Brussels sprouts always get a bad rap, but if you’re a sprouts fan, then you must try this Brussels sprouts with Cream and Dates recipe. Cooked in cream, they’re delightful, and the sweet touch of dates elevates the Brussels sprouts, turning them into a tasty dish that everyone will love!

creamy sprouts with dates in a pan

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This is a great recipe. So great, in fact, that I’ve been making it for more than 10 years. I first created this recipe way back, after being inspired by a recipe I saw in a Cooks Illustrated cookbook. Their recipe was good, but I knew I could improve it – and I did!

Brussels sprouts are such a tasty little vegetable, and the bitterness that comes from cooking them has been bred out of them. That being said, the cream really tempers what’s left of the funky cooked sprouts flavor, and you’re left with a creamy dish that hits all the right notes.

brussels sprouts

Brussels Sprouts with cream and dates

I love Brussels Sprouts with Cream and Dates with any Thanksgiving or holiday feast. It is so deliciously different and pairs so nicely with other fall flavors. Also, it’s great with a holiday turkey or ham, or even roast beef.

This recipe is easy to make, which is another point in its favor! You can prep the Brussels sprouts ahead of time, too, so they’re ready to cook.

Brussels Sprouts with dates on a plate

Why I love this recipe

  • The Brussels sprouts, dates, and cream are a magical combination in this side dish recipe.
  • Double or even triple this recipe to feed a crowd.
  • It’s so different, and everybody loves it and making my guests happy is what makes me happy!

ingredients to make side dish Brussel sprout recipe

Gather these ingredients

  • Brussels sprouts – You’ll need about 1 pound; trimmed.
  • Olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • Ground nutmeg – Freshly ground is best!
  • Smoked paprika – Just a pinch!
  • Dates – Seeded and chopped.
  • Heavy whipping cream
  • Fresh thyme – Optional garnish.

how to make Brussels Sprouts with Cream and Dates

How to make Creamy Brussels Sprouts with Dates

  1. Trim the sprouts by cutting off the stem end and then removing a layer or two of leaves. Slice them lengthwise.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat and add the Brussels sprouts in a single layer, cut side down. Saute for about 3-4 minutes or just until they become golden brown.
  3. Season the Brussels sprouts with salt, paprika, nutmeg, paprika, and fresh cracked pepper.
  4. Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the saucepan. Cook for 5-6 minutes or until the sprouts are just tender when pierced with the tip of a knife. Stir once or twice during cooking.
  5. Season with a sprinkle of nutmeg, fresh chopped thyme, and more cracked pepper to taste.
  6. Serve and enjoy!

fork bite of sprouts

Tips & substitutions

  • Fresh Brussels sprouts are best in this easy Brussels sprouts recipe. Frozen sprouts will make your sauce too watery, and the sprouts will be mushy.
  • You can use half and half cream to cut down on some of the fat but I encourage you to use heavy whipping cream because it makes the dish so decadent and delicious!
  • Freshly ground nutmeg has double the flavor, and a little goes a long way!
  • Smoked paprika adds a lovely smoky flavor to this dish, but regular paprika will also work.
  • Don’t overcook the sprouts! They are best with a bit of crunch to them in the very center. 
  • The cream will reduce so you don’t need to worry about thickening it.

Brussels Sprouts with Cream

Serving suggestions

This is one of my favorite braised Brussels sprouts recipes. I love it with a holiday ham, roast beef, or turkey. While this is one of my favorite holiday side dish recipes, it doesn’t have to be a special occasion to enjoy it! It also pairs well with salmon and every day dinners!

creamy sprouts with dates

Storage 

Store any leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. These won’t freeze well and are best eaten fresh.

Check out these awesome Brussels sprout recipes while you’re  here

creamy sprouts with dates in a pan
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Brussels Sprouts with Cream and Dates

Sweet, creamy and delicious, these Brussels Sprouts with Cream and Dates is an easy side dish that’ll wow everyone!   
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 8
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Ingredients
 

  • 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed*
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Fresh cracked pepper
  • ¾ cup chopped dates
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Fresh thyme, finely chopped (garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the sprouts by cutting off the bottom and removing the outside edge and any dry leaves, and slice them lengthwise.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat and place the Brussels sprouts in a single layer, cut side down. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, just until a golden color appears.
  • Season the Brussels sprouts with salt, paprika, nutmeg, paprika, and fresh cracked pepper.
  • Add the cream and dates and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Lower heat, cover, and simmer, stirring once or twice to redistribute sprouts, until knife tip inserted in center of sprout is almost soft, 5-6 minutes. Don’t overcook the sprouts. The cream will reduce.
  • Season with a sprinkle of nutmeg, fresh chopped thyme,  and more cracked pepper to taste.
  • Use a slotted spoon and serve!

Notes

Reposted from November 2011.
Cuisine: American
Course: Side Dish
Calories: 171kcal, Carbohydrates: 17g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 34mg, Sodium: 226mg, Potassium: 344mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 942IU, Vitamin C: 48mg, Calcium: 51mg, Iron: 1mg
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Brussels Sprouts with Cream and Dates