Ever felt puzzled about what can step in for Brussel sprouts? We all know this veggie splits opinions. Some of us can’t get enough, while others, well, would rather eat their napkin.
Here’s the thing. We’ve got a list of seven rockstar alternatives that’ll make your meals sing. No Brussel sprouts? No problem.
We’ve danced around the kitchen, tried and tested, so you don’t have to. Each substitute comes with its own spark. They’re ready to slide into your next dish, making you look like a genius.
Remember, cooking is all about having fun. And finding something everyone at the table will actually eat is the cherry on top. Happy cooking!
7 Easy Substitutes for Brussel Sprouts
The following are some amazing alternatives to Brussel sprouts that will truly enhance your dishes:
| Vegetable | Taste | Texture | Suitable Dishes |
| Broccoli | Mild, slightly sweet | Crunchy when raw, tender when cooked | Stir-fries, casseroles, roasted side dishes |
| Cauliflower | Mild, slightly nutty | Crunchy when raw, tender when cooked | Roasted side dishes, soups, rice/pasta substitutes |
| Kale | Earthy, slightly bitter | Fibrous, chewy when raw, tender when cooked | Salads, sautés, soups, smoothies |
| Cabbage | Crisp, slightly sweet | Crunchy when raw, tender when cooked | Slaws, stir-fries, roasted side dishes |
| Spinach | Mild, slightly sweet | Tender, wilts down when cooked | Salads, sautés, soups, omelets |
| Asparagus | Grassy, slightly sweet | Tender when cooked | Roasted side dishes, pastas, omelets |
| Green Beans | Slightly sweet, crisp | Crunchy when raw, tender when cooked | Sautés, casseroles, roasted side dishes |
1 – Broccoli
Broccoli stands in well for Brussel sprouts. It’s like swapping a shirt for another in your closet. Both green, both healthy. Broccoli brings its own flavor to the party. A bit different, yes. Still makes dishes shine. We’ve tossed broccoli into places Brussel sprouts usually go. The results? Surprisingly good. It’s all about trying new things.
In terms of how much to use, think of it like this: one cup of broccoli for every cup of Brussel sprouts you’d normally use. Works like a charm in most recipes. And if you’re leaning towards a deep-dive on swapping veggies, take a peek at this handy guide for broccoli alternatives.
2 – Cauliflower
Cauliflower sneaks into meals, taking the spotlight from Brussels sprouts. It’s versatile. We threw it into a few dishes. Surprised by the outcome, we were. It fit right in.
It’s a veggie that doesn’t shout for attention. Yet, it makes dishes stand out. One cup of cauliflower for every cup of Brussel sprouts you’d swap out. That’s our rule of thumb. It blends in, enhancing flavors without overpowering.
We found it pairs well in many recipes. A secret star, it is. If these ideas spark your interest, find more on swapping veggies right here.
3 – Kale
Kale steps in for Brussel sprouts. We found it out while mixing up dinner plans. Kale adds a leafy twist. Its green waves mix well in any dish. We use one cup of kale for every Brussel sprout cup. This swap keeps meals lively.
Recipes benefit from its hearty texture. Kale boosts dishes with its robust flavor. Surprisingly, it slides into recipes with ease. If you’re keen on grabbing more veggie swap advice, have a look at this guide for other kale options.
4 – Cabbage
Cabbage steps up as a great swap. It’s like the cousin who fits in at every family gathering. We noticed it blends perfectly in dishes where Brussel sprouts used to be the star. Cabbage adds a crunch that’s hard to beat.
With a mild taste, it never overpowers the plate. We use it cup for cup in place of Brussel sprouts. It’s a seamless transition. Our meals turned out just as tasty.
Looking for more veg swaps? This guide has got you covered. For those interested, you might want to check out other green cabbage options here.
5 – Spinach
Spinach jumps in as an alternative with ease. This green warrior offers a soft texture. We toss spinach into anything needing greens. Its mild flavor complements without taking over. We’ve found that one cup of spinach works for each cup of Brussel sprouts needed.
Spinach merges into recipes, keeping meals fresh and vibrant. It’s a swap that works wonders. Ready to give your dishes a green boost with spinach? Check out these ideas on adding this leafy green to your meals here.
6 – Asparagus
We threw asparagus into the mix, and boy, did it liven up our dishes. It’s got that fresh, slightly earthy taste. Slices or whole, it adds a fancy twist without much fuss. We chop it up or leave it long and elegant. Either way, it works.
One cup of asparagus spears equals one cup of Brussel sprouts. Simple math. We found it jazzes up a stir-fry or makes a steamed side dish sing. For those dabbling in the arts of veggie substitution, asparagus steps in nicely.
Give your plates a green makeover with asparagus. Or if you’re curious about leafier options, find out how arugula might fit into your meals right here.
7 – Green Beans
Green beans hop into dishes seamlessly. These veggies add crunch and color. We always find ourselves reaching for them. They’re a solid choice, especially if you’re swapping out Brussel sprouts. In every dish, green beans fit right in. We’ve tossed them into salads, stir-fries, and even pasta.
Their taste is subtle, never overshadowing other flavors. We measure them cup for cup against Brussel sprouts. This method never fails us. If you’re curious about other veggies that can refresh your meals, perhaps you’d be interested in reading this guide on vegetable alternatives.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.