Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Cranberry and Bacon
Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Cranberry and Bacon: A Festive Side Dish
When it comes to holiday meals, side dishes are just as important as the main course. While mashed potatoes and stuffing are always crowd-pleasers, sometimes it’s fun to shake things up with something new and exciting. Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Cranberry and Bacon is the perfect side dish to do just that!
This recipe offers a unique twist on traditional Brussels sprouts. Roasting the Brussels sprouts gives them a crispy, caramelized exterior, while the crispy bacon adds a savory crunch. The tartness of the cranberries brings a sweet contrast, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze elevates the dish with an extra layer of flavor. It’s the perfect combination of savory and sweet, making it an ideal side for your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Simple Ingredients: This dish uses only a handful of ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. The Brussels sprouts, bacon, and cranberries come together in an easy-to-make side that’s bursting with flavor.
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Savory-Sweet Flavor: The balance of crispy Brussels sprouts, salty bacon, and tart cranberries creates an irresistible flavor combination that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
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Quick and Easy: Roasting Brussels sprouts is a hands-off process that lets you focus on other parts of your meal. This recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes!
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Perfect for the Holidays: With its festive colors and flavors, this dish is perfect for holiday dinners or any special occasion. It pairs beautifully with everything from turkey to ham.
How to Make Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Cranberry and Bacon
Making these crispy Brussels sprouts is as simple as tossing them with olive oil and seasoning, roasting them in the oven, and finishing them off with crispy bacon and sweet cranberries. The result is a vibrant, flavorful side dish that will steal the show at your next holiday meal.
Tips for Perfect Brussels Sprouts:
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Cut Evenly: For uniform roasting, be sure to cut the Brussels sprouts in half and make sure they’re all roughly the same size.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you want perfectly crispy Brussels sprouts, give them plenty of space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding the pan can cause them to steam rather than roast, resulting in less crispy sprouts.
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Crispy Bacon: While the Brussels sprouts roast, cook your bacon to crispy perfection. Crumble it up and sprinkle it on top of the Brussels sprouts once they’re done roasting for that irresistible crunch.
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Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle of balsamic glaze at the end adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that ties all the flavors together.
Perfect Pairing:
These Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Cranberry and Bacon would pair beautifully with any holiday meal. They complement turkey, ham, or roast chicken, and they’re a great way to balance out the richness of other side dishes like mashed potatoes or stuffing. You can even serve them as a starter at your holiday gathering!
If you’re looking for a unique and delicious side dish for your next holiday meal, these Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Cranberry and Bacon are a must-try. They’re quick to make, bursting with flavor, and sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas feast, or just looking to add something new to your regular rotation, this recipe will become a fast favorite.
Give it a try, and let us know how it turns out in the comments below! Happy cooking and happy holidays!
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Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Cranberry and Bacon
Course: SidesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: EasyCrispy Brussels Sprouts with Cranberry and Bacon is a perfect blend of savory and sweet! Roasted Brussels sprouts are paired with crispy bacon and tart cranberries, creating a deliciously unique side dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next holiday meal. Simple, flavorful, and full of texture!
Ingredients
1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
4 slices bacon, chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Brussels sprouts: Trim the Brussels sprouts by cutting off the stems and removing any yellow or outer leaves. Cut them in half.
- Toss and season: In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until well-coated. Spread them out on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast the Brussels sprouts: Roast the Brussels sprouts in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the sprouts are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Cook the bacon: While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, cook the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until crispy. Remove from the skillet and drain on a paper towel.
- Combine and serve: Once the Brussels sprouts are done, transfer them to a serving dish. Sprinkle the crispy bacon and dried cranberries over the top. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, if using, and serve warm.
