Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts with cranberries and pecans, you’re seriously missing out! This dish is like a flavor festival in your mouth, where the earthy Brussels sprouts meet the sweet tang of dried cranberries and the delightful crunch of pecans. I remember the first time I made this for a holiday dinner; everyone was raving about it! It’s such a simple yet elegant side dish that brings a burst of color and taste to the table. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get those veggies in while satisfying your sweet tooth. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts with cranberries and pecans. Just gather these simple ingredients, and you’re on your way to a fantastic side dish!
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to use fresh Brussels sprouts for the best flavor and texture. The dried cranberries add a lovely sweetness that balances the savory sprouts, while the chopped pecans bring that satisfying crunch. You’re going to love how these ingredients come together!
How to Prepare Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries Pecans
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is super important because it ensures our Brussels sprouts roast to perfection, becoming tender and caramelized. Trust me, the right temperature makes all the difference!
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans. Just a gentle mix to start! You want all those ingredients to get acquainted before we add the dressing.
Add Flavoring
Now, drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar over the mixture. Sprinkle with a good pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Here’s the fun part—get your hands in there and toss everything together until it’s all beautifully coated! This is how we elevate those flavors.
Spread and Roast
Next, spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure they’re not too crowded; we want them to roast nicely! Pop them in the oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re tender and have a lovely caramelized color. Oh, the aroma will be irresistible!
Serving Suggestions
Serve these scrumptious Brussels sprouts warm, and watch them steal the show on your dinner table! They pair beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or even as a vibrant addition to your holiday spread. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional benefits of these delightful balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts with cranberries and pecans! It’s always good to know what you’re enjoying, right? Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a great idea of what you’re putting on your plate!
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Sugar: 8g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
With a good balance of healthy fats and fiber, these roasted Brussels sprouts are not just tasty, but they also offer some nutritional perks! Enjoy the wholesome goodness while savoring every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to prepare—perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!
- The flavor balance is out of this world, with earthy Brussels sprouts, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans coming together in harmony.
- This dish is suitable for various diets, being vegetarian and packed with wholesome ingredients.
- It’s a fantastic way to incorporate more veggies into your meals without sacrificing taste.
- The vibrant colors make it a showstopper on any table, sure to impress your guests!
- Leftovers (if you have any!) taste just as good, making it a great option for meal prep.
- You can easily customize it with your favorite nuts or spices for a personal touch.
Tips for Success
Here are some of my best tips to make sure your balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts with cranberries and pecans turn out perfectly every time!
- Season to Taste: Don’t be shy with your salt and pepper! A little extra seasoning can really elevate the dish. Taste before you toss everything together, and adjust as needed.
- Experiment with Flavors: If you want to give it a twist, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for added depth. It really enhances the savory aspect of the Brussels sprouts.
- Check for Caramelization: Keep an eye on the sprouts as they roast. You want them to be golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges, which adds a wonderful texture!
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh Brussels sprouts if you can! They taste better and have a lovely crunch. Also, check that your cranberries are plump and not too hard.
- Serving Fresh: These are best served warm right out of the oven, so time your main course accordingly! If you need to make them ahead, just reheat gently to maintain their texture.
- Leftover Magic: If you have leftovers, they’re fantastic in salads or as a topping on grain bowls. Just toss them in cold for a delightful contrast!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a dish that will impress everyone at the table. Happy cooking!
Variations
Oh, the fun doesn’t stop with just one version of balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts with cranberries and pecans! Here are some delightful variations you can try to mix things up!
- Nutty Twist: Swap out the pecans for walnuts or hazelnuts for a different crunch and flavor profile. Each nut brings its own unique taste!
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix. It adds a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cranberries.
- Herb Infusion: Toss in some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary before roasting. The aromatic herbs will elevate the dish to a whole new level!
- Maple Sweetness: For an even sweeter twist, drizzle a bit of maple syrup along with the balsamic vinegar. It creates a lovely caramelized glaze as they roast!
- Cheesy Delight: In the last few minutes of roasting, sprinkle some crumbled feta or goat cheese on top. The creamy cheese will melt slightly and add a delicious tang.
- Fruit Fusion: Mix in some diced apples or pears along with the cranberries for an extra layer of sweetness and texture. They roast beautifully and complement the Brussels sprouts wonderfully.
Feel free to get creative and adjust these variations to suit your taste! Each twist brings a new flavor adventure to this already amazing dish!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts with cranberries and pecans is super easy! If you happen to have any leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is a rare feat), allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to keep that lid on tight to lock in all that delicious flavor!
When it’s time to enjoy them again, you have a couple of great options for reheating. The best way to maintain that fabulous texture is to reheat them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread the sprouts on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and a bit crispy again. This way, they’ll regain some of that lovely caramelization!
If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat them in the microwave, but keep in mind they might lose a little of that crunch. Just pop them in for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, to ensure they heat evenly.
Whichever method you choose, you’re in for a treat! Enjoy those tasty leftovers just as much as the first time around!
Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries & Pecans Magic
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts with cranberries and pecans is a savory side dish that combines the earthy flavors of Brussels sprouts with the sweetness of cranberries and the crunch of pecans.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1/2 cup cranberries, dried
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine Brussels sprouts, cranberries, and pecans.
- Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss to coat evenly.
- Spread the mixture on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes until Brussels sprouts are tender and caramelized.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add garlic powder or onion powder.
- Adjust the amount of balsamic vinegar to taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: balsamic roasted brussels sprouts, cranberries, pecans, side dish
