Brussels sprouts are one of those veggies that gets unfairly villainized by people – especially kids. Too many people grow up thinking they hate this cabbage family vegetable.
However, their mildly bitter taste is easy to shape. Using these spices that go with brussels sprouts, you can be sure that your next taste of them will make you see them in a whole new light.
1. Basil
When you have an ingredient with some bitterness to it, like brussels sprouts, pairing it with something piquant and sweet can disguise the taste. Basil’s combination of spicy and strangely sweet is an artful choice for hiding the bitterness of brussels sprouts.
Related Article: What Do Brussels Sprouts Taste Like?
2. Caraway
We’ve selected caraway as another option because, like basil, it’s spicy with an underscore of sweetness. That faint trace of citrus and anise in it will make your brussels sprouts more palatable.
3. Chives
The sharp, onion-like zing of chives is a powerful standalone flavor to add to the milder one of brussels sprouts. For some extra complexity, consider using it alongside basil.
4. Garlic
Garlic’s flavor is best described as pungent. When you cook with it, the strong aroma will fill your kitchen and make your mouth water. This is exactly why we think it will go with brussels sprouts – it transforms their milder profile into a bold one.
In case you’d rather use minced than powdered garlic, here’s where minced garlic is in the grocery store.
5. Marjoram
If you actually like bitterness, then we’d say try your brussels sprouts with marjoram. This spice has its own bitterness and delicate spiciness that will accentuate similar notes in your brussels sprouts.
6. Nutmeg
It may seem odd to combine nutmeg with brussels sprouts, but we think it’s a brilliant culinary move. Nutmeg’s warm, aromatic, and pine-y taste is perfect for concealing the flavor of your brussels sprouts if you want something that will appeal to picky eaters.
7. Oregano
Oregano is a crowd pleaser. With its strong peppery and even citrusy taste, you can be sure it will satisfy even your pickiest guests and family members. It has a hearty taste that can easily cover up that of your brussels sprouts.
Read Also: What Does Oregano Taste Like?
8. Paprika
Being vegan doesn’t mean that you can’t whip up recipes that are perfect for grill lovers. Adding some paprika to your brussels sprouts will transform them into an indulgently smoky veggie that will call to mind sunny afternoons at the grill.
9. Parsley
Parsley unites two unique flavor profiles: sweet and lemony. At the same time, it has a pepperiness that gives it just the lightest bite. Its complexity makes it a fantastic candidate for giving character to the mildness of your brussels sprouts.
10. Rosemary
Rosemary is a robust spice that you’ll usually associate with mouthwatering dinners. It contains just a bit of warmth and bitterness that will highlight the same traits in brussels sprouts.
11. Thyme
Thanks to its faintly minty flavor, thyme will give you a fresh mouthfeel without the numbing effect of mint. It will make each bite of your brussels sprouts feel invigorating.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
