Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries & Pecans Magic is the kind of dish that makes you forget all your childhood aversions to vegetables. Imagine the earthy sweetness of roasted Brussels sprouts mingling with tart cranberries and the crunch of pecans, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that will have you singing at the dinner table. The aroma wafting through your kitchen as these little green gems roast in a balsamic glaze? Pure magic.
Every holiday season, my family gathers around the table, and there’s always that one dish that steals the show. This recipe for Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries & Pecans has become our go-to favorite, bringing smiles and sighs of contentment from everyone. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy night in when you want to impress yourself (because who doesn’t like to feel fancy?). Prepare for an explosion of flavor that elevates your veggie game to legendary status!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights
- The balance of sweet and savory flavors creates a delightful taste experience
- Their vibrant colors make them visually stunning on any dinner plate
- Enjoy them as a side dish or toss them into salads for added flair!
The first time I made this dish, my friends declared it “the new star of our potluck.” I couldn’t help but beam with pride when they went back for seconds (and thirds!).
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Brussels Sprouts: Look for firm sprout heads; they should be bright green with no yellow leaves.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor; it enhances the roasting process beautifully.
- Balsamic Vinegar: A good quality balsamic adds depth; choose one that’s thick and syrupy if possible.
- Dried Cranberries: Sweetened cranberries add a pop of color and flavor; make sure they’re not too hard.
- Pecans: Toasted pecans give a delightful crunch; you can also use walnuts if you prefer.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate the vegetables; don’t skimp on these!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries & Pecans Magic
Preheat Your Oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). It’s like giving your veggies a warm hug before their big performance.
Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Trim the ends off each Brussels sprout and slice them in half. They should be looking cute and ready for their makeover.
Toss with Olive Oil: In a large bowl, drizzle olive oil over the halved sprouts. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Toss until evenly coated—think of it as giving them a spa day.
Add Balsamic Vinegar: Pour balsamic vinegar over your seasoned sprouts. The key here is to coat every sprout evenly—mix it up lovingly until they glisten.
Roast Away: Spread the sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and crisp-tender. You’ll know they’re done when they smell irresistible!
Finish with Cranberries & Pecans: In the last five minutes of roasting, sprinkle dried cranberries and chopped pecans over the sprouts. This step will allow everything to warm up together while creating an even more delicious blend of flavors.
Serve Immediately: Once out of the oven, serve these beauties hot! They make an excellent side dish or even a main event if you’re feeling adventurous.
Now you’ve got yourself some Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries & Pecans Magic! With these steps, you’ll impress anyone lucky enough to share your table while enjoying every bite yourself!
You Must Know
- Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries & Pecans Magic will delight your taste buds and impress your guests
- The combination of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors elevates this dish, making it a perfect side for any occasion
- Don’t be surprised if they ask for seconds!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then roast until caramelized. This ensures that each sprout is perfectly tender inside while achieving a deliciously crispy exterior.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out pecans for walnuts or add crumbled feta for extra creaminess. You can also throw in some garlic for a savory kick, transforming this dish into an unforgettable flavor explosion.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply toss them back in the oven at 350°F until warm, restoring their original crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your Brussels sprouts roast evenly, try to cut them all to roughly the same size
- Remember to check frequently as oven temps can vary
- And don’t skip the balsamic glaze; it’s what makes this dish truly magical!
There’s nothing quite like the moment when my family takes their first bite of these Brussels sprouts—it’s like witnessing magic unfold! They were skeptical at first, but now they devour them every holiday season with glee.
FAQ
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Frozen Brussels sprouts can work but may lose some texture during cooking.
What other nuts can I use?
Almonds or hazelnuts are great substitutes for pecans in this recipe.
How do I know when they’re done roasting?
The sprouts should be golden brown and fork-tender when fully roasted.
Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries & Pecans
Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries & Pecans are a delightful side dish that transforms humble veggies into a holiday star. The earthy sweetness of roasted Brussels sprouts pairs perfectly with tart cranberries and crunchy pecans, creating a mouthwatering medley of flavors. Easy to prepare, this dish is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy dinner night when you want to impress your guests (and yourself). Get ready for an explosion of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped and toasted
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the seasoned sprouts and mix well.
- Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and tender.
- In the last five minutes of roasting, sprinkle cranberries and pecans over the sprouts.
- Serve hot as a delectable side dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or add crumbled feta for extra creaminess. For added flavor, toss in minced garlic before roasting. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm.
