Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries, Blue Cheese & Pecans: The Ultimate Holiday Side Dish
Elevate your holiday table with this exquisite recipe for Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries, Blue Cheese, and Pecans. This side dish is a masterful blend of flavors and textures, combining the earthy, caramelized notes of perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts with the creamy, pungent richness of blue cheese (or the milder tang of goat cheese), the sweet-tart burst of dried cranberries, and the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans. It’s a culinary creation designed to impress, making it an ideal choice for festive gatherings or simply a delicious new way to enjoy your vegetables.
For many, Brussels sprouts carry the stigma of overcooked, bitter childhood memories. However, I’ve discovered a profound appreciation for these miniature cabbages, particularly when prepared correctly. My own journey with Brussels sprouts began rather late, only in the past five years, because I never truly gave them a chance to shine. Boy, was I missing out on something wonderful!
The moment I experienced the magic of roasting – how it transforms their inherent flavor, bringing out a delightful nutty sweetness and creating irresistibly crispy edges – I became an instant devotee. This specific recipe for Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries, accented by creamy blue cheese and crunchy pecans, quickly became a cherished favorite in my kitchen. It stands as a testament to how simple yet thoughtful additions can elevate a humble vegetable into a truly extraordinary dish.
The harmonious combination of savory, slightly sweet roasted sprouts, the distinctive character of creamy blue cheese (with goat cheese as a fantastic, milder alternative), the vibrant sweetness and tartness of dried cranberries, and the buttery crunch of pecans creates a beautifully balanced and deeply flavorful side. Each bite offers a delightful interplay of tastes and textures, solidifying its place as the perfect accompaniment for any festive meal, especially during Thanksgiving or Christmas celebrations.
While I thoroughly enjoy all types of Brussels sprout recipes, I am always seeking innovative ways to introduce new flavor profiles. This recipe achieves exactly that. A final toss with a touch of balsamic vinegar and honey further enhances the depth of flavor, creating a subtle, glossy glaze that perfectly binds all the ingredients. Don’t let the seemingly unusual combination deter you; I assure you, this dish is nothing short of delicious!
If you’re already a fan of Brussels sprouts, prepare to deepen your appreciation. And if you’ve been skeptical in the past, this recipe might just be the one to convert you. Roasting truly is the superior method, as it allows the sprouts to caramelize beautifully, becoming wonderfully tender on the inside while developing that highly sought-after crispy exterior.
Planning your upcoming holiday menus for Thanksgiving or Christmas? These Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries, Blue Cheese, and Pecans are an indispensable addition. They are not only vibrant and incredibly flavorful but also add a touch of sophistication to any holiday feast. For more ways to enjoy this versatile vegetable, consider trying my Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts or the perennially popular Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon.
Why You’ll Love These Cranberry Pecan Brussels Sprouts
There are numerous compelling reasons why this particular Brussels sprout recipe consistently garners rave reviews and disappears quickly from any serving dish. Here’s why I’m confident you’ll make it a staple:
- A Symphony of Flavors: The dish masterfully balances savory, sweet, tangy, and earthy notes. The inherent, slight bitterness of the Brussels sprouts is perfectly mellowed by the sweetness of the cranberries and honey, while the cheese introduces a creamy, complex depth.
- Dynamic Textural Contrast: Prepare for an exciting journey for your palate. You’ll encounter the satisfying crispy, caramelized edges of the roasted sprouts, their tender interiors, the soft, chewy sweetness of the dried cranberries, the creamy melt of the cheese, and the delightful crunch of the pecans. Each component contributes to an incredibly engaging eating experience.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: While this dish truly shines as a showstopping holiday side for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, its elegance makes it suitable for any dinner party. Yet, its straightforward preparation means it’s also practical enough to serve as a delicious and elevated weeknight side.
- Surprisingly Simple to Prepare: Despite its gourmet appeal, this recipe requires just a few easy steps and minimal hands-on time. Roasting is a forgiving cooking method that consistently yields excellent results, allowing you to create a sophisticated side dish without extensive effort.
- Packed with Nutrients: Brussels sprouts are a powerhouse of nutrition, loaded with essential vitamins like K and C, dietary fiber, and beneficial antioxidants. This recipe makes consuming your greens not only incredibly delicious but also a boost for your health.
- Visually Appealing: The vibrant green of the roasted Brussels sprouts, the ruby red of the dried cranberries, and the golden-brown hues of the toasted pecans create a beautiful, colorful presentation that will undoubtedly brighten any plate and impress your guests.
Recipe Ingredients: A Closer Look
Every ingredient in this recipe is carefully chosen to contribute to the overall exquisite flavor and texture profile. Understanding their individual roles will help you appreciate the harmony of the dish:
- Brussels Sprouts: These small, nutrient-dense vegetables are the foundation of our dish. When subjected to high heat roasting, their natural sugars caramelize, which beautifully mellows any potential bitterness and intensifies their inherent sweet, nutty flavor. Always select Brussels sprouts that are firm, bright green, and free from any yellowing or blemishes. Proper cleaning, including washing them thoroughly and removing any loose or damaged outer leaves, is essential. Slicing them in half, or quartering larger ones, ensures uniform cooking and maximizes the surface area exposed to the heat, crucial for achieving that desirable crispiness.
- Blue Cheese: The addition of crumbled blue cheese introduces a bold, salty, and wonderfully creamy dimension to the dish. Its distinctive pungent flavor is surprisingly complementary to the earthy notes of the sprouts and the sweetness of the cranberries. If the robust flavor of blue cheese is too intense for your palate, soft goat cheese serves as an excellent, milder alternative, offering a similar creamy texture and a delightful tangy kick. Other fantastic cheese options include crumbled feta for a salty, crumbly bite, or finely grated Parmesan cheese for a more savory, umami-rich finish.
- Nuts (Pecans or Walnuts): Toasted pecans or walnuts are vital for providing a crunchy textural contrast and an underlying earthy richness. Toasting them briefly, either in a dry pan or in the oven, enhances their natural oils and deepens their flavor profile, adding another layer of complexity. While pecans offer a buttery and sweet note, walnuts contribute a slightly more robust and earthy flavor. For variation, consider sliced almonds for a delicate crunch, pistachios for a vibrant color and unique sweetness, or even pine nuts for a distinctly buttery texture. Nuts also contribute healthy fats and protein, making this a more wholesome side.
- Dried Cranberries: These small, ruby-red berries are a highlight, introducing a fantastic sweet-tart element that brilliantly cuts through the richness of the cheese and provides a counterpoint to the savory sprouts. Their chewy texture is also a delightful addition. Dried cranberries are particularly fitting for holiday dishes, instantly adding a festive touch and a burst of color. If fresh cranberries are in season, they can be a more tart but equally delicious alternative (cook them down slightly). If dried cranberries are unavailable, dried cherries, golden raisins, or even finely chopped dried apricots can be used to achieve a similar sweet-tart note.
- Olive Oil: This fundamental ingredient is used to coat the Brussels sprouts, ensuring even roasting and facilitating the development of a beautiful golden-brown caramelization and that coveted crispy exterior. It also helps in distributing the seasonings.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Drizzled over the roasted sprouts, balsamic vinegar imparts a tangy, slightly sweet, and complex depth of flavor. It contributes to a delicate glaze that ties all the individual components of the dish together beautifully, enhancing the overall savory profile.
- Honey: A small amount of honey provides an additional layer of sweetness, which helps to balance the tartness of the cranberries and the tang of the cheese. It also aids in creating that wonderful, slightly sticky glaze, boosting the caramelization process and harmonizing the savory elements. Maple syrup is an excellent substitute for honey.
- Salt & Pepper: These basic seasonings are indispensable. They are crucial for drawing out and enhancing all the natural flavors of the ingredients, ensuring the dish is well-seasoned and flavorful.
Ways to Modify and Elevate These Cranberry Brussels Sprouts
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can effortlessly customize it to suit your personal taste preferences, dietary needs, or simply what ingredients you have readily available. Here are some fantastic ideas to personalize your cranberry Brussels sprouts:
- Experiment with Nuts: While pecans and walnuts offer a classic earthy and slightly sweet base, don’t hesitate to explore other options. Sliced almonds can provide a delicate crunch and subtle nutty flavor, pistachios add a vibrant green color and a unique, slightly sweet taste, and pine nuts contribute a buttery, rich texture. For an intensified flavor, always consider lightly toasting your chosen nuts in a dry pan or during the last few minutes of roasting.
- Cheese Variations: Beyond the robust blue cheese and the creamy goat cheese, the world of cheese offers many delicious alternatives. Crumbled Gorgonzola, a milder blue cheese, can offer a sweeter, less intense pungency. Salty crumbled feta provides a Mediterranean twist. Sharp grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano will infuse an umami-rich depth. For a milder, meltier experience, consider adding shredded mozzarella or fontina. Each cheese will impart its own distinct character to the dish.
- Incorporate More Vegetables: To make this side dish even heartier, boost its nutritional content, or add more color, consider roasting other complementary vegetables alongside the Brussels sprouts. Small, bite-sized chunks of carrots or butternut squash will add additional sweetness and a beautiful orange hue, caramelizing alongside the sprouts. Thinly sliced shallots or red onion, roasted until tender and sweet, would lend a delightful aromatic depth to the mix.
- Enhance Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter profile, especially if your dried cranberries are particularly tart, you can enhance the dish’s sweetness. A light drizzle of brown sugar, additional honey, or pure maple syrup over the sprouts during the last 5-10 minutes of roasting will help create a lovely, sticky, and deeply caramelized glaze.
- Creative Sauces & Dressings: Take the dressing beyond basic balsamic. A splash of fresh orange juice or a bit of orange zest can introduce a bright, citrusy note that wonderfully complements cranberries. For a richer, more concentrated flavor, you can simmer down balsamic vinegar with a touch of brown sugar to create a luscious balsamic glaze to drizzle over the finished dish. A lightly warmed homemade cranberry sauce could also be a delicious and festive topping.
- Aromatic Spices & Herbs: Don’t limit yourself to just salt and pepper. Classic dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or a versatile Italian seasoning blend pair beautifully with roasted vegetables, adding savory aromatic notes. For a comforting, smoky depth, a pinch of smoked paprika is an excellent choice. If you’re feeling adventurous, a touch of red pepper flakes can introduce a subtle heat, or a dash of curry powder or garam masala can provide an unexpected, aromatic, and exotic twist that surprisingly complements the other flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe
When you’re at the grocery store or farmer’s market, look for Brussels sprouts that are vibrant green, feel firm and compact to the touch, and are free from any yellowing, wilting, or dark spots. Smaller Brussels sprouts are generally preferred as they tend to be sweeter and more tender, while larger ones can sometimes have a stronger, slightly more bitter flavor. Always choose sprouts that feel heavy for their size, as this indicates freshness and good moisture content.
Proper preparation is crucial for achieving deliciously roasted Brussels sprouts. Begin by washing them thoroughly under cold running water. Immediately after washing, dry them completely with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is non-negotiable, as any excess moisture will cause the sprouts to steam rather than roast, preventing them from crisping up. Next, trim off the very end of the tough stem. Then, peel away any outer leaves that appear discolored, wilted, or damaged. Finally, slice each sprout in half lengthwise. If you have particularly large sprouts, cutting them into quarters will ensure more even cooking and maximize the surface area that gets deliciously caramelized.
Achieving that coveted crispy texture on your roasted Brussels sprouts comes down to a few key techniques. First and foremost, ensure your prepared sprouts are spread in a single layer on a large baking sheet, with their cut sides facing down. Crucially, give them plenty of space! Overcrowding the baking sheet is the biggest culprit for soggy sprouts, as it traps steam and prevents proper roasting. If necessary, use two baking sheets to ensure adequate airflow. A high oven temperature, typically 400-425°F (200-220°C), is also essential for rapid caramelization and crisping. Lastly, as mentioned in the prep, making sure the sprouts are thoroughly dry before tossing with oil and roasting is critical.
Absolutely! You can certainly get a head start on some elements. The Brussels sprouts can be washed, trimmed, and halved up to a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pecans can also be toasted ahead of time and kept in a cool, dry place. However, for the ultimate experience—especially the crispiness of the sprouts and the warm, creamy texture of the cheese—it’s best to roast the sprouts and assemble the entire dish just before serving. If you do have leftovers, they will still be delicious, but the sprouts will inevitably lose some of their initial crispiness.
Any leftover Brussels sprouts with cranberries should be stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat them, the best method to revive some crispness is to spread them out on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through. While microwaving is quicker, it can make the sprouts a bit soggy, so the oven method is highly recommended for better texture.
While fresh Brussels sprouts are strongly recommended for optimal flavor and texture, especially if you’re aiming for maximum crispiness, you can use frozen sprouts as a convenient alternative. If you choose to use frozen, there’s no need to thaw them first; roast them directly from frozen. Keep in mind that frozen sprouts contain more moisture, so they will likely take a bit longer to cook and may not achieve the same level of crispness as fresh ones. You might also want to pat them dry after roasting if they appear excessively moist before mixing in the other ingredients.
What to Pair With These Brussels Sprouts with Blue Cheese?
This incredibly versatile side dish complements a broad array of main courses, making it a stellar addition to almost any meal, particularly during the festive season. Its thoughtful balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors allows it to harmonize beautifully with various proteins and culinary styles.
- Classic Holiday Roasts & Poultry: These Brussels sprouts are a match made in heaven for traditional holiday spreads. They pair exquisitely with centerpiece roasts such as a succulent Herb Butter Roasted Turkey, a flavorful Garlic Herb Butter Roast Chicken, or even the convenience of an Instant Pot Rotisserie Chicken. Their robust profile also stands up wonderfully to a rich Slow Cooker Mediterranean Whole Chicken or a perfectly glazed holiday ham.
- Hearty Beef & Lamb Dishes: The earthy notes of the Brussels sprouts and pecans, combined with the creamy, tangy cheese, create an exceptional counterpoint for beef and lamb. I personally adore them alongside a juicy Grilled Ribeye Steak or a fragrant Lemon Garlic Butter Grilled Ribeye. For a truly comforting and substantial meal, they are a fantastic accompaniment to tender Slow Cooker Italian Short Ribs or a classic pot roast.
- Elegant Seafood Selections: Surprisingly, these sprouts also create a delightful pairing with many seafood dishes, offering a refreshing and sophisticated contrast. Try them alongside a delicate, flaky Black Sea Bass Recipe, light and healthy Air Fryer Cod, or an elegant Baked Fish with Lemon Cream Sauce. They would also be absolutely delightful with pan-seared scallops, grilled shrimp, or a rich cedar plank salmon.
- Versatile Pork & Other Mains: Don’t limit your imagination! These festive sprouts would also be excellent served with roasted pork tenderloin, savory pork chops, or even vegetarian main courses such as a hearty lentil loaf, a mushroom and wild rice pilaf, or a robust vegetable lasagna.
Other Brussels Sprouts Recipes You Might Like
If this recipe has converted you into a Brussels sprouts enthusiast, or if you’re already a dedicated fan looking for more ways to enjoy this incredible vegetable, here are a few more delicious recipes to explore:
- Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad: A wonderfully fresh, light, and vibrant option for enjoying raw sprouts with a zesty dressing.
- Lemon Brussels Sprout Slaw: This zesty and crunchy slaw is a perfect side dish for lighter meals, offering a burst of citrus flavor.
- Brussels Sprout Apple Goat Cheese Salad: Another fantastic combination that marries sweet apples, tangy goat cheese, and fresh Brussels sprouts for a balanced salad.
- Winter Slaw Salad: A hearty and flavorful slaw that’s ideal for cooler months, often featuring other seasonal vegetables.
- Roasted Vegetable Goat Cheese Flatbread: An innovative way to incorporate roasted sprouts into a delicious appetizer or a light, satisfying meal.
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Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries
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Ingredients
- 1 pound brussels sprouts,, rinsed, trimmed and cut in half
- 2 tablespoons olive oil,, divided
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Dash of pepper
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese, {or you can use goat cheese}
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup pecans or walnuts
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220°C). For easier cleanup, you may line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Wash and thoroughly dry the Brussels sprouts. This step is essential; wet sprouts will steam instead of roast, preventing them from crisping. Trim the tough ends of the stems and remove any outer leaves that are discolored, wilted, or damaged. Slice each sprout in half lengthwise. If you have particularly large sprouts, cutting them into quarters will ensure more even cooking and maximize the surface area for caramelization.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared Brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure all sprouts are evenly coated. Spread the seasoned sprouts in a single layer on one or two large baking sheets. It is crucial to give them plenty of space; overcrowding the pan will trap steam and result in soggy rather than crispy sprouts. Place them cut-side down for maximum crispiness.
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Roast in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes. The exact cooking time will vary based on the size of your sprouts and your oven’s calibration. Roast until they are tender on the inside, beautifully golden brown, and delightfully crispy around the edges. You can gently shake the pan or flip the sprouts halfway through for more even browning.
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Once roasted to your liking, remove the Brussels sprouts from the oven and transfer them back to the large mixing bowl. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Toss gently to coat all the sprouts, creating a delicious, slightly sweet, and tangy glaze.
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Finally, gently fold in the crumbled blue cheese (or goat cheese), dried cranberries, and pecans (or walnuts). Toss just enough to combine without excessively breaking down the cheese.
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Transfer the warm Brussels sprouts to a serving platter and serve immediately. Enjoy this vibrant, flavorful, and textural side dish! Leftovers will keep well for up to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container, though the sprouts will naturally lose some of their crispness upon reheating.
Notes
- Toasting Nuts for Enhanced Flavor: For an even richer, nuttier flavor, spread the pecans (or walnuts) on a small baking sheet and add them to the oven during the last 5-7 minutes of the Brussels sprouts’ roasting time. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning; they should become fragrant and lightly golden.
- The Secret to Crispy Sprouts: As highlighted in the instructions, the most critical factor for achieving crispy Brussels sprouts is to avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Use two sheets if necessary to ensure each sprout has ample space to roast rather than steam. Additionally, always ensure the sprouts are as dry as possible before tossing with oil, and place them cut-side down on the baking sheet.
- Blue Cheese vs. Goat Cheese: If you or your guests are not keen on the strong, pungent flavor of blue cheese, goat cheese is a fantastic substitute. It provides a lovely creamy texture and a milder tang that is equally delicious and pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. Crumbled feta cheese is another excellent choice for a salty, crumbly texture.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.