Microwave Brussels Sprouts

If you know anyone who has had a lifelong aversion to Brussels sprouts, it’s long sense time you encourage them to give this nutritious vegetable a second chance. Since the 1990s, food scientists have made amazing strides in breeding tastier and less bitter varieties of this once oft-maligned vegetable, and the 21st century take on Brussels sprouts is a resounding success.

Most of the Brussels sprouts you will get at the store today are absolutely delicious, and when you dress them up with the flavorful and clever ingredients in this recipe that cooks Brussels sprout in a microwave, they will truly come into their own. Microwaving Brussels sprouts makes the cooking process easy, and this recipe will not only teach you how to cook Brussels sprouts in the microwave, but it will show you how to make them a delight.

Microwave Brussels Sprouts Ingredients

• Brussels sprouts: As laid out here, this recipe calls for a pound and a half of Brussels sprouts. Make sure to trim away any dark spots and rinse them well.
• Celery salt: Celery salt is an exceedingly potent flavoring agent, so don’t use more than the prescribed amount.
• Pepper: When it comes to the pepper, you can use just a little pinch or you can be more generous if you want a bit more kick.
• Cheddar cheese: It’s your call if you use a mild cheddar cheese or a sharper variety. Just make sure it is evenly shredded.
• Cornflakes: For the cornflakes, make sure they are truly well crushed, almost resembling a powder, so they will mix into the butter properly.
• Butter: You might need to melt the butter on the stove, as your microwave will be a bit busy microwaving Brussels sprouts!

Directions

Step 1: Season the Brussels sprouts, then zap

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Place the Brussels sprouts in a 1-1/2-quart microwave-safe dish and add 1/4 cup water. Sprinkle over the celery salt and pepper and then cover the dish and microwave the Brussels sprouts on high for six to eight minutes or until they are tender. Stir the veggies and rotate the dish a quarter turn every two minutes and drain excess fluid after the initial cooking.

Step 2: Add cheese

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Once the initial cooking is done, sprinkle the Brussels sprouts with cheese and then microwave them again on high for 30 to 60 seconds or until cheese begins to melt. Finally, combine the cornflakes and butter and sprinkle this mixture over the sprouts.

Sheri Silver for Taste of Home

Microwave Brussels Sprouts Variations

• Add some spice: Add a generous sprinkling of red pepper flakes at the same time as you topped Brussels sprouts with the cheese.
• Use bread crumbs: If you don’t have corn flakes, you can substitute with Panko breadcrumbs and the recipe will be a success.
• Use broth instead of water: You can use broth in place of the water prior to microwaving to increase the savory flavor of these Brussels sprouts.

How to Store Microwave Brussels Sprouts

You can store these Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for two to three days. Reheat them in a pan, on the stove or in the microwave, of course.

Can you freeze these Brussels sprouts?

Unfortunately, they will not freeze well because the texture will be unpleasant after a thaw.

Microwave Brussels Sprouts Tips

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Can I steam Brussels sprouts in the microwave?

Yes, you can steam Brussels sprouts in the microwave by following the directions in this recipe. This will lead to a consistency just like they were steamed traditionally. You can also steam them over a saucepan, like in this herbed Brussels sprouts recipe.

What do Brussels sprouts pair well with?

Brussels sprouts pair well with turkey, pork chops and chicken main dishes, as well as with brown rice or potatoes as the side. They’re a great veggie dish thanks to their taste and because there are so many health benefits of eating Brussels sprouts.

What are other ways to prepare Brussels sprouts?

There are plenty of other ways to prepare Brussels sprouts, including roasting, stir-frying, steaming and grilling. Here are a few of our favorite Brussels sprouts recipes.