Sweet & Tangy Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe

These crispy balsamic roasted brussels sprouts dance with vibrant flavors that will awaken your taste buds.

A spectacular brussels sprouts recipe bursts with sweet and tangy notes that complement each other beautifully.

Cranberries add delightful bursts of color and tartness to the dish.

Toasted pecans bring a rich, nutty crunch that elevates every single bite.

Perfectly caramelized edges make these vegetables irresistibly delicious.

The balsamic glaze creates a glossy, deep flavor that transforms ordinary brussels sprouts into an extraordinary side dish.

Serve this recipe to impress and delight everyone at your table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything In Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Cranberries & Pecans

• Brussels Sprouts: Nutty, compact vegetable that caramelizes beautifully when roasted, choose firm and bright green sprouts without yellow leaves.
• Olive Oil: Helps create crispy exterior and even browning, select extra virgin for best flavor.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds tangy sweetness and depth, choose aged balsamic for richer taste.
• Maple Syrup: Creates delightful caramelization and natural sweetness, opt for pure maple syrup instead of artificial versions.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps vegetables brown.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and complexity.
• Garlic Powder: Adds aromatic depth without overwhelming other flavors.

• Pecans: Provides rich, buttery crunch and earthy undertones, select fresh, whole pecans for best quality.
• Cranberries: Introduces bright, tart burst of flavor, choose dried cranberries for concentrated sweetness.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory, salty finish, select freshly grated for best melting and flavor.

Gear For Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Cranberries & Pecans

• Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan for roasting Brussels sprouts evenly.
• Parchment Paper: Non-stick liner for easy cleanup and preventing burning.
• Large Bowl: Spacious container for tossing and coating Brussels sprouts with seasonings.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise tools for adding salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and spreading vegetables on the baking sheet.
• Oven Mitts: Essential for safely handling hot baking sheet and protecting hands.

Steps To Roast Balsamic Brussels Sprouts With Cranberries & Pecans

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a blazing 400F, making sure the rack sits in the middle. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for super easy cleanup.

• Massage the Brussels Sprouts

Tumble the Brussels sprouts into a big mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of maple syrup. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Give everything a wild toss until each sprout is glistening and coated. Spread them on the baking sheet with cut sides facing down to get maximum crispy edges.

• Roast and Transform

Pop the baking sheet into the hot oven. Let the sprouts sizzle and caramelize for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, give them a quick stir to ensure even browning. They should turn golden and develop deliciously crispy edges.

• Add the Magic Touches

During the final 5 minutes, scatter cranberries and pecans over the roasted sprouts. Return to the oven and let them toast until nuts are fragrant and cranberries look plump and slightly softened.

• Serve with Flair

Pull the baking sheet out and dust with Parmesan cheese if you’re feeling fancy. These sprouts are perfect alongside roasted meats or as a standalone star on your plate.

Helpful Tips For Balsamic Brussels Sprouts With Cranberries & Pecans

• Roasting Perfection: Use a high-temperature oven and spread Brussels sprouts in a single layer to ensure crispy, caramelized edges without steaming.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prep Brussels sprouts up to a day ahead and store in the refrigerator. Roast just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness and flavor.
• Dietary Swap Options: For gluten-free version, ensure Parmesan is certified gluten-free. Vegan alternative includes replacing Parmesan with nutritional yeast or omitting cheese entirely.
• Flavor Boost Tricks: Experiment with different vinegars like apple cider or red wine vinegar. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat or swap maple syrup with honey for deeper sweetness.
• Budget-Friendly Variations: Replace pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a more affordable nut-free option that still provides delightful crunch and nutrition.

How To Serve Balsamic Brussels Sprouts With Cranberries & Pecans

• Holiday Feast Companion: Pair these crispy Brussels sprouts with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or prime rib for a stunning side dish that complements rich main courses perfectly.
• Salad Superstar: Chop the roasted Brussels sprouts and mix into a hearty winter salad with mixed greens, goat cheese, and a light vinaigrette for added texture and flavor.
• Grain Bowl Booster: Top quinoa or brown rice bowls with these balsamic-roasted Brussels sprouts for a protein-packed, nutritious meal that brings incredible depth and crunch to your lunch or dinner.
• Appetizer Twist: Serve these sprouts in a small appetizer dish with toothpicks for holiday parties, allowing guests to enjoy a sophisticated, bite-sized vegetable treat that's both elegant and delicious.

Keep Balsamic Brussels Sprouts With Cranberries & Pecans Fresh

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep brussels sprouts in a loosely sealed bag inside the refrigerator vegetable drawer for up to 5 days. Fresh sprouts maintain best quality when stored unwashed and uncut.
• Quick Refrigeration Trick: Transfer cooled roasted brussels sprouts into an airtight container. Properly stored, these delicious veggies will stay tasty for 3-4 days when refrigerated.
• Freezing Friendly Method: Allow roasted brussels sprouts to cool completely before freezing. Place in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air. Frozen batches remain delicious for 2-3 months when sealed tightly.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare brussels sprouts in larger batches during weekend cooking sessions. Portion into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunch or dinner sides throughout the week, saving time and ensuring nutritious meals are always within reach.

Tangy Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Cranberries & Pecans Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Roasted brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze showcase seasonal Mediterranean flavors that blend tangy and sweet notes. Crisp pecans and tart cranberries complement caramelized sprouts, creating a memorable side dish you’ll crave at holiday gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) brussels sprouts (trimmed & halved)
• ½ cup pecans (chopped, toasted for extra crunch)
• ½ cup dried cranberries (unsweetened or sweetened)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey (for subtle sweetness)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional, for extra flavor)
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (optional, for a savory finish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Activate the oven to 400F (200C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cleanup and optimal roasting surface.
2. Prep Brussels Sprouts: Meticulously cleanse, trim, and thoroughly dry the Brussels sprouts to guarantee exceptional caramelization and crisp texture.
3. Craft Flavor Profile: Whisk olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper into a vibrant marinade that will elevate the vegetable’s natural essence.
4. Coat and Arrange: Delicately toss Brussels sprouts in the aromatic marinade, ensuring comprehensive coverage, then strategically place cut-side downward on the prepared baking sheet to maximize crispy potential.
5. Roast and Transform: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven for 20-22 minutes, allowing the vegetables to develop a rich golden-brown exterior while periodically rotating to ensure uniform caramelization.
6. Enhance and Finish: Sprinkle dried cranberries and chopped pecans during the final roasting moments, letting them toast and plump, while optionally dusting with freshly grated Parmesan cheese to add complexity and depth.
7. Serve and Savor: Immediately transfer the glistening, caramelized Brussels sprouts to a serving platter, capturing their peak temperature and irresistible crispness for an elegant culinary presentation.

Notes

• Maximize Caramelization: Pat Brussels sprouts completely dry before roasting to achieve golden-brown, crispy edges without steaming.
• Prevent Burning: Arrange sprouts cut-side down and rotate midway through cooking to ensure even, consistent browning without charring.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap maple syrup with honey for paleo diets, use coconut aminos instead of syrup for low-sugar options, or replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for vegan variations.
• Balance Flavor Profiles: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat, or drizzle extra balsamic reduction after roasting to intensify the tangy-sweet complexity of the dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Side Dish, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg