Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries & Pecans

by Olivia
Published: Updated:

This recipe for Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries & Pecans is one of my all-time favorites. It’s a beautiful medley of flavors that will turn even the staunchest Brussels sprouts skeptics into fans. With the sweet tang of balsamic vinegar, the tartness of cranberries, and the crunchy pecans, every bite is a delightful surprise. It’s the perfect side dish for any meal, and it’s so easy to whip up, you’ll be making it again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries & Pecans

You’ll love this recipe because it’s:

  • Flavor-packed: The combination of balsamic vinegar, cranberries, and pecans adds a burst of flavor that’s both sweet and savory.
  • Simple: Easy to prepare with just a handful of ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks.
  • Healthy: Brussels sprouts are packed with nutrients, making this dish as healthy as it is delicious.
  • Versatile: Perfect as a side dish for holiday dinners, weeknight meals, or even as a main course for a light lunch or dinner.

Ingredients For Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries & Pecans

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for greasing the pan
  • 2 pounds medium-sized fresh Brussels sprouts
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, divided
  • Sea or kosher salt and fresh black pepper
  • ⅓ cup chopped dried cranberries (Craisins)
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

How to Make This Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries & Pecans Recipe

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a large baking sheet with a bit of olive oil to prevent the Brussels sprouts from sticking.

Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Trim the stems off the Brussels sprouts, leaving just a little bit to hold them together. Slice each one in half through the stem and pile them onto the baking sheet.

Season the Brussels Sprouts

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. Pour this mixture over the Brussels sprouts and use your hands to massage it in, ensuring each sprout is well-coated. Spread the sprouts out in a single layer and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.

Roast the Brussels Sprouts

Bake the Brussels sprouts for 20 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven, turn the sprouts over, and then roast for another 20 minutes or until they’re fork-tender and caramelized.

Finish the Dish

Transfer the roasted Brussels sprouts to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of balsamic vinegar and toss to coat. Add the chopped cranberries and crumbled feta, tossing everything together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or balsamic vinegar if needed.

Variations

There are several ways you can tweak this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs:

  • Nut-Free: Skip the pecans or substitute with sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
  • Vegan: Omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based feta alternative to keep this dish vegan-friendly.
  • Sweet Touch: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness that complements the tart cranberries and tangy balsamic vinegar.

Equipment

To make this recipe, you’ll need the following equipment:

  • Large baking sheet
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Large mixing bowl

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or enjoy cold. This dish tastes great even after a day or two, as the flavors continue to meld together.

What to Serve with Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries & Pecans

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses and sides:

  • Roasted Chicken or Turkey: The perfect side for a holiday feast.
  • Grilled Fish or Steak: The robust flavors of the Brussels sprouts complement grilled meats beautifully.
  • Simple Quinoa or Couscous Salad: For a lighter meal, serve these Brussels sprouts alongside a grain salad.
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Tips

Here are a few tips to help you make the best Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries & Pecans:

  • Even Cooking: Make sure to cut the Brussels sprouts evenly for uniform cooking.
  • Crispy Texture: Spread the sprouts out in a single layer to ensure they get crispy. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of roasting.
  • Adjust to Taste: Feel free to add more balsamic vinegar if you love a tangier flavor. You can also adjust the amount of cranberries and feta to suit your taste.

FAQ

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

Yes, but fresh Brussels sprouts will give you a better texture and flavor. If using frozen, thaw and dry them thoroughly before roasting.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can roast the Brussels sprouts ahead of time and then add the cranberries and feta just before serving to keep them fresh.

What other cheeses can I use?

Goat cheese or blue cheese would also work well in this recipe, adding a different but equally delicious flavor profile.

Yield: 6

ROASTED BALSAMIC BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH FETA & CRAISINS

ROASTED BALSAMIC BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH FETA & CRAISINS

Fresh brussels sprouts roasted with balsamic vinegar and olive oil then tossed with creamy crumbled feta cheese and tart-sweet dried cranberries.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • - 2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for greasing the pan
  • - 2 lbs medium-sized fresh Brussels sprouts
  • - 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar, divided
  • - Sea or kosher salt and fresh black pepper
  • - ⅓ cup chopped dried cranberries (Craisins)
  • - ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a large baking sheet with olive oil.
2. Trim the stems off the Brussels sprouts, leaving a bit to hold them together, and slice in half through the stem. Pile onto the baking sheet.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and 2 tbsp of balsamic vinegar. Pour over the sprouts and massage with hands. Spread in a single layer and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Bake for 20 minutes, remove and turn the sprouts over, then roast for another 20 minutes until fork-tender.
5. Transfer to a large mixing bowl, drizzle with the remaining tbsp of balsamic vinegar, and toss. Add cranberries and feta, and toss again. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Notes

Approximate Nutrition Information:

Per serving:

  • Calories: 180
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Protein: 6g

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size:

1 grams

Amount Per Serving: Unsaturated Fat: 0g

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