How To Cut Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a nutritional powerhouse, but they can be a little tricky to prepare! Learn how to cut Brussels sprouts into both halves and shreds in this post to ensure you get the most out of this underrated veggie.

Brussels sprouts are probably one of the most contested vegetables out there. You either love them or hate them because you were forced to eat some soggy, sad excuse for sprouts as a child.

However, I’m here to tell you that life is better with this mini cabbage in it! knowing how to cut Brussels sprouts properly results in a much better mouthfeel and appearance on the plate.

Whether you’re roasting, sautéing, or steaming them, starting with well-prepped sprouts is an essential step in the process. For more in-depth information on Brussels sprouts, check out Brussels Sprouts Nutrition 101.

How to Pick the Perfect Brussels Sprouts

Choosing the right Brussels sprouts is key to achieving delicious results! Here are some pointers to keep in the back of your mind:

• Size: Opt for small to medium-sized sprouts — they tend to be sweeter and more tender.
• Color: Look for a vibrant green hue without any yellowing leaves.
• Firmness: They should feel dense and firm to the touch, not soft or spongy.
• Leaves: Outer leaves should be tight and compact, not loose or falling off.
• Blemishes: Avoid sprouts with black spots, holes, or any signs of decay.
• Stalks: If they’re still attached to the stalk, the stalk should be fresh and not dried out.

How to Cut Brussels Sprouts

Now that you’re a pro at picking out the best sprouts, it’s time to learn how to cut Brussels sprouts. Before you know it, they’ll be your favorite side dish!

Step 1: Clean the Sprouts

Before cutting, you’ll need to rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean towel.

Step 2: Trim the Base

Place a Brussels sprout on your cutting board. Using your knife, trim off the tough, woody base, but avoid cutting too much, as this holds the leaves together. Once the end is trimmed, peel away the outermost leaves.

Step 3: Halves

Position the sprout on your cutting board again. Slice the sprout lengthwise in half from top to base. If you want smaller pieces for your recipe, or if the sprouts are particularly large, you can also quarter them by cutting the halves in two.

Step 4: Shreds

If you’re making a Brussels sprouts slaw or salad, place a halved sprout flat-side down and thinly slice it to create fine shreds.

Recipes with Brussels Sprouts

In need of some recipe inspiration that incorporates your newly cut Brussels sprouts? Look no further! Test one of these flavor-packed recipes out:

• Roasted Brussels Sprout Salad 
• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Vegan Bacon
• Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad 
• Brussels Sprout Latkes 
• Beer Caramelized Onion and Brussels Sprout Pizza

Tips for Cutting Brussels Sprouts

• Size: Try to ensure that the Brussels sprouts pieces are approximately the same size for consistent cooking.
• Safety: Always use a sharp knife and ensure your cutting board is stable to avoid slips or accidents.
• Flavor: The center of a Brussels sprout is where a lot of the flavor is found. By halving or quartering them, you can expose more of this delicious component to your preferred cooking method.
• Remove outer leaves: Before cutting, peel away any damaged or yellow leaves so you reveal all the green layers underneath.
• Trimming: Before you cut the sprouts into halves, don’t forget to trim a small portion of the stem off. This will help remove some of the bitterness found in Brussels sprouts.