, dinner or whenever you fancy. They're vegetarian and low calorie. Perfect for when you want something a little lighter after all those rich meals.
Or serve up leek fritters.
Deep-fried brussel sprouts
Our simple recipe for deep-fried sprouts with a sweet and savoury dressing makes a great snack or side – a moreish way to serve the vegetable.
Read 10 beer snacks and what to drink with them.
Marmalade-glazed sprouts with chestnuts
Give Christmas sprouts an effortless twist with marmalade, chestnuts and thyme. Frying steamed sprouts in butter lends colour and a velvety shine to your veg.
Take your Christmas lunch to the next level with our side dish recipes.
Caramelised shallots and brussels sprouts
We've added pancetta, shallots and honey to sprouts for a showstopping side dish. Caramelising the shallots and sprouts gives this classic side a deeper flavour, and the calvados adds an extra zing.
Sip on a warming hot toddy, which can also be made with calvados.
Soy and sesame sautéed sprouts
Our Asian soy and sesame twist on brussels sprouts is an easy yet inventive way to serve this unloved veg for Christmas dinner.
For another veggie dish, try soy and butter-braised mushrooms.
Garam masala roast brussels sprouts
Liven up your Christmas dinner with this Indian-inspired take on the humble brussels sprout. The homemade garam masala can be kept for up to three months and is great for adding to curries.
Be inspired by our Indian recipes.
Brussels waldorf
This shredded sprouts salad recipe includes apples, walnuts and celery for a fresh festive side dish. Try making it on Boxing Day with leftover sprouts, too.
Check out our classic waldorf salad.
Caramelised onion, sprout and bacon hash with chilli fried eggs
Spruce up your leftover sprouts with our crispy bacon and caramelised onion hash topped with chilli fried eggs. This easy recipe will make a quick dinner over the festive season and is ready in just 30 minutes.
Another crowd-pleaser is our turkey, leek and bacon pie.
Shredded brussels sprouts salad
Looking for ways to use up your leftover brussels sprouts over Christmas? Try our Italian-style brussels salad with crispy pancetta and toasted walnuts – it's the ideal light salad to serve as part of your Boxing Day buffet.
Get stuck into our Boxing Day buffet recipes.
Deep-fried blooming sprouts with tahini dip
Looking for ways to spruce up your sprouts? Serve them crispy with a thick and creamy tahini dip – delicious.
For a sweet treat, try our carrot and tahini muffins.
Crisp greens with shallot, pancetta and chestnut butter
Try this new take on brussels sprouts for your Christmas dinner. You can blanche your greens and make the butter in advance, then just heat it through to serve.
Don't forget our make-ahead gravy.
Chicken and shredded sprouts pie with butterbean mash
This pie with butterbean mash is a healthy version of your favourite comfort food. Use brussels sprouts for a real depth of flavour.
See our healthy chicken and leek pie,
Brussels sprouts with kale, bacon and chestnuts
Easy and speedy to make, we've added bacon and chestnut to this festive vegetable for a smoky, salty flavour.
Enjoy kale in our creamy gnocchi bake.
Brussels sprout sauerkraut
Make the most of brussels sprout season by shredding the veg and mixing it with zingy ginger, caraway seeds and peppercorns, before fermenting it over a few days to get a spiced kraut.
Minimise food waste with our delicious Christmas leftover recipes.
Besan bhaji with brussels sprout tops
Celebrate sprout tops in this Indian-inspired brunch dish, served with a side of cranberry jelly. Besan bhaji is similar to scrambled eggs in texture, so it’s a nutritious plant-based alternative.
Browse all our fabulous brunch recipes.
Bacon, brussels sprouts and chilli broth
This broth is a brilliantly healthy way to warm up winter and use up any leftovers you might have.
Browse our easy winter soups.
Buddha bowls with shredded sprouts
Buddha bowls are full of nutritious ingredients. They contain a balance of grains, protein, veggies and carb, so get creative and use what you have in the fridge. We love adding shredded sprouts for crunch.
Check out our vegan buddha bowl.
Slow-roasted lamb with roasted salsify, brussels sprouts tops and bagna cauda
This recipe for slow-roasted lamb with roasted salsify, brussels sprouts tops and bagna cauda comes from Bernardi's in London.
Make your own mint sauce to accompany this roast lamb.
This tasty combination of sprouts, mushrooms and duck egg makes an elegant starter.
Tuck into wild mushrooms and horseradish labneh on toast.
Venison steaks with stir-fried sprouts
Serve delicate slices of seared venison with a bubble-and-squeak-style hash made from brussels sprouts, floury potatoes, walnuts and fruit.
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See more flavoursome venison recipes.
