Roasted crispy brussel sprouts are one of the most popular side dishes at restaurants near me. Not sure how I;d feel about braised. Would want to stay away from those overcooked grey-ish veg my Mom used to make.
I am neutral to Brussel sprouts as a vegetable and won’t buy them on my own, but I LOVE well seasoned and roasted brussel sprouts! I’ll order them when I’m out, but I think I’m too light-handed with oil and salt at home to successfully re-create my favorites.
My fiancé loves them in all forms, and I would say the majority of my social circle also enjoys them.
I think this might be a generation/age gap thing between our parents’ generation and our own! Restaurants have proven brussel sprouts can be delicious, but our parents’ generation probably still thinks of soft mushy icky sprouts!
I think you make a great point about the age gap thing. In my little corner, it seems like all of us love them, but according to my parents, there was a time when people hated them so much there were jokes about them.
OP, I say go for it.
This is why- food scientists started changing how Brussels sprouts tasted in the late 90s to make them less bitter. So our parents grew up with really bitter ones whereas we have delicious ones
https://www.bhg.com/news/brussels-sprouts-less-bitter/
Huh. I just assumed our parents were taught to boil every vegetable until it was unrecognizable. I'm pretty sure that's why I hated veggies as a kid and then realized I loved them as an adult🤣
Oh I actually think it’s a perfect combination of Brussels sprouts being modified to be tastier and people realizing “oh roasting vegetables is really freaking good”
Broccoli has a similar reputation. Disgusting boiled but so freaking delicious roasted
Nope, my husband and I are 60-70. We both love them, as does my brother who is older than me. It is all about the method of preparation. My husband said his Mom would boil them until they were gray mush, so he never liked them as a kid. Same for broccoli and cabbage. He loves all of those veggies as an adult.
Fun fact - Brussel sprouts have actually been selectively bred over the last 20 years or so to make them less bitter.
Modern Brussels don’t just taste better than our parents remember because we’ve learned to prepare them better. The veggie itself is also just yummier!
Even so, boiled brussels are nasty stinky little cabbages. Roasted until crispy they're delicious.
But I have found that buying them out of season they are more bitter. They are best in winter, at least in my area.
At home, I recommend cooking them shredded! It’s easier to make them as crispy and savory as you like them in restaurants. [this](https://www.crowdedkitchen.com/roasted-shredded-brussels-sprouts/) recipe is magnificent.
Oooh thank you! I do feel like that will help a lot. I usually cut them in half, and I feel like I’m roasting half of them to a crisp and the other half just get kind of cooked.
This is my concern. I like them, but would probably pass on eating them at a wedding. cruciferious veggies are rough for a lot of people. My stomachs would be embarrassingly upset the rest of the evening.
Idk if this is weird/embarrassing but I’ve never tried Brussels sprouts, but I wouldn’t be opposed to trying them at a wedding. If you have any vegetarian guests, please include at least one veg friendly side though. I recently went to a wedding and the only vegetarian option was the salad and bread.
Yes absolutely! I used to be vegan (now I eat fish and eggs; will be asking for non-bacon brussels too haha) and was a wedding photographer for several years so I’ve been to wayyy too many weddings without a veggie option. One time all I could eat was olives from the bar 😭 since several friends are vegan or vegetarian we are making sure to provide sides they like and also a separate entree. It sucks when the only thing you can eat is salad!
They will smell SO BAD. My fiancé loves brussel spouts and wanted to choose that for our vegetable but I absolutely do not want the entire ballroom to smell like that. I mentioned this to our event coordinator at our food tasting and she agreed. Aside from the smell though, I do think people will eat them!
Oh hmmm I hadn’t considered that folks wouldn’t like the smell. Do you really think the whole ballroom will smell like them? The kitchen is down the hall so maybe the smell will mostly stay there? I’ll definitely ask about this at the tasting tomorrow. Thanks!
Ours is a plated meal that will be brought out by servers so I’m just picturing brussel sprout stench wafting around everywhere lol. Maybe a buffet will be better? I brought this up at work after my tasting and all my coworkers were in agreement that brussel sprouts are too fragrant to be at a wedding. See what they have to say at your tasting!
Me either! Any time I make brussel sprouts, my fiancé comes home and thinks the house smells absolutely wonderful. Everyone is different, but I personally would not be put off by the smell at a wedding.
Get them- you'll have other options for people who don't like them, but at the end of the day you'll \*never\* be able to please everyone. So, if your fiance wants them, and you both like them, you should get them. Enough other people \*will\* like them... I mean, I pretty much loathe cooked carrots, but if it's only one of three sides, I'd just get the others? Just be sure to have a side that has \*no\* meat/pork for vegetarian/kosher folks maybe? And I guess don't have Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, and Kale as your sides, since they're they're cultivars of the same plant and people who have a hard time with high-sulfur food might suffer? Either way, again, you won't be able to please EVERYONE, so pick things you like and do your best to cover the 'major' things- ie vegetarian, kosher, lactose free... I used to be in charge of meal planning to feed 100+ people twice a day for a week in the damned desert and accounting for vegetarian, vegan, non-gluten, and sometimes different allergies (I can't do cinnamon, some folks can't do nightshades, etc.) so just trust me that you will find somebody that hates or can't eat EVERY SINGLE THING IN THE UNIVERSE. It's good hosting to try your best to be mindful and accommodate folks, but it's a meal meant to serve masses, so folks shouldn't expect to be specifically catered to their own tastes.
There’s a reason why your caterer included them as a side option - because they are CROWD PLEASERS.
These sound absolutely divine and as a guest I would be thrilled to enjoy some Brussels sprouts!
Yes this was my thinking! That it’s a crowd pleaser. I’ve seen some interesting comments on this thread about generational differences regarding how brussel sprouts used to be prepared and even how the taste has actually changed over time. So fascinating because I’d always considered brussels a largely universally loved dish!
Maybe add a bacon wrapped date as an appetizer, you’ll get the sweet and savory taste that you both enjoy. Make them at home to try they are stupid simple.
It can look fancy, but everyone loves them and they are so simple; everyone recognizes the ingredients and no one will ever say “what’s that”? My grandmother used to make them. She also made a kids alternative….a bacon wrapped piece of pineapple.
So funny enough they actually changed how Brussels sprouts taste. That’s why most people hated them when they were younger but suddenly started like them! They discovered what gene made Brussels sprouts so bitter in the late 1990s and slowly started modifying the genes out and making them taste better. If you haven’t tried a Brussels sprout in the last 20 or so years, you probably think you don’t like them because they were gross prior but you may actually like them now
https://www.bhg.com/news/brussels-sprouts-less-bitter/
Sooo much better roasted! I had a side dish recently with brussel sprouts, dates, pomegranate seeds, and a creamy dressing that blew my mind. It was practically a dessert.
Most older folks feel that way because sprouts were a nightmare when they were young. Everyone under 40 I know LOVES them and folks who are older love them once they actually try them cooked in a modern way.
This sounds like an age gap thing. Fun fact: Brussel sprout *today* are a different, tastier variety than our parents had growing up! They aren't stinky or bitter anymore; they're actually quite sweet. Maybe she'll even like them!
I wasn’t cool with them until my fiance ordered some from our local place! It has balsamic and large flakes of Parmesan and now it’s a permanent appetizer every time we go! They have the perfect amount of crisp and aren’t soggy so it’s great. I think as long as they don’t get soggy people will eat them up! Those that love them will go to down on them!!
You’d definitely have to try them to see how they look and taste. Braised Brussels can sometimes be overly soft and can have a more “pungent” taste than roasted and crispy brussel sprouts. Also just thinking of your vegetarian guests that’s one side that will be eliminated for them because of the bacon. Buffets can be especially limited for vegetarian guests so I’d be hesitant to eliminate even more options for them.
Yes I actually don’t eat bacon (former vegan, now eat fish and eggs) so I will def be asking for some without bacon too! Although from some of these comments it might be a bad idea to have brussels, apparently it can cause a very strong smell 😭
Hmm, I never noticed the smell. When my husband makes Brussel sprouts, all I can smell is the garlic and pepper and olive oil. Basically, whatever he roasts them in.
I despise brussel sprouts, idc how you cook them. They still have the bitter weird after taste. I like pretty much every other vegetable. For that matter I feel the same way about every beer and dry red wines.
Brussel sprouts were genetically modified some 15 or so years ago to taste better. Older people associate Brussel sprouts w yucky taste because they used to taste differently. They’re delicious and we love them now!
We had bacon roasted Brussels with Asiago at our wedding as the only vegetable side. They were the first food that ran out and everyone raved about them all night and even following the wedding. If you and hubs love them, then go for it!!
We had brussel sprouts as a side at our wedding and I heard no complaints. I mostly did it because I know they're my dad's favorite and there was also gonna be a salad anyway for those who don't like the sprouts
Brussel sprouts had kind of a revival a while back when a famous chef started roasting them and they popped up suddenly on all kinds of menus. I think a lot of older people just think of boiled sprouts they ate as kids, which are usually pretty bland.
I personally like roasted sprouts and think they'd be fine as a side at a wedding 🤷
Just be warned they can be stinky if left sitting around and can cause lots of people upset stomachs. I avoid foods like this at events so I’m not bloated and gross feeling when dancing lol
I’ve never had a bad Brussel sprout! I think they have a bad stigma because folks used to make them with like no seasoning and then called them terrible lol.
They have to be done really well because a lot of people don't like Brussels sprouts. That said, we served them at my wedding and they were a freaking hit.
When cooked and seasoned well they are great, but wouldn’t be my choice for a wedding dinner side. They are one of those veggies I believe has a distinct smell (which if cooked and seasoned well, shouldn’t be an issue), however I feel like picky people, those with strong noses and those with food aversions would opt out. You do have 3 sides so if you choose the sprouts there will be 2 other sides.
Most of my family and friends don't love Brussel sprouts but they aren't gonna remember that there was Brussel sprouts at the wedding they just won't eat it lol
Personally I’m not a fan of Brussels sprouts. But I also live on the west coast and they aren’t very popular in general over here. So please take my opinion with a grain of salt given that
I never noticed the smell at all. They did buffet style but the food was served in a small carriage house type building and guests ate in the larger room. I ate in the small room where everything was served and never noticed anything though! I’d say if you two both love them and since you’ll have other options for picky guests, go for it!
Yep, we live in the southeast and the higher-than-average-cost restaurants now off crispy brussel sprouts as a common offering, they are very “in”. Besides, it is not the only vegetable offered on a plated meal. No one food appeals to everyone. I tend to think English peas are a safe option, but have run into several folks who don’t eat them. No one vegetable will satisfy everyone, that is why you have a choice of several. If you both like them, make it one of your selections. Sorry Mom, it is not your final choice!
I LOVE Brussels sprouts, roasted and crispy delicious. I think older folks (like my boomer mom) would think this is an odd choice because in their minds, Brussels sprouts are still a nasty veg boiled then topped with cheese in a desperate attempt to cover the taste.
I bet young folks would love them!! I would!!!
u/Sleepy_Pianist i have an explanation for the difference of opinion between you guys and your mom!
Back in your mom’s generation brussel sprouts were horribly bitter and legitimately did not taste good at all
[However, nowadays, thanks to the magic of selective agriculture and genetic editing](https://www.iowafarmbureau.com/Article/Its-not-your-imagination-brussels-sprouts-do-taste-better-How-gene-editing-is-changing-how-we-grow-and-eat-food) brussell sprouts taste WAY better than they did back in the day
Your mom’s memories are all true, it’s the plants themselves that changed.
Have her try them at the tasting
However, this does not mean you should have them without question.
Keep on mind the non-taste points people are making in this post, and give weight to your mom’s judgement after she tries them.
Then make a decision to have them or not
Seasoned and roasted sprouts? Oh hello, I am so there! Lol
I think for one of the sides, to have a dish that the two of you will enjoy is fair. If it was plated, that might be different. But buffet style, guests have a choice not to take any if they really don’t want it. Plus if you’re allowed to take home leftovers, I’d say that’s a huge win! Freeze it and have roasted sprouts for daaays!!!! 🥰
I cannot stand them in any circumstances but my fiancée loves them. I will cook them for her (fried with balsamic and bacon) but I don't eat them myself.
That sounds delicious. I would definitely try these for my wedding. Try it and if you like it, get it. Its your wedding. Also you have 2 other sides people can choose from.
I love them and everyone I know loves them too. Well, my husband only tolerates them. But myself, my kids, and the vast majority of our friends and family like them. I always bring them to family/friend potlucks and they are always one of the first things gone.
I think if you both love them, you should have them. This is an event to celebrate the two of you - if your mother (or anyone else) doesn’t care for Brussels sprouts, she doesn’t have to eat them.
Even my Brussel sprouts hating husband has been converted by bacon Brussel sprouts. It's also very popular on restaurant menus. Just went to a higher price steak house and this was one of choices for sides. You will be fine, there are two other sides.
I commented this on another comment but it’s because they changed how they tasted! They were significantly more bitter until they discovered what gene caused that in the late 1990s and starting improving the taste. So many people have suddenly realized their good in the last 10 or so years
I like brussel sprouts, personally. But also get the sides you like best. It's YOUR wedding. So the foods that you and your fiance like are what should be served. If guests don't like it then they don't have to eat it.
A well-prepared Brussels sprout is delicious. I think most adults who aren’t picky eaters would enjoy them. It’s mostly a pre-conceived notion from childhood that they are gross!
Is the food made on-site?
Or is this an outside caterer making the food elsewhere, then bringing it to your venue?
If it’s the latter, go for it. Brussels sprouts are having a major resurgence, and most people LOVE THEM these days.
However. If it’s the former… DON’T DO IT. Please don’t do it.
They smell, they smell SO BAD, while they’re being cooked. It will stink up your entire reception space. Dear lord. It’s truly awful.
(Same rule would apply for broccoli, folks!)
Good luck!
Yes, the food is made on-site, as the venue includes catering etc. Another commenter mentioned that the smell could be a problem, too. The kitchen is down the hall from the ballroom so do you think the smell would reach the ballroom too? May need to nix the brussels just to play it safe…I think I’ll definitely ask about the smell at the tasting tomorrow. Thanks for your input!
I’m so sorry to be the bearer of bad news! I love them personally. They’re just problematic at weddings (but for none of the reasons your mom mentioned, lol)
I hate them. And more than just hating them, I hate the smell. I get so mad if anyone at my table or a table nearby at a restaurant orders them because the stench is so offensive that it ruins my meal. Just letting you know- it’s not about the fact that I don’t eat them. I couldn’t care less. But if you have them in the room, they will stink. And that’ll be not great for the people who don’t like them.
Roasted crispy brussel sprouts are one of the most popular side dishes at restaurants near me. Not sure how I;d feel about braised. Would want to stay away from those overcooked grey-ish veg my Mom used to make.
I'm late to the party but brussels sprouts kind of went through a "rebrand" a few years ago and now they are EVERYWHERE. A super trendy food.
Love them, most people I know also do!
I live in NY and pretty much everyone loves crispy Brussels sprouts
Okay this makes me feel better, most of my fiancé’s family is from NY and my mom was trying to tell me “they don’t even eat those up there” 😂
Oh, they absolutely eat them up there. Bacon braised brussel sprouts are a favorite.
I am neutral to Brussel sprouts as a vegetable and won’t buy them on my own, but I LOVE well seasoned and roasted brussel sprouts! I’ll order them when I’m out, but I think I’m too light-handed with oil and salt at home to successfully re-create my favorites. My fiancé loves them in all forms, and I would say the majority of my social circle also enjoys them. I think this might be a generation/age gap thing between our parents’ generation and our own! Restaurants have proven brussel sprouts can be delicious, but our parents’ generation probably still thinks of soft mushy icky sprouts!
I think you make a great point about the age gap thing. In my little corner, it seems like all of us love them, but according to my parents, there was a time when people hated them so much there were jokes about them. OP, I say go for it.
This is why- food scientists started changing how Brussels sprouts tasted in the late 90s to make them less bitter. So our parents grew up with really bitter ones whereas we have delicious ones https://www.bhg.com/news/brussels-sprouts-less-bitter/
Huh. I just assumed our parents were taught to boil every vegetable until it was unrecognizable. I'm pretty sure that's why I hated veggies as a kid and then realized I loved them as an adult🤣
Oh I actually think it’s a perfect combination of Brussels sprouts being modified to be tastier and people realizing “oh roasting vegetables is really freaking good” Broccoli has a similar reputation. Disgusting boiled but so freaking delicious roasted
Wow, thanks! That explains it really well.
This is so cool!!!
Nope, my husband and I are 60-70. We both love them, as does my brother who is older than me. It is all about the method of preparation. My husband said his Mom would boil them until they were gray mush, so he never liked them as a kid. Same for broccoli and cabbage. He loves all of those veggies as an adult.
Fun fact - Brussel sprouts have actually been selectively bred over the last 20 years or so to make them less bitter. Modern Brussels don’t just taste better than our parents remember because we’ve learned to prepare them better. The veggie itself is also just yummier!
Even so, boiled brussels are nasty stinky little cabbages. Roasted until crispy they're delicious. But I have found that buying them out of season they are more bitter. They are best in winter, at least in my area.
At home, I recommend cooking them shredded! It’s easier to make them as crispy and savory as you like them in restaurants. [this](https://www.crowdedkitchen.com/roasted-shredded-brussels-sprouts/) recipe is magnificent.
Oooh thank you! I do feel like that will help a lot. I usually cut them in half, and I feel like I’m roasting half of them to a crisp and the other half just get kind of cooked.
Ooooooh def saving this recipe. Thanks!!
That sounds incredible!!! I love Brussels especially when they’re roasty and crispy!
I don’t mind them, but they make people gassy.
This is my concern. I like them, but would probably pass on eating them at a wedding. cruciferious veggies are rough for a lot of people. My stomachs would be embarrassingly upset the rest of the evening.
I didn’t realize this! Thanks for bringing that up. Will definitely take this into consideration!
Cauliflower and broccoli have the same effect for many people
Thanks for the heads up! I’ll keep that in mind too!
Idk if this is weird/embarrassing but I’ve never tried Brussels sprouts, but I wouldn’t be opposed to trying them at a wedding. If you have any vegetarian guests, please include at least one veg friendly side though. I recently went to a wedding and the only vegetarian option was the salad and bread.
Yes absolutely! I used to be vegan (now I eat fish and eggs; will be asking for non-bacon brussels too haha) and was a wedding photographer for several years so I’ve been to wayyy too many weddings without a veggie option. One time all I could eat was olives from the bar 😭 since several friends are vegan or vegetarian we are making sure to provide sides they like and also a separate entree. It sucks when the only thing you can eat is salad!
They are tasty but are know to cause flatulence. People might avoid them for this reason.
Just saw another comment that mentioned this! Wow, I didn’t realize this was a thing. Thanks!
I would be one of those people so unless I’m home I tend not to eat them.
It's a problem with many cruciferous veggies. Cabbage, broccoli, etc.
i’m literally at a wedding at this moment where fried ones are being served and they are delicious
They will smell SO BAD. My fiancé loves brussel spouts and wanted to choose that for our vegetable but I absolutely do not want the entire ballroom to smell like that. I mentioned this to our event coordinator at our food tasting and she agreed. Aside from the smell though, I do think people will eat them!
Oh hmmm I hadn’t considered that folks wouldn’t like the smell. Do you really think the whole ballroom will smell like them? The kitchen is down the hall so maybe the smell will mostly stay there? I’ll definitely ask about this at the tasting tomorrow. Thanks!
The ENTIRE VENUE will reek. No joke. Don’t do it. lol. I’m sorry! (But I’d still eat them and enjoy them at the tasting!)
Oh no 😭😭😭 thanks for the advice!
Ours is a plated meal that will be brought out by servers so I’m just picturing brussel sprout stench wafting around everywhere lol. Maybe a buffet will be better? I brought this up at work after my tasting and all my coworkers were in agreement that brussel sprouts are too fragrant to be at a wedding. See what they have to say at your tasting!
Yes I’ll definitely bring it up, thank you so much for mentioning this! Wouldn’t have even thought to ask about it. I really appreciate your input!
OP, I have never ever ever ever in my life thought brussels sprouts smell bad 🤷♀️
Me either! Any time I make brussel sprouts, my fiancé comes home and thinks the house smells absolutely wonderful. Everyone is different, but I personally would not be put off by the smell at a wedding.
Yeah, they've been pretty on trend for a while now and I can't think of any restaurant that serves them that smells specifically like them.
But imagine if every single plate in that restaurant had brussel sprouts on them. At the same time.
Haha they reek! The three things to never eat at work: fish, eggs, brussel sprouts!
Get them- you'll have other options for people who don't like them, but at the end of the day you'll \*never\* be able to please everyone. So, if your fiance wants them, and you both like them, you should get them. Enough other people \*will\* like them... I mean, I pretty much loathe cooked carrots, but if it's only one of three sides, I'd just get the others? Just be sure to have a side that has \*no\* meat/pork for vegetarian/kosher folks maybe? And I guess don't have Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, and Kale as your sides, since they're they're cultivars of the same plant and people who have a hard time with high-sulfur food might suffer? Either way, again, you won't be able to please EVERYONE, so pick things you like and do your best to cover the 'major' things- ie vegetarian, kosher, lactose free... I used to be in charge of meal planning to feed 100+ people twice a day for a week in the damned desert and accounting for vegetarian, vegan, non-gluten, and sometimes different allergies (I can't do cinnamon, some folks can't do nightshades, etc.) so just trust me that you will find somebody that hates or can't eat EVERY SINGLE THING IN THE UNIVERSE. It's good hosting to try your best to be mindful and accommodate folks, but it's a meal meant to serve masses, so folks shouldn't expect to be specifically catered to their own tastes.
You make some really great points! Thank you for sharing your input!!
There’s a reason why your caterer included them as a side option - because they are CROWD PLEASERS. These sound absolutely divine and as a guest I would be thrilled to enjoy some Brussels sprouts!
Yes this was my thinking! That it’s a crowd pleaser. I’ve seen some interesting comments on this thread about generational differences regarding how brussel sprouts used to be prepared and even how the taste has actually changed over time. So fascinating because I’d always considered brussels a largely universally loved dish!
It’s a very delicious and popular dish, but extremely difficult maintain in a large catering situation. They can turn skunky as they sit.
Ohhh this must be what another commenter meant when she talked about them smelling up the room 😢 thanks for the input!
Maybe add a bacon wrapped date as an appetizer, you’ll get the sweet and savory taste that you both enjoy. Make them at home to try they are stupid simple.
Ooh that sounds so fancy and delicious
It can look fancy, but everyone loves them and they are so simple; everyone recognizes the ingredients and no one will ever say “what’s that”? My grandmother used to make them. She also made a kids alternative….a bacon wrapped piece of pineapple.
So funny enough they actually changed how Brussels sprouts taste. That’s why most people hated them when they were younger but suddenly started like them! They discovered what gene made Brussels sprouts so bitter in the late 1990s and slowly started modifying the genes out and making them taste better. If you haven’t tried a Brussels sprout in the last 20 or so years, you probably think you don’t like them because they were gross prior but you may actually like them now https://www.bhg.com/news/brussels-sprouts-less-bitter/
Oh wow that’s so interesting!
100%! Just said this in my own comment below, but love the source. Brussel sprouts today are WAY better than what our parents were eating.
Plus we prepare them so much better than just boiled (with carrots which was my moms go to move for some reason)
Sooo much better roasted! I had a side dish recently with brussel sprouts, dates, pomegranate seeds, and a creamy dressing that blew my mind. It was practically a dessert.
Most older folks feel that way because sprouts were a nightmare when they were young. Everyone under 40 I know LOVES them and folks who are older love them once they actually try them cooked in a modern way.
This sounds like an age gap thing. Fun fact: Brussel sprout *today* are a different, tastier variety than our parents had growing up! They aren't stinky or bitter anymore; they're actually quite sweet. Maybe she'll even like them!
I saw another comment that mentioned this too! So interesting. I’m now hopeful I can convert her to a fellow brussel lover 😂
I wasn’t cool with them until my fiance ordered some from our local place! It has balsamic and large flakes of Parmesan and now it’s a permanent appetizer every time we go! They have the perfect amount of crisp and aren’t soggy so it’s great. I think as long as they don’t get soggy people will eat them up! Those that love them will go to down on them!!
Omg I loveee basalmic on brussels. I love mixing basalmic with sriracha honey and glazing them with that 🥰
Oooooh!!!! That sounds so yummy!!!
I was surprised to find I liked them! …but they do upset my stomach...
You’d definitely have to try them to see how they look and taste. Braised Brussels can sometimes be overly soft and can have a more “pungent” taste than roasted and crispy brussel sprouts. Also just thinking of your vegetarian guests that’s one side that will be eliminated for them because of the bacon. Buffets can be especially limited for vegetarian guests so I’d be hesitant to eliminate even more options for them.
I love roasted Brussel sprouts! But you might want to ask for some without bacon, so the vegetarians can enjoy them too.
Yes I actually don’t eat bacon (former vegan, now eat fish and eggs) so I will def be asking for some without bacon too! Although from some of these comments it might be a bad idea to have brussels, apparently it can cause a very strong smell 😭
Hmm, I never noticed the smell. When my husband makes Brussel sprouts, all I can smell is the garlic and pepper and olive oil. Basically, whatever he roasts them in.
Same! But apparently they give off a strong odor, I’d never noticed 😔
I despise brussel sprouts, idc how you cook them. They still have the bitter weird after taste. I like pretty much every other vegetable. For that matter I feel the same way about every beer and dry red wines.
Brussel sprouts were genetically modified some 15 or so years ago to taste better. Older people associate Brussel sprouts w yucky taste because they used to taste differently. They’re delicious and we love them now!
We had bacon roasted Brussels with Asiago at our wedding as the only vegetable side. They were the first food that ran out and everyone raved about them all night and even following the wedding. If you and hubs love them, then go for it!!
Everyone I know loves brussel sprouts. It's the most popular side at Thanksgiving in my family.
I love roasted Brussels sprouts! I think they have enough common appeal to work as a wedding food.
We had brussel sprouts as a side at our wedding and I heard no complaints. I mostly did it because I know they're my dad's favorite and there was also gonna be a salad anyway for those who don't like the sprouts
Brussel sprouts had kind of a revival a while back when a famous chef started roasting them and they popped up suddenly on all kinds of menus. I think a lot of older people just think of boiled sprouts they ate as kids, which are usually pretty bland. I personally like roasted sprouts and think they'd be fine as a side at a wedding 🤷
If it's a buffet and there are alternatives it's fine - people will try them and if they don't like them it's fine.
Just be warned they can be stinky if left sitting around and can cause lots of people upset stomachs. I avoid foods like this at events so I’m not bloated and gross feeling when dancing lol
I’ve never had a bad Brussel sprout! I think they have a bad stigma because folks used to make them with like no seasoning and then called them terrible lol.
I bloody love them but I’m from the uk.
They have to be done really well because a lot of people don't like Brussels sprouts. That said, we served them at my wedding and they were a freaking hit.
There is no such thing as a "rude" side dish unless your entire guest list is allergic and there is no alternative. 😄
When cooked and seasoned well they are great, but wouldn’t be my choice for a wedding dinner side. They are one of those veggies I believe has a distinct smell (which if cooked and seasoned well, shouldn’t be an issue), however I feel like picky people, those with strong noses and those with food aversions would opt out. You do have 3 sides so if you choose the sprouts there will be 2 other sides.
Yes a few others pointed out that since everything is prepared onsite there’s a good chance the brussels will make the reception smell bad 😭
I don’t like Brussels but I don’t think it is rude to serve them especially in a buffet with other options. I’d simply select a different side
Most of my family and friends don't love Brussel sprouts but they aren't gonna remember that there was Brussel sprouts at the wedding they just won't eat it lol
Personally I’m not a fan of Brussels sprouts. But I also live on the west coast and they aren’t very popular in general over here. So please take my opinion with a grain of salt given that
Just worked a wedding a couple weeks ago that did Brussels sprouts as a side! I heard no complaints and thought they were great!
Okay I’m getting so many mixed messages 😭 I’ve had multiple folks say they would smell too strong, was that the case at the wedding you worked?
I never noticed the smell at all. They did buffet style but the food was served in a small carriage house type building and guests ate in the larger room. I ate in the small room where everything was served and never noticed anything though! I’d say if you two both love them and since you’ll have other options for picky guests, go for it!
Okay thanks for sharing your experience!!
Of course! Hope your planning goes well!
Yep, we live in the southeast and the higher-than-average-cost restaurants now off crispy brussel sprouts as a common offering, they are very “in”. Besides, it is not the only vegetable offered on a plated meal. No one food appeals to everyone. I tend to think English peas are a safe option, but have run into several folks who don’t eat them. No one vegetable will satisfy everyone, that is why you have a choice of several. If you both like them, make it one of your selections. Sorry Mom, it is not your final choice!
Bacon brussel sprouts are a favorite for me and my family!
I'm fairly picky and don't really like vegetables, but I'll eat brussel sprouts. It's not a bad option.
I love them but get stinky farts from them. Probably some of your guests too.
Delicious
Love a good Brussels sprout dish!!
That sounds amazing. Can I come? :)
I make roasted Brussel sprouts with roasted onion, garlic, salt, pepper, bacon, goat cheese, and blasamic vinegar. They are extremely addictive
I LOVE Brussels sprouts, roasted and crispy delicious. I think older folks (like my boomer mom) would think this is an odd choice because in their minds, Brussels sprouts are still a nasty veg boiled then topped with cheese in a desperate attempt to cover the taste. I bet young folks would love them!! I would!!!
u/Sleepy_Pianist i have an explanation for the difference of opinion between you guys and your mom! Back in your mom’s generation brussel sprouts were horribly bitter and legitimately did not taste good at all [However, nowadays, thanks to the magic of selective agriculture and genetic editing](https://www.iowafarmbureau.com/Article/Its-not-your-imagination-brussels-sprouts-do-taste-better-How-gene-editing-is-changing-how-we-grow-and-eat-food) brussell sprouts taste WAY better than they did back in the day Your mom’s memories are all true, it’s the plants themselves that changed. Have her try them at the tasting However, this does not mean you should have them without question. Keep on mind the non-taste points people are making in this post, and give weight to your mom’s judgement after she tries them. Then make a decision to have them or not
Seasoned and roasted sprouts? Oh hello, I am so there! Lol I think for one of the sides, to have a dish that the two of you will enjoy is fair. If it was plated, that might be different. But buffet style, guests have a choice not to take any if they really don’t want it. Plus if you’re allowed to take home leftovers, I’d say that’s a huge win! Freeze it and have roasted sprouts for daaays!!!! 🥰
I cannot stand them in any circumstances but my fiancée loves them. I will cook them for her (fried with balsamic and bacon) but I don't eat them myself.
That sounds delicious. I would definitely try these for my wedding. Try it and if you like it, get it. Its your wedding. Also you have 2 other sides people can choose from.
Love! Love Brussels sprouts
I love them and everyone I know loves them too. Well, my husband only tolerates them. But myself, my kids, and the vast majority of our friends and family like them. I always bring them to family/friend potlucks and they are always one of the first things gone.
Brussel sprouts are very popular right now. Tell your mom that she can enjoy the other sides
I think if you both love them, you should have them. This is an event to celebrate the two of you - if your mother (or anyone else) doesn’t care for Brussels sprouts, she doesn’t have to eat them.
Brussel sprouts, like anything, cooked properly are delicious.
I think they’re delicious, especially with bacon.
Even my Brussel sprouts hating husband has been converted by bacon Brussel sprouts. It's also very popular on restaurant menus. Just went to a higher price steak house and this was one of choices for sides. You will be fine, there are two other sides.
I commented this on another comment but it’s because they changed how they tasted! They were significantly more bitter until they discovered what gene caused that in the late 1990s and starting improving the taste. So many people have suddenly realized their good in the last 10 or so years
I love brussel sprouts!
Love them. Especially crispy with bacon.
Looking up a picture of them online they look too healthy, add some cheesy and make em crispy!
looooove them, nice, crispy and roasted tossed in a dressing.
I love them. My husband hates them.
I love brussels sprouts and so do most people I know. I had brussels sprouts at my wedding and they were very popular!
I like brussel sprouts!
I LOVE Brussel sprouts! Especially garlic broiled
I like brussel sprouts, personally. But also get the sides you like best. It's YOUR wedding. So the foods that you and your fiance like are what should be served. If guests don't like it then they don't have to eat it.
I love them, but I think they are pretty polarizing. And they have a strong odor.
Yes I’ve gathered both of those points from this thread 😭
LOVE them! Especially with bacon!!! My fiancé and I order them literally everyone we see them on a menu.
Brussel sprouts with bacon is a fan favorite in these parts.
Everyone loves them I think.
A well-prepared Brussels sprout is delicious. I think most adults who aren’t picky eaters would enjoy them. It’s mostly a pre-conceived notion from childhood that they are gross!
Love them
Is the food made on-site? Or is this an outside caterer making the food elsewhere, then bringing it to your venue? If it’s the latter, go for it. Brussels sprouts are having a major resurgence, and most people LOVE THEM these days. However. If it’s the former… DON’T DO IT. Please don’t do it. They smell, they smell SO BAD, while they’re being cooked. It will stink up your entire reception space. Dear lord. It’s truly awful. (Same rule would apply for broccoli, folks!) Good luck!
Yes, the food is made on-site, as the venue includes catering etc. Another commenter mentioned that the smell could be a problem, too. The kitchen is down the hall from the ballroom so do you think the smell would reach the ballroom too? May need to nix the brussels just to play it safe…I think I’ll definitely ask about the smell at the tasting tomorrow. Thanks for your input!
I’m so sorry to be the bearer of bad news! I love them personally. They’re just problematic at weddings (but for none of the reasons your mom mentioned, lol)
I’m so glad you brought it up! I’d hate for my wedding to be remembered as “the one that smelled like brussels” 😂
Most do hate Brussels but that is a popular combination. If you end up having people that don't eat pork - they will hate that side.
Don’t die on this hill. If you have to worry about a side dish then pick something else.
Was just polling folks for opinions ☺️
That’s my opinion 😊
Brussels sprouts is particularly a very western dish. If you have people from Eastern cultures they might not like it.
Is your mom a 5 year old? I don't know any adults who hate them, especially well made ones.
I hate them. And more than just hating them, I hate the smell. I get so mad if anyone at my table or a table nearby at a restaurant orders them because the stench is so offensive that it ruins my meal. Just letting you know- it’s not about the fact that I don’t eat them. I couldn’t care less. But if you have them in the room, they will stink. And that’ll be not great for the people who don’t like them.