Maple-Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries, Goat Cheese, and Pecans Recipe

Introduction

Maple-Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts offer a delicious balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that make them a perfect side dish for any meal. With a touch of goat cheese, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans, this recipe elevates simple Brussels sprouts to a flavorful delight.

A wooden bowl filled with roasted Brussels sprouts that are green with browned, crispy edges, mixed with whole and halved pecans which are reddish-brown and smooth, scattered dried cranberries that are dark red and wrinkled, and small chunks of white goat cheese spread evenly throughout, adding a soft texture contrast. A silver spoon rests on the side inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1½-2 lbs. Brussels sprouts
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp dried cranberries
  • 1-2 Tbsp goat cheese, crumbled
  • Pecans, for serving
  • 2 Tbsp maple syrup
  • 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toast the pecans by spreading them on a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Place in the oven at 375°F for 5-6 minutes or until fragrant. Roughly chop and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Preheat the oven to 425°F and prepare a separate baking pan for the Brussels sprouts.
  3. Step 3: Trim the bottoms of the Brussels sprouts, discard any wilted leaves, and cut them in half (quarters for larger sprouts). Place them in a large bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Arrange the Brussels sprouts cut side down on the baking pan. Roast for 20-25 minutes until just tender.
  5. Step 5: While roasting, whisk together maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard to make the sauce.
  6. Step 6: Transfer the roasted Brussels sprouts to a bowl, add dried cranberries and goat cheese, then drizzle the sauce over and toss until evenly coated.
  7. Step 7: Serve immediately, topped with the toasted pecans.

Tips & Variations

  • For a crunchier texture, roast the Brussels sprouts a few minutes longer, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
  • Swap goat cheese with feta for a slightly different tangy flavor.
  • Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans if preferred.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to retain crispness; avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

A wooden bowl filled with roasted Brussels sprouts, some halved showing a golden brown inside and others whole with a blistered green outer layer, scattered with bright red dried cranberries and whole pecan nuts that are brown and smooth. Small, crumbly white cheese pieces are sprinkled on top, adding a contrasting texture. A vintage silver spoon rests inside the bowl. Around the bowl, a wooden bowl with pecans sits in the background, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can roast the Brussels sprouts and toast pecans in advance. Store them separately and toss with sauce and toppings just before serving for best freshness.

What if I don’t have dried cranberries?

You can substitute dried cherries, raisins, or even chopped dried apricots for a similar sweet note.

Print

Maple-Balsamic Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries, Goat Cheese, and Pecans Recipe

This Maple-Balsamic Roasted Brussel Sprouts recipe combines tender, caramelized brussels sprouts with a tangy, sweet maple-balsamic glaze, topped with tart dried cranberries, creamy goat cheese, and toasted pecans for a delightful and flavorful side dish.

  • Author: Rita
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Brussel Sprouts

  • 2 lbs. brussel sprouts
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Toppings and Sauce

  • 2 Tbsp dried cranberries
  • 12 Tbsp goat cheese, crumbled
  • Pecans, for serving (about ¼ cup)
  • 2 Tbsp maple syrup
  • 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Toast the pecans: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the pecans evenly on a baking pan lined with parchment paper. Toast for 5-6 minutes until fragrant, then roughly chop and set aside. This step enhances their nutty flavor.
  2. Preheat the oven: Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the brussel sprouts.
  3. Prep the brussel sprouts: Trim the bottoms of each brussel sprout, discard any wilted leaves, and cut them in half (or quarters for larger sprouts). Place them in a large bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  4. Roast the brussel sprouts: Arrange the sprouts cut-side down in a single layer on a separate baking pan. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until they are tender and caramelized on the edges.
  5. Make the maple-balsamic sauce: While the sprouts roast, whisk together maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and dijon mustard in a small bowl to create a tangy and sweet glaze.
  6. Toss everything together: Transfer the roasted sprouts to a mixing bowl along with dried cranberries and crumbled goat cheese. Drizzle the maple-balsamic sauce over and toss gently until everything is well coated.
  7. Serve: Plate the brussel sprouts immediately and sprinkle the toasted, chopped pecans over the top for added crunch and flavor. Enjoy warm as a flavorful side dish.

Notes

  • Toasting pecans is optional but recommended for deeper flavor.
  • Adjust the amount of goat cheese and cranberries based on preference.
  • You can substitute avocado oil for olive oil if desired.
  • For extra crunch, add the pecans right before serving to maintain their texture.
  • If brussel sprouts are very large, cutting into quarters ensures even cooking.

Keywords: Brussel sprouts, maple balsamic sauce, roasted vegetables, side dish, healthy, vegetarian

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