Oh my goodness, have you ever tried Brussels sprouts with cranberries and pecans? It’s such a delightful combination that’s not only packed with flavor but also brings a pop of color to your plate! The roasted Brussels sprouts offer a nutty, earthy taste that pairs beautifully with the tartness of fresh cranberries, while the crunchy pecans add that perfect textural contrast. Plus, this dish is loaded with nutrients, making it a healthy side that you can feel good about serving. Trust me, once you try this scrumptious combo, it’ll become a regular in your kitchen!
Ingredients for Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries & Pecans
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this delicious dish! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your taste or how many people you’re serving! It’s super versatile, so don’t hesitate to get creative with what you have on hand.
How to Prepare Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries & Pecans
Alright, let’s get cooking! Preparing Brussels sprouts with cranberries and pecans is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love how simple it is. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a gorgeous dish ready to impress!
Preheat and Prep
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is super important because a hot oven ensures those Brussels sprouts get perfectly roasted! While that’s heating up, go ahead and trim your Brussels sprouts. Just slice them in half; this helps them cook evenly and soak up all the flavors. Give your pecans a quick chop, and you’re all set!
Toss and Roast
In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they’re well-coated. It’s all about that flavor! Next, spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet—don’t overcrowd them, or they won’t crisp up nicely. Now, sprinkle those fresh cranberries and chopped pecans on top. Roast everything in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and deliciously fragrant. Enjoy the aroma as they roast—it’s heavenly!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of Brussels sprouts with cranberries and pecans. Each serving (about 1 cup) packs around 200 calories, which is pretty great for a side dish! You’ll get 15 grams of fat, with just 1.5 grams being saturated fat. There’s also 4 grams of protein and 18 grams of carbohydrates, including 7 grams of fiber to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Plus, it’s naturally cholesterol-free! Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on your ingredient choices. Still, it’s a wholesome addition to your meal!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Brussels sprouts with cranberries and pecans turn out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, don’t skip the preheating step—this really makes a difference in getting that nice caramelization on the Brussels sprouts. Also, be sure to cut them into even halves so they cook uniformly. When tossing everything, make sure every sprout gets a good coating of olive oil; this helps them crisp up beautifully. Finally, keep an eye on them in the oven—ovens can vary, and you don’t want to overcook them! Trust me, a little attention goes a long way in this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This recipe comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.
- Nutrient-Packed: Brussels sprouts are loaded with vitamins, while cranberries offer antioxidants and pecans add healthy fats!
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of earthy Brussels sprouts, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans creates a delicious flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Side Dish: This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of mains, from roasted meats to hearty vegetarian options.
- Vibrant Presentation: The bright colors of the cranberries and the green Brussels sprouts make for a stunning addition to any meal.
- Great for Meal Prep: You can easily make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy the leftovers throughout the week!
Variations of Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries & Pecans
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix things up with your Brussels sprouts! For a different nutty flavor, try swapping pecans for walnuts or even hazelnuts; they’ll bring their unique crunch to the dish. Want a little spice? Toss in some red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a kick! You can also experiment with adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a drizzle of honey before serving for a touch of sweetness. Trust me, these little tweaks can take this dish from delicious to absolutely unforgettable!
Serving Suggestions
These Brussels sprouts with cranberries and pecans make the perfect side dish, pairing beautifully with a variety of main courses! I love serving them alongside roasted chicken or turkey for a festive touch. They also complement grilled salmon wonderfully, adding a pop of color and flavor to your plate. For a vegetarian option, try them with a hearty quinoa salad or a creamy risotto. Trust me, your guests will be raving about this delightful combination!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! Store any uneaten Brussels sprouts with cranberries and pecans in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This will help retain their crispy texture. You can also microwave them, but be careful not to overdo it, or they might get mushy. Happy reheating!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
Learn more about the health benefits of Brussels sprouts and why they are a great addition to your diet.
Print
Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries & Pecans: 5 Flavor Secrets
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Brussels sprouts roasted with cranberries and pecans.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet.
- Add cranberries and pecans to the baking sheet.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Use dried cranberries for a sweeter flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Brussels Sprouts, Cranberries, Pecans, Side Dish