Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Cranberries And Almonds
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Elevate your side dish game with these balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts with cranberries and almonds! The rich, caramelized flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts pairs beautifully with the sweetness of dried cranberries and the crunch of almonds, making this dish irresistible. Whether for a festive holiday spread or a simple family dinner, this recipe is as easy to make as it is delicious!
These balsamic roasted brussels sprouts with dried cranberries and almonds taste amazing! This is my favorite way of eating brussels sprouts!
Why You’ll Love Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Cranberries And Almonds
- Amazing flavor combination: The caramelized Brussels sprouts have a deep, savory flavor, perfectly balanced by the tangy balsamic vinegar, sweet cranberries, and crunchy almonds. Each bite is a burst of complementary tastes!
- Healthy and nutritious: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, this dish is as good for your body as it is for your taste buds. It’s a guilt-free indulgence!
- Simple and quick to make: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is ready in only 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute holiday prep!
- Beautiful presentation: The vibrant green of the Brussels sprouts, the ruby red of the cranberries, and the golden almonds create a dish that looks as stunning as it tastes.
- Versatile side dish: This recipe pairs well with a variety of main courses, from roasted meats to vegetarian entrees. It’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion!
This epic dish is an upgrade to my simple roasted brussel sprouts recipe :) Brussels sprouts are roasted in olive oil, balsamic vinegar and garlic mixture, and tossed with dried cranberries and sliced almonds!
Ingredients For Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Cranberries And Almonds
- Brussels sprouts – The star of the dish, roasted to perfection for a caramelized, nutty flavor.
- Dried cranberries – Add a touch of sweetness to balance the savory roasted sprouts.
- Sliced almonds – Provide a delightful crunch and nutty richness.
- Extra virgin olive oil – Ensures even roasting and enhances the flavor.
- Balsamic vinegar – Adds a tangy, slightly sweet glaze to the Brussels sprouts.
- Garlic powder – Enhances the savory flavor profile with a hint of garlic.
- Salt and pepper – Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
For exact measurements of these ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Roasting brussels sprouts in the oven at high temperature makes brussels sprouts taste so delicious and caramelized! And when you toss them in the olive oil and balsamic vinegar mixture beforehand, the balsamic flavor really comes through during the roasting process!
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Cranberries And Almonds
- Baking sheet – Used to evenly roast the Brussels sprouts.
- Parchment paper – Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Knife – For trimming and halving the Brussels sprouts.
- Cutting board – Provides a sturdy surface for prepping the Brussels sprouts.
- Mixing bowl – Perfect for tossing the Brussels sprouts with the balsamic mixture.
- Measuring cups – Ensure accurate measurements for the cranberries, almonds, and olive oil.
- Measuring spoons – Precisely measure balsamic vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fork or whisk – To combine the olive oil and balsamic vinegar evenly.
Cranberries and almonds go perfectly with brussels sprouts, it’s a great combo! The sweetness of the dried cranberries really complements the deep roasted caramelized brussels sprouts flavor, and the roasted sliced almonds add a welcome crunch. This stuff is so delicious, even brussels sprouts haters will gobble it up!
Another great feature of these cranberry almond brussels sprouts is that this dish looks so festive! With dark red cranberries, it’s a perfect festive vegetable side dish! It’s a great addition to any holiday table!
These balsamic roasted brussels sprouts are very easy to make. Just cut the brussels sprouts in half, toss in a mixture of extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar and garlic powder, put on a baking sheet and roast at 425F for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with the dried cranberries and sliced almonds and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, and this epic brussels sprouts dish is ready – just add the salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts alongside roasted turkey or glazed baked salmon for a festive holiday feast.
- Pair with a simple grilled chicken breast or roast beef for a wholesome, balanced meal.
- Add to a grain bowl with quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, and goat cheese for a satisfying vegetarian option.
- Garnish with additional fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for an extra pop of color and flavor.
- Serve as part of a buffet or potluck spread—this dish holds up well at room temperature and is easy to transport.
Tips For Success
- Choose fresh Brussels sprouts: Look for firm, bright green Brussels sprouts without yellowing leaves or blemishes. Smaller ones tend to be sweeter and more tender.
- Cut evenly: Halving the Brussels sprouts ensures even cooking and allows the flat side to caramelize beautifully. Uniform sizes help avoid uneven roasting.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer with space in between. Overcrowding causes steaming instead of roasting, preventing that delicious caramelization.
- Mix the dressing thoroughly: Whisk the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and garlic powder well to ensure the Brussels sprouts are evenly coated with flavor.
- Watch the oven closely: Roasting times may vary depending on your oven and the size of the Brussels sprouts. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking or burning.
- Add cranberries and almonds late: Sprinkling the cranberries and almonds during the last 5 minutes of roasting preserves their texture and prevents them from burning.
- Season at the end: Adding salt and pepper to taste after roasting enhances the flavors without over-salting beforehand.
- Serve immediately: For the best flavor and texture, enjoy the dish hot out of the oven while the Brussels sprouts are crispy and the almonds are crunchy.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it nut-free: Swap out the almonds for pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch without the allergens. This is perfect for those with nut sensitivities.
- Use fresh cranberries: For a tart twist, toss in halved fresh cranberries instead of dried ones. Roast them alongside the Brussels sprouts for a burst of fresh flavor.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or crumbled feta over the finished dish to add a creamy, savory layer of flavor.
- Switch the vinegar: Use apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar in place of balsamic for a slightly different tangy profile.
- Make it vegan-friendly: This recipe is naturally vegan, but ensure that any added garnishes, like cheese, are plant-based if serving a vegan guest.
- Incorporate additional vegetables: Roast Brussels sprouts with diced carrots, butternut squash, or sweet potatoes for a colorful and hearty variation.
- Add spices: Sprinkle a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper into the olive oil mixture for a smoky or spicy kick.
- Try a citrus twist: Add a squeeze of fresh orange juice or some orange zest to brighten the dish and complement the cranberries.
- Experiment with nuts: Substitute the almonds with pecans or walnuts for a different nutty flavor and texture.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Place any leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Ensure they are completely cooled before storing to maintain their texture.
- Reheating in the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F, spread the Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet, and heat for 10–12 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
- Reheating in the microwave: Transfer the Brussels sprouts to a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power for 1–2 minutes. Note that they may lose some crispness when microwaved.
- Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be aware that the texture may soften slightly upon reheating.
- Reviving texture: If the sprouts lose their crispness, toss them in a hot skillet for a few minutes to restore some of their crunch before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts, but the texture will differ slightly. Thaw them completely and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before roasting to achieve better caramelization.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the Brussels sprouts by trimming and halving them, then mixing them with the olive oil and balsamic vinegar mixture. Store them in the fridge until ready to roast. For best results, roast them fresh before serving.
What other nuts can I use instead of almonds?
Pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts are excellent substitutes. These nuts provide a different flavor profile while maintaining the crunch.
Can I make this dish oil-free?
While olive oil helps achieve the caramelized texture, you can skip it and use a small amount of vegetable broth or balsamic vinegar to coat the sprouts. However, they may not crisp up as much.
How do I prevent Brussels sprouts from becoming soggy?
Ensure the Brussels sprouts are spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet with some space between them. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats, fish, or vegetarian main courses like lentil loaf or stuffed squash. It’s versatile and complements a variety of cuisines.
How do I know when the Brussels sprouts are done?
The Brussels sprouts should be tender on the inside, with golden-brown caramelized edges. If they look too dark or burn, reduce the roasting time slightly.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Absolutely! Mince fresh garlic and toss it with the Brussels sprouts before roasting for a more robust garlic flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Other Healthy And Delicious Recipes
If you like these delicious roasted brussels sprouts, you will also love these yummy recipes:
Rainbow Roasted Vegetables – this is the most beautiful plate of roasted vegetables, so colorful, perfect for a holiday gathering!
Spinach Salad With Dried Cranberries And Pecans – that’s the tastiest way to each spinach, everyone loves this salad!
Perfect Roasted Broccoli – if you like roasted brussels sprouts, you are going to love this oven roasted broccoli!
Crispy Baked Zucchini Chips – what a great healthy alternative to potato chips!
Homemade Almond Butter – making almost butter yourself is super easy! If you have some almonds left over from the roasted brussels sprouts recipe, use them up by making almond butter!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Cranberries & Almonds
Ingredients
- 1 lb brussels sprouts
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the bottom ends off the brussels sprouts and discard. Cut the brussels sprouts in half and put in a bowl.
- Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar and garlic powder in a cup and whisk with fork to combine.
- Pour olive oil and vinegar mixture over the brussels sprouts and toss to coat.
- Put the brussels sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Put in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- Take the brussels sprouts out of the oven and sprinkle with dried cranberries and sliced almonds.
- Put them back in the oven and bake for another 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
More Baked Recipes
- Oven-Baked Portobello Mushrooms with Eggs
- Whole Roasted Red Snapper with Herbs
- Baked Chicken Drumsticks with Caesar Salad Dressing Marinade
such a perfect combination of flavors 👌
it’s a great combo!
This dish is so delicious that even Brussels sprouts haters will gobble it up
All ingredients are perfectly combined 👌
Healthy and delicious!