Almonds adds toasted richness and gentle bitterness that make nutty brassica intensity taste rounder and more substantial.
brussels sprouts
+ Add to WorkbenchAbout this ingredient
Miniature cabbages grown on tall stalks, with a dense, slightly sulfurous character when boiled that transforms to sweet, nutty, caramelized depth when roasted…
56 pairings
Editorial
Flavor profile
Brussels sprouts contain glucosinolate compounds found in all Brassicas, and the sulfurous smell and taste associated with them is amplified by overcooking in water, which produces hydrogen sulfide (the "rotten egg" compound). Roasting at high heat drives off these volatile sulfurous compounds rapidly while caramelizing cut surfaces, transforming an unpleasant experience into a sweet, almost nutty one. Halving or quartering before roasting maximizes cut surface area exposed to direct heat, producing more caramelized edges. Bacon, pancetta, and other cured pork products are natural partners because their salt, fat, and smoke suppress sulfurous notes and add richness to the caramelized sprouts. Balsamic vinegar, lemon, and pomegranate molasses provide brightness that the roasted caramelization needs to avoid feeling one-dimensional. The cultural rehabilitation of Brussels sprouts over the last two decades — from the most-hated to one of the most-ordered vegetable sides in restaurants — is almost entirely a story of technique rather than any change in the vegetable itself.
Pairings
Flavor relationships
Pairs well with
almonds
apple cider
apples and apple juice or cider
artichokes, jerusalem
bacon
basil
bay leaf
bread crumbs
butter, unsalted
celery
celery root
cheese, blue
cheese, cheddar
cheese, goat
cheese, parmesan
cheese, provolone
cheese, ricotta
cheese, swiss
chestnuts
chives
coriander
cream
crème fraîche
dill
eggs, hard-boiled
fennel seeds
garlic
hazelnuts
juniper berries
lemon, juice
marjoram
mustard, dijon
nutmeg
oil, mustard
olive oil
onions
pancetta
paprika
parsley, flat-leaf
pepper, black
pepper, white
potatoes
salt, kosher
salt, sea
sauces, béchamel
shallots
stock, chicken
sugar
thyme, fresh
turnips
vermouth
vinaigrette
vinegar, cider
vinegar, white wine
water chestnuts
wine, dry white
almonds
Almonds adds toasted richness and gentle bitterness that make nutty brassica intensity taste rounder and more substantial.
apple cider
Apple cider complements brussels sprouts by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to nutty brassica intensity.
apples and apple juice or cider
Apples and apple juice or cider brings fruit sweetness and acidity that lift nutty brassica intensity and keep the pairing lively.
artichokes, jerusalem
Artichokes, jerusalem complements brussels sprouts by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to nutty brassica intensity.
bacon
Bacon reinforces the savory side of nutty brassica intensity, building a deeper and more satisfying base.
basil
Basil gives nutty brassica intensity a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
bay leaf
Bay leaf adds warmth and aromatic contrast to nutty brassica intensity, giving the pairing more dimension.
bread crumbs
Bread crumbs adds aromatic warmth and acidity that deepen nutty brassica intensity without making it feel flat.
butter, unsalted
Butter, unsalted adds richness and carries the aromatic side of nutty brassica intensity, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
celery
Celery adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives nutty brassica intensity more structure and balance.
celery root
Celery root adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives nutty brassica intensity more structure and balance.
cheese, blue
Cheese, blue contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame nutty brassica intensity without overwhelming it.
cheese, cheddar
Cheese, cheddar contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame nutty brassica intensity without overwhelming it.
cheese, goat
Cheese, goat contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame nutty brassica intensity without overwhelming it.
cheese, parmesan
Cheese, parmesan contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame nutty brassica intensity without overwhelming it.
cheese, provolone
Cheese, provolone contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame nutty brassica intensity without overwhelming it.
cheese, ricotta
Cheese, ricotta contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame nutty brassica intensity without overwhelming it.
cheese, swiss
Cheese, swiss contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame nutty brassica intensity without overwhelming it.
chestnuts
Chestnuts adds toasted richness and gentle bitterness that make nutty brassica intensity taste rounder and more substantial.
chives
Chives gives nutty brassica intensity a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
coriander
Coriander adds warmth and aromatic contrast to nutty brassica intensity, giving the pairing more dimension.
cream
Cream adds richness and carries the aromatic side of nutty brassica intensity, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
crème fraîche
Crème fraîche adds richness and carries the aromatic side of nutty brassica intensity, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
dill
Dill gives nutty brassica intensity a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
eggs, hard-boiled
Eggs, hard-boiled adds richness and carries the aromatic side of nutty brassica intensity, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
fennel seeds
Fennel seeds adds warmth and aromatic contrast to nutty brassica intensity, giving the pairing more dimension.
garlic
Garlic adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives nutty brassica intensity more structure and balance.
hazelnuts
Hazelnuts adds toasted richness and gentle bitterness that make nutty brassica intensity taste rounder and more substantial.
juniper berries
Juniper berries adds warmth and aromatic contrast to nutty brassica intensity, giving the pairing more dimension.
lemon, juice
Lemon, juice brings acidity that cuts through nutty brassica intensity, making the pairing taste brighter and more focused.
marjoram
Marjoram gives nutty brassica intensity a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
mustard, dijon
Mustard, dijon adds warmth and aromatic contrast to nutty brassica intensity, giving the pairing more dimension.
nutmeg
Nutmeg adds warmth and aromatic contrast to nutty brassica intensity, giving the pairing more dimension.
oil, mustard
Oil, mustard adds richness and carries the aromatic side of nutty brassica intensity, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
olive oil
Olive oil adds richness and carries the aromatic side of nutty brassica intensity, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
onions
Onions adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives nutty brassica intensity more structure and balance.
pancetta
Pancetta complements brussels sprouts by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to nutty brassica intensity.
paprika
Paprika adds warmth and aromatic contrast to nutty brassica intensity, giving the pairing more dimension.
parsley, flat-leaf
Parsley, flat-leaf gives nutty brassica intensity a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
pepper, black
Pepper, black adds warmth and aromatic contrast to nutty brassica intensity, giving the pairing more dimension.
pepper, white
Pepper, white adds warmth and aromatic contrast to nutty brassica intensity, giving the pairing more dimension.
potatoes
Potatoes gives nutty brassica intensity a sturdy, comforting base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel complete.
salt, kosher
Salt, kosher complements brussels sprouts by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to nutty brassica intensity.
salt, sea
Salt, sea complements brussels sprouts by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to nutty brassica intensity.
sauces, béchamel
Sauces, béchamel reinforces the savory side of nutty brassica intensity, building a deeper and more satisfying base.
shallots
Shallots adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives nutty brassica intensity more structure and balance.
stock, chicken
Stock, chicken gives nutty brassica intensity a sturdy, comforting base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel complete.
sugar
Sugar draws out the sweeter side of nutty brassica intensity while adding roundness and dessert-friendly depth.
thyme, fresh
Thyme, fresh gives nutty brassica intensity a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
turnips
Turnips adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives nutty brassica intensity more structure and balance.
vermouth
Vermouth complements brussels sprouts by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to nutty brassica intensity.
vinaigrette
Vinaigrette complements brussels sprouts by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to nutty brassica intensity.
vinegar, cider
Vinegar, cider brings acidity that cuts through nutty brassica intensity, making the pairing taste brighter and more focused.
vinegar, white wine
Vinegar, white wine brings acidity that cuts through nutty brassica intensity, making the pairing taste brighter and more focused.
water chestnuts
Water chestnuts adds toasted richness and gentle bitterness that make nutty brassica intensity taste rounder and more substantial.
wine, dry white
Wine, dry white adds aromatic warmth and acidity that deepen nutty brassica intensity without making it feel flat.
apple cider
Apple cider complements brussels sprouts by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to nutty brassica intensity.
apples and apple juice or cider
Apples and apple juice or cider brings fruit sweetness and acidity that lift nutty brassica intensity and keep the pairing lively.
Artichokes, jerusalem complements brussels sprouts by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to nutty brassica intensity.
Bacon reinforces the savory side of nutty brassica intensity, building a deeper and more satisfying base.
Basil gives nutty brassica intensity a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
Bay leaf adds warmth and aromatic contrast to nutty brassica intensity, giving the pairing more dimension.
bread crumbs
Bread crumbs adds aromatic warmth and acidity that deepen nutty brassica intensity without making it feel flat.
butter, unsalted
Butter, unsalted adds richness and carries the aromatic side of nutty brassica intensity, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
Celery adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives nutty brassica intensity more structure and balance.
Celery root adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives nutty brassica intensity more structure and balance.
Cheese, blue contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame nutty brassica intensity without overwhelming it.
Cheese, cheddar contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame nutty brassica intensity without overwhelming it.
Cheese, goat contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame nutty brassica intensity without overwhelming it.
Cheese, parmesan contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame nutty brassica intensity without overwhelming it.
Cheese, provolone contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame nutty brassica intensity without overwhelming it.
Cheese, ricotta contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame nutty brassica intensity without overwhelming it.
Cheese, swiss contributes salt, fat, and lactic depth that frame nutty brassica intensity without overwhelming it.
Chestnuts adds toasted richness and gentle bitterness that make nutty brassica intensity taste rounder and more substantial.
Chives gives nutty brassica intensity a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
Coriander adds warmth and aromatic contrast to nutty brassica intensity, giving the pairing more dimension.
cream
Cream adds richness and carries the aromatic side of nutty brassica intensity, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
Crème fraîche adds richness and carries the aromatic side of nutty brassica intensity, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
Dill gives nutty brassica intensity a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
Eggs, hard-boiled adds richness and carries the aromatic side of nutty brassica intensity, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
Fennel seeds adds warmth and aromatic contrast to nutty brassica intensity, giving the pairing more dimension.
Garlic adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives nutty brassica intensity more structure and balance.
Hazelnuts adds toasted richness and gentle bitterness that make nutty brassica intensity taste rounder and more substantial.
Juniper berries adds warmth and aromatic contrast to nutty brassica intensity, giving the pairing more dimension.
lemon, juice
Lemon, juice brings acidity that cuts through nutty brassica intensity, making the pairing taste brighter and more focused.
Marjoram gives nutty brassica intensity a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
mustard, dijon
Mustard, dijon adds warmth and aromatic contrast to nutty brassica intensity, giving the pairing more dimension.
Nutmeg adds warmth and aromatic contrast to nutty brassica intensity, giving the pairing more dimension.
oil, mustard
Oil, mustard adds richness and carries the aromatic side of nutty brassica intensity, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
Olive oil adds richness and carries the aromatic side of nutty brassica intensity, making the pairing feel fuller and more cohesive.
Onions adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives nutty brassica intensity more structure and balance.
Pancetta complements brussels sprouts by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to nutty brassica intensity.
Paprika adds warmth and aromatic contrast to nutty brassica intensity, giving the pairing more dimension.
parsley, flat-leaf
Parsley, flat-leaf gives nutty brassica intensity a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
Pepper, black adds warmth and aromatic contrast to nutty brassica intensity, giving the pairing more dimension.
Pepper, white adds warmth and aromatic contrast to nutty brassica intensity, giving the pairing more dimension.
Potatoes gives nutty brassica intensity a sturdy, comforting base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel complete.
Salt, kosher complements brussels sprouts by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to nutty brassica intensity.
salt, sea
Salt, sea complements brussels sprouts by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to nutty brassica intensity.
sauces, béchamel
Sauces, béchamel reinforces the savory side of nutty brassica intensity, building a deeper and more satisfying base.
Shallots adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives nutty brassica intensity more structure and balance.
stock, chicken
Stock, chicken gives nutty brassica intensity a sturdy, comforting base that absorbs flavor and makes the pairing feel complete.
sugar
Sugar draws out the sweeter side of nutty brassica intensity while adding roundness and dessert-friendly depth.
thyme, fresh
Thyme, fresh gives nutty brassica intensity a fresh herbal lift, keeping the pairing aromatic instead of heavy.
Turnips adds vegetal sweetness or earthiness that gives nutty brassica intensity more structure and balance.
vermouth
Vermouth complements brussels sprouts by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to nutty brassica intensity.
vinaigrette
Vinaigrette complements brussels sprouts by adding contrast, support, or aromatic depth to nutty brassica intensity.
Vinegar, cider brings acidity that cuts through nutty brassica intensity, making the pairing taste brighter and more focused.
Vinegar, white wine brings acidity that cuts through nutty brassica intensity, making the pairing taste brighter and more focused.
Water chestnuts adds toasted richness and gentle bitterness that make nutty brassica intensity taste rounder and more substantial.
wine, dry white
Wine, dry white adds aromatic warmth and acidity that deepen nutty brassica intensity without making it feel flat.