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
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Activate the oven to 400F (200C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cleanup and optimal roasting surface.
- Prep Brussels Sprouts: Meticulously cleanse, trim, and thoroughly dry the Brussels sprouts to guarantee exceptional caramelization and crisp texture.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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