Zesty Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans & Cranberries Recipe

Roasted brussels sprouts with bacon create a mouthwatering side dish that will steal the show at any dinner table.

These crispy brussels sprouts burst with savory and sweet flavors that dance across your palate.

The combination of salty bacon, crunchy pecans, and tart cranberries delivers a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Each bite offers a delightful crunch that makes vegetables irresistible.

The caramelized edges of the sprouts provide a rich, nutty undertone that complements the smoky bacon.

Prepare to transform your vegetable game with this crowd-pleasing recipe that turns humble brussels sprouts into a culinary masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, and Cranberries

• Brussels Sprouts: Hearty green vegetable with nutty flavor, select firm and compact sprouts with vibrant green color and no yellow leaves for optimal freshness.

• Bacon, Pecans: Crispy protein adds rich smokiness, bacon brings depth while pecans contribute delightful crunch and earthy undertones, choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor.

• Dried Cranberries: Bright jewel-like fruit introduces sweet-tart dimension, select plump and glossy berries that look moist and aren't overly dried.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and elevate the entire dish's taste profile, use freshly ground black pepper for most robust seasoning.

• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking fat that helps achieve golden caramelization, opt for extra virgin olive oil for superior flavor and quality.

Tools You’ll Need for Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, and Cranberries

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking bacon and sautéing Brussels sprouts evenly.
• Chef's Knife: Perfect for trimming and slicing Brussels sprouts precisely.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir and move ingredients while cooking.
• Serving Platter: Allows for beautiful presentation of the finished dish.

How to Make Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, and Cranberries

• Trim Brussels Sprouts

Slice those little green gems in half, getting them ready for a flavor adventure. Smaller cuts work great if you want bite-sized pieces.

• Crisp the Bacon

Fire up your skillet and transform bacon into crackling, golden delights. Once perfectly crisp, chop into tempting bits and set aside. Leave that magical bacon grease in the pan for extra tastiness.

• Sizzle the Sprouts

Toss Brussels sprouts into the bacon-seasoned skillet. Let them dance and sear until they develop gorgeous caramelized edges, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning.

• Introduce Nutty Friends

Sprinkle in toasted pecans and tangy cranberries. Give everything a quick swirl, letting the ingredients mingle and warm through for a couple minutes.

• Final Touch

Shake some salt and pepper over the skillet for that perfect seasoning. Transfer your gorgeous creation to a serving dish, crown with crispy bacon bits, and get ready to wow everyone at the table.

Cooking Notes for Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, and Cranberries

• Quick Caramelization Secret: Pat Brussels sprouts completely dry before sautéing to achieve gorgeous golden-brown edges that give incredible crispy texture.
• Bacon Swap Option: For vegetarian friends, replace bacon with smoked almonds or tempeh bacon to maintain that rich, smoky flavor profile without meat.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare components separately up to two days in advance. Crisp the Brussels sprouts just before serving to preserve their perfect crunch and prevent sogginess.
• Low-Carb Friendly Twist: Reduce dried cranberries or swap for lower-sugar options like diced green apple or chopped sugar-free dried cherries to keep the dish diabetes and keto-friendly.
• Flavor Boost Technique: Toast pecans separately in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before adding to enhance their natural nutty essence and create deeper, more complex taste layers in the final dish.

Serving Tips for Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, and Cranberries

• Festive Holiday Side Dish: Perfect for family gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, this colorful vegetable dish brings excitement to the table with its festive mix of colors and textures.
• Elegant Appetizer Presentation: Arrange the Brussels sprouts on a beautiful white platter, garnish with extra pecans and cranberries for a sophisticated look that will impress guests at dinner parties or potlucks.
• Protein-Packed Meal Topper: Serve over grilled chicken or mixed into quinoa for a hearty lunch option that transforms the side dish into a complete, nutritious meal with added protein and flavor complexity.
• Gourmet Salad Enhancement: Chop the cooked Brussels sprouts and mix into a warm salad with mixed greens, adding a delightful crunch and smoky bacon flavor that elevates a simple green salad into a gourmet experience.

Storage Guide for Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, and Cranberries

• Refrigeration and Freshness: Store leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container within the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Crisp texture works best when consumed quickly after preparation.
• Reheating Strategy: Warm up cold Brussels sprouts in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. This method helps maintain the original crispiness and prevents soggy results compared to microwave heating.
• Advance Meal Preparation: Chop Brussels sprouts and cook bacon one day before serving. Keep ingredients separately in sealed containers to maintain quality. Combine and reheat just before mealtime for maximum flavor and texture.
• Freezing Options: Not recommended for this recipe. Pecans, cranberries, and Brussels sprouts lose their delightful crunch and become mushy when frozen and thawed. Best enjoyed fresh within a few days of cooking.

Crispy Brussels Sprouts With Bacon, Pecans, And Cranberries Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory brussels sprouts with bacon, pecans, and cranberries combine festive holiday flavors in a hearty side dish. Crisp sprouts roasted with smoky bacon and sweet cranberries create a delightful plate you’ll want to share at gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (500 g) brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• ⅓ cup pecans, roughly chopped
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Trim Brussels sprouts and slice in half, ensuring uniform size for even cooking and perfect caramelization.
2. Bacon Rendering: Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, remove and crumble while preserving the rendered fat in the pan.
3. Sprout Sautéing: Utilize bacon drippings to sauté Brussels sprouts, adding minimal olive oil if necessary, rotating to achieve a golden-brown exterior and tender core, approximately 6-7 minutes.
4. Flavor Integration: Introduce roasted pecans and dried cranberries into the caramelized sprouts, gently folding to blend flavors and heat ingredients thoroughly.
5. Seasoning and Finishing: Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural sweetness of sprouts and complement the smoky bacon undertones.
6. Presentation: Transfer the culinary creation to a serving platter, garnishing with reserved bacon crumbles to create a visually stunning and flavor-packed dish.

Notes

• Precision Cutting: Ensure Brussels sprouts are halved uniformly to guarantee even cooking and perfect caramelization, preventing some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked.
• Fat Management: Use reserved bacon fat for sautéing to intensify flavor; add minimal olive oil only if needed to prevent sticking and enhance the dish’s rich, smoky profile.
• Heat Control: Maintain medium heat during cooking to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning, allowing Brussels sprouts to develop a crispy texture while remaining tender inside.
• Flavor Balancing: Layer ingredients strategically—bacon crumbles, roasted pecans, and cranberries—to create a harmonious blend of smoky, sweet, and nutty elements that complement the sprouts’ natural earthiness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg