Sweet Cranberry Brussels Sprouts

Alright, these Sweet Cranberry Brussels Sprouts? Total flavor surprise. They’re roasted until crispy, then tossed with dried cranberries and a touch of honey—sweet, savory, and just a little tangy.

I made them for dinner one night, and even the picky eaters were impressed. The cranberries add the perfect pop of sweetness to balance out the sprouts.

They’re super easy to make—just roast, mix, and serve. Let’s make them together—you might end up loving Brussels sprouts more than you thought!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tasty and Different: Roasting Brussels sprouts with cranberries and pecans makes them sweet, crunchy, and not bitter.
• Colorful on the Plate: The green sprouts and red cranberries look pretty together.
• Simple and Fast: You only need a few ingredients, and it’s ready in less than an hour.
• Kid-Friendly: The sweet cranberries help make Brussels sprouts more fun for kids.
• Great for Sharing: This side dish is perfect for family dinners or holiday meals.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings:
This recipe makes enough for 4 people as a side dish. Double the recipe if you want to serve a bigger group.

Difficulty:
Easy. Anyone can help make this dish—kids can toss the Brussels sprouts with oil and spread them on a baking tray.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Baking sheet or roasting pan
• Large mixing bowl
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven mitts or tongs

Ingredients for Sweet Cranberry Brussels Sprouts

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

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts (ends trimmed, cut in half)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ⅔ cup fresh cranberries
• ½ cup pecans, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Drizzle of balsamic vinegar for serving

Variations for Sweet Cranberry Brussels Sprouts

• Add a Touch of Sweetness: Try drizzling a little honey or maple syrup over the Brussels sprouts right before serving. This adds extra sweetness and a shiny glaze.
• Swap the Nuts: If you don’t have pecans, you can use walnuts or almonds instead. For a nut-free version, skip the nuts or try sunflower seeds.
• Dried Cranberries Option: If fresh cranberries are too tart, you can use dried cranberries for a sweeter taste.
• Extra Flavor: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg before roasting for a cozy fall flavor.
• Cheese Finish: Add a little crumbled feta or goat cheese just before serving for a tangy twist.

How to Make Sweet Cranberry Brussels Sprouts: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Brussels Sprouts

• Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cool water.
• Use a cutting board and knife to trim off the ends and cut each sprout in half. (If you’re helping a child, have an adult do the cutting.)

2. Toss with Oil and Seasonings

• Put the cut Brussels sprouts in a large mixing bowl.
• Add the olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a little pepper.
• Toss everything together so each sprout is shiny and coated with oil.

3. Arrange on Baking Sheet

• Line a baking sheet or roasting pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Spread the Brussels sprouts out in a single layer. Make sure they aren’t crowded so they get crispy.

4. Start Roasting

• Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C).
• Roast for 15 minutes.

5. Add Cranberries and Pecans

• Carefully take the pan out of the oven using oven mitts.
• Sprinkle the cranberries and chopped pecans over the sprouts.
• Give everything a gentle toss so the toppings are mixed in.

6. Roast Until Golden

• Put the pan back in the oven.
• Roast for 8 to 10 more minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are golden and the cranberries are soft.

7. Finish and Serve

• If you want, drizzle a little balsamic vinegar or honey over the top.
• Let the pan cool for a few minutes before serving.
• Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.

Serving and Decoration

Sweet Cranberry Brussels Sprouts look beautiful on any table. You can serve them right out of the oven, warm and fresh. Try these ideas to make your dish look extra special:

• Arrange on a Pretty Plate: Place the Brussels sprouts in a colorful bowl or on a serving platter. Sprinkle a few extra fresh cranberries or chopped pecans on top for color and crunch.
• Add a Little Green: Sprinkle some fresh parsley or green onions over the sprouts for a pop of green.
• Drizzle for Shine: If you like, add a light drizzle of balsamic vinegar or honey for extra shine and flavor.

These Brussels sprouts taste great on their own or as a side with chicken, turkey, or even a simple bowl of rice. They’re perfect for holiday meals or everyday dinners.

Storing Sweet Cranberry Brussels Sprouts

• In the Fridge: Let leftovers cool, then place them in a container with a lid. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: To reheat, spread the sprouts on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or microwave in a bowl for a minute or two. They will taste best warmed up, not cold.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Even Cooking: Try to cut the Brussels sprouts into halves that are about the same size. This way, they roast evenly.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: Give the sprouts space on the pan. Crowding will make them steam instead of roast.
• Watch Closely: Cranberries roast quickly. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burst or burn.
• Add Sweetness Last: If you’re using honey or syrup, drizzle it on after roasting so the sprouts don’t get too sticky or brown.

Nutrition

Here’s an easy-to-read nutrition estimate for one serving (about ¼ of the recipe):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	170
Protein	3g
Carbohydrates	15g
Fat	12g
Fiber	5g
Sugar	5g
Sodium	120mg

Nutrition values may vary depending on brands and ingredient amounts.

Sweet Cranberry Brussels Sprouts FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
A: Yes, but thaw and dry them first for best roasting results.

Q: What if I don’t have fresh cranberries?
A: Dried cranberries work, but add them only in the last 2 minutes so they don’t burn.

Q: Are these sweet or tangy?
A: The dish is lightly sweet from cranberries and pecans, with a hint of tartness. You can make it sweeter by adding honey or maple syrup.

Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Yes, roast earlier in the day and reheat in the oven before serving.

Conclusion

Sweet Cranberry Brussels Sprouts are a fun and colorful side dish. Roasting brings out a nutty flavor in the sprouts, while cranberries and pecans make every bite interesting. This recipe is a gentle, delicious way to try Brussels sprouts—great for family dinners, holidays, or anytime you want a healthy veggie with a little twist.