Savory Brussels Sprouts Recipe with Bacon, Pecans & Cranberries

My kitchen experiments with brussels sprouts have taken delightful turns lately.

Bold flavors can completely change this humble vegetable’s reputation.

Crispy bacon pieces add unexpected depth to the vegetable’s natural earthiness.

Roasted pecans bring a nutty crunch that complements the caramelized sprout edges.

Sweet dried cranberries offer a burst of brightness against the savory elements.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

You’ll want to make this dish again and again for every gathering.

What Makes Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Stand Out

• This recipe comes together in just 15-20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute side dishes.
• Crispy bacon, toasted pecans, and tart cranberries combine to deliver an incredible mix of textures and tastes that will excite your taste buds.
• Brussels sprouts pack a powerful nutritional punch, offering high fiber and vitamins while the added ingredients make them irresistibly tasty.
• This side dish works beautifully for thanksgiving, christmas gatherings, or any special meal where you want to impress guests with a stunning vegetable accompaniment.

All You Need for Brussels with Bacon and Cranberries

Main Ingredients:

• Brussels Sprouts: Fresh green vegetable with a nutty flavor, best when bright green and firm without blemishes.

• Bacon, Pecans: Crispy protein and crunchy nuts that add richness and savory depth to the dish, choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor.

• Dried Cranberries, Salt, Pepper: Sweet-tart fruit and seasonings that balance and brighten the overall taste profile.

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds a smooth cooking base for Brussels sprouts.

How to Cook This Sweet and Savory Side Dish

Step 1: Trim and Slice Sprouts

Wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly. Slice off the tough stem ends and cut each sprout in half vertically. For extra crispiness, ensure the sprouts are completely dry before cooking.

Step 2: Render Bacon to Perfection

• Move bacon around occasionally
• Watch for even browning
• Remove when deep mahogany color appears

Transfer bacon to paper towel-lined plate. Crumble once cooled.

Step 3: Sear Brussels Sprouts

• Arrange sprouts cut-side down
• Cook without moving for 4-5 minutes
• Allow natural caramelization to develop
• Aim for deep golden-brown exterior
• Flip and cook additional 2-3 minutes

Step 4: Toast Nutty Pecans

In a separate dry skillet, toast pecans until fragrant and lightly browned. Shake pan frequently to prevent burning.

Step 5: Combine Flavor Boosters

• Toasted pecans
• Dried cranberries
• Crumbled bacon
• Pinch of kosher salt
• Fresh cracked black pepper

Step 6: Final Flourish

Gently mix all ingredients. Transfer to serving dish. Optional: Drizzle with balsamic glaze for extra tang.

Tips for Crispy Edges and Balanced Flavor

• Slice Evenly: Cut Brussels sprouts uniformly to ensure consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked.
• Maximize Bacon Flavor: Use the leftover bacon grease in the skillet to saute Brussels sprouts, adding depth and richness to the dish.
• Toast Pecans Carefully: Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before adding to the recipe to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent burning.
• Control Crispiness: Avoid overcrowding the skillet when sauteing Brussels sprouts to achieve a golden, crispy exterior instead of steaming them.
• Balance Sweet and Savory: Add dried cranberries at the end of cooking to provide a sweet contrast to the salty bacon and caramelized Brussels sprouts.

How to Save Leftovers Without Losing Crunch

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the dish fresh and maintaining its delicious flavors.
• Warm the Brussels sprouts in a skillet over medium heat, stirring gently to prevent burning and restore the crispy texture of the vegetables and bacon.
• Quickly reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Sprinkle additional toasted pecans just before serving to revive the dish's crispy texture and add a fresh nutty flavor.

Main Courses That Match This Brussels

• Choose a robust Pinot Noir or Syrah that complements the richness of bacon and the earthiness of Brussels sprouts, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
• Serve alongside roasted chicken or grilled pork tenderloin, which will enhance the nutty pecans and sweet-tangy cranberries in the dish.
• Crumble fresh goat cheese over the top to add a creamy, tangy element that cuts through the smoky bacon and brings out the caramelized sprouts' depth.
• Pour a cold, light beer like a Belgian-style wheat ale or a citrusy saison to cleanse the palate and provide a refreshing contrast to the dish's rich ingredients.

Variations for Different Taste Preferences

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace bacon with smoked tempeh or coconut bacon, use olive oil instead of bacon grease, and keep pecans and cranberries for a plant-based version.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Swap dried cranberries with fresh raspberries or blackberries, use pancetta instead of bacon, and add extra toasted almonds for crunch.
• Gluten-Free Herb Blend: Keep ingredients the same, but add fresh thyme or rosemary for additional flavor. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Replace pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, maintain original cooking method, and keep all other ingredients consistent for those with nut allergies.

Common Questions About This Holiday Favorite

• Are Brussels sprouts healthy?

Brussels sprouts are nutrient powerhouses packed with vitamins K and C, fiber, and antioxidants. They support heart health, reduce inflammation, and help maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the bacon and replace it with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar depth of flavor. You can also use coconut bacon or tempeh bacon as alternatives.

• How do I prevent Brussels sprouts from becoming bitter?

To reduce bitterness, ensure you don’t overcook them. Sauteing quickly at high heat helps caramelize the natural sugars, creating a sweeter taste. Cutting them in half also helps distribute heat evenly and minimize bitterness.

• What if I'm allergic to nuts?

Simply omit the pecans or replace them with roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds. These alternatives provide a similar crunch and nutritional profile without the nut allergens.

Brussels Sprouts With Bacon, Pecans, And Cranberries Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Festive Brussels Sprouts Dance with crispy bacon, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans in this irresistible side dish. Seasonal comfort meets bold flavors, creating a memorable bite that will delight you at any holiday gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 500 g (1 pound) brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 4 slices bacon, chopped

Nuts and Dried Fruits:

• ⅓ cup pecans, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup dried cranberries

Seasoning and Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Meticulously trim and halve the Brussels sprouts, ensuring uniform size for consistent cooking and optimal caramelization.
2. Render bacon in a spacious skillet over medium heat until achieving a perfect crisp texture, carefully extracting the strips and fragmenting them into delicate crumbles while reserving the rendered fat.
3. Leverage the residual bacon drippings to sauté the Brussels sprouts, introducing minimal olive oil if needed, and rotating them periodically to develop a rich golden-brown exterior and tender interior.
4. After approximately 6-7 minutes of sautéing, incorporate roasted pecans and vibrant dried cranberries, gently folding them into the caramelized sprouts to encourage integrated heating and flavor melding.
5. Elevate the dish with judicious seasoning of salt and freshly cracked black pepper, ensuring a balanced flavor profile that complements the inherent sweetness of the sprouts and the smoky essence of the bacon.
6. Elegantly transfer the medley to a serving platter, cascading the reserved bacon crumbles across the top, creating a visually appealing presentation that promises a symphony of textures and tastes.

Notes

• Trim Brussels sprouts carefully to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
• Use thick-cut bacon for a richer, meatier flavor that adds more depth to the dish.
• Toast pecans separately before adding to enhance their nutty aroma and prevent burning during sautéing.
• Pat Brussels sprouts dry with paper towels to achieve maximum crispiness when cooking.
• Adjust cooking time based on desired texture – shorter for crunchier, longer for softer sprouts.
• Swap bacon with pancetta or plant-based bacon for alternative dietary preferences.
• Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or maple syrup for an extra layer of sweetness and complexity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg