Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries: 5 Irresistible Tips to Love

Name: Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries: 5 Irresistible Tips to Love
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved; 1 cup fresh cranberries; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; Salt to taste; Pepper to taste

Posted on December 3, 2025

Posted by Georgina sami

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this delightful dish—Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries! It’s the perfect combination of savory and sweet, and honestly, it’s like a cozy hug on your plate. The earthy flavors of the Brussels sprouts mingle beautifully with the tartness of fresh cranberries, creating a mouthwatering experience that’s both comforting and exciting. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up! In just about 35 minutes, you can have a stunning side dish that pairs perfectly with almost anything. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just looking for a tasty addition to your weeknight meals, this recipe is a winner. Trust me, your taste buds will be singing!

Ingredients List

1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
1 cup fresh cranberries
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

How to Prepare Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries

Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is super important because a hot oven helps the Brussels sprouts roast evenly, giving them that lovely golden color and crispiness we all crave. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part!

Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Now, grab those beautiful Brussels sprouts! In a large bowl, toss the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, along with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of pepper. Make sure they’re all coated evenly—this is crucial for getting that delicious flavor infused into every bite. It’s like giving them a little spa treatment!

Arrange on Baking Sheet

Next up, spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts out on a baking sheet in a single layer. This gives them room to breathe and roast properly. If they’re too crowded, you might end up with soggy sprouts instead of crispy ones, and we definitely don’t want that!

Add Cranberries

Now it’s time to add the cranberries! Scatter 1 cup of fresh cranberries over the Brussels sprouts on the baking sheet. The tartness of the cranberries balances the savory flavors perfectly, and they’ll burst with sweetness as they roast. Yum!

Roast the Mixture

Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and roast for about 20-25 minutes. Keep a close eye on them! You’ll know they’re ready when the Brussels sprouts are golden and tender. Give them a little shake halfway through if you can, just to ensure they’re roasting evenly. The smell will be absolutely divine!

Drizzle with Balsamic Vinegar

Finally, when they come out of the oven all roasted and gorgeous, drizzle a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar over the top before serving. This little touch elevates the flavor to a whole new level, adding a tangy sweetness that complements everything beautifully. Now, dig in and enjoy your fabulous Brussels sprouts with cranberries!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on the nutritional goodness packed in these Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries! Each serving is roughly estimated to deliver:

Calories: 150
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Sugar: 5g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 120mg
Cholesterol: 0mg

This dish is not only delicious but also nutrient-rich, making it a fantastic addition to any meal. Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes you use, but rest assured, you’re treating yourself to something wholesome!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare: In just about 35 minutes, you can have a delicious side dish on your table that looks like it took hours to make!
Combines savory and sweet flavors: The earthy Brussels sprouts paired with the tart cranberries create a flavor explosion that’s sure to impress your taste buds.
Nutrient-rich side dish: Packed with vitamins and fiber, this dish not only tastes amazing but also brings some healthy goodness to your meal!

Tips for Success

To make sure your Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips that I swear by:

Adjust Cooking Times: Everyone’s oven is a bit different, so keep an eye on those sprouts! If you like them extra crispy, feel free to roast them a few minutes longer, but be careful not to let them burn. You want that beautiful golden brown, not charred black!
Experiment with Dried Cranberries: If you happen to have dried cranberries on hand, they can add a delightful chewy texture and a slightly different flavor profile. Just toss them in during the last 5 minutes of roasting so they get warm but don’t overcook.
Season to Your Liking: Don’t hesitate to tweak the salt and pepper levels according to your taste. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for an extra layer of flavor—yum!
Check for Tenderness: If you prefer your Brussels sprouts on the softer side, just give them a poke with a fork halfway through roasting. If they’re still a bit firm for your liking, pop them back in the oven for a few more minutes.
Fresh Ingredients Matter: Whenever possible, use fresh cranberries and good-quality olive oil. It really makes a difference in flavor and elevates the dish!

With these tips, you’ll be on your way to mastering this delightful side dish and impressing everyone at the table. Happy cooking!

Variations

One of the best things about Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries is how versatile it is! You can easily customize this dish to suit your taste or the season. Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

Add Nuts: For a delightful crunch, toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans just before serving. They add a lovely texture and a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sprouts and cranberries.
Incorporate Cheese: Crumbled feta or goat cheese can add a creamy tang that elevates the dish. Just sprinkle it on top right before serving for a delicious finishing touch.
Spice It Up: If you enjoy a little kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some cayenne pepper to the Brussels sprouts before roasting. It adds a warm heat that balances the sweetness of the cranberries beautifully.
Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can bring an aromatic flair to the dish. Just sprinkle some chopped herbs over the sprouts before they go into the oven for an extra layer of flavor.
Maple Glaze: For a sweet twist, drizzle a little maple syrup over the Brussels sprouts and cranberries before roasting. It adds a lovely caramelized touch that’s simply irresistible!
Citrus Zest: Grating some lemon or orange zest over the finished dish can brighten the flavors and add a refreshing note. This is especially nice during the winter months!

Feel free to mix and match these variations to create your perfect version of this dish. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to find your favorite combination!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve made a delicious batch of Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries, and now you’ve got some leftovers—lucky you! Proper storage is key to keeping those sprouts tasting fresh and fabulous. Here’s how I do it:

Storing Leftovers: Allow the Brussels sprouts to cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re like me and want to savor them longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or a sealable bag, and they’ll keep for about 2 months.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, I recommend reheating them in the oven to retain that delightful crispiness. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), spread the sprouts on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. If you don’t mind a bit of sogginess, you can also pop them in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, but they won’t have that same roasted texture.
Optional Freshening: If you’re reheating, consider adding a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of balsamic vinegar before warming them up. It’ll help bring back that vibrant flavor and make them taste almost like new!

With these tips, you can enjoy your Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries for days, and trust me, they’ll still be a delightful addition to your meals! Happy eating!

For more delicious recipes, check out our Shredded Brussels Sprout Salad or learn how to make Cranberry Orange Glazed Brussels Sprouts.