Do your family argue over Brussels sprouts at Christmas? Some people love them, some hate them - here are 10 ways to ensure everyone eats those little green sprouts
Brussel sprout recipes really can make Brussel sprouts taste better, but cooking Brussel sprouts and Brussels sprouts recipes can be a bit of a mine field. Finding one that will keep the whole family happy isn't always an easy task, but our round-up of delicious sprout dishes will give you every opportunity to get even the harshest Brussels sprout critics tucking in.
With from traditional combinations like sprouts with bacon or chestnuts to slightly more unusual options like ginger and honey, our Brussels sprouts recipes will give you food for thought.
So, if you want to give your sprouts a bit of a lift this year, take a look at these Brussels sprouts recipes and take your pick. You'll never have to watch the dish being politely passed up and down the table only to arrive back in your hands untouched again, or have to scrape any politely-poked-at Brussels sprouts in the bin at the end of the meal.
Once you've found your perfect sprout recipe, have a look at all of our other fabulous Christmas recipes for everything from turkey and the trimmings to canapes and start your own Christmas recipe book
Cook them properly
The biggest problem with sprouts isn't actually their flavour, it's how you cook them. Overcooked sprouts emit a rather strong odour which will immediately put people off. So firstly, make sure you're cooking your sprouts perfectly.
See our how to cook Brussels sprouts guide
Make them extra festive
An impressive yet simple way to serve sprouts with Christmas dinner. Chestnuts and sage are brilliant, traditional ingredients for winter roast dinners, so give your Brussels a twist by adding them in together.
Get this sprouts with chestnut and sage butter recipe
Add some bacon
What food isn't made better by adding bacon? The salty meat gives turns the sprouts into a moreish bite - you won't believe your ears when people ask for more!
Get our stir-fried sprouts with chestnuts and bacon recipe
Fry them up with some extra seasonal veg
Make your Brussel sprouts more appealing by frying them up with some sweet, seasonal veg. Try roasted sweet potato, butternut squash and pumpkin for a nutritious (and tasty) take on a serving of Brussel sprouts.
Cover them in cream
Smoked bacon, almonds, lemon zest and double cream add tons of extra flavour and texture to Brussels sprouts. This is a rich, tasty dish with a bit of zing that's perfect for any sprout-shy kids who like their food sweet and creamy.
Get this sprouts with bacon, almonds and cream recipe.
Give them a Spanish twist
A dash of sherry and some spicy Spanish chorizo sausage give a real kick to the humble sprout. This dish only takes 10 mins to throw together and the sweet, spicy flavour of the sausage meat will really help bring out the best in your the Brussels.
Get this Brussels sprouts with chorizo recipe now.
Shred them
'Chiffonade' means shredding green leaves finely. Serve sprouts like this with bacon, garlic and shallots and we reckon everyone round your Christmas dinner table will tuck in. (This recipe will also make sure the Brussels aren't over or under-cooked - a common Christmas mistake!)
Get this sprouts chiffonade with bacon recipe
Go heavy on the flavours
A really simple way to cook sprouts is to stir-fry them in honey, root ginger and lemon juice. It makes a real change from the usual bacon and garlic and really draws out the naturally sweet flavour of the Brussels. Try it, we promise you won't regret it!
Get this honey, ginger and lemon sprouts recipe
Add an unusual ingredient
Apples and juniper berries give sprouts a touch of sweetness - a delicious side with roast turkey. This recipe takes the sometimes bitter edge off Brussels sprouts and the smell of the apples and juniper berries together creates a truly festive aroma in the kitchen.
Get this Brussels sprouts with apple and juniper recipe now.
Learn from a pro
Gordon Ramsay is the king of Christmas dinners so his sprouts are sure to be a universal hit. He makes his with salty pancetta, chestnuts and lemon juice.
See how Gordon Ramsay makes his Brussels sprouts with pancetta
Hide them
If you really think people won't like the sprouts on their own, you can also hide them. This bubble and squeak recipe sneaks the greens into a meal - and it's a perfect way to use up leftovers the day after.
Get our bacon and sprout bubble and squeak recipe
Where to next?
All the Christmas recipes you'll need for the big day
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