Brussels Sprout Ice Cream – The Next Gourmet Sensation?

Brussels Sprout Ice Cream – bizarre or brilliant? In this article, we explore this bold new flavour, its unique taste profile, and how to make it at home with our step-by-step recipe. Could this be the next gourmet sensation?

It Started as a Joke, But Then…

In a previous article, I wrote about Homemade Macarons and Ice Cream for Mother’s Day, and I jested about Brussels Sprout Ice Cream – partly because my mum adores Brussels sprouts so much that she’d probably love it!

👉🏽 See our article – Homemade Macarons & Ice Cream – The Perfect Pairing For Mother’s Day

That offhand joke got the cogs turning, and before I knew it, I was in the kitchen, testing and experimenting and, well… it’s actually not as bad as you might think! In fact, when balanced just right, Brussels sprouts bring an earthy sweetness that works surprisingly well in ice cream.

So, in this article, we’re sharing this daring concept: Homemade Brussels Sprouts Ice Cream! We’ll break down the flavour profile, offer up some topping ideas, and of course, share our recipe and step-by-step guide to making Brussels Sprout Ice Cream at home.

Could this be the next gourmet sensation? Let’s find out!

If you’d like to go straight to the recipe, please use the following link, or read along to find out more.

Brussels Sprouts – More Than Just a Christmas Side Dish

Brussels sprouts have long been an incredibly divisive vegetable. Love them or hate them, they’ve been a staple on dinner plates for centuries.

Personally, I detest them, even the smell of them cooking makes me gag, but my mum loves them and friends too (one said friend was my taste-tester).

These little green gems belong to the cruciferous vegetable family, alongside cabbage, kale, and broccoli.

They’re packed with nutrients, offering lots of goodness:

✅ Vitamin C – Great for immunity and skin health.
✅ Vitamin K – Essential for blood clotting and bone health.
✅ Fibre – Aids digestion and supports gut health.
✅ Antioxidants – May help reduce inflammation and promote overall well-being.

When cooked correctly, Brussels sprouts have a sweet, nutty flavour with slightly bitter undertones, making them a fantastic pairing for creamy, rich ingredients.

While they’re typically roasted, steamed, or stir-fried, their natural sweetness and subtle earthiness make them an intriguing candidate for desserts – if you’re feeling adventurous!

Brussels Sprouts… in Ice Cream?

So, how does one turn a savoury, often misunderstood vegetable into a creamy, sweet dessert?

It all comes down to balance. Brussels sprouts have a mild, slightly nutty and sweet flavour that, when paired with the right ingredients, can be mellowed into something smooth and surprisingly enjoyable.

Here’s how we make it work:

• Mild Sweetness – A touch of honey or maple syrup enhances the natural sweetness of the sprouts.
• Rich, Creamy Base – A classic custard-based ice cream with double cream and egg yolks balances out any bitterness.
• Earthy Notes – Pairing Brussels sprouts with ingredients like caramelised nuts, browned butter, or even a hint of vanilla rounds out the flavour beautifully.
• A Touch of Salt – Just a pinch enhances all the flavours and makes the sweetness shine.

The result? A velvety-smooth ice cream with an unexpected depth of flavour—rich, slightly nutty, and surprisingly moreish.

Does This Actually Work?!

You’re aiming for nutty, caramelised, slightly earthy – but balanced with sweetness flavoured ice cream. The vanilla and honey should round out the strong sprout flavour, while the pecans & cinnamon add depth.

🔹 If the Brussels flavour is too much, increase the cinnamon and brown sugar slightly, but not too much to overpower the Brussels sprouts flavour.

Does it work? Well, for someone who really does not like Brussels Sprouts, it’s not bad. The cinnamon and brown sugar really help, but you still have an underlying Brussels taste. With a couple of pieces of crispy bacon added, it’s surprisingly good!

Would I run back to it? Possibly not, when I have many other, much tastier options available for my palate, but I’m glad I gave it a try, and I’m pleasantly surprised by the combination of flavours.

It’s certainly a curious flavour profile for ice cream, and I’m sure it will create many heated conversations at dinner tables! I’m hoping my mum loves it, if I can get her to put my Rum and Raisin ice cream down.

Ready to give it a try?

Brussels Sprout Ice Cream Recipe

(Prep Time: 15 minutes, Cook Time: 10 minutes (for caramelising the sprouts), Chilling & Freezing Time: 6 hours (including churn time).

Ingredients:

For the Ice Cream Base:

• 300ml double cream
• 300ml whole milk
• 100g caster sugar
• 4 egg yolks
• ½ tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (to mellow out the sprouts)
• 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)

For the Brussels Sprouts Puree:

• 150g Brussels sprouts, trimmed & finely sliced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp brown sugar (honey or maple syrup)
• 50g caramelised pecans (optional, but adds crunch & sweetness)
• ½ tsp cinnamon (trust me, this helps!)

Method:

1. Prepare the Brussels Sprout Puree

• Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the Brussels sprouts for 3-4 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to preserve colour and flavour.
• In a frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the sprouts with brown sugar and salt until they start to brown and caramelise (about 4-5 minutes).
• Sprinkle them with cinnamon, stirring to coat. Cook for another 2 minutes until glossy and golden.
• Blend the sprouts with a splash of milk until you achieve a smooth puree. Set aside to cool.

2. Make the Ice Cream Base

• In a saucepan, heat the double cream and milk over medium heat until it begins to steam (but don’t let it boil).
• In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until pale and creamy.
• Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
• Return the mixture to the pan and heat gently, stirring continuously, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
• Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and honey.

3. Combine and Freeze

• Stir the cooled Brussels sprouts puree into the ice cream base.
• Chill the mixture in the fridge for at least 4 hours (or overnight for best results).
• Churn in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour into a shallow container and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes until smooth and fully set – see note below.
• Freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per 100g Serving):

• Calories: 210 | Fat: 14g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Sugars: 14g | Protein: 3g | Fibre: 2g

👉🏽 Note: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make this recipe;

Simply pour your ice cream mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture vigorously with a fork to break up ice crystals, repeating this process for about 3-4 hours or until the ice cream is firm. Please also check out our post – How to Make Homemade Ice Cream: Without an Ice Cream Maker – to learn more.

👉🏽 Don’t have an ice cream maker, but thinking about buying one? Not sure which one would suit you best? Head over to our article – What is the Best Ice Cream Maker? A Detailed Review. This provides information and guidance on what you want to look for in an ice cream maker and reviews a selection of appliances.

Toppings & Pairing Ideas – Elevate the Flavour!

Brussels Sprout Ice Cream is already an unexpected dessert, and with the right toppings, you can take it to a whole new level. Whether you want to enhance its natural sweetness, play up the savoury contrast, or add texture, these gourmet pairings will transform every scoop into a true gourmet experience.

Savoury & Non-Vegetarian Pairings

For those who enjoy a salty, umami kick, these toppings will balance the ice cream’s creaminess and highlight the caramelised Brussels sprouts flavour:

• Crispy Bacon Crumbles – Smoky, salty bacon adds a bold contrast to the ice cream’s rich, nutty sweetness. Bonus: Bacon and Brussels sprouts are already a match made in heaven!
• Parmesan Tuile – A delicate, crispy cheese wafer with a deep umami taste. Bake thin circles of grated Parmesan at 180°C for 5-7 minutes until golden and lacy.
• Toasted Brioche Crumbs – A crispy, buttery topping reminiscent of stuffing or crumble, adding a light crunch to each spoonful.
• Fried Pancetta Bits – Like bacon, but with a richer, slightly more delicate texture that melts in your mouth alongside the ice cream.
• Brown Butter Drizzle – A nutty, golden brown butter sauce enhances the Brussels sprouts’ caramelised notes and makes the ice cream even more luxurious.

Vegetarian Toppings & Pairings

For a gourmet touch without the meat, these plant-based toppings bring texture, crunch, and natural sweetness:

• Candied Walnuts or Pecans – Roasted with honey, cinnamon, and sea salt, these add a sweet, nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with Brussels sprouts’ earthy flavour.
• Maple-Glazed Hazelnuts – A sweet-savoury kick with a deep, toasted warmth.
• Honey Drizzle – A simple golden drizzle brings out the natural sugars in the sprouts while adding a floral depth.
• Lemon Zest – A touch of citrus brightens the flavours and cuts through any lingering bitterness.
• Crisp Biscotti or Shortbread – The perfect crunchy contrast to the smooth, creamy ice cream.
• Fried Sage Leaves – Lightly frying fresh sage in butter creates a crisp, aromatic garnish that enhances the earthy notes of the sprouts.
• Fresh Thyme or Rosemary – Earthy, fragrant, and just a hint of savoury complexity.
• Apple Compote – A spoonful of stewed apples adds natural sweetness and complements Brussels sprouts’ caramelised character.

Whichever toppings you choose, the key is to balance sweet, savoury, and crunchy elements to enhance Brussels Sprout Ice Cream’s surprising depth of flavour.

The Final Scoop

Brussels Sprout Ice Cream may have started as a joke, but it turns out that with the right balance of flavours, it’s actually a rich, nutty, and slightly sweet dessert. Whether you’re an adventurous foodie or just fancy a unique conversation starter, this ice cream is worth a try!

👉🏽 Would you be daring enough to try Brussels Sprout Ice Cream? Let us know in the comments below!

And if you do give it a go, don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media—we’d love to see your gourmet experiments!

We hope that you have enjoyed our article – Brussels Sprout Ice Cream – The Next Gourmet Sensation? – and that we have inspired you to give this daring, yet surprisingly good recipe a go. If you have any questions, please drop us a comment below, and we will be happy to get back to you.

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