Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans & Cranberries

This Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans & Cranberries dish makes for a delicious holiday side with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Crispy, golden-brown roasted Brussels sprouts are mixed with crispy bacon, toasted pecans, and plump dried cranberries. The combination of textures and flavors creates a satisfying, hearty dish that’s perfect for festive gatherings. Roasting the Brussels sprouts brings out their natural sweetness and ensures a crispy exterior, while the cranberries and pecans add a delightful crunch and chewiness. Serve warm and watch it become a crowd favorite.

Clare Greco
Updated on Monday 02 December 2024
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans & Cranberries
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Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans & Cranberries | Recipesbyclare.com

Bring bold flavors to your holiday table with this Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans & Cranberries recipe. This sweet-savory side dish features crispy roasted Brussels sprouts combined with smoky bacon, crunchy toasted pecans, and plump dried cranberries for a balance of texture and flavor.

INGREDIENTS

  • Brussels Sprouts: 12 oz, trimmed and halved for even roasting
  • Olive Oil: 2 tbsp, for roasting
  • Salt: ¼ tsp, to season
  • Bacon: 4 slices, cooked and chopped for a savory touch
  • Pecans: 1 cup, toasted for crunch
  • Dried Cranberries: ½ cup, soaked in hot water to plump

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and cook the bacon for about 20 minutes until crispy. Chop into small pieces once cooked.
Step 2:
While the bacon cooks, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil and salt. Arrange them cut-side down on a separate baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until golden and crispy.
Step 3:
In a 350°F (175°C) preheated oven, toast the pecans on a separate baking sheet for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant.
Step 4:
Soak the dried cranberries in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain well.
Step 5:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted Brussels sprouts, chopped bacon, toasted pecans, and drained cranberries. Optionally, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil for additional coating.
Step 6:
Serve warm as a flavorful holiday side dish.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Best served warm alongside roasted meats or poultry.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Helpful Notes

  • For extra flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar before serving.
  • Swap pecans for walnuts if preferred.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

  • Chef Elena recommends adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme for an herbal boost.
  • Chef Mark suggests tossing in a dash of maple syrup for added sweetness.
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Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans & Cranberries | Recipesbyclare.com

Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Crispy Brussels sprouts roasted with bacon, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries for a deliciously sweet-savory holiday side dish.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes

Category: Perfect Sides

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (One large bowl of Brussels sprouts with bacon, pecans, and cranberries)

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 12 oz Brussels Sprouts, trimmed and halved.
02 2 tbsp Olive Oil.
03 ¼ tsp Salt.
04 4 slices Bacon, cooked and chopped.
05 1 cup Pecans, toasted.
06 ½ cup Dried Cranberries.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and cook the bacon for about 20 minutes until crispy. Once done, chop into small pieces.

Step 02

Toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil and salt. Place them cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Step 03

While the Brussels sprouts roast, toast the pecans in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven on a separate sheet for 5-7 minutes until fragrant.

Step 04

Soak the dried cranberries in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain.

Step 05

In a large bowl, combine the roasted Brussels sprouts, chopped bacon, toasted pecans, and drained cranberries. Optionally, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil for additional coating.

Step 06

Serve warm as a sweet-savory holiday side dish.

Notes

  1. This dish combines the sweetness of dried cranberries, the savoriness of bacon, and the nuttiness of toasted pecans for a well-balanced holiday side.
  2. Roasting the Brussels sprouts cut-side down ensures a crispy, caramelized surface.
  3. Soaking the cranberries helps soften and plump them, adding a chewy texture.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~