A Cozy Brussels Sprouts Recipe with Bacon, Pecans, Cranberries, and Balsamic Glaze
There’s something utterly heartwarming about the golden glow of autumn, when the air turns crisp, and the leaves begin to dance their way down from the trees. It’s the perfect season to cozy up with family and friends over a comforting meal that warms both the soul and the heart. One dish that seamlessly captures this seasonal magic is Brussels Sprouts with Turkey Bacon, Pecans, Cranberries, and Balsamic Glaze.
Imagine the rich aroma wafting through your kitchen as tender Brussels sprouts roast to crispy perfection, mingling with savory turkey bacon and sweet, chewy cranberries. This easy weeknight dinner is not just another veggie side—it’s a celebration of flavors that will make your heart sing and your tummy rejoice. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare for busy weeknights
- A perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors
- Crispy, tender textures that are simply delightful
- A fantastic way to introduce veggies to picky eaters
- Can be made ahead for effortless entertaining
- An impressive dish to share at Holiday gatherings
What You’ll Need
To create this exciting medley of flavors, gather the following simple ingredients:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 slices of turkey bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How to Make Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, Cranberries, and Balsamic Glaze
Let’s make it together! Follow these cozy steps to create a mouthwatering dish:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until well-coated.
- Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until they are golden, tender, and crispy.
- While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, cook the turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain excess fat.
- Once the Brussels sprouts are done roasting, add them to the skillet with the turkey bacon.
- Stir in the chopped pecans and cranberries, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving for that beautiful, glossy finish.
Delicious Variations to Try
If you’re looking to mix things up a bit, here are some fun ways to customize this recipe:
- Add some zest: Toss in a bit of lemon zest to brighten the flavors.
- Go cheesy: Sprinkle some crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy twist.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a zesty kick that complements the sweetness of the cranberries.
- Get nutty: Swap the pecans for walnuts or hazelnuts for a different nutty flavor profile.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
To ensure the best results with your cozy dish, consider these tried-and-true kitchen secrets:
- Make-ahead tip: You can prepare the Brussels sprouts and bacon mixture a few hours in advance. Just reheat in the skillet before serving.
- Substitution options: If you’re not a fan of turkey bacon, feel free to use chicken sausage or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Slicing trick: Cut the Brussels sprouts in half to ensure they roast evenly and get that wonderful crispy texture!
- Storage suggestions: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven for the best texture.
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown
Here’s the nutrition information per serving:
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 300
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 7g
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! You can prepare the Brussels sprouts and bacon mixture a few hours in advance, which makes it a great option for easy entertaining.
Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the turkey bacon for your favorite alternative or use different nuts and dried fruits.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
How long does it last?
The dish will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored properly.
A Cozy Closing Note
This Brussels Sprouts with Turkey Bacon, Pecans, Cranberries, and Balsamic Glaze recipe is not just about the delightful flavors; it’s about gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, and creating memories around the table. It evokes the spirit of the Holidays and the warmth of family, making it a special addition to your recipe collection.
Save this wonderful dish to your cozy fall recipes board so it’s ready for whenever you need a comforting treat! Happy cooking, and may your gatherings be filled with love and laughter!
Print
Cozy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, Cranberries, and Balsamic Glaze
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A heartwarming dish featuring roasted Brussels sprouts, turkey bacon, pecans, and cranberries, drizzled with balsamic glaze. Perfect for cozy fall gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 slices turkey bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until well-coated.
- Spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until they are golden, tender, and crispy.
- Cook the turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain excess fat.
- Add the Brussels sprouts to the skillet with the turkey bacon.
- Stir in the chopped pecans and cranberries, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving for that beautiful, glossy finish.
Notes
For best results, prepare the Brussels sprouts and bacon mixture a few hours in advance and reheat before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
