Brussels sprouts have an image problem. They were the culprits of many childhood dinner table standoffs. Yet, it’s time to give them another shot because these little green gems rock.
They can be roasted, sautéed, or even turned into fritters. We’ve found some killer side dishes that really play up their flavour. Picture crispy bacon or tangy balsamic glaze teaming up with Brussels sprouts for a party on your plate.
So, let’s talk about what to serve with Brussels sprouts so we can finally let them shine instead of sit in the corner, cold and lonely! Grab your fork; it’s about to get tasty!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Brussels Sprouts
Here are some of our top picks for side dishes to serve with Brussels sprouts:
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin | Pork tenderloin, maple syrup, spices | Sweet, savory | Medium | 40 mins |
| Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken | Chicken, lemon, garlic, herbs | Savory, tangy | Medium | 1 hr |
| Sweet Potato Mash | Sweet potatoes, butter, cream | Sweet, creamy | Easy | 30 mins |
| Wild Rice Pilaf | Wild rice, vegetables, herbs | Nutty, savory | Medium | 40 mins |
| Cranberry Almond Quinoa Salad | Quinoa, cranberries, almonds | Sweet, tangy | Easy | 25 mins |
| Balsamic Glazed Carrots | Carrots, balsamic vinegar, honey | Sweet, tangy | Easy | 30 mins |
| Butternut Squash Risotto | Arborio rice, butternut squash, Parmesan | Creamy, savory | Medium | 45 mins |
| Pecan Crusted Salmon | Salmon, pecans, Dijon mustard | Nutty, savory | Medium | 30 mins |
| Apple and Walnut Stuffing | Bread, apples, walnuts, herbs | Sweet, savory | Medium | 50 mins |
| Herb Roasted Potatoes | Potatoes, olive oil, rosemary | Savory, crispy | Easy | 30 mins |
| Creamy Mushroom Polenta | Polenta, mushrooms, cream | Creamy, earthy | Medium | 30 mins |
| Grilled Lamb Chops | Lamb chops, garlic, rosemary | Savory, rich | Medium | 25 mins |
| Parmesan Crusted Asparagus | Asparagus, Parmesan, breadcrumbs | Crispy, cheesy | Easy | 20 mins |
1 – Maple Glazed Pork Tenderloin
Who knew pork could be this exciting? This dish is sweet and savory, a combo we can’t resist.
The glaze brings caramelized goodness that enhances every bite.
Cooking it is straightforward. A bit of maple syrup, some garlic, and soy sauce create a beautiful sauce.
Roasting keeps the meat juicy.
We recommend serving this alongside Brussels sprouts for a fun contrast.
Plus, you can whip it up in under an hour! That’s the kind of weekday meal we all need.
2 – Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken
Who doesn’t enjoy a good clucker? This dish keeps things simple. It’s juicy with a zesty flair that gets our attention. We just toss some lemon slices and garlic cloves around the chicken.
Roasting brings out all the flavors, and the skin gets crispy without much fuss. This dish pairs well with Brussels sprouts too. We can cook this in about an hour.
It’s a solid weeknight option that won’t leave us scrubbing pots for days.
3 – Sweet Potato Mash
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Sweet potato mash is like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s creamy with a natural sweetness that we can’t resist.
We keep it simple with butter and a sprinkle of salt. Sometimes, we add a hint of cinnamon for fun.
This dish pairs wonderfully with Brussels sprouts. We can whip this up fast. Just boil, mash, and serve!
It’s a great go-to when we want something special without fuss. Sweet potato mash will quickly become a staple.
4 – Wild Rice Pilaf
Wild rice pilaf? More like a ticket to flavor town.
It’s nutty and chewy. We can toss in some toasted nuts and dried cranberries for fun.
This side dish works great with Brussels sprouts. The texture complements the sprouts well.
Cooking it isn’t rocket science. Just simmer the rice in broth for extra flavor.
Let’s not forget the fresh herbs; they bring a nice pop. This dish is a reliable choice for our meals.
5 – Cranberry Almond Quinoa Salad
Ever thought quinoa looked a bit lonely? This salad gives it some friends!
We toss in dried cranberries and almonds for crunch. It’s all about balance with sweet and nutty vibes.
Mix in some herbs for freshness. A dash of olive oil lifts everything up.
It pairs surprisingly well with Brussels sprouts. You might even consider this the salad we didn’t know we needed.
This dish holds well, too. Leftovers are a win for lunch!
6 – Balsamic Glazed Carrots
Carrots glazed with balsamic? That’s a combo we didn’t know we needed.
They’re sweet and tangy at the same time. Just roast them with olive oil and drizzle that balsamic.
The glaze sticks like it’s on a mission. We often add a sprinkle of herbs for that extra zing.
These little beauties look awesome on any plate.
Make sure to get that nice caramelisation. It takes dinner from zero to sixty, no sweat.
Leftovers? They taste even better. Keep them in the fridge, and they’re a great snack.
7 – Butternut Squash Risotto
We’re talking creamy risotto with roasted butternut squash, and it’s a real treat.
It has a rich texture that’s hard to beat. The sweetness from the squash balances well with the savory stock.
Don’t forget to stir in some parmesan for that cheesy goodness.
We can make it easily in one pot. The trick? Constant stirring.
Use fresh herbs to add that extra burst of flavor.
Did someone say leftovers? They taste even better!
8 – Pecan Crusted Salmon
What’s better than salmon? Salmon with a crunchy pecan crust!
This dish brings flavor and texture. The crust adds a lovely nutty crunch. It keeps the fish moist.
We can bake it in the oven, and it doesn’t take long.
Pair it with Brussels sprouts, and it’s a winner. We use maple syrup in the glaze for the salmon for a sweet touch.
This dish will be a staple on our dinner table. It hits all the right notes.
9 – Apple and Walnut Stuffing
As the name suggests, this stuffing is a true fall hero.
We mix in apple slices and chopped walnuts for crunch. The sweetness from the apples balances perfectly with the savory herbs and bread.
It’s an ideal pairing with Brussels sprouts because both have that same autumnal vibe.
This dish will make you feel all warm and cozy inside. It’s also super easy to make; we can’t recommend it enough!
10 – Herb Roasted Potatoes
For those who love potatoes, this dish is a no-brainer. It’s a classic for a reason.
We roast them with olive oil and herbs like rosemary and thyme. It’s simple but oh so flavorful.
And yes, it pairs incredibly well with Brussels sprouts. There’s something about the combination of roasted veggies that just works.
Plus, these potatoes are perfect for soaking up all the delicious sauces from your main dish. Trust us, you’ll want to make extra!
11 – Creamy Mushroom Polenta
Next time you’re in the mood for a rich and creamy side dish, consider this mushroom polenta.
It’s decadent with a touch of earthiness from the mushrooms. The creamy texture pairs perfectly with Brussels sprouts.
Making it is pretty straightforward; cook the polenta according to instructions, then stir in some sautéed mushrooms and parmesan cheese. And just like that, you’ll have a gourmet side dish ready to impress your guests!
12 – Grilled Lamb Chops
When it comes to fancy dinners, grilled lamb chops are always a crowd pleaser.
The charred exterior and juicy interior make for an irresistible combo. And you guessed it, they pair wonderfully with Brussels sprouts.
For maximum flavor, season the lamb chops with herbs like rosemary and thyme before grilling. It’s simple yet elegant, just how we like it.
13 – Parmesan Crusted Asparagus
Last but certainly not least, we have parmesan crusted asparagus. It’s a side dish that even vegetable haters will love.
The crispy parmesan coating adds a ton of flavor and texture to the tender asparagus spears.
And yes, you guessed it, it pairs great with Brussels sprouts too! This dish is perfect for when you want to add some green to your meal without sacrificing taste.
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.