Cranberry Pecan Brussels Sprouts (Oven Roasted)

Few dishes capture the spirit of the holidays like Cranberry Pecan Brussels Sprouts. The blend of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors turns a humble vegetable into a show-stopping side dish that everyone — even the Brussels sprouts skeptics — will love.

This dish delivers a perfect balance: crispy roasted sprouts, toasty pecans, and tart dried cranberries that bring a pop of color and flavor to your holiday spread. It’s light enough to balance out rich mains like creamy potatoes and gravy, but still full of depth and texture.

Whether you’re planning your Christmas dinner, a Thanksgiving feast, or simply want a vibrant side dish for any cozy fall or winter meal, this recipe is a total winner. It looks elegant, tastes festive, and couldn’t be easier to make.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect flavor harmony: Savory roasted Brussels sprouts meet sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans.

• Holiday-ready: Beautiful presentation that adds color and warmth to your Christmas table.

• Simple ingredients, big flavor: Pantry staples transformed into a gourmet dish.

• Quick + Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.

• Healthy & satisfying: Naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and rich in vitamins and fiber.

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• ½ teaspoon sea salt

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional for subtle sweetness)

• ½ cup dried cranberries

• ½ cup chopped pecans (toasted for best flavor)

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional for finishing drizzle)

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Flavor Boosters (Optional but Recommended)

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – adds tang and depth

• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice or zest – for brightness

• 1 tablespoon melted butter – enhances richness and browning

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Garnish

• Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs

• A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or crushed black pepper

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Equipment Needed

• Large baking sheet

• Mixing bowl

• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat

• Wooden spoon or spatula

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Trim the stem ends of your Brussels sprouts and remove any yellowed outer leaves.

3. Slice large sprouts in half for even cooking.

Tip: For extra crispiness, make sure your sprouts are completely dry before roasting.

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Step 2: Season and Toss

1. In a large mixing bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

2. Add a drizzle of maple syrup if you want a hint of caramelized sweetness.

3. Spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet — cut sides down for maximum crisping.

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Step 3: Roast to Perfection

1. Roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.

2. In the last 5 minutes of roasting, add chopped pecans to the pan to toast lightly.

The sprouts should be golden brown with slightly crispy edges and tender insides.

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Step 4: Add Cranberries and Flavor Finish

1. Once roasted, remove from oven and transfer to a large serving bowl.

2. Add dried cranberries immediately so they soften slightly from the heat.

3. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and, if desired, melted butter or Dijon mustard for extra richness.

4. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

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Step 5: Serve Warm and Festive

Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary and serve warm.

This dish shines as part of any holiday spread, but it’s also easy enough to enjoy on weeknights with roast chicken, grilled salmon, or vegetarian mains.

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Flavor Notes

This dish has a dynamic, well-balanced profile:

• Savory: The natural caramelization of Brussels sprouts brings umami depth.

• Sweet: Dried cranberries add a tart-sweet pop that balances the earthy sprouts.

• Nutty: Toasted pecans add crunch and buttery richness.

• Bright: Balsamic vinegar or lemon juice lifts the overall flavor.

Every bite offers a mix of textures — crisp edges, chewy cranberries, and crunchy nuts — making it irresistible and festive.

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Tips for Perfectly Roasted Brussels Sprouts

1. High heat = caramelization. Roasting at 400°F ensures crispy edges without burning.

2. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Spread out evenly for proper air circulation and browning.

3. Use fresh Brussels sprouts. Smaller sprouts tend to be sweeter and roast more evenly.

4. Add pecans later. Toasting them in the last few minutes prevents burning.

5. Finish with flavor. A touch of balsamic or lemon brings the dish to life.

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Make-Ahead Instructions

This dish is great for prepping ahead of the busy holidays:

• Day before: Trim and halve Brussels sprouts, store in an airtight container.

• Before serving: Roast as directed and toss with cranberries and pecans just before serving.

• Reheat: Place on a baking sheet and warm at 350°F for 10 minutes to re-crisp.

Avoid microwaving if possible — it can make the sprouts soggy.

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Variations

• Add feta or goat cheese: Crumble cheese over the top for extra creaminess and tang.

• Use walnuts or almonds: Great alternatives to pecans if desired.

• Add roasted sweet potatoes: Makes the dish heartier and colorful.

• Spicy version: Sprinkle with chili flakes or drizzle with hot honey before serving.

• Balsamic glaze finish: For extra holiday flair and glossy presentation.

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Serving Ideas

Perfect Pairings:

• Herb-roasted turkey or chicken

• Honey-glazed salmon

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• Creamy Gruyere scalloped potatoes

• Cranberry orange glazed tofu for a vegetarian spread

For Holiday Tables:
Serve in a white or ceramic baking dish with festive garnishes. Add sprigs of rosemary or fresh thyme for fragrance and presentation.

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Storage

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Reheat in oven: 350°F for 10–12 minutes until hot and crisp again.

• Freeze: Not recommended — texture becomes soft and watery upon thawing.

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Troubleshooting

Sprouts came out soggy:
They may have been too crowded on the pan — use a second baking sheet next time.

Too bitter:
Try adding a bit more maple syrup or a sprinkle of cheese to balance flavor.

Pecans burned:
Add them in the final few minutes of roasting instead of at the start.

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Nutrition (Per Serving, Approximate)

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Expert Tips for Holiday Success

1. Presentation matters: Serve on a festive platter and garnish with extra cranberries for a pop of color.

2. Double the batch: This dish disappears quickly — especially at potlucks or parties.

3. Timing tip: Roast the sprouts while your main dish rests before carving — everything will be ready to serve warm.

4. Balsamic bonus: Whisk a quick glaze (1 tbsp balsamic + 1 tsp maple syrup) to drizzle before serving for restaurant-style flavor.

5. Nut toasting: Toast pecans separately on a dry pan for 3–4 minutes for even better crunch.

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How to Make This Dish Look Holiday-Ready

When serving for Christmas or Thanksgiving, think presentation:

• Use a large serving platter with white or rustic ceramic finish.

• Scatter a few extra cranberries and whole pecans over the top for color.

• Add a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant, elegant touch.

• Optional: light drizzle of balsamic glaze for glossy finish.

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Why This Recipe Works

Roasting transforms Brussels sprouts from bitter to beautifully caramelized and nutty. The cranberries add a fruity sweetness, while the toasted pecans bring buttery texture. The combination of heat, crunch, and balance of sweet and savory flavors makes this dish both comforting and sophisticated.

It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but beautiful enough for a holiday celebration — exactly the kind of dish that earns a permanent place on your festive menu.

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FAQs

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Fresh works best for crisp texture, but if using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before roasting.

Can I substitute another nut for pecans?
Yes — walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds work beautifully.

Are dried cranberries too sweet?
Choose unsweetened or reduced-sugar cranberries for better flavor balance.

Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely — just skip butter and stick with olive oil or vegan butter alternatives.

Can I serve it cold?
It’s best warm, but leftovers make a great cold salad topping the next day.

What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
Try apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon for similar acidity.

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Serving for Different Occasions

• Christmas Dinner: Adds festive color and brightness.

• Thanksgiving Feast: Balances heavy dishes with tang and crunch.

• Weeknight Dinner: Quick, nutrient-rich veggie side.

• Potluck Parties: Easy to transport and reheat.

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Final Thoughts

Cranberry Pecan Brussels Sprouts bring the magic of the holidays straight to your table. This dish combines texture, color, and flavor into a side that feels gourmet but takes just minutes to prepare. The contrast of roasted nuttiness, tart cranberries, and rich olive oil makes every bite feel special.

It’s a perfect addition to your Christmas dinner, Thanksgiving spread, or any winter meal that deserves a touch of brightness and celebration. Once you try it, this recipe will quickly become a holiday staple year after year.

So preheat your oven, grab a handful of Brussels sprouts, and get ready for one of the most festive, crowd-pleasing veggie sides of the season.