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Let me tell you about my favorite way to make Brussel sprouts that everyone actually loves. I've converted so many sprout skeptics with this recipe that combines perfectly roasted sprouts with sweet cranberries and crispy bacon. The hint of cinnamon and that amazing cranberry sauce make this dish completely irresistible.
Why This Recipe Works Like Magic
There's something special about how the earthy roasted sprouts mix with sweet cranberries and that salty bacon crunch. I love making this for holiday dinners because it's so simple but looks and tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen. The best part is it's delicious enough to serve any time you want to make dinner feel special.
What You'll Need
- Brussel sprouts: Get fresh ones and cut them in half for perfect roasting.
- Extra virgin olive oil: This helps those sprouts get nice and crispy.
- Cinnamon: Just a touch gives everything a warm cozy flavor.
- Salt and pepper: These basics make all the flavors pop.
- Bacon: Cook it nice and crispy for that perfect crumble.
- Yellow onion: Gets sweet and delicious in the sauce.
- Apple cider vinegar: Balances out the sweet cranberries perfectly.
- Dried cranberries: These little jewels add such nice sweetness.
- Sugar: Just enough to make the sauce sing.
Let's Cook Together
- Get Those Sprouts Ready:
- Heat your oven to 400°F. Toss your sprouts with olive oil cinnamon salt and pepper then spread them out on a baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes giving them a flip halfway through.
- Make The Bacon Magic:
- Cook your bacon until it's nice and crispy then let it cool and break it into pieces.
- Create The Sauce:
- Use that same pan with the bacon goodness to cook your onions. Add the vinegar cranberries and sugar let it bubble then simmer until it's perfect.
- Bring It All Together:
- Put those beautiful roasted sprouts in a serving dish mix in your cranberry sauce and top with that crispy bacon.
My Kitchen Secrets
- Size Matters: Cut those sprouts the same size so they cook evenly.
- Keep Moving: Don't forget to flip them halfway through roasting.
- Save That Flavor: That bacon grease makes the onions taste amazing.
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Make It Your Own
- Add Some Crunch: Toasted pecans or walnuts are wonderful on top.
- Skip The Bacon: For vegetarian friends just use olive oil it's still delicious.
- Perfect Partners: This goes beautifully with turkey pork or ham.
- Get Ahead: You can roast the sprouts and make the sauce early just warm everything up before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I know when Brussels sprouts are done roasting?
They should be golden brown on the outside and tender when pierced with a fork. The outer leaves will be slightly crispy.
- → Can I make this dish ahead?
You can roast the sprouts and make the glaze ahead, but combine everything just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- → Why are my Brussels sprouts bitter?
Overcooking can make them bitter. Roast just until tender and golden, and the sweet glaze will balance any natural bitterness.
- → Can I use fresh cranberries?
Stick with dried cranberries as fresh ones would be too tart and wouldn't create the right glaze texture.
- → How do I pick good Brussels sprouts?
Choose bright green, firm sprouts that are similar in size. Smaller ones are usually sweeter and more tender.