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Dehydrate Brussels Sprouts for Tasty Snacks & Storage

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Susan Gast, Author and Food Preservation Enthusiast
Susan has been dehydrating and preserving foods for over a decade, sharing practical, tested methods that help readers make healthy, long-lasting meals at home.

Brussels sprouts aren't just holiday side dishes. Dehydrating these little cabbages is a handy way to preserve extras and keep them ready for soups, casseroles, and other cooked dishes. And if you enjoy their distinctive flavor, you can experiment with seasoning them for a crunchy snack, too!

✅ Quick Answer: Can you dehydrate Brussels sprouts?
Yes! Trim and wash fresh Brussels sprouts, cut them into halves or quarters, and steam blanch them for approximately 6–7 minutes. Cool and drain thoroughly, then arrange them in a single layer on dehydrator trays. Dry at 140°F (60°C) for approximately 12–18 hours, or until tough to brittle with no moisture remaining inside. Cool completely before storing in airtight containers in a cool, dry, dark place.

If you’ve never tried dehydrating Brussels sprouts before, this simple guide shows you exactly how to prep, dry, and store them so you can enjoy sprouts year-round.

Child eating Brussels sprouts

I know most of us enjoy these earthy sprouts at Thanksgiving or Christmas, but there's no reason we can't enjoy them any time of the year!

Prepared Brussels sprouts in a white bowl

Quick Prep Tips to Get Your Sprouts Ready for Dehydrating

Choose fresh, firm Brussels sprouts with tightly packed leaves. Remove any yellowed or damaged outer leaves, trim a little from the tough stem end, and rinse thoroughly under cold running water.

Cutting a small amount from the base also gives you a flatter surface, making the sprouts easier to halve safely. Cut them lengthwise through the stem so the leaves stay together. Larger sprouts can be quartered for more even drying.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Dehydrate Brussels Sprouts Perfectly

  1. Select firm, fresh Brussels sprouts. Remove damaged outer leaves, trim the stems, and wash thoroughly.
  2. Cut the sprouts lengthwise into halves. Quarter particularly large sprouts so the pieces are reasonably uniform.
  3. Steam blanch the prepared sprouts for approximately 6–7 minutes. Immediately cool them in cold water to stop the cooking process, then drain thoroughly.
  4. Arrange the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on your dehydrator trays, leaving space for air to circulate.
  5. Set your food dehydrator to 140°F (60°C).
  6. Dehydrate for approximately 12–18 hours, checking periodically. Larger pieces may take longer. Turn thicker pieces as needed for even drying.
  7. Check several of the largest pieces for dryness. They should be tough to brittle, without damp or soft centers. Allow them to cool before packaging.

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135°F
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Celsius equivalent: 57.2°C

How Long Do Brussels Sprouts Take to Dehydrate?

Allow approximately 12–18 hours for dehydrating Brussels sprouts at 140°F (60°C). This is only a guide—the size of your sprouts, the humidity, and your dehydrator will all affect the drying time.

Check the thicker pieces carefully. Properly dried Brussels sprouts should feel tough to brittle, with no dampness inside. If any pieces still feel moist, continue dehydrating and check again.

Rotate your trays if your dehydrator requires it, and turn larger pieces as necessary. Keep an eye on them toward the end of drying so they don't scorch.

Conditioning and Storing Dehydrated Brussels Sprouts

Once your Brussels sprouts are completely dry, allow them to cool before putting them into storage containers.

Do Brussels Sprouts Need Conditioning?

Properly dried vegetables don't always need conditioning, but it's a useful extra step for Brussels sprouts, especially when some pieces are thicker than others.

Place the cooled, dried sprouts loosely in a clean glass or food-safe plastic container, about two-thirds full. Cover lightly and keep in a dry, well-ventilated place for 4–10 days, shaking the container daily.

Check for any moisture collecting inside. If you see condensation, return the sprouts to the dehydrator until thoroughly dry, then repeat the moisture-checking process.

How to Store Your Dried Brussels Sprouts

Once they're completely dry, store them in airtight Mason jars or suitable vacuum-sealer bags.

Keep them in a cool, dry, dark location, away from heat and humidity. Label your containers with the contents and drying date.

For best quality, aim to use your dehydrated Brussels sprouts within 6–12 months, provided they remain properly dried and stored.

Check your stored sprouts occasionally. If you discover moisture, off odors, or mold, don't take chances. Discard any moldy or spoiled food.

Best Ways to Use Rehydrated Brussels Sprouts

Dehydrated Brussels sprouts are handy for soups, stews, and casseroles. You can add them directly to dishes containing plenty of liquid, allowing enough cooking time for them to soften.

For recipes that don't contain much liquid, cover the dried sprouts with hot water and let them soak until softened. Drain before adding them to your dish, and cook thoroughly.

Brussels sprouts and Gruyere cheese quicheClick the image to go get the recipe at their website!

Fancy something a little different? Try this delicious-looking Brussels Sprouts & Gruyere Quiche from 12 Tomatoes. I'd rehydrate the sprouts first and drain them well before adding them to the filling.

Pan-Fried Brussels Sprouts: Easy Flavor Boosts

Brussels sprouts cooking with ham in a frying pan

I know many folk turn their noses up at Brussels sprouts—yes, I know they are quite a pungent, bitter vegetable, but you can make them taste a little sweeter by frying 'em up in a pan with slices of sweet country ham.

I can only imagine how good the sprouts are with the sweetness of the ham!

I have one of Gordon Ramsay's excellent cookbooks. I was learning how to cook a turkey properly one Christmas. He had a brilliant suggestion: sauté sliced Brussels sprouts in a pan along with diced bacon. Now you're speaking my language. Bacon. Bacon. Bacon!

These pan-fried ideas work particularly well with fresh Brussels sprouts. If you're using dehydrated ones, rehydrate and drain them first, then finish them in the frying pan with your bacon or ham.

Cooking Brussels Sprouts Beyond Dehydrating: Boil, Roast, or Bacon-Wrap

Pile of trimmed Brussels sprouts on a white background

Cooking fresh Brussels sprouts is easy. Simply wash them, remove any damaged leaves, and cut them in half. Boil for approximately 3–5 minutes if you like them slightly firm, or a little longer if you prefer them softer.

You can also roast fresh Brussels sprouts in the oven. Toss them with a little olive oil and your favorite seasonings, then roast at 400°F for approximately 20–30 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and nicely browned.

Another way to eat yer sprouts is to wrap them in bacon a la Gordon Ramsay (mentioned earlier). Get a bacon rasher (a slice) and cut it down the middle then wrap it around the sprout and tuck in the end to keep the bacon in place. Bake as above.

What’s a Rasher? And Why Bacon + Sprouts Just Work

If you're wondering what a "rasher" is, it's simply a British term for a slice of bacon. Growing up in England, that's what we always called it.

And I've certainly eaten my fair share of bacon rashers over the years. Ha!

Why Are They Called Brussels Sprouts? (Fun Food History)

As you may have guessed, Brussels sprouts take their name from Brussels, Belgium, where they've been cultivated for centuries.

As a kid, I used to call them Brussel Sprouts without the last "s" in Brussels. It seems I never put "two and two together" back then—that they were sprouts from Brussels!

Why Do Brussels Sprouts Taste Bitter (and How to Fix It)

Brussels sprouts belong to the same vegetable family as cabbage, which explains their familiar cabbage-like flavor. They contain naturally occurring compounds called glucosinolates, which contribute to their distinctive, sometimes bitter taste.

If you find them a little too strong, roasting can bring out their sweeter side. Bacon, ham, garlic, and a splash of balsamic vinegar are also lovely ways to balance their flavor.

Got a Question About Brussels Sprouts? We’ve Got Answers!

Can you dehydrate Brussels sprouts whole?

It's better to halve Brussels sprouts before dehydrating them. Whole sprouts have dense centers that can take much longer to dry. Cutting them into halves or quarters helps moisture escape more evenly.

Do Brussels sprouts need blanching before dehydrating?

Yes, blanching is recommended before dehydrating Brussels sprouts. Steam blanch the prepared sprouts for approximately 6–7 minutes, then cool and drain them thoroughly before drying. Blanching helps preserve their flavor, color, and texture during storage.

How do you store dehydrated Brussels sprouts?

Once completely dried, cooled, and checked for remaining moisture, pack your Brussels sprouts in airtight Mason jars or suitable vacuum-sealer bags. Store in a cool, dry, dark place. For best quality, plan to use them within 6–12 months and check periodically for moisture or spoilage.

What do dehydrated Brussels sprouts taste like?

Dehydrated Brussels sprouts have a concentrated, earthy, cabbage-like flavor. Once rehydrated and cooked, they work nicely with bacon, ham, garlic, or a splash of balsamic vinegar.

Can dehydrated Brussels sprouts be eaten as snacks?

Yes, although their texture may be tougher than a typical crispy vegetable chip. Try adding a little seasoning before dehydrating, and make sure the sprouts are thoroughly dried. If you prefer a softer texture, rehydrate and cook them instead.

So there you have it! Brussels sprouts don't have to be reserved for Christmas dinner. Dry a batch for your pantry, add them to a hearty soup, or rehydrate them for a cheesy quiche. And if you ask me, a little bacon never hurts!

Before you go, grab the free 5 Dried Food Recipes That Actually Taste Great PDF below—featuring carrot soup, minestrone, split pea soup, spicy beef jerky, and even banana cinnamon rolls.

Hand holding the 5 Dried Food Recipes That Actually Taste Great free PDF guide

5 Free Dried Food Recipes
That Actually Taste Great

Put your dried food to delicious use!
Five very different recipes.
Not one dull bite...

← Get your free copy now!

5 Free Dried Food Recipes
That Actually Taste Great

Hand holding the 5 Dried Food Recipes That Actually Taste Great free PDF guide

Put your dried food to delicious use!
Five very different recipes.
Not one dull bite...

Get your free copy now!

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More From Easy Food Dehydrating


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Test Your Food-Dehydrating
Know-How

Save the Harvest food dehydrating game featuring jars of dried bananas, beets, mushrooms, peas, and corn.

Choose a food, make the right preparation, drying, and storage decisions—and see how many stars you can earn!

Play “Save the Harvest”