Irresistible Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Crispy Bacon, Sweet Cranberries & Crunchy Pecans

For many, the mention of Brussels sprouts conjures images of soggy, sulfurous vegetables that were perhaps endured rather than enjoyed. This unfortunate reputation often stems from improper cooking methods like boiling or steaming, which can indeed lead to an unpleasant texture and aroma. However, when prepared correctly, Brussels sprouts transform into a truly spectacular side dish, boasting a delightful combination of flavors and textures that can convert even the staunchest skeptics. This recipe for oven-roasted Brussels sprouts promises to deliver just that: perfectly caramelized, tender-crisp on the outside, and incredibly flavorful on the inside.

The magic happens in the oven, where high heat coaxes out the natural sweetness of the sprouts, creating beautifully browned edges and a tender interior. But we don’t stop there. To elevate these humble green globes into a show-stopping dish, we pair them with a trio of complementary ingredients: smoky, savory bacon; sweet and tart dried cranberries; and delightfully crunchy pecans. This combination creates a symphony of tastes and textures that is truly irresistible. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of salty, sweet, savory, and tangy notes, along with the satisfying crunch of pecans and crispy bacon against the tender sprouts.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: A Flavorful Transformation

I firmly believe that most people who claim to dislike Brussels sprouts have simply never experienced them cooked to perfection. The common culprits—boiled or steamed versions—tend to be soft, watery, and can intensify the vegetable’s natural bitter notes. It’s no wonder such experiences might deter anyone from giving them a second chance! This recipe, however, is designed to change minds and hearts, proving that Brussels sprouts can be not just palatable, but utterly delicious.

The key to unlocking their true potential lies in high-heat roasting. This method caramelizes the natural sugars in the sprouts, developing a rich, nutty flavor and creating those coveted crispy edges while keeping the inside tender. To further enhance their appeal, we toss them with ingredients that provide a dynamic contrast in both taste and texture, creating a truly well-rounded dish perfect for any occasion, especially a festive holiday spread. The combination of savory bacon, tart-sweet cranberries, and earthy pecans ensures a complex flavor profile that will leave everyone asking for more.

Let’s break down the role of each star ingredient in this spectacular side dish:

• Bacon: The undisputed champion of savory additions, bacon brings much-needed saltiness, a rich umami depth, and a wonderful smoky flavor. As it cooks, the rendered bacon fat coats the Brussels sprouts, infusing them with incredible flavor and contributing to their golden-brown crispiness. Plus, who can resist crispy bacon bits?
• Dried Cranberries: These vibrant gems introduce a delightful burst of sweet and tart flavor. Their chewiness provides a pleasant counterpoint to the crisp sprouts and bacon, and their festive color makes the dish visually appealing, especially for holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
• Pecans: Adding a crucial textural element, pecans contribute a satisfying crunch and a warm, buttery, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Toasted pecans offer an even deeper aroma and taste, rounding out the dish with an extra layer of sophistication.

Together, these ingredients create a symphony of flavors and textures, making this a perfectly balanced and incredibly satisfying side dish that will undoubtedly earn a permanent spot on your menu.

Are Brussels Sprouts Healthy? Absolutely!

Beyond their amazing taste and versatility, Brussels sprouts are nutritional powerhouses. They are an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals, making them a fantastic addition to any diet, especially as a healthier counterpoint to richer holiday meals. Incorporating them into your spread can help you feel satisfied without the heavy feeling often associated with festive feasts.

Here’s a closer look at their impressive nutritional profile:

• High in Fiber: Brussels sprouts are rich in dietary fiber, which is crucial for digestive health. Fiber helps regulate blood sugar levels, promotes satiety (making you feel full longer), and aids in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.
• Vitamin K: These mini cabbages are packed with Vitamin K, a fat-soluble vitamin vital for blood clotting and bone health. Adequate Vitamin K intake is associated with stronger bones and a lower risk of fractures.
• Vitamin C: A single serving of Brussels sprouts provides a significant amount of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system, promotes collagen production for healthy skin, and helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• Low in Calories and Carbohydrates: For those mindful of calorie or carbohydrate intake, Brussels sprouts are an ideal choice. They offer substantial nutritional benefits without contributing excessive calories, making them a smart and delicious addition to balanced meals.
• Other Nutrients: They also contain good amounts of Vitamin A, folate, potassium, and manganese, all contributing to overall well-being.

So, yes, these tasty little sprouts are not only delicious but also incredibly good for you, offering a wealth of health benefits in every bite. They are a brilliant way to sneak more nutritious vegetables into your holiday dinner, adding a vibrant green to your plate that’s both appealing and beneficial.

Why Do Brussels Sprouts Cause Gas? Understanding the Mechanism

It’s a common complaint, and there’s a good reason why Brussels sprouts (and other cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage) can sometimes lead to gas and bloating. The culprits are certain types of carbohydrates that our bodies find challenging to digest.

• Cellulose: Brussels sprouts contain cellulose, a complex carbohydrate that forms the structural component of plant cell walls. While fiber is generally good for us, cellulose can be difficult for our digestive enzymes to break down completely in the small intestine.
• Raffinose: Even more significant is raffinose, a type of oligosaccharide (a sugar molecule composed of multiple simple sugars). Humans lack the enzyme alpha-galactosidase, which is necessary to break down raffinose in the small intestine.

Because these compounds aren’t fully digested in the small intestine, they travel to the large intestine and colon. There, the resident gut bacteria get to work fermenting them. This fermentation process produces various gases, including carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and methane, which can lead to bloating, discomfort, and yes, sometimes rather smelly flatulence. The characteristic sulfurous odor is often due to compounds like glucosinolates, which are broken down into sulfur-containing compounds during both cooking and digestion.

If you’re particularly sensitive to these effects, or if you’re hosting guests who might be, there are a few considerations:

• Portion Control: Enjoying Brussels sprouts in moderation can help minimize potential gas.
• Thorough Cooking: While roasting is great for flavor, ensuring they are cooked thoroughly can also make them a bit easier to digest compared to undercooked versions.
• Enzyme Supplements: Some people find over-the-counter enzyme supplements (like Beano, which contains alpha-galactosidase) helpful when consuming gas-producing foods.

Alternatively, if you’re worried about having gas after a holiday meal, either avoid the Brussels sprouts altogether, or make sure you send your guests home soon after dinner! But for most, the delicious flavor and health benefits outweigh the minor risk of a little post-meal gas.

How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts: A Simple Guide

Preparing these delicious roasted Brussels sprouts is incredibly straightforward, making it an ideal side dish for busy holidays or weeknight dinners. The oven does most of the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your meal preparation. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to achieving perfectly crispy and flavorful sprouts every time:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to a high temperature, 450°F (230°C). High heat is crucial for achieving that desirable caramelization and crispy texture. While the oven preheats, you can prepare the sprouts and bacon.
2. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Begin by washing your Brussels sprouts thoroughly under cold running water. It’s important to pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Excess moisture will steam the sprouts instead of roasting them, preventing them from getting crispy. Trim off the tough stem ends and remove any loose or yellowed outer leaves. For smaller sprouts, you can leave them whole, but for most standard-sized sprouts, cut them in half lengthwise. Halving them increases the surface area for browning and ensures even cooking.
3. Season and Combine: Place the halved Brussels sprouts in a large bowl. Drizzle generously with olive oil and sprinkle with fine sea salt. Toss everything together until the sprouts are evenly coated. Next, add the chopped bacon to the bowl with the sprouts and toss again to combine. The bacon will render its fat as it cooks, further flavoring the sprouts.
4. Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts and chopped bacon in a single layer on a large baking sheet. It’s vital not to overcrowd the pan. If the pan is too full, the sprouts will steam instead of roast, leading to a softer, less crispy result. If necessary, use two baking sheets to ensure ample space for browning.
5. Roast to Perfection: Transfer the baking sheet(s) to the preheated oven and roast for 20-30 minutes. The exact timing will depend on the size of your sprouts and your oven’s temperament. Halfway through the cooking time (around 10-15 minutes), give the sprouts and bacon a good stir or toss with a spatula to ensure even browning. You’re looking for sprouts that are tender on the inside, with beautifully browned and slightly crispy edges, and bacon that is perfectly rendered and crisp.
6. Add Cranberries and Pecans: Once the Brussels sprouts are roasted to your liking, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Immediately add the dried cranberries and toasted pecans to the hot pan. Toss everything together vigorously. The residual heat from the sprouts and the pan will warm the cranberries and pecans, allowing their flavors to meld beautifully with the sprouts and bacon.
7. Serve Immediately: Transfer the roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, cranberries, and pecans to a serving dish and serve warm.

That’s it! It’s ridiculously easy, as the oven’s doing most of the work, so you can focus on the other dishes for the big Thanksgiving dinner or simply enjoy a fantastic weeknight side. This simple yet sophisticated dish proves that Brussels sprouts can be a culinary delight, capable of winning over even the most skeptical palates.

Tips for Achieving Perfectly Roasted Brussels Sprouts Every Time

• Don’t Crowd the Pan: This is arguably the most important tip for crispy roasted vegetables. If the Brussels sprouts are piled on top of each other, they will steam instead of roast, resulting in a soft, soggy texture. Use one or two large baking sheets to ensure a single layer and plenty of space for air circulation.
• Pat Dry: Wet Brussels sprouts will steam. Always wash them and then pat them thoroughly dry before tossing with oil and seasonings.
• High Heat is Key: Roasting at 400-450°F (200-230°C) is essential for achieving caramelization and crispy edges. Lower temperatures will just cook them through without developing that delicious browning.
• Cut Evenly: For consistent cooking, ensure all Brussels sprouts are roughly the same size. Halving larger sprouts and leaving smaller ones whole works well.
• Use Good Quality Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavor and helps with browning.
• Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt. It brings out the flavor of the sprouts and helps with browning. A pinch of black pepper or a dash of garlic powder can also be added.
• Customize Your Add-ins: While bacon, cranberries, and pecans are a fantastic trio, feel free to experiment! Try walnuts or almonds instead of pecans, or add a drizzle of maple syrup or balsamic glaze for extra sweetness and tang. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can also be lovely.
• Batch Cook for Meal Prep: Roasted Brussels sprouts are excellent for meal prepping. Make a large batch and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer to regain some crispiness.

If you want to try a different take on roasted Brussels sprouts, try this recipe for Brussels sprouts on skewers for a fun presentation and an equally delicious outcome. Whichever way you choose to prepare them, you’re in for a treat!

More Thanksgiving Dishes and Desserts!

This roasted Brussels sprouts recipe makes a perfect addition to any holiday table, especially for Thanksgiving. If you’re looking to round out your feast, here are some other delightful recipes, ranging from classic pies to savory stuffings and comforting soups:

• Apple Pie with Oat Pecan Streusel
• Vegan & Gluten-free Pumpkin Pie
• Vegan & Gluten-free Rice Stuffing
• Lazy Girl’s Vegan Pumpkin Soup
• Pumpkin Sheet Cake with Vanilla Frosting (Lifestyle of a Foodie)
• Blueberry Sour Cream Pie (In Fine Taste)
• Cranberry Ginger Punch (Wonder & Charm)
• Pumpkin Crunch (Keeping It Relle)
• Maple Butter Bread Rolls (The Not So Creative Cook)
• Thai Style Sweet Potato Balls (Cooking with Nart)

Whether you’re planning a grand holiday feast or simply seeking a delicious and healthy side dish for any occasion, these roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, cranberries, and pecans are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They offer an exceptional blend of textures and flavors, proving that even the most maligned vegetables can become culinary stars when given the proper treatment.

SAVE TO PINTEREST FOR LATER!