Twelve ways to cook Brussels sprouts

The Marmite of the vegetable world, few ingredients divide opinion more than Brussels sprouts. For some family members, Christmas dinner is incomplete without them, while for others, they're simply inedible.

Sophie Grigson's Brussels sprouts gratin recipe above was developed to please sprout fans (and perhaps convert a few of those who can't see the point of them). The creamy dish follows the oft-quoted advice that everything tastes better with bacon, and also has a delicious crunchy topping.

Gordon Ramsay, too, puts bacon (in the form of pancetta) into his innovative sprout recipe, and adds chestnuts for texture and sweetness. He pan-fries the vegetable and grates in some lemon zest to give a modern twist on a traditional festive favourite.

More ways to cook sprouts:
Brussels sprouts with chorizo
Brussels sprouts with chestnuts
Sprouts with bacon, garlic, and shallots
Sprout salad made with leftovers
Warming Christmassy sprout soup (also with leftovers)
Sausages with sprout colcannon (also with leftovers)
Bubble and squeak cakes with poached eggs (also with leftovers)
How to roast Brussels sprouts
Three-ingredient Brussels sprouts dish
Moroccan vegetable stew


More turkey know-how
Defrosting times
Turkey cooking times
More food safety advice and tips
Prepare and stuff the turkey
How to carve a turkey like an expert
The very best gravy to make on the day
Perfect roast potatoes

More festive food ideas:
Christmas menus: Festive food for everyone
Christmas cooking for one or two
Festive cocktails, hot drinks and party food
How to have a Scandinavian-style Christmas
What to do with a supermarket lobster
Christmas baking and dessert recipes

Make Christmas easier on yourself:
The ultimate Christmas countdown
Quick and easy last-minute Christmas
Take the stress out of Christmas
How to carve a turkey like an expert