Description
This recipe for balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts with cranberries and pecans brings together caramelized vegetables, tart dried fruit, and crunchy nuts in one delicious side dish. The tangy-sweet balsamic glaze ties everything together for a holiday-worthy plate.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables:
- 1 pound brussels sprouts
Fruits and Nuts:
- ½ cup cranberries
- ½ cup pecans
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to a toasty 400F, ensuring the rack sits in the middle position for even roasting.
- Slice each Brussels sprout in half, revealing their vibrant green interior and creating perfect caramelization surfaces.
- Grab a spacious mixing bowl and tumble in the halved Brussels sprouts, scattered dried cranberries, and roughly chopped pecans.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar across the vegetables, creating a glistening coating.
- Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper over the mixture.
- Gently toss everything together, making sure each morsel gets an equal splash of vinegar and oil.
- Transfer the seasoned vegetables to a rimmed baking sheet, spreading them in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
- Watch for deep golden-brown edges and listen for a soft sizzling sound indicating perfect caramelization.
- Remove from the oven and let the Brussels sprouts rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
Notes
- Toast pecans lightly in a dry skillet before adding to the recipe to enhance their nutty flavor and crunch.
- Choose fresh, firm Brussels sprouts with tight, bright green leaves for the best roasting results.
- Cut larger Brussels sprouts in half to ensure even cooking and maximum caramelization.
- For a vegan version, swap honey or maple syrup for the balsamic glaze to keep the same rich, sweet-tangy flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Roasted
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 to 6
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg