Should We Give Brussels Sprouts Sliders A Chance?

Every once in awhile, a recipe surfaces on the internet that manages to incense the masses. They gather in the comments, shaking their fists in consternation at some combination or treatment of ingredients that just doesn’t feel right. Previously, they've directed their rage toward a vegan macaroni with avocado subbed for cheese, a peanut butter slice that took hours to prepare, and—most memorably—a guacamole made from peas.

This week, a new recipe startled us from the stupor of Thanksgiving prep and gathered us, once again, to take to the internet and express displeasure. This time, it’s a "creative and fun way" to eat brussels sprouts from the New York Times: brussels sprouts sliders.

Essentially, the recipe suggests making teeny-tiny sliders using two halves of a brussels sprout as buns. Caramelized onions and thinly sliced tempeh constitute the filling; a toothpick through the middle holds the whole affair together. Creative and fun this recipe most definitely is. And the internet, of course, reacted accordingly.

Initially, the concept reads inane. It grasps at ingenuity where there isn’t any to be found, and just seem like a lot of work for a bite-size snack. But while brussels sprouts sliders resemble what you might imagine some tiny alien eats as an hor d'oeuvre, maybe they’re also kind of cute? With a little time, I started to warm up to the idea. Separately all the components are good—delicious, even. So why wouldn’t they all come together as a delicious small meatless burger? The comments on the recipe itself are actually pretty positive, aside from a call for more dressing.

So maybe all this recipe needs is a little tweak and a bit of open-mindedness. Brussels sprouts sliders for Thanksgiving, anyone?

Where do you stand? Let us know your thoughts on this brussels sprouts creation in the comments below.