Top 21 Foods That Go with Brussel Sprouts for Tasty Meals
Brussels sprouts often get a bad rap, but when paired with the right foods, they can be the star of your meal. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, finding the perfect combination can make all the difference. From savory meats to delightful grains and even sweet fruits, there are so many delicious options to explore. In this article, we’ll dive into the best foods that go with brussels sprouts to make your meals both tasty and exciting.
Foods That Go with Brussel Sprouts
1. Herb-Roasted Chicken Breast
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Herb-roasted chicken breast is a classic and versatile option that pairs wonderfully with Brussels sprouts. The savory herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano, enhance the slightly bitter taste of the sprouts, creating a balanced and flavorful meal.
Simply season the chicken with your favorite herbs and a touch of garlic, then roast it until it’s golden brown and juicy. The tender, flavorful chicken complements the crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts perfectly, making this a satisfying and healthy meal choice.
2. Maple-Glazed Bacon
Maple-glazed bacon adds a sweet and smoky flavor to Brussels sprouts, making it an irresistible combination. The crispy texture of the bacon contrasts nicely with the tender sprouts.
Start by cooking the bacon in the oven with a drizzle of maple syrup until it becomes caramelized and crispy. Once it’s done, crumble the bacon over roasted Brussels sprouts. The sweetness of the maple syrup balances the slight bitterness of the sprouts, creating a harmonious and delectable flavor profile.
3. Garlic Butter Steak Bites
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Garlic butter steak bites are a rich and indulgent pairing for Brussels sprouts. The buttery, garlicky flavor of the steak enhances the earthy taste of the sprouts. Cut the steak into bite-sized pieces and sauté them in a hot skillet with garlic and butter until they’re seared to perfection.
These succulent steak bites pair beautifully with roasted or sautéed Brussels sprouts, making for a decadent and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.
4. Lemon Herb Salmon
Lemon herb salmon brings a light and refreshing element to a meal with Brussels sprouts. The citrusy lemon and fresh herbs like dill, parsley, and thyme brighten up the dish and complement the natural flavors of the sprouts.
Bake the salmon with lemon slices, a sprinkle of herbs, and a touch of olive oil until it’s tender and flaky. Serve it alongside steamed or roasted Brussels sprouts for a healthy and delicious meal that’s full of vibrant flavors.
5. Honey Mustard Glazed Pork Chops
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Honey mustard glazed pork chops offer a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs excellently with Brussels sprouts. The glaze, made from a blend of honey, Dijon mustard, and a touch of apple cider vinegar, adds a deliciously sticky and flavorful coating to the pork chops.
Grill or bake the pork chops with this glaze until they’re cooked through and caramelized. The combination of the sweet, tangy glaze with the roasted Brussels sprouts creates a delightful contrast and a well-rounded meal.
6. Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
Teriyaki chicken thighs add an Asian-inspired twist to Brussels sprouts. The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, made from soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a hint of sugar, complements the slightly bitter taste of the sprouts.
Marinate chicken thighs in the teriyaki sauce, then grill or bake them until they’re tender and juicy. The rich, umami flavors of the teriyaki chicken paired with roasted or even stir-fried Brussels sprouts create a delicious fusion meal that’s both satisfying and unique.
7. Grilled Lamb Chops with Rosemary
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Grilled lamb chops with rosemary are a gourmet pairing for Brussels sprouts. The robust, slightly gamey flavor of the lamb and the aromatic rosemary elevate the dish to a new level. Season the lamb chops with fresh rosemary, garlic, and a touch of olive oil, then grill them to your desired doneness.
The succulent, flavorful lamb pairs beautifully with roasted Brussels sprouts, making for an elegant and satisfying meal that’s perfect for special occasions or a luxurious weeknight dinner.
8. Wild Rice Pilaf
Wild rice pilaf is a hearty and nutritious side that pairs excellently with Brussels sprouts. The nutty flavor and chewy texture of wild rice complement the tender, slightly bitter sprouts. To make wild rice pilaf, cook wild rice in a savory broth and mix in sautéed onions, celery, and mushrooms.
The result is a flavorful, wholesome dish that balances well with roasted Brussels sprouts. Adding dried cranberries or toasted almonds can further enhance the texture and taste, making it a more complex and satisfying side dish.
9. Quinoa Salad with Citrus Dressing
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Quinoa salad with citrus dressing is a light and refreshing option that goes well with Brussels sprouts. The fluffy texture of quinoa and the tangy citrus dressing create a vibrant contrast to the earthy sprouts. Cook quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool.
Combine the quinoa with chopped vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes, then toss with a dressing made from lemon or lime juice, olive oil, and a touch of honey. Adding fresh herbs like parsley or mint can elevate the flavors, making this salad a delightful and healthy pairing with roasted or sautéed Brussels sprouts.
10. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Garlic mashed potatoes offer a creamy and comforting side that pairs perfectly with Brussels sprouts. The smooth, buttery potatoes with a hint of garlic provide a rich contrast to the slightly crisp and caramelized sprouts.
Boil potatoes until tender, then mash them with butter, cream, and roasted garlic for an extra layer of flavor. The creamy texture of the potatoes balances well with the roasted sprouts, creating a classic and satisfying combination that’s perfect for any meal.
11. Parmesan Risotto
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Parmesan risotto is a creamy and luxurious dish that complements the flavor of Brussels sprouts. The creamy texture and savory Parmesan cheese in the risotto provide a rich backdrop for the earthy sprouts.
Begin by sautéing onions and garlic in butter, then add Arborio rice and cook slowly in broth, stirring frequently. Finish with a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese and a touch of butter. The result is a decadent and comforting dish that pairs wonderfully with roasted or sautéed Brussels sprouts, making it an ideal choice for a sophisticated dinner.
12. Sweet Potato Wedges
Sweet potato wedges bring a sweet and savory element to your meal with Brussels sprouts. The natural sweetness of the potatoes enhances the slightly bitter taste of the sprouts. Cut sweet potatoes into wedges, toss them with olive oil, salt, and a sprinkle of paprika, then roast until they’re tender and caramelized.
These crispy wedges provide a delicious contrast in both flavor and texture, making them a colorful and tasty side dish that complements the roasted Brussels sprouts beautifully.
13. Barley and Mushroom Risotto
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Barley and mushroom risotto is a hearty and flavorful option that pairs well with Brussels sprouts. The chewy texture of barley and the earthy flavor of mushrooms create a satisfying combination. Sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms in butter, then add barley and cook it slowly in a flavorful broth.
Finish with a touch of Parmesan cheese for added richness. This risotto-style dish provides a rich and earthy complement to roasted Brussels sprouts, making it a perfect choice for a comforting and wholesome meal.
14. Lemon Herb Couscous
Lemon herb couscous is a light and zesty side dish that pairs beautifully with Brussels sprouts. The bright flavors of lemon and fresh herbs like parsley and mint enhance the natural taste of the sprouts. Prepare couscous according to package instructions, then fluff it with a fork and toss with lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped herbs.
The light and refreshing flavors of the couscous provide a pleasant contrast to the rich, earthy flavors of Brussels sprouts, making this a quick and easy dish that adds a burst of freshness to your meal.
15. Roasted Apples with Cinnamon
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Roasted apples with cinnamon bring a sweet and warming flavor that pairs beautifully with Brussels sprouts. The caramelized apples add a hint of natural sweetness, while the cinnamon enhances the overall taste.
Core and slice the apples, then toss them with cinnamon and a bit of brown sugar before roasting them until they are tender and golden. The result is a delightful contrast to the savory sprouts, creating a comforting and well-rounded dish that’s perfect for fall or winter meals.
16. Cranberry Almond Salad
Cranberry almond salad offers a refreshing and crunchy complement to Brussels sprouts. The tartness of dried cranberries and the crunch of toasted almonds add a new dimension to the meal. Mix fresh greens with dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and a light vinaigrette dressing.
This combination not only adds color but also a burst of flavor that pairs wonderfully with roasted Brussels sprouts. The salad’s lightness and vibrant taste make it a perfect side dish for a variety of main courses.
17. Caramelized Almonds
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Caramelized almonds provide a sweet and nutty contrast to the slightly bitter Brussels sprouts. Toss almonds with sugar and a bit of water in a pan until they are coated and golden brown.
These sweet, crunchy nuts can be sprinkled over roasted Brussels sprouts, adding a delightful textural contrast and enhancing the overall flavor. This pairing is ideal for adding a touch of indulgence to a healthy vegetable dish.
18. Toasted Walnuts with Honey
Toasted walnuts with honey add a rich and sweet element to Brussels sprouts. Toast the walnuts in a dry pan until they are fragrant and slightly browned, then drizzle with honey. The combination of the toasty, slightly bitter walnuts and the sweet honey enhances the flavor of the Brussels sprouts.
This pairing provides a satisfying crunch and a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the earthy taste of the sprouts, making it a versatile addition to various dishes.
19. Pomegranate and Brussels Sprout Salad
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A pomegranate and Brussels sprout salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that pairs beautifully with Brussels sprouts. Combine shredded Brussels sprouts with pomegranate seeds, which add a burst of color and a juicy, tart flavor. Mix in some toasted pecans for crunch and feta cheese for a tangy touch.
Dress the salad with a light vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, honey, and a pinch of salt. This combination creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors, making it an appealing and healthy side dish for any meal.
20. Fig and Walnut Salad
Fig and walnut salad offers a combination of sweet and nutty flavors that pair well with Brussels sprouts. Combine fresh figs, toasted walnuts, mixed greens, and a balsamic vinaigrette for a delicious and elegant salad.
The sweetness of the figs and the crunch of the walnuts add depth to the dish, complementing the savory flavor of the sprouts. This sophisticated salad makes for a tasty side that can elevate any meal, providing a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
21. Pear and Walnut Salad with Blue Cheese
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Pear and walnut salad with blue cheese is a luxurious and flavorful pairing for Brussels sprouts. Thinly slice ripe pears and toss them with mixed greens, toasted walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette to finish.
The sweetness of the pears, the crunch of the walnuts, and the tangy, creamy blue cheese create a perfect balance of flavors that enhances the Brussels sprouts. This elegant salad is a delicious accompaniment to your meal, offering a unique and sophisticated taste experience.
