Some of the most deliciously surprising flavors come in small, green packages. One of our favorites is the Brussels sprout.
The little round vegetable has finally become more than a starring side at holiday meals.
It’s breaking away from the seasonal expectations of home chefs and foodservice pros.
Available year-round, the raw sprout’s crunch brightens up salads. Its roasted, savory taste infuses entrees with nutty, almost sweet flavors.
You can grill, sauté and oven-roast sprouts. How versatile is this compact veggie?
The Brussels sprout is truly a premium produce pick for all dishes, and that includes enticing appetizers.
Brussels Sprout Appetizer Ideas: 15 Irresistibly Easy Recipes
Whether you’re planning a party at home or a menu for a corporate cafeteria, treat your guests to one of these irresistible and easy Brussels sprout appetizers recipes.
1. Kabocha Squash And Brussels Sprout Leaves
When does a warm vegetable salad become a sensational snack? When it's presented in a big serving bowl with cocktail forks on the side.
That's our recommendation for sharing this delectable mix of Brussels sprout leaves, kabocha squash and bacon. Layering the oven-fresh squash over the sprout leaves gives them a special tenderness.
2. Maple-Glazed, Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
This Food Network recipe puts a sweet twist on the traditional Brussels sprout and bacon appetizer.
Pairing it with the tart brightness of a creamy lemon dip creates a new classic. We really like how the clever bacon wrap turns each sprout into a fun finger food.
3. Citrus Salsa And Brussels Sprout Toss
Brussels sprouts roasted with chili flakes pair wonderfully with fresh orange and lime. The appetizing recipe is an enticing example of how well sweet and citrus flavors blend together.
Quarter the roasted sprouts, dress with citrus salsa, and top with chopped roasted almonds. We suggest serving this savory Brussels sprout toss with tortilla chips or spicy saltines.
4. Crispy Brussels Sprouts And Garlic Aioli Dip
Simple and simply tasty are hallmarks of a perfect hors d’oeuvre. Start with fresh sprout wedges oven-roasted to a golden brown. Side with a garlic and lemon aioli.
Serve with toothpicks for delicious dipping, and be prepared to serve seconds of these crispy Brussels sprouts appetizers.
5. Brussels Sprout Pizza Bites
Everyone loves a great pizza. The pie tastes even better when it's shared with friends. This recipe keeps it all simple, starting with easy-prep dough topped with Brussels sprouts, broccoli florets and Italian cheeses.
Slice the nutritious appetizer into bite-size servings, and pile high on platters. Create a new tradition for entertaining friends with towers of Brussels sprout pizza bites.
6. Crunchy Panko-Crusted Brussels Sprouts
Add even more flavor to oven-roasted sprouts with a crunchy, panko breadcrumb coating.
Batter the yummy veggie poppers with a quick egg wash, and keep them crisp while they cook with a drizzle of olive oil. Feel free to improvise with favorite spices in your kitchen pantry.
7. Snack Size Purple Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are perfect for snacking because they're the perfect size and shape. Add the caramelized flavors of oven-roasted purple sprouts, and you have an irresistible appetizer for every occasion.
This eye-catching snack is destined to be the center of attention for foodies who love food photo closeups.
8. Shredded Sprouts On Ricotta Toast
This recipe from the files of Epicurious combines shredded sprouts with an enticing ingredient list and bakes up a very tasty appetizer toast. It takes a little extra prep time to brown the pine nuts and soak the golden raisins, but the results are full of flavorful snap.
9. Super-Easy Sprouts And Crostini
Celebrity Chef Alex Guarnaschelli serves up her own quick and simple take on Brussels sprouts and toast.
We recommend this one for impressing drop-in guests with oven-fresh Brussels sprouts and ricotta crostini. Easy prep makes it a perfect make-ahead recipe too.
10. Appetizing Brussels Sprout Tacos
A casual appetizer can be a relaxing alternative to a big dinner. Simply pan sauté purple sprouts, top with homemade tomatillo salsa, and wrap in fresh corn tortillas.
We give these Brussels sprout tacos extra thumbs up for colorful originality and spicy freshness.
11. Parmesan Stuffed Brussels Sprouts
Satisfying and mouthwatering are just two of our favorite food words. They definitely describe these beautiful Brussels sprouts stuffed with parmesan.
The appetizers may have started out as holiday hors d’oeuvres, but they make our list because they’re easy and delicious.
12. Guilt-Free Brussels Sprout Chips
Trade in ordinary salty snacks for the healthy crunch of spicy Brussels sprout chips . It’s as simple as prepping the leaves with Dijon mustard, olive oil and spices for a quick oven roast.
Indulge all you like in the crisp, warm satisfaction of a snack that’s good for you.
13. Roasted Sprout Crudites Platter
Warm up guests with a roasted veggie crudites platter that's season-fresh all year.
This recipe is a sensational mix of roasted Brussels sprouts, fresh beets and delicata squash.
The vegetable combo is a natural for cold-weather entertaining and easy to modify for summertime get-togethers.
Just substitute yellow crookneck squash or zucchini for the delicata squash.
14. Elegant Prosciutto Cups With Brussels Sprouts
This recipe is one of the easiest on our list, and it scores extra points for beautiful presentation.
The only way we might modify these elegant roasted Brussels sprouts and prosciutto bites would be to stuff the prosciutto cups with parmesan stuffed sprouts.
15. Savory Grilled Brussels Sprout Kabobs
We finish up with Chef Alton Brown’s clever kabobs perfect for backyard entertaining around the grill. Brussels sprouts on skewers are just as easy to flame in a commercial kitchen too.
Paprika, mustard and minced garlic complement the grilled sprouts’ smoky flavor.
Sharing Fresh Inspiration
We always enjoy sharing new ideas for home and commercial kitchens.
We especially relish the opportunity when we can give you fresh inspiration for cooking outside the recipe box.
When you keep Brussels sprouts on your list of favorite ingredients, you keep guests happy at the house and the restaurant.
We take our fresh inspiration from the premium produce grown in our fields and supplied across the country year-round.
When you want the best for your tables, you can count on Hitchcock Farms.
