Brussels Sprout Fritters

These crispy Brussels sprout fritters are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with the rich flavors of cheddar cheese, garlic, and thyme.

I’ve always loved Brussels sprouts, but I know they can be a bit polarizing for some people. This recipe is a game-changer for skeptics and a revelation for fans.

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a unique side dish, or a light vegetarian meal, these fritters fit the bill.

Plus, they’re easy to whip up, even on a busy weeknight. If you’ve got a food processor, shredding the sprouts is a breeze. No processor? No problem—a sharp knife works just as well and only takes a few minutes.

These fritters are versatile, too. Serve them hot from the pan with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt, or pack them for lunch to enjoy at room temperature.

They’re a delicious way to use up a bag of Brussels sprouts and make something the whole family will enjoy.

They're crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with the rich flavors of cheddar cheese, garlic, and thyme.

Serve up your brussels sprout fritters for a veg-packed lunch or dinner, alongside a bowl of Dill Pickle Soup or Broccoli Cranberry Salad!

If you love Brussels sprouts, and want some more unusual ways to serve them, then be sure to also try out Brussels Sprout Soup, Brussels Sprout Slaw, or Brussels Sprout Pasta.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Brussels Sprouts
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Variations
• Serving Suggestions
• Storage
• Top tips
• FAQs
• Fritter Recipes
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

Why You'll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
2. Few Ingredients: Simple pantry staples and fresh Brussels sprouts.
3. Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters love the crispy, cheesy flavor.
4. Versatile: Great as a snack, side dish, or light meal.
5. Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit your taste preferences.

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, known for their nutritional benefits and versatility.

Rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, they’re a powerhouse of health.

Though often maligned for their bitter flavor when overcooked, proper preparation—like shredding and frying—transforms them into a delicious, nutty, and slightly sweet ingredient.

These fritters highlight their best qualities, making them approachable and loved by even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients

• Brussels sprouts: The star of the show. Fresh sprouts work best, but frozen can be used if thawed and patted dry.
• All-purpose flour: Binds the fritters. Substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
• Eggs: Add structure and help everything hold together.
• Milk: Creates a smooth batter. Any milk, including plant-based options, works.
• Cheddar cheese: Adds savory richness. Swap for Parmesan, mozzarella, or a dairy-free alternative if you prefer.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the fritters a robust flavor. Garlic powder works in a pinch.
• Thyme: Adds a subtle earthiness. Substitute with parsley, oregano, or Italian seasoning.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out the flavors.
• Oil: For frying. Use a neutral oil like canola, or go for olive oil for added flavor.

See the recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Follow this step-by-step photo tutorial, then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and method.

Trim the bases and remove any browned outer leaves, then finely shred the Brussels sprouts with a knife or in a food processor.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, and milk.

Stir the cheese, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper into the batter.

Fold in the shredded Brussels sprouts until everything is well combined.

Heat 1-2 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, drop spoonfuls of the Brussels sprout mixture into the pan and gently flatten them with the back of the spoon to form small fritters.

Cook each Brussels sprout fritter for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.

Variations

1. Swap cheddar for feta or goat cheese.
2. Mix in grated zucchini or carrots for extra veggies.
3. Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
4. Add finely chopped onion or scallions for extra flavor.
5. Top with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast option.

Serving Suggestions

1. With a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
2. Drizzle with hot honey for a sweet and spicy kick.
3. Serve as side dish to a main meal.
4. Pair with a fresh green salad for a light meal.
5. Top with avocado slices and a squeeze of lime.
6. Dip in marinara sauce for an Italian twist.
7. Serve as a party appetizer with a creamy dipping sauce.
8. Enjoy with scrambled eggs for breakfast.
9. Use as a base for a vegetarian burger.
10. Find vegetarian recipes that you could serve with them.

Storage

• Storage: Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the batter up to 12 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Stir well before cooking.

Top tips

1. Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.
2. Adjust the heat: Medium heat works best to cook the fritters through without burning them.
3. Use fresh sprouts: They shred easily and cook evenly, unlike frozen ones, which can retain extra moisture.
4. Taste the batter: Adjust salt and seasoning before frying the first fritter.
5. Keep warm: Place cooked fritters on a baking sheet in a low oven while you finish frying the batch.

FAQs

Fritter Recipes

If you love these super easy Brussels Sprout Fritters, be sure to try these other vegetable fritter recipes too!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you love this recipe, please leave a five-star rating and review in the comments below! And if you make any modifications, let us know how it went so that we can all benefit from your experience. Happy cooking!

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