Brussels sprouts taste like miniature, extra-intense cabbages.They have a deeply savory and earthy core. When they are fresh, they have a natural nutty sweetness that is much stronger than what you find in standard cabbage or broccoli.

There is also a lingering bitter edge, which comes from the same compounds found in mustard greens.The texture plays a big role in the taste: the outer layers are often peppery and crisp, while the inside is dense and buttery. When they are browned or charred, that bitterness flips into a rich, smoky caramel flavor.