Grab your forks, food fans! We all know that Brussels sprouts can sometimes get a bad rap. Those little green gems can be a total star, given the right sidekick.
Remember that time we tried to convince a pal they could be as awesome as fries? Spoiler: it didn’t go well.
Finding the perfect side dish for Brussels sprouts can change everything. From creamy to crunchy, the options are endless!
So, let’s take a moment to appreciate what goes well with these underrated veggies. Who said veggies can’t party? Let’s uncover some tasty ideas that’ll make Brussels sprouts the belle of the ball.
Top 15 Side Dishes for Brussels Sprouts
Here are our top 15 picks for the best side dishes to serve with Brussels sprouts:
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes | Potatoes, garlic, parmesan, butter | Creamy, savory | Medium | 30 mins |
| Honey Glazed Carrots | Carrots, honey, butter | Sweet, savory | Easy | 25 mins |
| Balsamic Grilled Chicken | Chicken, balsamic vinegar, herbs | Tangy, savory | Medium | 30 mins |
| Wild Rice Pilaf | Wild rice, vegetables, broth | Nutty, earthy | Medium | 40 mins |
| Lemon Garlic Orzo | Orzo, garlic, lemon, parmesan | Tangy, fresh | Easy | 20 mins |
| Cranberry Walnut Salad | Mixed greens, cranberries, walnuts, vinaigrette | Sweet, tangy | Easy | 10 mins |
| Herb Roasted Pork Loin | Pork loin, herbs, garlic | Savory, herby | Medium | 1 hr |
| Roasted Sweet Potatoes | Sweet potatoes, olive oil, spices | Sweet, savory | Medium | 35 mins |
| Creamy Polenta | Cornmeal, butter, cream, cheese | Creamy, savory | Medium | 30 mins |
| Maple Dijon Glazed Salmon | Salmon, maple syrup, Dijon mustard | Sweet, tangy | Medium | 25 mins |
| Sautéed Mushrooms | Mushrooms, garlic, butter | Earthy, savory | Easy | 15 mins |
| Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin | Cauliflower, cheese, cream | Cheesy, savory | Medium | 40 mins |
| Apple Pecan Stuffing | Bread, apples, pecans, herbs | Sweet, savory | Medium | 45 mins |
| Butternut Squash Soup | Butternut squash, cream, spices | Creamy, sweet | Medium | 50 mins |
| Rosemary Focaccia Bread | Flour, rosemary, olive oil | Herby, savory | Medium | 2 hrs |
These side dishes are selected to enhance the natural flavors of Brussels sprouts, offering a diverse range of textures and tastes from savory and tangy to sweet and creamy.
1 – Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
For us, garlic parmesan mashed potatoes are the classic comfort food that never disappoints. These creamy delights pair perfectly with Brussels sprouts!
We love how the garlic adds a punchy kick. The parmesan? It brings a nice salty edge.
Using a mix of red and gold potatoes gives a cool twist in texture.
Don’t forget to whip them up with a splash of heavy cream for that dreamy smoothness. Topping with crispy garlic bits takes things over the top.
Perfect for impressing at dinner or just chilling on the couch!
2 – Honey Glazed Carrots
Honey glazed carrots are a solid pick, folks! They bring the sweet vibes to any meal. We roast them until they’re tender, then drizzle honey all over for a shiny finish.
These babies are super easy to whip up. Just toss in some olive oil, salt, and pepper for a basic seasoning.
Carrots caramelize nicely, adding extra flavour. We love how they balance out richer dishes.
You’ll want to eat them straight off the plate. Seriously, they’re that good!
3 – Balsamic Grilled Chicken
Balsamic grilled chicken is an absolute staple. It’s juicy, tangy, and fresh! We simply marinate the chicken in balsamic vinegar, garlic, and a bit of olive oil for a few hours.
The grill brings that smoky flavor out. It’s hard to beat those char marks! We love serving it with a side salad for a light meal or on a sandwich for lunch.
This dish pairs well with most veggies too. You can’t go wrong with this one!
4 – Wild Rice Pilaf
Wild rice pilaf might just become our new favorite side. It’s hearty and full of texture. The nuttiness of wild rice really shines.
We usually throw in some sautéed onions and nuts for crunch. A sprinkle of herbs? Yes, please! It adds a whole new level.
Great with roasted veggies, or just chilling with our Brussels sprouts.
Cooking wild rice? It takes a little longer, but we think it’s worth it. It’s a simple way to impress at dinner.
5 – Lemon Garlic Orzo
Lemon garlic orzo? Yes, please! This side dish is like a warm hug on a plate.
It’s zesty, buttery, and super easy to whip up. We usually toss orzo in olive oil with minced garlic and a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
You can throw in some spinach or cherry tomatoes for a pop of colour. Add parmesan, and now we’re talking!
It works well with lighter mains or even as a meal itself. Just cook the orzo al dente for a satisfying bite.
6 – Cranberry Walnut Salad
Cranberry walnut salad is a whirlwind of flavors! We love its sweet-tart vibe. Crunchy walnuts add that satisfying bite.
It’s easy to toss together for lunch or dinner. Fresh greens make it pop. Add feta, and you’ve got a creamy contrast.
Use a tangy vinaigrette for that extra zing. Perfect as a side or stand-alone treat. Great for impressing friends at a potluck!
Make it ahead and let the flavors meld. Trust us, it only gets better!
7 – Herb Roasted Pork Loin
Herb roasted pork loin is a creamy classic we can’t ignore. It’s super tender and flavourful, perfect for impressing guests.
We usually season it well with herbs like rosemary and thyme. Cooking it low and slow gets it juicy. A nice caramelised crust? Yes, please!
Pair it with roasted veggies or a sweet potato mash. This pork dish always delivers on the dinner table. We can’t resist having leftovers the next day. It makes for a tasty sandwich!
8 – Roasted Sweet Potatoes
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Roasted sweet potatoes are a solid choice for any meal. They’re sweet, creamy, and super easy to make. Toss them in oil, sprinkle some salt, and roast until golden.
We love adding spices like paprika or cinnamon for something special. They pair perfectly with just about everything! Leftovers? Cut them up and throw in a salad or a breakfast hash.
Roasted sweet potatoes also hold up well in the fridge. We can easily reheat them and enjoy later.
9 – Creamy Polenta
Creamy polenta is a total crowd-pleaser. It’s smooth and comforting. The secret? Enough butter and cheese for a rich flavor.
Making it is simple; just whisk in hot water. Add your toppings for a twist. We love sautéed mushrooms or fresh herbs for that extra kick.
Polenta keeps well in the fridge and reheats like a champ. Leftover polenta? Slice it up and pan-fry! It’s perfect for crispy edges and is an excellent side for meats or veggie dishes.
10 – Maple Dijon Glazed Salmon
Maple dijon glazed salmon might just change the way we eat fish.
It’s sweet, tangy, and totally works wonders. We marinate the salmon fillets in a mix of maple syrup and dijon mustard.
The result? A beautiful glaze that carmelizes during cooking. We love to roast or grill it for a smoky touch.
Pair it with some greens or a simple starch for a balanced meal. If you have leftovers, throw them in a salad for lunch!
11 – Sautéed Mushrooms
Sautéed mushrooms are the real MVP of side dishes! They’re simple, quick, and tasty. Just toss sliced mushrooms in a hot pan with some butter and let them go.
Season with salt and pepper for the perfect finishing touch. These little guys soak up flavor like a sponge. We love adding a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar for extra umami.
They pair great with literally anything. Trust us, it’s hard to go wrong with sautéed mushrooms on your plate!
12 – Cheesy Cauliflower Gratin
Creamy cauliflower gratin is a must-try. It’s cheesy and easy to whip up. We blend cooked cauliflower with cream and lots of cheese for that rich goodness.
Baking it gives that lovely golden crust. A sprinkle of breadcrumbs makes it extra crunchy. It’s a fun side for any meal. Perfect with chicken or just on its own.
The leftovers reheat well. It’s our go-to comfort food. We love playing with cheeses; cheddar or gruyère works great!
13 – Apple Pecan Stuffing
Apple pecan stuffing is a sweet and crunchy side dish we can’t resist. It adds a festive touch to meals. The combo of tart apples and crunchy pecans is spot on.
We’re all about the perfect balance of flavours. Taking it over the top? Add a dash of cinnamon. This stuffing works great with turkey, but we also love it with roasted veggies.
Make it ahead for easy holiday prep. It holds up well, and the flavours meld deliciously. It’s just a hit every time!
14 – Butternut Squash Soup
Butternut squash soup is a smooth and creamy bowl of goodness. It’s seasonal and super cozy. We love how it warms us right up.
Sauté onions and garlic for a richer base. Add spices like nutmeg and cinnamon for a warm vibe. Roasting the squash can enhance its sweetness.
This soup is versatile; pair it with crusty bread or a salad. Leftovers also reheat well. It’s just as tasty a day later! Can’t go wrong with this classic comfort dish.
15 – Rosemary Focaccia Bread
Rosemary focaccia bread? Oh, we can’t get enough! It’s fluffy, fragrant, and super simple to whip up. Just mix flour, water, and yeast, and throw in fresh rosemary.
The aroma alone is a home run. We love drizzling good olive oil on top for extra flavor.
Serve it warm to keep the vibes going. It pairs well with soups or salads. Leftovers? Snack on it with some dips. You’ll be fighting for the last piece!
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