How to Boil Brussels Sprouts

Updated January 18, 2018

Boiled Brussels Sprouts

This image courtesy of Cookstr

Editor’s Note: Brussels sprouts are a flavorful, versatile, and entirely underrated vegetable. This recipe for Boiled Brussels Sprouts will teach you one of the simplest ways to prepare this hearty vegetable.

It only takes five simple ingredients to get these Brussels sprouts from stove to table. Salt, pepper, and butter help to season the sprouts, while boiling them makes them tender yet crisp. To take this delicious Brussels sprouts recipe a step further, you can cover the parboiled sprouts with Parmesan cheese and butter and bake until golden brown.

It’s sure to become one of your favorite vegetable recipes! If you’re looking for the perfect addition to your weeknight meal plans, then this dish is for you. You’ll love how easy (and tasty!) it is to make these vegetables.

Serves6 servings

OccasionBuffet, Buffet Meal, Casual Dinner Party, Family Get Together

Recipe CourseSide Dish, Vegetable

Five Ingredients or LessYes

Taste and TextureButtery, Savory

Ingredients

1 quart Brussels sprouts, prepared for cooking
1 1/2
cup boiling water
1 teaspoon salt
1/4
teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons butter or margarine

You’ll be inspired to try even more side dishes when you see these 26+ Easy Side Dish Recipes: Vegetable Side Dishes, Pasta Side Dishes, and More

Instructions

Place sprouts in a saucepan with water and salt, cover, and boil gently 15-20 minutes until crisp-tender.
Drain, season with pepper and butter, and serve.

Variations

Low-Calorie Brussels Sprouts: Season with 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice or tarragon vinegar and a pinch of nutmeg instead of butter.
Per serving (4-6): 40-25 C, 0 mg cu. 155-105 mg S
Brussels Sprouts Parmigiana: Boil and drain as directed but do not season. Place sprouts in a buttered 2-quart casserole, top with ½ cup melted butter and 1/3 cup grated Parmesan. Bake, uncovered, 15 minutes at 350 degrees F.
Per serving (4-6): 270-180 C, 55-35 mg CH, 510-340 mg S*
Dilled Sprouts in Sour Cream: Boil and drain as directed but do not season. Quarter each sprout or, if small, halve. Return to pan and stir in 1½ cups sour cream, 4 minced scallions, 2 teaspoons minced fresh dill (or ½ teaspoon of the dried), ½ teaspoon salt, and a pinch white pepper. Set over lowest heat, cover, and warm 5-7 minutes, taking care cream doesn’t boil.
Per serving (4-6): 230-155 C, 35-25 mg en. 475-320 mg S*

More Brussels Sprouts Recipes

If you liked this dish, you’ll LOVE these other Brussels sprouts recipes! Tasty and easy to make, too, these delicious recipes will be the perfect accompaniment to just about any main course you plan to serve this fall and winter, including meatloaf, fried chicken, mac and cheese, and your favorite roasts.

Brussels Sprouts in Mustard Butter: Here’s a tasty variation on Brussels sprouts! This quick and easy recipe uses only four ingredients, too.
Shiitake “Bacon” and Shredded Brussels Sprouts Pizza with an Egg on Top: Try Brussels sprouts in a completely new way when you make this pizza recipe. This vegetarian recipe is a great way to shake up your weeknight dinner plans.
Brussels Sprouts with Maple and Walnut Vinaigrette: This eight-ingredient recipe will be the perfect addition to the dinner table this winter and fall. You’ll find this recipe is easy to make, too.

How to Select Brussels Sprouts: An Additional Note from the Editor

Have you ever purchased fresh Brussels sprouts? If this is your first time cooking with this amazingly delicious vegetable, then you might be wondering what to look for when selecting fresh Brussels sprouts at your favorite farmers market or at the grocery store. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when shopping for this unique produce:

*Select Brussels sprouts that are sporting a bright and vivid green color and are tightly closed, according to the Los Angeles Times. This vibrant shade of green will also look great after the Brussels sprouts the cooked.

*If it’s possible, opt to purchase Brussels sprouts that are still on the stalk. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health notes that the stalk can prolong the freshness of the sprouts. You can also store any unwashed Brussels sprouts in your refrigerator, but it is best to eat them within a few days of purchase.

*Finally, keep in mind that Brussels sprouts are typically in season between fall and early spring throughout most of the U.S. You’ll want to select the vegetable when it’s at its peak of freshness!