Sweet & Savory Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans & Cranberries Recipe

Crispy Brussels sprouts dance with smoky bacon in this irresistible seasonal side dish that promises to steal the spotlight at your next gathering.

Sizzling bits of pork mingle with caramelized vegetables, creating an unexpected flavor explosion.

Tart cranberries add a pop of brightness against the rich, nutty backdrop of toasted pecans.

Each forkful brings a perfect balance of textures and tastes that will make even veggie skeptics come back for seconds.

The aroma wafting through your kitchen as these ingredients roast to golden perfection.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical when you know the right technique.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and make it your new go-to crowd-pleaser.

All The Answers On Brussels Sprouts With Bacon, Pecans, And Cranberries

• Why use bacon fat for cooking Brussels sprouts?

Bacon fat adds incredible depth of flavor and helps create a deliciously crispy, caramelized exterior on the Brussels sprouts that you can’t achieve with regular cooking oils.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the bacon and use olive oil instead. You can add smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky bacon flavor for a similar taste profile.

• How do I know when my Brussels sprouts are perfectly cooked?

Look for a golden-brown color and crispy edges. They should be tender when pierced with a fork but still have a slight crunch – not mushy or overly soft.

• What makes the pecans toasted differently from just heating them?

Dry-toasting pecans in a skillet releases their natural oils and intensifies their nutty flavor, creating a more robust and aromatic taste compared to raw nuts.

Why Brussels Sprouts With Bacon, Pecans, And Cranberries Work So Well

• Flavor Explosion: Combines salty bacon, sweet honey, tangy balsamic vinegar, and tart cranberries for a mouthwatering taste profile that dances across your palate.
• Texture Triumph: Delivers crispy caramelized Brussels sprouts, crunchy pecans, and crisp bacon bits that create an irresistible textural experience in every single bite.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a gourmet side dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Holiday Showstopper: Elegant enough for special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas, yet simple enough to become a year-round family favorite that will impress everyone at the table.

Everything Needed For Brussels Sprouts With Bacon, Pecans, And Cranberries

Main Ingredients:

• Brussels Sprouts: A hearty vegetable with a nutty flavor, perfect for roasting and caramelizing. Choose fresh, firm sprouts with bright green leaves and compact heads.

• Bacon, Pecans: Adds rich, smoky flavor and crunchy texture. Opt for thick-cut bacon and fresh, high-quality pecans for best results.

Additional Ingredients:

• Cranberries, Balsamic Vinegar, Honey: Provides sweet and tangy balance to the dish. Fresh or dried cranberries work well, choose a good quality balsamic vinegar.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Essential for seasoning and cooking. Use extra virgin olive oil for best flavor, kosher or sea salt recommended.

How To Make Brussels Sprouts With Bacon, Pecans, And Cranberries

Step 1: Sizzle Bacon Bits

Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Chop bacon into small pieces and cook until they turn golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate. Keep a touch of bacon fat in the skillet and discard the rest.

Step 2: Caramelize Brussels Sprouts

Drizzle olive oil into the skillet with remaining bacon fat. Crank heat to medium-high. Place Brussels sprouts cut-side down, letting them develop a gorgeous golden crust for 5-7 minutes without moving them. Flip sprouts, season with salt and pepper, and cook for another 5 minutes until they’re tender with a delightful crunch.

Step 3: Toast Nutty Pecans

Grab a separate dry skillet and toast pecans over medium heat. Stir frequently for 2-3 minutes until they release a warm, inviting aroma. Set aside these fragrant nuggets.

Step 4: Create Flavor Magic

Toss crispy bacon and tart cranberries into the Brussels sprouts skillet. Pour balsamic vinegar and honey, mixing everything to create a glossy, tantalizing coating. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the mixed Brussels sprouts to a beautiful serving dish. Sprinkle toasted pecans on top for a delightful crunch. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the explosion of flavors.

Tips To Elevate Brussels Sprouts With Bacon, Pecans, And Cranberries

• Bacon Fat Flavor Boost: Reserve a tablespoon of bacon fat to enhance the Brussels sprouts' depth and richness, creating an incredible savory foundation for the dish.
• Perfect Caramelization Technique: Cook Brussels sprouts cut-side down without stirring to develop a golden, crispy exterior that adds incredible texture and complex flavor.
• Nut Toasting Hack: Toast pecans carefully in a dry skillet, stirring frequently to prevent burning and release their nutty aroma, which elevates the entire dish's complexity.
• Balanced Sweet-Tangy Finish: Drizzle balsamic vinegar and honey to create a perfect glaze that complements the savory bacon and adds a bright, sophisticated touch to the vegetables.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare components separately and combine just before serving to maintain optimal crispness and prevent soggy Brussels sprouts.

How To Store And Heat Brussels Sprouts With Bacon, Pecans, And Cranberries

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled Brussels sprouts to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat in Oven: Spread leftovers on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to maintain crispiness.
• Microwave Option: Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each to prevent sogginess and ensure even warming.
• Texture Tip: Sprinkle fresh toasted pecans on top after reheating to restore crunch and enhance flavor profile.

What To Serve With Brussels Sprouts With Bacon, Pecans, And Cranberries

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Pinot Noir or Zinfandel to complement the smoky bacon and caramelized Brussels sprouts, cutting through the rich flavors with its fruity undertones.
• Match with Crisp Craft Beer: Choose an amber ale or hoppy IPA that balances the dish's savory elements, enhancing the nutty pecans and sweet-tangy cranberry notes.
• Serve Alongside Hearty Protein: Roasted chicken or grilled pork tenderloin create a perfect main course companion, with the Brussels sprouts adding a vibrant side that elevates the entire meal.
• Complement with Tangy Goat Cheese: Crumble fresh goat cheese over the dish just before serving to introduce a creamy, tart element that brightens the overall flavor profile and adds luxurious texture.

Ways To Change Brussels Sprouts With Bacon, Pecans, And Cranberries

• Vegetarian Veggie Medley: Swap bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh, creating a plant-based version that maintains rich, savory flavors while keeping the crispy texture of Brussels sprouts.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Replace cranberries with sun-dried tomatoes and add fresh rosemary and thyme, infusing the dish with aromatic Mediterranean-inspired seasonings.
• Spicy Cajun Kick: Incorporate Cajun seasoning and andouille sausage instead of bacon, bringing bold, zesty notes to the classic Brussels sprouts preparation.
• Asian-Inspired Fusion: Substitute pecans with cashews, add sesame oil, and drizzle with soy sauce and sriracha, transforming the recipe into a vibrant Asian-style side dish.

Brussels Sprouts With Bacon, Pecans, And Cranberries Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory brussels sprouts dance with crispy bacon, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans in this delightful holiday side dish. Hearty flavors and textural contrasts make this simple yet elegant recipe a perfect complement to your festive meal.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 500 g (1 lb) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• ⅓ cup pecans, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup dried cranberries

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey

Flavor Enhancers:

• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Render the bacon in a spacious skillet over medium heat, transforming it into crispy, golden morsels. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, preserving approximately one tablespoon of the rendered fat in the skillet.
2. Introduce olive oil to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat, heating over medium-high temperature. Arrange Brussels sprouts cut-side down, allowing them to develop a rich, caramelized exterior for 5-7 minutes without disruption.
3. Gently rotate the sprouts, seasoning with salt and pepper. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until they reach a tender yet slightly crunchy consistency.
4. While the sprouts are cooking, activate the pecans in a dry skillet. Toast them over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until their aroma becomes pronounced and nutty.
5. Incorporate the crispy bacon and tart cranberries into the Brussels sprouts, stirring to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
6. Drizzle balsamic vinegar and honey over the mixture, tossing to ensure each ingredient is luxuriously coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
7. Transfer the vibrant medley to a serving dish, generously garnishing with the toasted pecans. Present immediately while the dish remains warmly inviting.

Notes

• Choose thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness and robust flavor that complements the Brussels sprouts perfectly.
• Pat Brussels sprouts completely dry before cooking to ensure maximum caramelization and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Adjust cooking time based on the size of your Brussels sprouts, smaller ones will cook faster and can burn quickly.
• Swap bacon for smoked tempeh or coconut bacon to create a vegetarian version that maintains a similar smoky essence.
• Use maple syrup instead of honey for a vegan alternative that adds depth and sweetness to the dish.
• Toast pecans carefully to enhance their nutty flavor without burning, watching them closely during the short cooking process.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in a skillet to maintain the crispy texture of the sprouts and bacon.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg