Christmas dinner isn’t complete without Brussels sprouts, but it's safe to say they're not always the most popular food on the festive table. But that might be because you're cooking them all wrong.

The key is to avoid boiling them at all costs! This just makes them soggy and waterlogged, which compromises the flavour and makes them the least popular side on anyone's plate.

If you have to, steam them so that they retain their delicious crunchy consistency or thinly slice and stir-fry, or cut them in half and roast them to impart some extra caramelised goodness.

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Some classic flavours to pair with your sprouts are maple syrup and bacon, or pomegranate and blue cheese.

We also love to shred our sprouts, stir-fry them to get them lightly crispy and golden, and then top them with lashings of Parmesan.

Alternatively, for a more hands-off recipe, you could serve your Brussels sprouts in a gratin with a cheese and cranberry sauce.

But, for the best recipe there is, don't skip our crispy parmesan sprouts - they will convert everyone!

We for one LOVE a good Brussels sprout, and we promise that with these tips, everyone will be helping themselves to the Brussels sprouts this Christmas.

The best Brussels sprouts recipes for Christmas
best brussels sprouts recipes
Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

These are hands down the best Brussels sprouts you'll eat all year - we guarantee you.

Recipe: Air Fryer Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

Mike English
a plate of food
Creamy Sprout Gratin

A rich and creamy hands-off side dish that's tasty enough to tempt even the most ardent sprout haters.

Recipe: Creamy Sprout Gratin

gh//Hearst Owned
vegetarian christmas recipe jewelled sprouts and chestnuts
Jewelled sprouts and chestnuts

It’s not Christmas without sprouts! The sweetness of apple juice and maple syrup here helps balance their brassica bitterness.

Recipe: Jewelled sprouts and chestnuts

Alex Luck//Hearst Owned
best christmas side dishes crispy topped sprouts
Crispy topped sprouts

A golden lemony breadcrumb topping gives these sprouts a lovely toasty crunch.

Recipe: Crispy topped sprouts

Myles New//Hearst Owned
shredded brown butter and parmesan sprouts
Shredded brown butter and parmesan sprouts

Pecorino would also work well in this indulgent, brown butter sprout recipe. To save time, shred your sprouts in a food processor with the slicing attachment.

Recipe: Shredded brown butter and parmesan sprouts

Alex Luck//Hearst Owned
brussels sprout and cranberry gratin
Brussels sprout and cranberry gratin

Jazz up your sprouts by cooking them in a cheesy cranberry sauce with a crunchy topping. We can't get enough.

Recipe: Brussels sprout and cranberry gratin

Mike English//Hearst Owned
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Sizzled sprouts

Balsamic glaze adds sweetness, shine and zing to these sprouts. The perfect side dish to pair with our cider roast turkey.

Recipe: Sizzled sprouts

Alex Luck
best christmas side dishes best brussels sprout recipes
Jewelled Brussels sprouts

Dolcelatte cheese is suitable for vegetarians, and the burst of pomegranate seeds brings vibrancy and tang to this winter side dish.

Recipe: Jewelled Brussels sprouts

best christmas side dishes best brussels sprouts recipes
Parcel-baked sprouts and carrots

The egg white ensures that no steam escapes while the vegetables are baking in their parcel, resulting in vibrant and perfectly al dente veggies.

Recipe: Parcel-baked sprouts and carrots

Good Housekeeping
pan fried sprouts with cavolo nero and chestnut crumbs
Pan-fried sprouts with cavolo nero and chestnut crumbs

Stir-frying the veg adds an extra touch of freshness to help cut through rich Christmas lunch. Switch the pancetta for chopped walnuts instead of lardons to make it vegetarian-friendly.

Recipe: Pan-fried sprouts with cavolo nero and chestnut crumbs

Kate Whitaker//Hearst Owned
how to freeze brussels sprouts
Maple bacon Brussels

These gloriously glossy sprouts have a sweet and salty kick. Add pecans instead of lardons if cooking for vegetarians, or add to the original recipe for extra indulgence.

Recipe: Maple bacon Brussels

Good Housekeeping UK
best brussels sprouts recipes
Creamy sprouts

It's Christmas! So don't be shy, indulge in this Creamy sprouts recipe to feed a crowd.

Recipe: Creamy sprouts

Good Housekeeping
best brussels sprouts recipes
Braised Brussels sprouts with shallots and nutmeg

A touch of nutmeg and sweet shallots gives this vegetable side dish a true taste of Christmas. Trust us, this is a recipe you'll want to repeat.

Recipe: Braised Brussels sprouts with shallots and nutmeg

Good Housekeeping
best brussels sprouts recipes
Brussels sprouts with caramelised shallots and pine nuts

This recipe is a great way to serve sprouts that the whole crowd will love, thanks to the addition of sticky caramelised shallots and crunchy pine nuts.

Recipe: Brussels sprouts with caramelised shallots and pine nuts

Good Housekeeping
best brussels sprouts recipes
Brussels sprouts with toasted hazelnuts

Toasted hazelnuts add crunch to this delicious side dish, without overpowering the other traditional trimmings.

Recipe: Brussels sprouts with toasted hazelnuts

Good Housekeeping
best brussels sprouts recipes
Shredded sprouts

Serve up Brussels sprouts in shredded form this Christmas. This side makes a great addition to the Boxing Day buffet, too.

Recipe: Shredded sprouts

Good Housekeeping
best brussels sprouts recipes
Brussels sprouts with pancetta and madeira

This sprout recipe calls for crispy pancetta and madeira wine for a side dish that's bursting with festive flavour.

Recipe: Brussels sprouts with pancetta and madeira

Good Housekeeping
best brussels sprouts recipes
Brussels sprouts with nutmeg and lemon butter

Freshen up your classic Brussels sprouts with lemon butter and nutmeg - because it's Christmas!

Recipe: Brussels sprouts with nutmeg and lemon butter

Good Housekeeping