How to Cut Brussel Sprouts

5 from 17 votes

Follow my step-by-step method for how to cut brussel sprouts three different ways for roasting and salads. Learn easy practical knife skills!

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How do you cut up Brussel sprouts? Here I demonstrate how to prep these tiny cabbages, which can be a bit tedious. I share three popular ways to cut Brussel sprouts so you can easily roast, pan fry, air fry, or toss in a salad to replace greens.

Chef's knife cutting a brussel sprout
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This popular brassica once routinely made the list of “most hated vegetables.” But in the ’90s, Dutch scientists bred out its bitterness, and eventually chefs started serving them! Trendy or not, Brussel sprouts are super healthy. One cup contains 124 % of a day’s vitamin C and 13 % of a day’s fiber!

Sizes and uses for different cuts

  • Halved: Halved Brussel sprouts are the classic cut for sheet-pan roasting or sautéing.
  • Sliced: Crisp these guys up in the air fryer. They are also great for sautéing and roasting – especially if you start with the larger sprouts and want to cut them into bite-sized pieces.
  • Finely Shredded: Shred your Brussel sprouts for all kinds of salads and slaws where they can sub for cabbage or lettuce. They are also good in quick sautés, stir-fries, or for making Brussel sprouts chips in the air fryer.
3 image collage showing three cuts of brussel sprouts

How to cut Brussel sprouts 3 ways

Before you cut sprouts any way, always slice off the stem and remove yellowish outer leaves or wilted leaves. Then check out the three most popular ways to chop them up below.

2 image collage to show how to remove the stem

Cut in half

  • Place the trimmed sprout length-wise on the cutting board.
  • Slice in half through the stem.
2 image collage to show how to halve a brussel

Slice or cut thinly

  • First, trim the sprout.
  • Then, place lengthwise on the cutting board and slice to desired widths.
2 image collage to show how to slice sprouts

Finely shred with knife

  • Cut the Brussel sprout in half and place the cut side on the cutting board.
  • Carefully, holding the sprout toward the stem end and using your fingers as a guide for the knife, make thin slices crosswise.
2 image collage to show how to finely shred brussels

Even the freshest sprouts shed some leaves while being cut. I usually throw those strays into the mix of whatever I am cooking, anyway. My son especially loves those crispy bits in the pan.

Recipes using brussel sprouts

Frequently asked questions

How do you store cut Brussel sprouts?

It is optimal to cut right before using, but you can refrigerate cut Brussel sprouts in an airtight container for two days. Uncut fresh Brussel sprouts can last for up to five days in the fridge. They go longer if they come attached to their stems. But don’t let them linger. Brussel sprouts get bitter when stored long-term.

How do I choose the best Brussel sprouts?

The smaller the sweeter. Also, if you plan on roasting your sprouts, picking a batch of similar-sized sprouts means they will cook evenly. Look for tight, bright green vegetables with no yellow or brownish leaves. Buying them on the stalk? Go for the smaller stalks with smaller sprouts. They are more tender.

When are Brussel sprouts in season?

Brussel sprouts are in season from early fall through early spring, which makes them perfect to enjoy during Thanksgiving and Christmas meals!

3 types of cut brussel sprouts

With these slicing skills, there is no reason not to make some tasty and nutritious Brussel sprouts today!

More knife skill tutorials:

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How to Cut Brussel Sprouts

Follow my step-by-step method for how to cut brussel sprouts three different ways for roasting and salads. Learn easy practical knife skills!
5 from 17 votes
Servings 4 servings
Course Ingredient
Calories 49
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
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Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound Brussel sprouts

Instructions

  • Using a sharp knife, slice and discard ¼ inch of the stem. Remove any yellowish or wilted outer leaves that fall off.

For Halved Brussel Sprouts

  • Cut the Brussels in half lengthwise.

For Sliced Brussel Sprouts

  • Holding the Brussels firmly and using your fingers as a guide for the knife, cut ¼ inch slices lengthwise all the way across the brussel sprout.

For Finely Shredded Brussel Sprouts

  • Cut the Brussels in half and place the cut side on the cutting board
  • Carefully using your fingers as a guide for the knife, make thin slices cross-wise.

Notes

Storage: Store any cut brussel sprouts in an airtight container or plastic bag in the crisper in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can add a paper towel to absorb the moisture and help keep them fresh.
Photo Credit: Erin Jensen

Nutrition

Calories: 49kcal, Carbohydrates: 10g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 28mg, Potassium: 441mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 855IU, Vitamin C: 96mg, Calcium: 48mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.

Cuisine American
Course: Ingredient
5 from 17 votes (17 ratings without comment)

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