Full disclosure: I never ate a Brussels sprout until I was in my 30s. Growing up, they weren’t something my family ever had. And let’s face it, back then they were served hopelessly overcooked in most households, thus earning the little cabbages the reputation as Child’s Worst Dinnertime Nightmare.
Luckily, we know better now. We know how to make Brussels sprouts to spotlight the flavor without rendering them gray and mushy. That means children no longer need to fear Brussels sprouts. Or feed them to the dog. Here are three kid-approved recipes to try:
1. ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS
Let’s sing the praises of roasting for a second: It’s fast, it’s easy, and it brings out the natural sweetness in veggies. These Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts are roasted with oil, salt, and pepper then drizzled with a syrupy glaze made from apple juice and balsamic vinegar. You can also try a touch of maple syrup or honey when roasting Brussels to sweeten the deal. A little bit of sweetener or sauce may actually encourage kids to eat more veggies–and who doesn’t want that?
GET THE RECIPE FOR ROASTED BALSAMIC BRUSSELS SPROUTS HERE.
2. BRUSSELS SPROUTS CHIPS
Kale chips are a big hit on the kid circuit, and Brussels sprouts chips are just as yummy and easy. They’re also a great way to repurpose the outer leaves of the sprouts that tend to fall off when cutting off the stems. Since they only take minutes to crisp up, I sometimes serve them as an appetizer to my kids while the rest of the meal is still cooking. Here’s how to make them: Toss outer leaves of sprouts in olive oil and salt, and spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet to roast for about 5 minutes at 400 degrees (check often because they brown quickly!). For a more detailed recipe, check out this one from InspiredRD for Brussels Sprouts Chips.
3. SHREDDED BRUSSELS SPROUTS SALAD
I got this recipe from a friend, whose pre-teen daughter gobbles up multiple helpings of it in one sitting. To shred the sprouts, you can use a mandoline or simply a chef’s knife. Raw, shredded sprouts can also be tossed with other greens in a salad. Add some cheese, nuts, dried fruit, and an especially delicious dressing, and watch it disappear.
GET THE RECIPE FOR CHERRY & ALMOND BRUSSELS SPROUTS SALAD HERE.
What’s YOUR favorite way of preparing Brussels sprouts?
Sign up for my weekly email and you'll receive a FREE e-book, "16 Game-Changing Tips For Feeding Kids".
rebecca says
Love these ideas! These are my fave ways to eat brussels too! Even my veggie hating family members eat shredded brussels sprouts in salads
Sally says
Rebecca–that’s great to hear. I think the salad is my favorite way to have them. I love the texture of the raw shredded sprouts. Thanks for your comment!
Brittany says
I need this for me, let alone my child! I am not a huge brussels sprouts lover, but these photos make me want to try them again! I have never seen brussels sprout chips before – such a great twist on them! Thanks for sharing!
Sally says
Thanks Brittany. I was skeptical at first too but now I LOVE them.
Kalee @ The Crowded Table says
I love brussel sprouts! I didn’t have them until recently as well, I had no clue what I was missing! I’ve never tried making chips with them, I can’t wait to try that. 🙂
Sally says
Kalee–Yes, we have some catching up to do. 🙂
Kristy at Chocolate Slopes says
I may have to try one of these idea. Brussel sprouts might just be the only vegetable I am not a fan of!
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
I didn’t eat brussels sprouts until my 30s either. I can’t believe I ever lived without them because they are truly the best vegetable. I eat them like candy.
Sally says
Megan–glad to know I’m not alone being late to the Brussels sprouts party!
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says
It’s crazy for me to believe that I didn’t always love brussels sprouts, but it’s the truth! My fave preparation is roasted, but I actually just bought a bag of shredded brussels from Trader Joe’s and excited to try it and see if my girls will eat it. Also want to try those chips!
Sally says
Thanks Jessica! I feel that way about many foods. As a former picky eater, I can’t believe I wasted so much time not eating asparagus or avocado or…the list goes on! 🙂
Samantha @ThePlantedVegan says
Can never go wrong with roasted brussel sprouts!
Sally says
Or roasted anything for that matter!
Heather says
We love them in stir fry!
Sally says
That’s a good idea!
Katie says
I’m definitely late to this party, but I’ve been wanting to try roasted brussel sprouts for a while now. I’ve got some frozen ones on hand, do they roast ok from frozen?
Sally says
I’ve never tried roasting from frozen. If you try that let me know how it turns out!
Anne says
With frozen, I usually cut them in half and saute cut side down with garlic and top with freshly grated parmesan. You want to saute until browned.
Sally says
Anne–thanks for that tip! Good to know.
Nutrition a la Natalie says
I put shredded brussel sprouts on everything, including pizza! They are one of my favorite winter foods.
Laura says
My husband and I love them roasted, however my daughter won’t eat them. But I think my kids will love the brussel sprouts chip idea! Thanks!
EA says
Try as I might, I still haven’t gotten my kids to eat Brussels Sprouts, BUT if it took you 30 years to try them, there’s still hope for me yet 🙂 All of these recipes look so yummy! Luckily Mr. Spicy loves ’em so one of my favorite ways to cook them {besides simply roasting them} is to chop and saute them, then add dried cherries, chopped pecans, feta cheese, and smoked paprika. Oh, my yum!
Sally says
EA–That sounds GREAT. (And I love the name “Mr. Spicy”) 🙂
LaCheshireChat says
My favourite way to prepare Brussels sprouts is shredded then sautéed in olive oil with sliced shallots and smoked lardons of bacon. As soon as they are just getting golden, I add S&P plus a generous splash of Sherry vinegar to deglaze the pan, then boil it off to create the glazing sauce. We have this every Christmas, my children love it.
Sally says
That sounds incredible!!!
Stacy says
In 1985 my father microwaved Brussels Sprouts (badly) and I have yet to get over it. However, my 7 year old want to try them (and tells me to get over the bad ones from the olden days). We’ll give one or all of these a try! Thanks so much!
Sally says
Stacy–wow, those microwaved Brussels did a number on you, huh? 🙂 Bad experiences with foods can sometimes take a long time to shake. I hope you get over your Brussels fear with one of these recipes–please keep me posted!
Leslie says
The jury is still out for me. I have only found one way I can eat a whole bowl of Brussels. I did not think of making chips when trying Brussels sprouts. I went with grapes and candied walnuts to cut the sour flavor of the sprouts. Would you embrace the Brussels sprouts the way my family does?
http://bakesaleboss.com/recipe/brussels-sprouts-with-candied-walnuts-bacon-and-grapes/
Sally says
Leslie–sounds great! I pretty much love anything that includes candied walnuts…
Love Cooking says
really enjoyed this post!…I’m a brussel sprout fan and I love them roasted.. I can’t wait to try this recipe, thank you!
Breanna Dale says
Thanks for the recipe! I am a registered dietitian and mom as well! I just started my own blog too!