5-Star Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries — Kid-Approved Family Favorite

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5-Star Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries — Kid-Approved Family Favorite

Brussels Sprouts pair with creamy blue cheese, dried cranberries and crunchy pecans to create a savory side dish that is perfect for the holidays or a new way to get your family to eat their brussels sprouts. These Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries are sure to be a hit!

Brussels sprouts didn’t make it on my table very often as a child. I only really started eating them in the past 5 years because before that I never gave them a fair chance. Boy was I missing out! I have recently fallen in love with them. Today’s Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries are a new favorite. I have fallen in love with crispy brussels sprouts. A few other brussels sprout recipes I enjoy are these Roasted Balsamic Brussels Sprouts, or these Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

I love the brussels sprouts paired with creamy blue cheese or goat cheese, sweet dried cranberries and the sweet pecans. I think these really are the perfect holiday side dish for thanksgiving or christmas. Now I like all types ofbrussels sprout recipes and try to mix things up when making them. Today’s recipe does just that blue cheese or goat cheese, sweet cranberries and sweet pecans to create a pretty darn good pairing of flavors with every bite. Roasting brussels sprouts is my favorite way to make them because it helps bring out the flavor and they get a little bit crispy, which I like. You also might like brussels sprouts in salads like thisShaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Pine NutsBrussels Sprout Slawor thisBrussels Sprout Apple Goat Cheese Salad

Table of Contents

  • Recipe Ingredients
  • Recipe Variations
  • What Should I Pair With These Brussels Sprouts with Blue Cheese?
  • Recipe FAQ
  • More Brussels Sprout Recipes

Recipe Ingredients

These simple pantry staples are all you need. See the recipe card below for exact amounts and printable instructions.

  • Brussels Sprouts: The brussels sprouts are the star of the show in this side dish. I wash them and peel away any leaves that don’t look good. Then I slice them in half before roasting them. 
  • Cheese: The goat cheese or blue cheese are creamy cheeses that add a nice flavor to the dish. Some people don’t enjoy the strong flavor of blue cheese which makes goat cheese a nice lighter option. Other nice additions would be feta cheese or Parmesan cheese.
  • Nuts: The toasted pecans {or try walnuts} are a great earthy addition to the dish and also have great healthy benefits. If pecans aren’t your thing go for earthy walnuts or almonds.
  • Dried Fruit: I love the sweetness of dried cranberries with the brussels sprouts. You can also try raising or dried apricots in place of the cranberries. You also can use leftover cranberries from your holiday meal to make this dish.
5-Star Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries — Kid-Approved Family Favorite

Recipe Variations

  • Nuts: There are a variety of nuts that would be good in this salad. Try pecans, walnuts, sliced almonds, pistachios or pine nuts.
  • Cheese: Cheese is such a nice addition to this dish. Aside from blue cheese you can try gorgonzola, goat cheese, feta cheese, Parmesan cheese or mozzarella cheese.
  • Protein: Add bacon or pancetta for a savory flavor.
  • Sauces: You can add a sauce to these brussels sprouts. Try a drizzle of balsamic glaze, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup or a cranberry sauce.
  • Cranberries: Swap the dried cranberries and try fresh cranberries.
  • Spices: Some spices that would be nice when roasting the brussels sprouts are oregano, thyme, Italian seasoning or za’atar. For a smoky kick try smoked paprika. You also could use curry wpices like curry powder or garam masala.

What Should I Pair With These Brussels Sprouts with Blue Cheese?

  • I love making these brussels sprouts around the holidays which makes them the perfect match for this Herb Butter Roasted TurkeyGarlic Herb Butter Roast ChickenInstant Pot Rotisserie Chicken or this Slow Cooker Mediterranean Whole Chicken
  • I adore brussels sprouts with beef. It is one of my favorite pairings. Some recipes I especially love are this Grilled Ribeye SteakLemon Garlic Butter Grilled Ribeye or these Slow Cooker Italian Short Ribs
  • Seafood is also a nice pairing for this side dish. Try this Black Sea Bass RecipeAir Fryer Cod or this Baked Fish with Lemon Cream Sauce

Recipe FAQ

How do I pick the best fresh brussels sprouts?

When choosing brussels sprouts look for bright green, firm and free from yellowing or blemishes. Small brussels sprouts are usually sweeter and more tender while larger ones have a bit of a strong flavor.

How do I prep brussels sprouts?

Before you make your brussels sprouts make sure to wash them and let them dry thoroughly. If they are wet they won’t roast properly. Trim the stems and remove any outer leaves that are wilted or damaged. Slice sprouts in half (or quarters if they’re very large) to ensure even cooking and expose more surface area for caramelization.

How do I get crispy brussels sprouts?

Make sure to spread the sprouts in a single layer with their cut sides down and give them space. If you need to use two baking sheets that is fine. Overcrowding traps steam, preventing them from crisping.

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Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries


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  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Description

Brussels Sprouts pair with creamy blue cheese, dried cranberries and crunchy pecans to create a savory side dish that is perfect for the holidays.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. Prepare the brussels sprouts by washing and drying them thoroughly (wet sprouts won’t roast properly).Trim the stems and remove any outer leaves that are wilted or damaged.Slice sprouts in half (or quarters if they're very large) to ensure even cooking and expose more surface area for caramelization.
  3. In a large mixing bowl combine the brussels sprouts, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt and pepper. Spread on a large baking sheet {you want the brussels sprouts to have space so if it is too crowded use two baking sheets}.
  4. Roast the brussels sprouts for 20 to 30 minutes or until tender and golden brown around the edges. The exact cook time will depend on the size of your sprouts.
  5. Remove from the oven and return to the large mixing bowl. Toss in the additional 1 tablespoon olive oil, balsamic vinegar and honey.
  6. Add the blue cheese, dried cranberries and pecans. Put on a platter and serve warm.
  7. Leftovers will keep for up to 4 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish, Vegetable
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 169 kcal

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