Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts

I’m telling you, this Garlic Butter Brussels Sprout recipe is a life changer! Melted butter, garlic, salt, pepper, olive oil, and parmesan cheese make this one amazing side dish. 

angled shot of garlic butter brussels sprouts on plate with pork with text overlay for facebook


 

Poor brussels sprouts. They always get a bad name and I’m not sure why. Their reputation alone causes people to never even try them.

But WAIT- have you tried my Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts?

Between Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts and my Bacon and Brussels Sprouts, I’ve turned the nay-sayers into believers time and time again.

spoon full of brussels sprouts

Delicious Brussels Sprouts

Of course, there are those who have only had frozen or canned, and then I completely understand the aversion. The truth is, fresh brussels sprouts are amazingly simple to prepare and delicious to eat.

Certainly not the mushy, butter mess that you are served a cafeteria style restaurant. Gross. 

If you make roasted Brussels sprouts, they tend to have a sweeter taste and if you sauté them it helps to reduce the bitterness and have a more savory flavor. Don’t bother boiling them, they just get soft and soggy which is just gross.

Also, don’t forget how great brussel sprouts are for your health, filled with vitamins A & C, fiber, and folic acids! A true superfood.

Why You’ll Love These Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts

Of all the side dishes on the site, this is one of my favorites.

  • Perfect vegetable side dish – Whether for a holiday dinner for just a regular weeknight at home, it pairs well with almost anything.
  • Outstanding flavor – The buttery flavor of this perfect side dish makes it have a restaurant quality taste that even sprouts haters will love.
  • Easy to make – Ready in only 10-15 minutes, this quintessential side dish that any home chef can add to the dinner table.
close up overhead shot of bowl of garlic butter brussels sprouts

Ingredients

All of these simple ingredients can easily be found at your local grocery store.

  • Olive oil – I used a light extra virgin olive oil for this brussels sprouts recipe.
  • Fresh brussels sprouts – Make sure they are trimmed and cut in half. Check the section below for the best way to cut Brussels sprouts.
  • Garlic – Rather than using a garlic press or mincing it, for this recipe we want it to be thinly sliced.
  • Salt and pepper – I sued a blend of coarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  • Butter – I like to use unsalted butter when cooking so that I can control the amount of salt in the recipe. If using salted, cut back on the kosher salt over.
  • Parmesan cheese – I promise you that grating your own cheese makes all the difference. Especially with this brussels sprouts recipe.
overhead shot of garlic butter brussels sprouts ingredients

How to Make Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts

You are going to love how easy the best brussels sprouts recipe are to make.

  1. Heat oil in pan. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet.
  2. Sauté garlic and halved brussels sprouts. Add the brussels sprouts and garlic slices, arranging in as much of a single layer as you can. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, turning once or twice, but otherwise leaving alone so they get golden brown.
  3. Add butter. Reduce the heat and add the butter, tossing until all sprouts are coated and butter has melted.
  4. Toss with cheese. Remove the from the heat and toss with parmesan cheese.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Brussel Sprouts

These brussels sprouts taste great as a side dish with all kinds of main meals. From chicken to beef and even seafood and pork. Here are a few of our favorites:

serving spoon in bowl of garlic butter brussels sprouts

Variations

We love these baby cabbages just the way they are, but there are plenty of ways for you to make them your own.

  • Flavor – Add some nutmeg for a deliciously nutty flavor. A drizzle of balsamic vinegar or even a squeeze of lemon juice will take these garlicky sprouts up a notch.
  • Sweet – If you’d like to add an element of sweet, try drizzling some maple syrup, honey or even balsamic reduction. They would be delicious in a whole different way.
  • Spice it up – If you’d like to add a little spice to your favorite veggies, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for a spicy flavor.

Storage, Make Ahead and Freezing

Storage: You can store any leftover garlic butter brussels sprouts in an airtight container. They will stay in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Make ahead: You can make this recipe in advance, but remember that every time you cook them, they get a little softer. The beauty of this quick sauté is that the outside is soft and tender, while the inside is still firm and crunchy.

Freezing: These also freeze really well. You can freeze roasted brussels sprouts for up to 12 months in an airtight container.

overhead shot of plate of pork with brussels sprouts

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use steamed brussels sprouts?

You can certainly steam your brussels sprouts using a steamer basket and then toss in the same garlic butter sauce. 

Are Brussels sprouts good for you?

This is one question I hate getting, that or are brussels sprouts healthy? The definition of healthy means so many things these days. What I will say is that sprouts alone have a lot of nutritional benefits like being high in antioxidants and rich in fiber and also vitamin K. 

Should you blanch Brussel sprouts before sauteing?

Blanching brussels sprouts helps to take away a little of the bitter taste that they have. You can boil the sprouts for about 4 minutes and then immediately add to a bowl of ice water.

Are they brussel sprouts or brussels sprouts?

The latter is correct. They originated in Belgium! So even though most will remove the “S”, you’ll know the correct version.

collage of garlic butter brussels sprouts for pinterest

More Easy Side Dish Recipes

This EASY Ranch Rice recipe is a super versatile side dish that will add gentle flavor to any dinner you are serving. A great way to use a pantry staple! #ranchrice #ricerecipes #ranchricerecipe #easyricerecipes www.savoryexperiments.com

Ranch Rice

Calling all ranch fanatics! This Ranch Rice is super easy to make and adds fun flavor to your meals. No more boring rice recipes!
See The Recipe!
salmon pattie with white creamy sauce on top

Salmon Croquettes Recipe

Salmon Croquettes are a southern classic! Full of salmon, peppers, onions and seasoning, this versatile dish is sure to be loved by all!
See The Recipe!
angled shot of bowl of orzo salad

Goat Cheese Orzo Salad

Goat Cheese Orzo Salad is a quick side dish recipe that uses quick cooking pasta with creamy goat cheese and roasted asparagus spears.
See The Recipe!
overhead shot of bowl of garlic butter brussels sprouts with text overlay for pinterest
angled shot of bowl of brussels sprouts

Garlic Butter Brussels Sprout Recipe

4.85 from 40 votes
Garlic Butter Brussels Sprouts is an easy side dish that even sprout haters will love! Fresh brussel sprouts covered in butter, garlic, and topped with parmesan cheese.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet.
  • Add the brussels sprouts and garlic slices, arranging in as much of a single layer as you can. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes, turning once or twice, but otherwise leaving alone so they get browned.
  • Reduce the heat and add the butter, tossing until all sprouts are coated and butter has melted.
  • Remove the from the heat and toss with parmesan cheese.
  • If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.

Nutrition

Calories: 134 kcal, Carbohydrates: 11 g, Protein: 4 g, Fat: 9 g, Saturated Fat: 4 g, Cholesterol: 15 mg, Sodium: 78 mg, Potassium: 453 mg, Fiber: 4 g, Sugar: 2 g, Vitamin A: 1030 IU, Vitamin C: 97.4 mg, Calcium: 53 mg, Iron: 1.6 mg
Author: Chef Jessica Anne
Calories: 134
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: brussel sprouts recipe, brussels sprouts recipe, garlic butter
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!
Jessica Formicola in her ktichen

About the Author

Chef Jessica Anne Formicola

Jessica the mom, wife and chef behind Savory Experiments. You might see her on the Emmy- nominated TV show Plate It! or on bookshelves as a cookbook author. Jessica is a Le Cordon Bleu certified recipe developer and regularly contributed to Parade, Better Homes & Gardens, The Daily Meal, Mashed and more!

Read More About Jessica

4.85 from 40 votes (37 ratings without comment)

Join The Discussion

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Questions and Reviews

  1. I was a long time nay-sayer toward Brussels sprouts…until my first bite with bacon! Now I’ll eat them any old way. I love the hefty shavings of parm on yours!

  2. Brussels sprouts always get such a bad rap but they are so delicious! I love this version!

  3. Gosh I love brussels sprouts in all shape and form and this recipe is no exception! Delish!

  4. Growing up, I refused to eat brussels sprouts – now I absolutely adore them. Love this garlic butter spin!

  5. Totally agree that brussels sprouts are so under-rated! That is…fresh ones! And with this garlic and butter sauce I’m sure they’re even more delicious. Yum.

  6. my mom used to force us to eat brussels sprouts.. now I actually like them… this looks like a fun new way to try. Pinned!