Zingy Sweet Cranberry Brussels Sprouts Recipe for Holiday Magic

Crisp autumn nights call for a delightful sweet cranberry Brussels sprouts dish that bridges comfort and nutrition.

Seasonal ingredients dance together in this vibrant side plate.

Tart cranberries complement the earthy Brussels sprouts with surprising elegance.

Maple syrup adds a gentle sweetness that softens the vegetable’s natural bite.

Minimal preparation makes this recipe perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Fresh herbs scattered on top provide an unexpected brightness.

You’ll love how quickly this colorful plate comes together, making it a simple yet impressive addition to any meal.

Sweet Bacon Brussels Sprouts: Sweet & Savory Perks

• Quickly Customize: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping bacon for pancetta or adding nuts for extra crunch.
• Packed with Flavor Punch: Combines sweet, tangy, and savory elements that dance together in one delicious dish.
• Minimal Kitchen Effort: Requires simple steps and basic ingredients, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Nutrient-Rich Side Dish: Brussels sprouts deliver powerful health benefits while tasting absolutely amazing with bacon's irresistible touch.

What’s in Sweet Bacon Sprouts

• Brussels Sprouts: Fresh green vegetable with a nutty flavor that roasts beautifully and serves as the base of this dish.
• Bacon: Savory meat that adds rich, smoky flavor and crispy texture to the recipe.
• Cranberries: Tart fruit that provides a sweet and tangy complement to the roasted vegetables.

• Cinnamon, Salt, Pepper: Warm spices and basic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps to roast the Brussels sprouts and create a crispy exterior.
• Vinegar, Sugar: Create a sweet and tangy sauce that coats the vegetables.
• Onions: Adds depth of flavor and sweetness when caramelized in bacon grease.

Easy Steps for Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Get ready for some serious roasting action.

Step 2: Prep the Green Gems

Toss Brussels sprouts into a mixing bowl.

• Olive oil
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt
• Black pepper

Massage the sprouts until they’re evenly coated with flavor.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

Spread the seasoned sprouts on a baking sheet.

Pop them into the preheated oven.

Roast for 20 minutes, giving them a quick shuffle halfway through to ensure even browning.

Step 4: Crisp Up the Bacon

Sizzle bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s beautifully crispy.

Transfer to a paper towel to drain and cool.

Once cool, crumble into delectable bits.

Step 5: Caramelize the Onions

Using the same bacon-seasoned pan, sauté onions in the leftover bacon drippings.

Cook until they turn golden and soft, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Create Tangy Cranberry Sauce

• Vinegar
• Fresh cranberries
• Granulated sugar

Bring the mixture to a bubbling boil, then reduce heat.

Simmer for 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 7: Combine and Mingle

Transfer the roasted Brussels sprouts to a serving dish.

Pour the cranberry-onion mixture over them, gently tossing to coat.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top.

Serve immediately while everything is warm and inviting.

Brussels Sprouts – Tips for Extra Flavor

• Cut Brussels sprouts in half for consistent roasting and better caramelization.
• Pat bacon dry before cooking to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy texture.
• Stir Brussels sprouts halfway through baking to ensure even browning and prevent charring.
• Adjust vinegar and sugar in cranberry mixture to create perfect sweet-tangy balance based on personal taste preference.
• Add chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for extra crunch and nutritional value when serving.

Ways to Switch Up Brussels Sprouts

• Vegan Brussels Sprouts: Replace bacon with crispy tempeh or coconut bacon bits. Use maple syrup instead of sugar for sweetness and swap bacon grease with olive oil.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Eliminate cranberries and sugar. Use monk sweetener and add chopped pecans for crunch. Replace onions with shallots for lower carbohydrate content.
• Gluten-Free Option: Confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use apple cider vinegar instead of standard vinegar. Ensure bacon is uncured and without gluten-containing additives.
• Mediterranean Style: Substitute bacon with pancetta or prosciutto. Add toasted pine nuts. Replace cranberries with sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile.

Plating Sweet Bacon Sprouts for a Crowd

• Festive Holiday Side Dish: Perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, bringing a sweet and savory twist to traditional vegetable sides.
• Appetizer Platter Delight: Arrange on a wooden board with toothpicks for easy party snacking, allowing guests to enjoy bite-sized portions of these delicious sprouts.
• Protein Pairing Power: Serve alongside roasted chicken, grilled pork tenderloin, or sliced steak to create a balanced and flavorful meal that highlights the sprouts' unique taste.
• Brunch Brilliance: Incorporate as a gourmet breakfast side with scrambled eggs and crispy toast, adding unexpected complexity to morning meals.

Saving Sweet Bacon Sprouts for Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the bacon separate to maintain its crispness.
• Place cooled Brussels sprouts in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months without the bacon.
• Spread leftovers on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm at 350F for 10-12 minutes, adding crumbled bacon after heating to preserve its crunch.
• Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming, then sprinkle fresh bacon on top just before serving.

FAQs

• Are Brussels sprouts healthy?

Brussels sprouts are nutritional powerhouses packed with vitamins K and C, fiber, and antioxidants that support heart health and reduce inflammation.

• How do I choose fresh Brussels sprouts?

Select sprouts that are firm, compact, bright green, and have tight leaves without yellow or brown spots. Smaller sprouts are usually more tender and sweeter.

• Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

Fresh is best, but frozen Brussels sprouts can work. Thaw and pat them dry completely to prevent excess moisture that might make them soggy when roasting.

• What if I don't like bacon?

You can substitute bacon with pancetta, prosciutto, or for a vegetarian option, use smoked almonds or sunflower seeds to add a similar crunchy, savory element to the dish.

Sweet Cranberry Brussels Sprouts Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Festive holiday magic shines through this sweet cranberry brussels sprouts dish, blending tart and caramelized flavors. Crispy roasted sprouts dance with juicy cranberries, creating a delightful side that will enchant guests at any seasonal gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 6 cups brussels sprouts, halved
• 3 strips bacon
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 cup sugar

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 400°F, preparing for roasting the Brussels sprouts.
2. Toss Brussels sprouts with oil, cinnamon, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, ensuring even coating.
3. Spread seasoned Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer for uniform roasting.
4. Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, gently stirring midway to promote even caramelization.
5. While sprouts roast, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden.
6. Transfer bacon to a paper towel to drain and cool, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
7. In the same skillet with residual bacon fat, sauté onions for 3-4 minutes until translucent and slightly softened.
8. Add vinegar, cranberries, and sugar to the onions, bringing the mixture to a boil.
9. Reduce heat and simmer the cranberry-onion mixture for 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened.
10. Transfer roasted Brussels sprouts to a serving dish and fold in the cranberry-onion mixture.
11. Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the top for a crunchy, savory finish.
12. Serve immediately while warm and flavors are most vibrant.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting cinnamon and pepper to personal taste preferences.
• Swap bacon for turkey bacon or tempeh to create vegetarian and lighter versions of the dish.
• Ensure Brussels sprouts are evenly coated with oil to achieve perfect caramelization and prevent burning during roasting.
• Choose fresh, firm Brussels sprouts with bright green color for the best texture and flavor in this sweet and savory side dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 176
• Sugar: 11 g
• Sodium: 303 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg