25 Delicious Pairings for Brussels Sprouts to Complete Any Meal

Brussels sprouts are a versatile vegetable to add to dinner. They shine roasted, air fried, sautéed, shaved in salads, or tossed into stir-fries. Pairing them with the right main dish makes a meal memorable — below are favorite combinations that work great for family dinners.

I didn’t like Brussels sprouts for a long time, but once I discovered a few winning preparations they became a staple. My Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze is one I make regularly. I also love them crispy from the air fryer or thinly shaved in a salad for a fresh, crunchy side.

Beyond preparation, choosing what to serve alongside Brussels sprouts can elevate the whole meal. Below are excellent pairings by protein type, plus vegetarian ideas and ways to incorporate sprouts directly into dishes.

Why We Love Brussels Sprouts:

• Nutrition-packed. Brussels sprouts are high in fiber, rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and a great way to boost the health value of any meal.
• Many cooking methods. Roast, air fry, sauté, steam, or grill them — each method gives a different texture and flavor, so they rarely get boring.
• Support overall health. Regularly eating cruciferous vegetables like Brussels sprouts is associated with benefits such as improved metabolic health and disease prevention when included in a balanced diet.
• They taste great when prepared well. If you’ve had a bad experience with sprouts in the past, try a different technique — shaved raw in a salad or caramelized roasted sprouts often convert skeptics.

What To Serve With Brussels Sprouts:

When Brussels sprouts are the side, they pair exceptionally well with proteins that offer contrasting textures and flavors. Below are suggestions grouped by type of main dish, including quick notes on why each works well.

Seafood:

Orange and Maple Glazed Salmon

A quick baked salmon with a bright citrus-maple glaze. The sweet, tangy fish pairs beautifully with roasted or air-fried Brussels sprouts and a simple grain like rice.

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Butter Herb Instant Pot Salmon

A rich, buttery salmon made quickly in an Instant Pot. The silky sauce contrasts nicely with crisp Brussels sprouts for a balanced plate.

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Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp with Honey Siracha Sauce

Crispy coconut shrimp with a sweet-spicy dipping sauce — a fun contrast for roasted Brussels sprouts, especially if you add toasted nuts or a drizzle of honey to the veggies.

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Chicken:

Lemon Pepper Grilled Chicken

Bright lemon and pepper-marinated chicken pairs nicely with slightly charred or roasted Brussels sprouts for a fresh, balanced dinner.

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Parmesan Crusted Air Fryer Chicken Thighs

Crispy, cheesy chicken thighs add a satisfying contrast to tender Brussels sprouts — try them with a squeeze of lemon or a simple pan sauce.

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Creamy Chicken Thighs with Mushrooms

A comforting mushroom cream sauce and tender chicken pair well with roasted Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.

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Grilled Chicken Drumsticks

Crispy-skinned drumsticks are great with Brussels sprouts — both can be finished on the grill for complementary char and smokiness.

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Pan Seared White Wine Chicken

Stovetop chicken in a buttery white wine sauce is elegant and pairs nicely with simple roasted Brussels sprouts and a crusty loaf of bread.

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Pork:

Dutch Oven Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin

Sweet-savory pork tenderloin glazed with honey garlic is a natural match for caramelized Brussels sprouts and roasted root vegetables.

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Maple Bacon Wrapped Pork Chops

Bacon-wrapped chops with a maple glaze are indulgent and pair especially well with Brussels sprouts that are roasted until crisp and finished with a splash of vinegar to cut the richness.

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Cream of Mushroom Pork Chops

A creamy skillet pork chop dinner is cozy with tender Brussels sprouts and a comforting starch such as mashed potatoes or buttered noodles.

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Slow Cooker BBQ Country Style Ribs

Easy slow-cooked ribs with smoky BBQ sauce are a crowd-pleaser; serve them with roasted or charred Brussels sprouts to balance the richness.

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Beef:

Crock Pot Shredded Beef

Slow-cooked shredded beef is versatile — serve it with roasted Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes, or tucked into sandwiches or tacos with a sprout slaw.

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Crockpot Chuck Roast with Vegetables

A classic pot roast with hearty vegetables pairs naturally with Brussels sprouts cooked until caramelized to complement the rich gravy.

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Air Fryer Steak Bites with Lemon Garlic Butter

Tender steak bites in lemon garlic butter are perfect with roasted Brussels sprouts and potatoes for a quick, satisfying meal.

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Vegetarian Dishes:

Easy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Rich, creamy mac and cheese is a classic pairing. Brussels sprouts add texture and a savory contrast—either roasted on the side or mixed in for more vegetable content.

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Simple Pea and Asparagus Risotto

A spring vegetable risotto is elegant and pairs well with shaved or roasted Brussels sprouts for an extra green element and texture.

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20 Minute Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Bright, creamy lemon-ricotta pasta is light and refreshing; serve with shaved Brussels sprouts or roasted halves for complementary texture and flavor.

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Protein Mac and Cheese

A higher-protein mac and cheese pairs nicely with Brussels sprouts roasted until caramelized for a balanced plate kids and adults will enjoy.

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Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast

Sticky, smoky BBQ chicken from the air fryer is quick and delicious alongside crispy Brussels sprouts and a simple grain or salad.

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Other Serving Options for Brussels Sprouts:

You don’t have to serve Brussels sprouts strictly as a side — they can be incorporated directly into many dishes for extra flavor and texture.

Here are some easy ideas:

• Shave or shred the sprouts thin and add them raw to pizzas or salads for a crisp bite, or use leftover cooked sprouts as a pizza topping.
• Substitute Brussels sprouts for other vegetables in sheet-pan dinners like parmesan-crusted chicken or steak sheet-pan meals.
• Quarter or shred sprouts and add them to stir-fries so they cook with the rest of the ingredients; they work well with pork teriyaki or other savory sauces.
• Sauté shredded sprouts for a few minutes and toss with pasta, or heat halved sprouts in olive oil over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes and add them to creamy pasta dishes like chicken Alfredo.

Enjoy experimenting — Brussels sprouts are versatile, nutritious, and delicious when prepared thoughtfully. Try them with different proteins, sauces, and cooking methods to find your favorites.

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