Name: Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Cranberries: A Delicious Holiday Side Dish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (or quartered if large); 3 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground; 1/2 cup dried cranberries, sweetened or unsweetened; 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey, agave); 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for garnish); 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)

Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Cranberries: Prepare to be amazed! If you think you don't like Brussels sprouts, this recipe is about to change your mind forever. I know, I know, Brussels sprouts have a bad reputation. But trust me, roasting them with balsamic vinegar and sweet cranberries transforms them into a culinary masterpiece.

Brussels sprouts, members of the Brassica family, have been cultivated since the 16th century, likely originating in Brussels, Belgium – hence the name! While they were initially popular in Europe, they've only recently gained widespread appreciation in North America, thanks to innovative preparations like this one. This dish beautifully marries the slightly bitter, earthy flavor of the sprouts with the tangy sweetness of balsamic vinegar and the burst of juicy cranberries. It's a flavor combination that's both sophisticated and comforting.

What makes this Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Cranberries recipe so irresistible? It's the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The roasting process caramelizes the sprouts, bringing out their natural sweetness and creating a delightful crispy exterior. The balsamic vinegar adds a rich, savory depth, while the cranberries provide a pop of sweetness and a festive touch. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make, making it a perfect side dish for weeknight dinners or a show-stopping addition to your holiday table. Get ready to convert even the most ardent Brussels sprouts skeptics with this flavorful and vibrant dish!

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (or quartered if large)
3 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin
1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
1/2 cup dried cranberries, sweetened or unsweetened
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey, agave)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional, for garnish)
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (optional, for garnish)

Preparing the Brussels Sprouts:

Okay, let's get started! First things first, we need to prep our Brussels sprouts. This is a crucial step, as properly prepared sprouts will roast beautifully and have that perfect balance of crispy and tender.

Wash and Trim: Give your Brussels sprouts a good rinse under cold water. Then, trim off the very bottom of the stem – just a little snip to remove the dry end.
Halve or Quarter: Now, depending on the size of your sprouts, you'll want to either halve them or quarter them. If they're on the smaller side, halving is perfect. If they're larger than, say, an inch in diameter, quartering will ensure they cook evenly. The goal is to have relatively uniform pieces.
Remove Outer Leaves (Optional): Sometimes, the outer leaves of Brussels sprouts can be a bit loose or damaged. If you see any that look particularly rough, go ahead and peel them off. Don't worry about removing all of them, just the ones that are clearly not in great shape. These loose leaves can burn easily in the oven, so removing them helps prevent that.
Dry Thoroughly: This is super important! Excess moisture is the enemy of crispy Brussels sprouts. After washing and trimming, pat the sprouts completely dry with paper towels. The drier they are, the better they'll roast.

Making the Balsamic Glaze:

While the Brussels sprouts are drying, let's whip up the balsamic glaze. This glaze is what gives these sprouts their signature sweet and tangy flavor. It's incredibly easy to make, and you can adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, maple syrup (or honey/agave), Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Make sure everything is well combined. The Dijon mustard helps to emulsify the glaze and adds a nice depth of flavor.
Taste and Adjust: Give the glaze a taste and adjust the sweetness or tanginess to your preference. If you like it sweeter, add a little more maple syrup. If you prefer a more pronounced balsamic flavor, add a touch more balsamic vinegar. Remember, you can always adjust it later, so start with the amounts listed in the ingredients and go from there.
Set Aside: Once the glaze is to your liking, set it aside for now. We'll use it to coat the Brussels sprouts before roasting.

Roasting the Brussels Sprouts:

Now for the main event: roasting the Brussels sprouts! This is where the magic happens. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and gives them that delicious caramelized flavor. The key is to use high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you put the Brussels sprouts in.
Toss with Oil and Seasonings: In a large bowl, toss the dried Brussels sprouts with the olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Make sure the sprouts are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. This will help them roast properly and develop a nice crust.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a large baking sheet. It's important not to overcrowd the pan, as this will cause the sprouts to steam instead of roast. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
Roast: Roast the Brussels sprouts for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and nicely browned. About halfway through the roasting time, flip the sprouts over to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them, as roasting times can vary depending on your oven.
Add Glaze: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and drizzle the balsamic glaze over the roasted Brussels sprouts. Toss to coat evenly.
Return to Oven: Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for another 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze is slightly caramelized and the Brussels sprouts are nicely glazed. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Adding the Cranberries and Finishing Touches:

Almost there! Now it's time to add the cranberries and any optional garnishes. The cranberries add a burst of sweetness and chewiness that complements the balsamic glaze perfectly.

Add Cranberries: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the dried cranberries over the roasted Brussels sprouts. Toss gently to combine. The heat from the sprouts will soften the cranberries slightly.
Garnish (Optional): If desired, garnish with chopped pecans or walnuts and fresh thyme leaves. The nuts add a nice crunch and the thyme adds a touch of herbaceousness.
Serve Immediately: Serve the balsamic Brussels sprouts with cranberries immediately. They are best enjoyed while they are still warm and the glaze is sticky and delicious.

Tips for Success:

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your balsamic Brussels sprouts turn out perfectly every time:

Don't Overcrowd the Pan: As mentioned earlier, overcrowding the pan is a big no-no. It prevents the Brussels sprouts from roasting properly and results in steamed, soggy sprouts. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
Use High Heat: Roasting at 400°F (200°C) is key to getting those crispy, caramelized edges.
Adjust the Glaze to Your Liking: Don't be afraid to experiment with the balsamic glaze. Add more maple syrup for a sweeter glaze, or more balsamic vinegar for a tangier glaze.
Use Fresh Brussels Sprouts: Fresh Brussels sprouts will always taste better than frozen ones. Look for sprouts that are firm and bright green.
Store Leftovers Properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be reheated in the oven or microwave, but they won't be quite as crispy as they were when freshly roasted.

Variations and Substitutions:

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:

Add Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet and tangy balsamic glaze. Cook the bacon until crispy, crumble it, and add it to the Brussels sprouts along with the cranberries.
Use Different Nuts: Instead of pecans or walnuts, try using slivered almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts.
Add Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory element that complements the other flavors. Add the Parmesan cheese after the Brussels sprouts are finished roasting.
Use Different Dried Fruit: Instead of cranberries, try using dried cherries, raisins, or apricots.
Make it Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, simply use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey.

Serving Suggestions:

These balsamic Brussels sprouts with cranberries make a delicious side dish for a variety of meals. Here are a few serving suggestions:

Holiday Dinner: These Brussels sprouts are a perfect addition to any holiday dinner, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Weeknight Meal: They also make a great side dish for a simple weeknight meal, such as roasted chicken, pork chops, or salmon.
Vegetarian Main Course: Serve them over quinoa or rice for a hearty and satisfying vegetarian main course.
Salad Topping: Add them to a salad for a boost of flavor and nutrients.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Calories: Approximately 200-250 per serving
Fat: 10-15 grams
Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
Protein: 5-7 grams

Enjoy your delicious and healthy balsamic Brussels

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries are so much more than just a side dish; they're a flavor explosion waiting to happen. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try, and here's why: the sweetness of the cranberries perfectly complements the slightly bitter Brussels sprouts, all brought together by the tangy, rich balsamic glaze. It's a symphony of textures and tastes that will have even the most ardent Brussels sprouts skeptic reaching for seconds. But beyond the incredible flavor profile, this recipe is also incredibly versatile. Looking for serving suggestions? These Brussels sprouts make a stunning addition to any holiday table, pairing beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, or even a vegetarian lentil loaf. They're also fantastic alongside grilled chicken or salmon for a simple yet elegant weeknight meal. I've even tossed them into a warm quinoa salad for a hearty and satisfying lunch. And speaking of versatility, let's talk variations! Feel free to experiment with different nuts. Toasted pecans or walnuts would be delicious substitutes for the almonds. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of crumbled goat cheese or feta for a creamy, tangy twist. For a spicier kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes to the balsamic glaze will do the trick. You could even roast some butternut squash alongside the Brussels sprouts for an even more colorful and flavorful dish. Don't be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It requires minimal ingredients and effort, yet delivers maximum flavor. It's the kind of dish that you can whip up in a pinch and still impress your guests. Plus, it's packed with nutrients, making it a healthy and delicious choice. I've made this recipe countless times, and it's always a crowd-pleaser.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

I know there are a million Brussels sprouts recipes out there, but I truly believe this one is special. The combination of balsamic vinegar, cranberries, and toasted almonds creates a unique and unforgettable flavor experience. It's the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy, and it's sure to become a new favorite in your household.

Ready to Try It?

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking! I promise you won't be disappointed. This Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries recipe is a guaranteed winner.

Share Your Creations!

I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you've made it, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I'd love to hear what you think and any variations you tried. Did you add goat cheese? Did you use pecans instead of almonds? Let me know! And don't forget to tag me in your photos on social media – I can't wait to see your culinary creations! Happy cooking! I am confident that you will love this recipe as much as I do.