Crispy Brussels Sprouts Recipe with Bacon, Pecans & Cranberries

Crispy, golden brussels sprouts dance with smoky bacon in a seasonal side dish that promises to steal the spotlight at any gathering.

This brussels sprouts with bacon, pecans, and cranberries recipe brings together a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

Caramelized edges and rich, nutty undertones create a delightful contrast in every bite.

The combination of salty bacon, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans transforms ordinary vegetables into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Roasted to perfection, these brussels sprouts offer a delectable blend of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll find this dish impossible to resist, with its perfect balance of savory and sweet elements.

Prepare to be amazed by this simple yet spectacular side that elevates your meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 3

Everything Inside Brussels Sprouts With Bacon, Pecans, And Cranberries

• Bacon: Adds smoky, salty depth and crispy texture to the dish, choose thick-cut for maximum crunch and rich flavor.
• Pecans: Provides nutty crunch and earthy undertones, select fresh, plump nuts without any rancid smell.

• Brussels Sprouts: Delivers hearty, slightly bitter green base with caramelized edges, pick firm, compact sprouts with bright green color and no yellow leaves.
• Olive Oil: Helps create golden, crispy exterior and supports even cooking, use extra virgin for best flavor profile.

• Cranberries: Introduces tangy, sweet burst of color and flavor, opt for dried cranberries without added sugars.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Brings complex, slightly acidic note that balances richness, choose aged balsamic for deeper taste.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create glossy glaze, select local or raw honey for more intense flavor.

• Salt: Enhances overall taste and helps draw out natural vegetable flavors.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and aromatic depth to the dish.

What Tools You’ll Need For Brussels Sprouts With Bacon, Pecans, And Cranberries

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking bacon and Brussels sprouts with perfect caramelization.
• Slotted spoon: Helps remove crispy bacon while draining excess fat.
• Paper towels: Perfect for draining bacon and absorbing extra grease.
• Small dry skillet: Ideal for toasting pecans to enhance their nutty flavor.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Useful for stirring and moving ingredients around while cooking.
• Serving dish: Needed to present the final delicious side dish.

Steps To Make Brussels Sprouts With Bacon, Pecans, And Cranberries

• Bacon Transformation

Cook chopped bacon in a large skillet until perfectly crisp. Transfer bacon to a paper towel, keeping a small amount of fat in the pan for extra flavor.

• Sprout Caramelization

Heat remaining bacon fat and add Brussels sprouts cut-side down. Let them sizzle and develop a golden crust without moving for several minutes. Gently stir and season with salt and pepper, cooking until tender with a slight crunch.

• Nutty Enhancement

Warm pecans in a separate pan until they release a rich, toasty aroma. Set aside to add later.

• Flavor Fusion

Toss crispy bacon and cranberries into the skillet with Brussels sprouts. Drizzle with a splash of balsamic vinegar and honey, creating a glossy, sweet-tangy coating.

• Final Presentation

Transfer the vibrant mixture to a serving dish. Sprinkle toasted pecans on top for a delightful crunch. Serve immediately while everything is warm and inviting.

Tasty Tips For Brussels Sprouts With Bacon, Pecans, And Cranberries

• Perfect Roasting Technique: Use a heavy-based skillet to achieve maximum caramelization on Brussels sprouts, ensuring each piece develops a rich golden-brown exterior without burning.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare bacon and toast pecans in advance, storing separately in airtight containers. This trick saves time and allows faster final dish assembly when you're ready to cook.
• Dietary Swap Options: Replace bacon with smoked tempeh for vegetarian version, or use turkey bacon for lower-fat alternative. Gluten-sensitive individuals can verify balsamic vinegar's gluten-free status before adding.
• Flavor Boosting Hack: Add minced garlic or red pepper flakes during the final cooking stage for extra depth. These small additions transform the dish from good to restaurant-worthy without complicated techniques.
• Quick Storage Solution: Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain crispy texture, avoiding microwave which can make vegetables soggy and lose their delightful crunch.

Ways To Serve Brussels Sprouts With Bacon, Pecans, And Cranberries

• Festive Feast Companion: Perfect alongside roasted turkey or honey-glazed ham for a holiday meal that wows guests.
• Protein Power Plate: Pair with grilled chicken breast or seared salmon to create a balanced, nutritious dinner that combines healthy vegetables with lean protein.
• Brunch Brilliance: Serve as a unique side dish for weekend brunches, complementing egg dishes like frittatas or quiche with its sweet and savory flavor profile.
• Salad Star Transformation: Chill the Brussels sprouts mixture and toss over mixed greens for a hearty, flavorful salad that adds excitement to your lunch routine.

Storing Brussels Sprouts With Bacon, Pecans, And Cranberries Right

• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The dish maintains best texture when refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking, keeping bacon crisp and Brussels sprouts firm.
• Quick Reheat Method: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to restore crispiness. Microwave works in a pinch, but may soften the bacon and reduce overall crunchiness of ingredients.
• Ingredient Separation Tip: Keep pecans and bacon separate from Brussels sprouts mixture when storing to prevent sogginess. Add these crunchy elements fresh when reheating for maximum texture and flavor.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare components individually up to 2 days in advance. Cook bacon, toast pecans, and chop Brussels sprouts separately, then combine just before serving to maintain peak freshness and prevent wilting.

Crispy Brussels Sprouts With Bacon, Pecans, And Cranberries Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Savory brussels sprouts with bacon, pecans, and cranberries blend sweet and salty flavors into a perfect holiday side dish. Crispy bacon and toasted pecans complement tart cranberries, creating a rich, satisfying complement you’ll crave at any festive gathering.

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Ingredients

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

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Instructions

1. Bacon Preparation: Crisp bacon in a spacious skillet over medium heat until golden and rendered. Extract bacon with a slotted spoon, reserving one tablespoon of fat in the pan.
2. Brussels Sprouts Caramelization: Combine olive oil with reserved bacon fat, heating over medium-high. Position Brussels sprouts cut-side down, allowing them to develop a deep caramelized crust for 5-7 minutes without movement.
3. Seasoning and Roasting: Flip sprouts, season with salt and pepper, continuing cooking for an additional 5 minutes until tender yet maintaining a slight crunch.
4. Pecan Toasting: Simultaneously toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and golden.
5. Flavor Integration: Fold crispy bacon and cranberries into the caramelized Brussels sprouts, creating a complex flavor profile and textural harmony.
6. Final Glaze: Drizzle balsamic vinegar and honey over the mixture, tossing to ensure comprehensive coating and balanced seasoning.
7. Presentation: Transfer to a serving dish, crown with toasted pecans, and serve immediately while the dish remains warm and appetizing.

Notes

• Bacon Fat Magic: Save the rendered bacon fat for extra flavor depth, using just a tablespoon to enhance the Brussels sprouts’ caramelization.
• Crisp Caramelization Technique: Keep Brussels sprouts undisturbed for 5-7 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust, creating rich, nutty flavor notes.
• Nut Toasting Pro Tip: Toast pecans carefully, watching closely and stirring frequently to prevent burning and maximize their aromatic potential.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap bacon with smoked paprika or coconut bacon for vegetarian version; use maple syrup instead of honey for vegan adaptation.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg