The 10 Meats that Go Best with Brussels Sprouts

If you’re looking for the perfect meat pairing to accompany your brussels sprouts, look no further.

We’ve scoured the globe and looked at every meat we could get our hands on.

Then we made a list of the 10 meats that go best with brussels sprouts.

Now, if you ever have to serve brussels sprouts, you’ll know exactly what meat to serve with it!

But first, what’s the best meat to serve with brussels sprouts?

The best meat to serve with brussels sprouts is bacon.

Bacon has the right fat content to bring out the rich, bold flavor of brussels sprouts, as well as an interesting texture that pairs well with the crisp vegetable.

The smoky flavor of bacon also pairs well with the earthy notes in brussels sprouts, and is a fun counterpoint to their sweetness.

The 10 Meats that Go Best with Brussels Sprouts

Once you get to know them, Brussels sprouts are the ultimate culinary chameleon.

They’re great steamed, roasted, sautéed, or even shaved into a salad.

But no matter how you cook them, they always bring intense flavor to the table.

Pairing Brussels sprouts with meat is one of the best ways to take advantage of their wide spectrum of flavors, and it adds an incredible depth to your meal.

These pairings will help you elevate any meal!

Here’s my list of the 10 best meats to pair with Brussels sprouts:

1. Brussels Sprouts and Ham: A Classic Pairing

Brussels sprouts and ham are a classic combination for a reason!

The sweet and salty balance in this pairing means that you get the perfect mix of sharp and soft flavors when you eat them together.

Plus, since both ham and Brussels sprouts have fairly neutral colors, they’ll look amazing on any plate!

2. Brussels Sprouts and Chicken: A Simple Yet Effective Pairing

Chicken is another meat that works well with nearly anything because it’s so versatile in its own right.

Paired with Brussels sprouts on a dinner plate, this is a match made in heaven for anyone who wants to add some depth to their meal without overwhelming their taste buds!

3. Brussels Sprouts and Duck: The Sweet-and-Salty Mix You Crave

The sweetness of duck meat is often compared to the flavor of chicken—it’s just a little bit richer.

Along with the saltiness from ham, this makes it the perfect complement to the tartness of Brussels sprouts.

It’s also rich enough to stand up to the stronger flavor of Brussels sprouts, so it won’t be overpowered by their sharp taste.

This is important: don’t let your dishes fight each other! Instead, it heightens their flavor without clashing at all.

4. Brussels Sprouts and Lamb: A Rich Combination for Special Occasions

Lamb is an incredible meat to cook with during the holidays, so it only makes sense that it would be a good match for Brussels sprouts as well.

The rich flavor of the lamb is balanced out by the sharpness of the sprouts, which means your tasting buds will be in heaven when you eat them together.

Plus, if you’re cooking for a special occasion like Christmas or Easter, this is a great way to make your meal feel even more special!

5. Brussels Sprouts and Beef: A Hearty Match for a Hearty Dish

If you’re looking for a pairing that will make your meal feel like a hearty feast, then this is it.

The meatiness of beef makes it an ideal match for the earthiness of Brussels sprouts.

You can play up that sense of coziness even more by roasting your veggies before serving!

This is a great option if you’re looking to feed a crowd or just want something comforting to curl up with on those cold winter nights.

6. Brussels Sprouts and Bacon: How Can Anything This Good Be Real?

I think we can all agree that bacon is one of the most magical foods on this planet.

It’s equal parts meaty and fatty, but it still has that unmistakable smoky flavor that makes your mouth water just at the thought of it. And when you pair it with Brussels sprouts?

Well, let’s just say I don’t blame you if you start to drool… but maybe wait until after dinner before you do that.

7. Brussels Sprouts and Pork Belly: Sweet Meets Savory in This Matchup

Pork belly is another great option for pairing with Brussels sprouts.

This meat has a rich flavor that can go with almost anything—and it also happens to be incredibly delicious when combined with sweet potatoes too!

So if you’re looking for something new to try at Thanksgiving dinner this year then I would definitely suggest giving these two foods together a try!

8. Brussels Sprouts & Bison: A Bold Combination That Can’t Be Beat

The rich, deep flavor of bison makes a great contrast to the bitterness of Brussels sprouts, so these two items go together like peas in a pod.

I recommend cutting the Brussels sprouts into quarters or halves before cooking, to make sure they cook all the way through.

Then, sprinkle them with salt and pepper and sear them in a cast-iron skillet until they’re tender but still crisp (about two minutes on each side).

Serve alongside some juicy bison steak for an unforgettable meal!

9. Brussels Sprouts and Goat: For a Fun Twist on a Traditional Combo

If you love the pairing of Brussels sprouts and ham, but want to add some variety to your dinner table, try pairing them with goat for a new twist on an old favorite.

The meatiness of the goat mixes so well with the sweetness of the Brussels sprouts that it’s hard not to go back for seconds (or thirds!).

10. Brussels Sprouts and Duck Confit: An Elegant Pairing

 This one is great for special occasions.

That slow, low-temperature cooking style makes duck confit an elegant, rich dish to serve at parties or to guests you want to impress.

But even though it’s fancy, duck confit has a subtle flavor profile that partners well with the sharpness of Brussels sprouts—which makes it a great choice for adding some wow factor without overpowering your dish.

For a holiday dinner, try serving duck confit with maple-glazed Brussels sprouts for an eye-catching centerpiece!

3 Reasons You Should Pair Meat and Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts have been on the rise in the last few years, but they’re still an underappreciated side.

Sure, they have a bad rap for being bitter and bland—but that was before we started cooking them right.

Below, we’re going to tell you all about why you should pair your meat with brussels sprouts.

1. They’re Packed with Nutrients that Help You Stay Healthy

These tasty little veggies contain antioxidants, which help fight free radicals in your body and prevent oxidative damage to cells.

They’re also rich in fiber, which may help maintain healthy blood sugar levels and aid digestion.

For example, studies have shown that a diet high in fiber can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Plus, Brussels sprouts are rich in vitamin K, which helps your blood clot properly and may aid with bone health.

You can learn more about these benefits here.

2. They’ll Make Your Meat Taste Better

What makes them such a good complement to meat is that they do double duty: they absorb the flavors of the other ingredients they’re cooked with and they themselves have plenty of flavor.

That’s why it’s easy to find recipes for Brussels sprouts that call for bacon—because bacon is delicious and it makes everything it touches taste like bacon.

But if you want to get more creative, there are plenty of options for how to pair Brussels sprouts with meat so both ingredients are at their best—and so you can eat more vegetables without even realizing it.

3. They’re Super Versatile

Once you get to know them, Brussels sprouts are the ultimate culinary chameleon.

They’re great steamed, roasted, sautéed, or even shaved into a salad. But no matter how you cook them, they always bring intense flavor to the table.

Basically, meat and Brussels sprouts are a match made in heaven, and they’re so versatile that you can make them into absolutely any meal.

For breakfast, try a savory sausage with Brussels sprouts hash, served with an egg on the side.

The savory sausage is a perfect complement to sweet Brussels sprouts without being overpowering, and it’s super easy to make!

Just toss your hash ingredients in a pan and cook until soft.

Then fry your egg in the same pan. YUM.

Maybe you’re more of a lunch person?

That’s okay—throw some meatballs in with your Brussels sprout soup for a hearty meal that’ll keep you going all afternoon.

This hearty combo will fill you up but won’t weigh you down.

It’s also super easy to make: just throw everything in a pot and simmer for about an hour!

And if you’re looking for something a little fancier, try two classic go-tos for dinner: meatloaf and roasted Brussels sprouts.

Meatloaf is pretty much foolproof, so we won’t go into how to make it here (we know how capable you are).

Meat and Brussels Sprouts: 4 Ways to Make It Work

 The holidays are just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start planning for all those delicious meals!

But what about that one dish that always seems to be the same?

Whether it’s at Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, or any other annual holiday gathering, there’s that one dish that never seems to change.

Well, this year we’re here to help you get out of your meat-and-Brussels sprouts rut!

Here are four ways you can make this classic combination work for you:

1. Make ’em Fancy!

Try topping your Brussels sprouts with a sauce made from butter, vinegar, and minced shallots.

Then lightly drizzle it over your meat.

This is an easy way to make your meat and Brussels Sprouts feel like an elegant meal, even if you’re just sitting on the couch watching Netflix in your sweatpants.

2. Put ’em on A Pizza!

Why not combine two of the best foods out there (pizza and Brussels sprouts) into one glorious dish?

The next time you’re planning on having pizza, try adding some thinly sliced Brussels sprouts to the mix before baking it all up.

Your family will love it!

3. Mix ’em Into a Casserole!

This is a great way to disguise your favorite vegetables while still getting the nutrition they offer!

Just add some chopped up Brussels sprouts to your favorite meat casserole recipe—you’ll hardly notice them at all, but you’ll still be getting all their good-for-you vitamins and minerals!

4. Make ’em Spicy!

Add some heat by sprinkling cayenne pepper on your meat and Brussels sprouts!

If you want a little extra kick, try adding some paprika or chili powder in with the cayenne pepper as well—or leave it out if spice isn’t really your thing.

6 Meat Alternatives that Go Well with Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a polarizing vegetable.

If you’re among the lucky ones who like them, then you’ll want to know about these meat alternatives that pair perfectly with Brussels sprouts.

1. Tofurkey

Tofurkey is a classic vegetarian go-to, and it’s a prime pick for a main course when Brussels sprouts are on the menu.

It’s earthy and savory, which means it will enhance the flavors of any Brussels sprout dish.

2. Seitan

This soy-based alternative is great for anyone looking to avoid soy products, as well as anyone who wants to enjoy a meat substitute with an authentic meat texture.

3. Jackfruit

This unique fruit is actually considered a meat alternative, and its neutral flavor makes it an ideal choice for pairing with Brussels sprouts (and other vegetables).

It also goes extremely well with barbecue sauce—just something to keep in mind!

4. Fake salmon

For those who love seafood but don’t love the environmental costs of fishing, fake salmon is the answer.

It has a milder flavor than fish, which means it will work well alongside any Brussels sprout recipe you have in mind.

5. Tempeh

Tempeh is very similar in flavor and texture to seitan, but it has a bit more of an earthy flavor profile. It’s also soy-free, making it a great option for those who have soy allergies or are concerned about the health effects of eating too much soy.

6. Lentils

Lentils are another popular option for vegetarians and vegans, and they make an excellent replacement for meat in any dish.

They’re packed with protein, making them a filling choice for your main course.

Plus, they’re also savory and earthy, so they match well with Brussels sprouts’ darker flavor tones.

7. Quorn

If you’re looking for a higher-protein option, look no further than Quorn—this processed fungus-based product is perfect for those wanting to keep their calorie count low but their protein intake high!