Remember when Brussels sprouts were considered a culinary joke? Many younger millennials might not recall when these veggies shared the same fate as casseroles.

While they can be bland and unappealing, recent culinary trends have transformed them into crispy, flavorful delights, best enjoyed with a spicy char (in my opinion).

serving sweet and sour cider brussels sprouts

On our Thanksgiving table, crispy and sweet Brussels sprouts are a must-have. Although my sister has an amazing recipe, I've been eager to recreate a version I sampled in LA featuring cider and dates. With the holiday season approaching, it felt like the perfect moment. Instead of my usual method of roasting halved sprouts, I decided to shred them into thin, ruffled pieces and give them a hard sear in a cast iron skillet to achieve that coveted char.

sweet and sour cider brussels sprouts

A quick toss in a sweet vinegar sauce with a secret ingredient—apple cider!—along with toasted pecans, dates, and a hint of chili flakes makes these nearly perfect. Pair them with turkey, serve as a star in a veggie bowl, or even use them in tacos (yes, really!)

sweet and sour cider brussels sprouts

Check out the recipe below…

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Description

Crispy, zesty Brussels sprouts that everyone will appreciate.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Brussels sprouts, finely shredded
  • 1/4 cup pitted and chopped dates
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 – 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup toasted pecans
  • optional: red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat a large cast iron skillet over high heat and add enough olive oil to cover the bottom. Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer to maximize contact with the pan.
  2. Sear without stirring for about 4 minutes until they begin to char. Then, add the dates, cider, vinegar, a generous pinch of salt and pepper, and maple syrup. Stir well. Continue to sear for another 2-3 minutes to develop more char. If the sauce reduces too much, splash in more cider.
  3. Transfer to a serving dish, add an extra pinch of salt and pepper if desired, and sprinkle with red pepper flakes and toasted pecans. Enjoy!
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 10

Comments (7)

  1. Natasha says: November 19, 2020 at 3:37 am

    This looks so tasty!

    https://natashantone.com/

    Reply
  2. JC FARRELL says: November 22, 2020 at 5:08 pm

    What should these taste like? Mine turned out softer than expected, but delicious!

    Reply
    1. Vasu says: December 19, 2020 at 4:14 pm

      I prefer mine crispy, so I think I'd rather serve the sauce on the side to keep them crunchy.

      Reply
  3. Emma S says: December 4, 2023 at 12:41 pm

    I can't find the recipe. Did it move?

    Reply
    1. Casey McKee says: December 5, 2023 at 11:51 am

      We recently updated our site and resolved a few issues. The recipe card is now in place! Enjoy cooking!

      Reply
  4. Aianna says: December 3, 2025 at 3:35 pm

    The glaze didn't thicken. They tasted great but were more like they were boiled in cider. I had to add cornstarch, but it was too late. Still, fantastic flavor!

    ★★

    Reply
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