What to Eat With Brussels Sprouts? 5 Delicious Food Pairing Ideas

food-pairing-ideas-for-brussels-sprouts

Siding a house specialty with just the right flavors makes it the star on a restaurant menu.

Matching the right wine to a favorite pasta makes a great home dinner even better. You love the satisfaction that comes from a perfect pairing.

This match game isn’t limited to restaurant steaks and homemade fettuccine. Brussels sprout pairing options open up all kinds of culinary possibilities.

You already know Brussels sprouts pair well with bacon in everything from easy appetizers to impressive entrees.

We offer new recipe ideas that expand home and restaurant menus by pairing fresh, healthy Brussels sprouts with all kinds of delicious ingredients.

Let’s dive in.

What Goes Well with Brussels Sprouts?

Whether you enjoy cooking at home or running a successful commercial kitchen, consider the full potential of Brussels sprout pairings with a variety of ingredients.

We’ve organized our ideas into five categories designed to help you maximize menu planning.

1. VEGGIES TO PAIR WITH BRUSSELS SPROUTS: SALADS AND SIDES

brussels sprouts salad

If you’re in a hurry, you don’t need to think about which vegetables go well with Brussels sprouts.

Just toss your favorites together in a healthy salad. With a little more prep time, one of these quick sprout and veggie pairings can become the latest side addition to your home or restaurant menu.

Kabocha Squash – Warm up appetites with an oven-fresh salad of roasted kabocha squash and Brussels sprouts. The earthy sweetness of the squash pairs perfectly with the nutty taste of Brussels sprouts.

Sauteed Spinach – This side dish is good enough to enjoy as an entree. Maple syrup and Champagne add a surprising splash of elegance to a simple sauté of baby spinach and Brussels sprouts.

Roasted Red Potatoes – Serve up a savory vegetable side with this hearty combination of red potatoes and Brussels sprouts. The recipe calls for minced rosemary, but feel free to sub your favorite fresh herbs.

Crisp Sweet Potatoes – How can you make oven-crispy sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts any more delicious? Drizzle with a homemade maple dijon dressing and top with bacon, pecans and dried cranberries. It's that easy.

• Fresh CarrotsCrunchy carrots are naturals paired with Brussels sprouts in a colorful side dish that cooks up in just half an hour. Lime, garlic and sugar meld the veggie's complementing flavors.

2. MEATS TO PAIR WITH BRUSSELS SPROUTS: MEMORABLE MAIN DISHES

brussels sprouts meat pairing

When we think about which meats go with Brussels sprouts, bacon usually comes to mind first.

Upgrade that to prosciutto, add poultry and fish to the list, and leave room on the menu for steak.

• Savory Prosciutto - Dress up roasted Brussels sprouts by tossing them with crispy prosciutto to create a savory veggie-centric entree.

Shallots, garlic and balsamic vinegar fill out the casserole's flavor profile.

• Pan-Seared Chicken BreastsPan-sear chicken breasts in cider, and then move to the oven for a slow roast.

Finish the dish by pairing with an irresistible medley of halved Brussels sprouts, apple wedges and sliced red onions.

• Skirt Steak – Make your next elegant dinner extra special by pairing steak and Brussels sprouts.

Keep it quick, too, by sizzling the sprouts in the same pan as the finished steak for a fast, flavorful main course.

• Salmon Filet – Wow guests with an entree that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

They'll never know this beautiful mix of fresh salmon, Brussels sprouts and asparagus came together in just 30 minutes.

3. VEGAN DISHES TO PAIR WITH BRUSSELS SPROUTS: VERY HEALTHY CHOICES

brussels sprouts vegan pairing

The health benefits of a vegan diet keep it popular with home cooks. More restaurants are offering vegan options too.

Put nutritious Brussels sprouts at the top of your list of vegetables that make vegan choices even healthier.

• Citrusy Salsa – Elevate a great salsa into an amazing dip with a surprising twist. Blend your own with lemon, oranges, almonds and sesame oil.

Turn up the heat by pairing the salsa with Brussels sprouts roasted with chili flakes.

• Napa Cabbage Salad – Keep your vegan choices simple and satisfying with a Napa cabbage and Brussels sprouts salad.

The secret to this easy salad is the dressing made with dijon mustard, honey and apple cider vinegar.

Farro and Sweet Potatoes – If you're looking for a vegan plate that's perfect for posting, this colorful dish is ready for its closeup.

It's perfectly delicious too, with a combination of farro, sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts.

• Golden Beets – A milder flavor distinguishes golden beets from the traditional variety.

Paired with green and purple Brussels sprouts, they serve up a beautiful vegan plate filled with healthy goodness.

• Vegan Tacos – Yes, yummy tacos topped with spicy salsa can be vegan. Just pair purple Brussels sprouts and avocado slices as your taco filling.

Drizzle with a tomatillo and jalapeno salsa, and celebrate the spicy vegan heat.

4. BRUSSELS SPROUT AND WINE PAIRINGS: MATCHES WORTH TOASTING

brussels sprouts wine pairings

Our fourth category is a little different because we offer recommendations instead of recipe ideas.

Great wine and Brussels sprout pairings are only limited by your good taste and culinary imagination.

Sauvignon Blanc - Pair a slightly tropical Sauvignon Blanc with citrusy Brussels sprout recipes.

White Burgundy – Creamy and cheesy Brussels sprout dishes are always enjoyable with a dry white Burgundy.

Full-Bodied Burgundy – Raise a glass of this classic wine in toast to Brussels sprouts roasted with pancetta or bacon.

5. BRUSSELS SPROUT AND CHEESE PAIRINGS: CLASSIC COMBINATIONs

brussels sprouts cheese pairings

Cheese and Brussels sprouts play as the perfect pair on simple plates and sophisticated dishes.

That versatility makes the classic combination an irresistible menu match at home or the restaurant.

• Pecorino Romano Cheese – Bring out the best in a shredded Brussels sprouts salad by pairing it with tangy pecorino.

Toss with toasted pine nuts, add capers, and christen with a from-scratch lemon vinaigrette.

• Blue Cheese – A rich pairing of fresh Brussels sprouts and blue cheese serves up a savory side made even better with crunchy accents of walnuts and dried cranberries.

The recipe is destined to become a new holiday tradition.

• Parmesan Cheese – Brussels sprouts tossed with freshly grated parmesan cheese bake up beautifully as a side dish.

Complement the sprouts' flavor with citrusy accents of fresh lemon zest and juice, and garnish with lemon slices.

• Cheddar Cheese – Slow-bake a veggie casserole that’s big on both flavor and presentation.

The perfect match of shredded cheddar and Brussels sprouts is made even better with bacon, onions and thyme.

• Gruyere Cheese – Imagine a silky bechamel made with gruyere and bacon. Picture roasted Brussels sprouts bathed in the irresistible sauce.

Make it real with this decadent side dish destined to become one of your favorite recipes.

Matching Your Good Taste

There are so many delicious ways to create wonderful meals with Brussels sprouts. The little round vegetable delivers special flavor and texture to all kinds of dishes.

It serves up impressive portions of good nutrition too, and that makes it a perfect match for healthy cooking in home and commercial kitchens.

It’s always our pleasure to serve you with fresh food ideas and exciting new recipes. We’re proud to grow and ship premium vegetables for perfect pairings across the country.

You can count on Hitchcock Farms to match your good taste in produce with the very best.

About the Author: Dan Holt

Dan Holt is an experienced produce professional who started in the industry as a quality assurance inspector in the early 1990s and leads sales at Hitchcock Farms as Vice President. Prior to joining Hitchcock Farms in 2019, Dan enjoyed success in organic, specialty and conventional produce and with independent operators, regional and national chains in North America and abroad. Dan continues his passion in produce through collaborative inspiration and promoting healthy and sustainable food and experiences.