How To Shred Brussel Sprouts

Learn how to shred brussel sprouts with these 3 easy tested and perfected methods, using a knife, mandolin or food processor! Shredded brussel sprouts are perfect for making brussels sprouts salads, or quick and easy side dishes.

Brussels sprouts have excellent flavor, and are such a nutritious food to have in your regular menu rotation. They are packed full of vitamin C, and are also a great source of potassium, fiber, and even some protein!

They are fantastic enjoyed raw in a shredded brussels sprouts salad, sautéed in a pan with olive oil, or mixed into savory casseroles.

Shaved brussels sprouts can be purchased in a bag at the store, but it is so easy to do it at home and much less expensive. So save the money and do it yourself! It can be done simply with a knife and cutting board, with a food processor, or with a mandolin.  

After reading this guide, you’ll be able to easily make shredded sprouts in no time!

How to prep the brussels sprouts

No matter which method you choose to shred brussels sprouts, you’ll want to start by using a sharp knife to remove the tough stem end of each of the brussel sprouts. Next, use your hands to remove any of the tough outer leaves.

Discard the stem and the outside leaves of the brussels sprouts. Follow the instructions below to shred the brussels sprouts with a knife, mandolin or food processor.

How to shred with a knife

1. Cut each of the brussels sprouts in half, lengthwise from root to top.
2. Starting at the top of the brussel sprout, thinly slice from top to root.
3. Separate the brussel sprout shreds, then they’re ready to eat or use in a recipe.

How to shred with a mandolin

I had originally planned to share how to shred the brussels sprouts with a mandolin or box grater, but after several attempts at using a box grater to shred the brussels sprouts, it unfortunately just does not work. If you don’t have a mandolin or food processor, I recommend the knife method, over using a box grater.

1. To shred the brussels sprouts with a mandolin, you can cut them in half or keep them whole.
2. Slide each brussel sprout down on the thinnest setting of your mandolin. I always recommend using a guard to shred the brussels sprouts with a mandolin. Because they’re such a small vegetable, you can easily cut yourself using a sharp mandolin to shred them.
3. Repeat until all of the sprouts are shredded.

How to shred with a food processor

Using a food processor with a slicer disc, or the grater attachment on a KitchenAid mixer, with the slicer blade, is the easiest way to shred a lot of brussels sprouts. If you have either of these available, I highly recommend this option.

1. Add the brussels sprouts whole (with the stems and outer leaves removed) to the feed tube of the food processor, or KitchenAid attachment.
2. With the slicer disk, or slicer blade attached, turn the food processor or KitchenAid on the “high” speed setting until all of the brussels sprouts have been shredded.

The best way to shave brussel sprouts

1. Food processor, or KitchenAid grater attachment – using either of these appliances is the quickest and easiest way to shred a lot of brussels sprouts quickly and evenly.
2. Knife – while this method takes more time and precision than using a food processor, it’s still relatively easy and you don’t need any special equipment.
3. Mandolin – I prefer the knife method over the mandolin, as it’s safer, easier and the results are very similar, if not better, when using a knife.

I do not recommend using a box grater to shred brussels sprouts, as the results were inconsistent and the brussels sprouts came out more mushy than shredded.

Tips and tricks

• When using the knife method, it is crucial to use a sharp knife. Dull knives will not slice through as easily, and can slip off the brussels sprouts, which is dangerous.
• One pound of brussels sprouts will equal approximately 8 cups of shredded brussels sprouts.
• Shredded brussels sprouts can be roasted at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or sautéed on the stove for 10-12 minutes. I recommend finishing them with lemon juice or balsamic vinegar for delicious flavors that pair perfectly with the flavor of the sprouts.
• Another reason why the knife method is great is because you can adjust the thickness of the shreds. Make them as thin or thick as you need depending on what you plan to use them for.
• Chilling the sprouts before shredding them can make them easier to work with.
• Brussels sprouts are best stored whole, but you can keep shredded brussels sprouts for up to 2 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
• If you shred too many, quickly blanch the shredded brussels and then freeze them in an airtight container or vacuum sealed bag.

Ways to use them

Shredded brussels sprouts can be used to make salads and side dishes, or they can be added to casseroles or stir-fry’s. Try them in any of these delicious recipes! For any recipe that calls for whole or halved brussels, instead of shredded, simply reduce the cook time.

• Sauteed Shredded Brussels Sprouts
• Brussels Sprout Salad
• Honey Fig and Bacon Brussel Sprouts Pizza
• Maple Bacon Brussels
• Stuffed Acorn Squash with Cranberries & Brussels Sprouts
• Crispy Asian Brussels Sprouts Bowl
• Sauté them in a pan with butter and Caramelized Onions
• Spaghetti with Brussels Sprouts via Carolyn’s Cooking

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Don’t miss these other quick and easy how-to posts!

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• 3 Ways – How To Cook Sweet Potatoes
• How To Cook Spaghetti Squash
• How To Cook Acorn Squash

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