Transform your side dish game with the irresistible magic of brown butter! Simple, savory Brussels sprouts are elevated to culinary perfection when tossed with rich, nutty brown butter and crunchy almonds. This Brussels Sprouts with Almonds & Brown Butter recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to convert even the most skeptical sprout-eaters into avid fans. Prepare for a flavor explosion that’s both effortless to achieve and incredibly delicious!
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Get ready to discover your new favorite vegetable side dish! This recipe is incredibly easy to master, especially once you unlock the secret to creating the perfect brown butter. It’s a simple technique that yields profoundly rich flavors, turning ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary. Let’s dive in and elevate your cooking!
The Magic of Brown Butter: What It Is and Why You Need It
Have you ever melted butter and noticed small, white solids settling at the bottom of the pan? These are milk solids, and they are the key to creating one of the most transformative ingredients in your culinary arsenal: brown butter, also known as “beurre noisette.” The process involves gently cooking these milk solids until they caramelize and turn a beautiful, deep golden-brown color. This isn’t just about appearance; it’s about flavor development. The Maillard reaction, a complex chemical process responsible for the browning and delicious flavors of many foods, works its magic here, imparting an incredible depth to the butter.
The beauty of browning butter lies in its simplicity and the dramatic impact it has on any dish. It’s not just for desserts; brown butter adds a sophisticated, nutty, and slightly sweet undertone that complements savory dishes like these Brussels sprouts perfectly. Once you master this straightforward technique, you’ll find yourself reaching for brown butter again and again, eager to infuse its exquisite taste into everything from vegetables and pasta to baked goods and sauces. It’s a game-changer that every home cook should experience.
Unlocking the Flavor: What Does Brown Butter Taste Like?
Brown butter offers a unique and complex flavor profile that is truly enchanting. It transcends the simple taste of melted butter, developing a rich, nutty aroma reminiscent of toasted hazelnuts or pecans. Beyond the nuttiness, you’ll detect subtle notes of caramel and toffee, adding a delightful sweetness and depth. This exquisite combination makes brown butter an incredibly versatile ingredient, capable of enhancing both sweet and savory recipes. I’ve personally used it to create decadent icing for luscious cupcakes, and the results are always outstanding. Once you experience its incredible flavor, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike. Its ability to add warmth, richness, and a hint of gourmet sophistication to any dish is simply unparalleled.
The best part is that creating brown butter isn’t intimidating at all. With a little attention and a few minutes on the stovetop, you’ll have this flavorful ingredient ready to elevate your cooking. Once you’ve mastered this simple trick – and trust me, it’s not difficult – you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it. It’s an essential technique that will unlock a world of flavor possibilities and become a staple in your kitchen.
Gather Your Tools: Essential Equipment for This Recipe
Preparing these delicious Brussels sprouts requires only a few basic kitchen tools. Having the right equipment on hand ensures a smooth and enjoyable cooking process. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A sturdy cutting board: Essential for safely trimming and preparing your Brussels sprouts. I recommend a Gorilla Grip Durable Kitchen Cutting Board Set for its nonslip features and durability.
- A good, sharp knife: A high-quality chef’s knife makes quick work of trimming vegetables. For longevity, value, and precision, I always recommend Henckels knives.
- A large pot or deep skillet: You’ll need a pot large enough to comfortably hold all your Brussels sprouts for boiling, and then later to brown the butter and toss the ingredients. A heavy-bottomed pot or skillet is ideal for even heat distribution, which is crucial for browning butter without burning it.
- A colander: For draining the blanched Brussels sprouts effectively.
- A heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon: For stirring the butter while browning and tossing the ingredients.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its high-quality, minimal ingredients. Choosing the best components ensures maximum flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful side dish:
- Fresh Brussels sprouts: This is non-negotiable for the best results! Opt for firm, vibrant green sprouts with tightly packed leaves. Avoid any that appear yellowed, soft, or have black spots. My detailed tips below explain why fresh is paramount.
- Slivered or sliced almonds: These add a wonderful crunch and a complementary nutty flavor to the dish. You can find these pre-sliced in most grocery stores, or you can blanch and slice whole almonds yourself if you prefer. For convenience, Nature’s Eats Sliced Almonds are a great choice.
- Salted butter: The star ingredient for our brown butter. Using salted butter adds a touch of seasoning that beautifully balances the rich, nutty flavor. If you only have unsalted butter, you can use it and simply add a pinch of salt to the finished dish to taste.
Step-by-Step: How to Make These Irresistible Brown Butter Brussels Sprouts
Crafting this flavorful side dish is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these steps for perfect Brussels sprouts every time. For exact measurements and printable instructions, remember to scroll down to the full recipe card below.
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Begin by thoroughly cleaning your fresh Brussels sprouts. Trim a small bit off the bottom (the flat, stem end) of each sprout, then peel away any loose or discolored outer leaves. Always keep an eye out for any tiny “buggies” hiding within the leaves and discard any affected sprouts. For even cooking, cut larger sprouts in half so they are all roughly the same size.
- Blanch the Brussels Sprouts: Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the cleaned and trimmed Brussels sprouts to the boiling water. Cook them for just 2-3 minutes. This quick boil, known as blanching, softens them slightly while retaining a tender-crisp texture. They should still have a delightful crunch. Immediately drain the sprouts in a colander and set them aside.
- Toast the Almonds: Using the same hot pot or a separate skillet (no need to clean it if it’s the same one), add your slivered or sliced almonds. Toast them over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they turn a light golden brown and become fragrant. This usually takes just a couple of minutes. Be vigilant, as almonds can burn quickly! Once toasted, immediately remove them from the pot and set them aside in a separate bowl to cool.
- Brown the Butter: Return the same pot or skillet to medium heat. Add the salted butter. As the butter melts, it will begin to foam. Continue to cook, stirring continuously with your spatula or wooden spoon. The butter will go from a bright yellow to a pale gold, then to a rich, amber brown. You’ll notice tiny brown specks forming at the bottom of the pan – these are the milk solids caramelizing, imparting that wonderful nutty flavor. This process typically takes 3-4 minutes. Watch it closely; the color can deepen rapidly from perfect to burnt.
- Combine and Serve: Once your butter is perfectly browned, immediately remove the pan from the heat to prevent it from burning. Add the blanched Brussels sprouts and the toasted almonds back into the pot with the brown butter. Toss everything together gently until the sprouts are evenly coated and glistening. Serve your delightful Brussels sprouts with almonds and brown butter recipe immediately and enjoy!
Chef Jenn’s Expert Tips for Perfect Brussels Sprouts
Achieving outstanding results with this recipe is easy with a few insider tricks. Here are my top tips to ensure your Brussels Sprouts with Almonds & Brown Butter are nothing short of spectacular:
- Always Opt for Fresh Sprouts: This is my golden rule! Frozen Brussels sprouts are, in my opinion, a disservice to your taste buds. They often have an unpleasant texture and flavor when cooked. Investing in fresh, vibrant sprouts will yield a vastly superior dish – they’re miles better in terms of crunch and taste.
- Don’t Overcook Your Sprouts: The key to delicious Brussels sprouts is to cook them until they are tender-crisp. They should still retain a slight bite and a beautiful green color. Overcooked sprouts become mushy and can develop an unpleasant sulfurous smell, which is the stuff of culinary nightmares and will funk up your kitchen. Keep them crunchy!
- Flavor Variation: Garlic Infusion: For a delightful twist, add a smashed clove of garlic to the butter as it browns. The garlic will gently infuse its aromatic notes into the brown butter, creating irresistible garlic butter Brussels sprouts. Remove the garlic clove before tossing with the sprouts and almonds.
- Make Ahead for Convenience: This dish can absolutely be prepared in advance, making it perfect for entertaining or meal prep. Simply cook the Brussels sprouts and toast the almonds, then store them separately from the brown butter. Just before serving, gently warm the sprouts and almonds, then toss with freshly heated brown butter. This keeps the textures and flavors vibrant.
- Proper Storage: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. While they won’t be as crisp as when freshly made, they’ll still be delicious.
- Reheating Leftovers: To reheat, spread the sprouts on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or gently sauté them in a pan until heated through. This helps to restore some of their texture.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Brown Butter Brussels Sprouts
This versatile side dish is a fantastic accompaniment to a wide variety of meals, making it a staple for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The rich, nutty flavor of the brown butter and almonds complements nearly anything!
I absolutely adore serving these Brussels sprouts alongside a hearty roast chicken or something off the smoker, like smoked pork shoulder. Their robust flavor stands up beautifully to rich meats. They also pair wonderfully with heartier fare such as Instant Pot Chili Mac, adding a welcome vegetable component to comfort food. During the holidays, these sprouts truly shine as part of a festive Thanksgiving feast, nestled alongside classic turkey gravy and savory stuffing. Don’t limit yourself – these brown butter Brussels sprouts are delicious with anything from grilled fish to a simple pasta dish, providing a nutritious and flavorful boost to any plate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brussels Sprouts
Are Brown Butter Brussels Sprouts Freezer Friendly?
While technically you can freeze cooked Brussels sprouts, I strongly advise against it for this particular dish. If you’ve read my tips, you’ll know my firm stance on frozen sprouts: they become unpleasantly mushy and develop a “nasty” flavor and texture upon thawing and reheating. The whole point of this recipe is the tender-crisp freshness of the sprouts combined with the crunchy almonds and rich brown butter. Freezing compromises all of these desirable qualities. If you must freeze them, be forewarned that they will not be nearly as good as when prepared fresh. For the best culinary experience, always enjoy these sprouts fresh.
Are Brussels Sprouts Good for You?
Absolutely! Brussels sprouts are a nutritional powerhouse and an excellent addition to any healthy diet. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These mini cabbages are an incredible source of Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and provide a good amount of Vitamin A, folate, and manganese. Beyond their vitamin content, they are also high in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain gut health. They also contain compounds that have been linked to anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting properties. So, not only are they delicious when prepared correctly, but they also offer significant health benefits, making them a smart choice for your plate. Learn more about the benefits of Brussels sprouts.
How Do You Cook Brussels Sprouts for Optimal Flavor and Texture?
Brussels sprouts are incredibly versatile and can be prepared in many delicious ways to suit your preference. They can be boiled, pan-fried, roasted, grilled, or even shredded and eaten raw in salads for a refreshing crunch. The most crucial factor, regardless of your chosen cooking method, is to avoid overcooking them. The goal is always a tender-crisp texture, where they still have a bit of crunch in the middle. This ensures they don’t become soggy or develop that strong, sulfurous taste that often gives Brussels sprouts a bad rap. Proper cooking brings out their natural sweetness and appealing earthy notes, transforming them into a genuinely delightful vegetable.
What’s the Best Way to Clean Brussels Sprouts?
Cleaning Brussels sprouts is a quick and simple process that ensures they’re ready for cooking. First, give them a good rinse under cold running water. Next, carefully trim a small portion off the very bottom of the stem end. This removes the tough, woody part. Then, peel off any loose, discolored, or damaged outer leaves. These outer leaves can sometimes be a hiding spot for tiny gray or black bugs, so inspect them thoroughly. Discard any sprouts that appear to have significant damage or contain insects. Once cleaned, they’re ready for your recipe!
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Brussels Sprouts with Almonds & Brown Butter
Course
Side Dish
Cuisine
American
Keyword
brussels sprouts, vegetables, vegetarian
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes
Servings
4
servings
Calories
278
kcal
Author
Chef Jenn
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds brussels sprouts
- 1/2 cup almonds (sliced or slivered)
- 1/4 cup salted butter
Instructions
- Clean the Brussels sprouts by cutting a small bit off the bottom (the flat side) of the sprout, then pulling off any loose outer leaves. Cut larger sprouts in half so they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the Brussels sprouts for 2-3 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp with a slight crunch. Drain them well and set aside.
- In the same pot or a skillet, toast the almonds over medium heat, stirring frequently, until they are lightly golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Set aside.
- Add the butter to the hot pot or pan and cook over medium heat. Stir continuously as the butter melts, foams, and the milk solids at the bottom begin to turn a rich brown color. This typically takes 3-4 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Immediately add the toasted almonds and the hot Brussels sprouts back into the pot with the brown butter. Toss everything together until the sprouts are evenly coated. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For additional tips on selecting fresh sprouts, avoiding overcooking, and make-ahead instructions, please refer to the “Chef Jenn’s Expert Tips” section above in the article.
Nutrition Information
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.
This recipe was originally posted on our other site, Keto Cooking Wins. You can view that post here.