The words “boiled Brussel sprouts” might conjure up a pile of soggy, wet lifeless greens. But we’re here to tell you otherwise. These perfect Boiled Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan are anything but! Boil and season Brussels the right way, and they’re deliciously crisp tender and buttery. We like them with a little sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to add a savory pop. While the best Brussels sprouts are crisp roasted, boiling them is loads faster. Here’s what to do!
How long to boil Brussels sprouts
Here’s the one thing to remember when boiling Brussels sprouts. Do not overcook them or they become mushy and taste bitter. In fact, overcooking Brussels sprouts releases sulfur-containing compounds, which make an offensive odor. Here’s how long to boil Brussels sprouts to avoid that misstep:
Slice the Brussels sprouts in half, removing any tough ends or browned outer leaves. This is important, as their quicker to cook and easier to eat when they’re halved. Boil 4 to 5 minutes, until crisp tender and bright green. Taste test using a fork as soon as possible and try to avoid over-boiling. Immediately drain. Toss with salt, butter, black pepper and Parmesan cheese.
Make sure to salt well
Once you’ve made your boiled Brussels sprouts, here’s the most important part: make sure to season them well with salt. If you taste before they’re salted, they’ll taste very bland. Here are our notes on salting:
Use kosher salt. Kosher salt has flat grains, which makes it salt more gently than table salt. It brings out flavor, instead of tasting salty. With 1 pound, start with ½ teaspoon salt. Start here, then taste and adjust salt as necessary. The exact amount will also depend on the other flavorings you add.
Ways to season boiled Brussels sprouts
The other thing to keep in mind about boiled sprouts: add a little richness by adding butter or olive oil. Without it, they taste much too plain. Here’s what we like to do and a few other ideas:
Butter and Parmesan cheese. This is our favorite! Just mix butter with the warm Brussels sprouts and it melts into a sauce. Top with grated Parmesan cheese, and you won’t be able to stop noshing on them. Maple glaze. Go to Brussels Sprouts with Maple Glaze to make the balsamic maple glaze. Sriracha. Add heat to your Brussels with the sauce from Spicy Brussels Sprouts.
More Brussels sprouts recipes
The best way to cook Brussels sprouts? Roasted in the oven until they’re crispy! We like boiled Brussels sprouts because they’re so quick, but for best flavor we recommend roasting. Our second favorite way to eat them? Raw and shaved in a salad. Here are a few more Brussels sprouts recipes to try:
Try fresh and healthy Brussels Sprout Salad Make Crispy Brussels Sprouts or Brussels Sprouts with Maple Glaze Go for Brussels Sprout Casserole (it tastes like mac and cheese!) Try Smashed Brussels Sprouts or Quick Sauteed Brussels Sprouts Try pan Fried Brussels Sprouts Fire up the grill for Grilled Brussels Sprouts
This Brussel sprouts recipe is…
Vegetarian and gluten-free. For dairy free, plant-based, and vegan, use olive oil and omit the Parmesan cheese. 5 from 3 reviews
