Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, and Cranberries Recipe

If you are looking for a dish that combines bold flavors and delightful textures, the Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, and Cranberries Recipe is your new go-to favorite. This recipe brings together the natural earthiness of Brussels sprouts with the savory crunch of bacon, the nutty richness of pecans, and the sweet-tart pop of dried cranberries. The roasted vegetables develop a golden exterior with tender insides, while a balsamic-maple drizzle adds a perfect finishing touch. It’s a warm, vibrant dish that feels both comforting and festive, guaranteed to brighten up any meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, creating a perfect balance between savory, sweet, and crunchy. Using simple, fresh components helps highlight the natural flavors, while the thoughtful additions elevate it to something truly special.

• 1 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved: Choosing fresh, firm sprouts ensures a crisp texture after roasting.
• 4 slices bacon, chopped: Adds smoky saltiness and a crispy bite that contrasts beautifully with the veggies.
• ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped: Provides a buttery crunch and complements the natural sweetness in the dish.
• ½ cup dried cranberries: Introduces bursts of tartness and a lovely pop of color.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps roast the ingredients evenly and contributes a smooth, fruity richness.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all the flavors.
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Brings a tangy depth that brightens the roasted vegetables.
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup: Adds a subtle sweetness that ties the savory and tart elements together.

How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, and Cranberries Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C). This high temperature ensures that the Brussels sprouts get beautifully caramelized on the outside while becoming tender inside.

Step 2: Arrange Brussels Sprouts and Bacon

On a large baking sheet, spread out the halved Brussels sprouts alongside the chopped bacon. The bacon fat will render and mingle with the sprouts during roasting, infusing them with incredible flavor.

Step 3: Season and Oil

Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the sprouts and bacon, then sprinkle on salt and freshly ground pepper to suit your taste. Toss everything together thoroughly so each piece is coated, ensuring delicious seasoning and even roasting.

Step 4: First Roast

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and roast for 20 minutes. At this stage, the Brussels sprouts begin to soften and the bacon starts to crisp up, creating the base for the next flavorful steps.

Step 5: Add Pecans and Cranberries

Remove the baking sheet carefully from the oven and scatter the chopped pecans and dried cranberries over the mixture. Toss everything gently so the nuts and berries are well distributed but not broken up.

Step 6: Final Roast

Return the pan to the oven and roast for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. By the end, the Brussels sprouts should be golden brown with crispy edges, the bacon perfectly crunchy, and the pecans toasted to a fragrant finish.

Step 7: Make the Balsamic-Maple Glaze

While the roasting finishes, combine the balsamic vinegar and maple syrup in a small bowl. This glaze lends a beautifully balanced sweetness and acidity to brighten up the roasted mix.

Step 8: Drizzle and Toss

Once you remove the vegetables from the oven, drizzle the balsamic-maple mixture over everything. Toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring each bite is infused with the glaze’s vibrant flavor.

Step 9: Serve Hot and Enjoy!

Serve your Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, and Cranberries Recipe immediately, making sure to get a bit of sprouts, bacon, pecans, and cranberries in every serving. The combination will delight your taste buds with every bite.

How to Serve Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, and Cranberries Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of freshness and color, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or a handful of shaved Parmesan cheese over the dish just before serving. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also add a bright zing that contrasts nicely with the roasted flavors.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with roasted meats like chicken or pork, and it’s fantastic alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a simple wild rice pilaf. For a lighter meal, consider serving it with quinoa or a hearty grain salad.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, serve this dish in a warm, rustic cast iron skillet or a beautiful wooden bowl. Another idea is to turn these roasted Brussels sprouts into a festive salad by tossing with some fresh greens and a light vinaigrette before adding the warm sprouts on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, and Cranberries Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the balsamic-maple drizzle separate if possible, adding it fresh before reheating to maintain the best flavor.

Freezing

While you can freeze leftovers, the texture of the Brussels sprouts and pecans may change slightly after thawing. If freezing, wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags and use within one month for best quality.

Reheating

Reheat the sprouts gently in a skillet over medium heat or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crispy texture of the bacon and pecans intact.

FAQs

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts instead of fresh?

Fresh Brussels sprouts are preferred for this recipe because they roast up crispy and caramelized. Frozen sprouts tend to release more moisture and might turn out softer or less crispy after roasting.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and consider adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a smoky flavor. Use maple syrup or agave and vegan substitutes for any dressings or toppings to keep it plant-based.

Can more nuts be used or substituted?

Yes, feel free to increase the amount of pecans or swap them for walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios depending on your preference. Just toast the nuts for maximum flavor before adding them to the dish.

How do I keep the cranberries from drying out?

Add the cranberries toward the end of roasting as instructed to keep them plump and chewy instead of overly dried. Alternatively, toss them in after cooking if you prefer their natural texture.

What can I do if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?

Red wine vinegar combined with a bit of honey or maple syrup can mimic the tangy sweetness of balsamic in a pinch. Apple cider vinegar works as well but with a lighter flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, and Cranberries Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings warmth, color, and a wonderful mix of flavors to your table. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for holiday feasts. I encourage you to give it a try and watch how it quickly becomes a comforting favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.

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