Easy Sweet & Tangy Brussels Sprouts With Cranberry-Orange Glaze Recipe

Brussels sprouts can turn a bland meal into a zesty culinary adventure with this cranberry-orange glaze.

Crisp vegetables transform when kissed by sweet-tart flavors that dance across your palate.

Seasonal ingredients mingle beautifully in this quick and simple side dish.

Bold colors and vibrant tastes make these sprouts stand out on any dinner plate.

Caramelized edges provide a delightful crunch that complements the bright citrus notes.

The combination surprises even those who typically shy away from green vegetables.

Brussels Sprouts That Taste Like a Treat

• Boost Kitchen Confidence: Incredibly simple recipe that makes even novice cooks feel like professional chefs with minimal cooking skills required.
• Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse: Brussels sprouts deliver amazing health benefits while the cranberry-orange glaze transforms these vegetables into an irresistible side dish that everyone will love.
• Vibrant Flavor Explosion: Combines sweet, tangy, and caramelized notes that elevate ordinary vegetables into a gourmet experience with minimal ingredients and effort.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for holiday gatherings, weeknight dinners, or impressive potluck contributions that take less than 30 minutes to prepare from start to finish.

Brussels Sprouts with Cranberry Glaze Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

Brussels Sprouts: Fresh green vegetable with a delightful roasted flavor.

Cranberries: Tart and vibrant fruit for creating a rich glaze.

Orange: Provides bright citrus notes and zesty aroma.

• Orange Juice, Orange Zest: Adds fresh citrus brightness to the sauce.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that helps thicken the glaze.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Brings depth and tangy complexity to the sauce.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings for enhancing vegetable flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps Brussels sprouts roast evenly and become golden.
• Pecans: Optional crunchy topping for added texture and nuttiness.

Cooking Steps for Brussels Sprouts with Cranberry-Orange Glaze

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Heat your oven to a toasty 400°F, creating the perfect roasting environment for delicious Brussels sprouts.

Step 2: Prepare Brussels Sprouts

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

Toss everything to ensure each sprout gets a beautiful, even coating.

Step 3: Roast to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through cooking, give the sprouts a quick stir to ensure they brown evenly and develop a gorgeous caramelized exterior.

Step 4: Create Cranberry-Orange Magic

• Fresh cranberries
• Orange juice
• Honey
• Balsamic vinegar
• Orange zest

Step 5: Simmer the Glaze

Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Watch as the cranberries burst and the liquid transforms into a thick, glossy glaze, which takes about 8-10 minutes.

Step 6: Coat the Sprouts

Remove roasted Brussels sprouts from the oven and generously drizzle with the vibrant cranberry-orange glaze. Toss gently to ensure every sprout is beautifully coated.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped pecans for a delightful crunch. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the sweet, tangy explosion of flavors.

Sprout Tips That Blend Cranberry Orange Sweetness Just Right

• Roast for Perfect Caramelization: Spread Brussels sprouts in a single layer with space between them to ensure golden brown edges and prevent steaming.
• Balance Glaze Sweetness: Adjust honey amount based on cranberry tartness, tasting as you simmer to create a harmonious sweet-tangy flavor profile.
• Prevent Burning: Watch Brussels sprouts closely during roasting, stirring midway to achieve even browning without charring.
• Add Texture Boost: Toast pecans briefly in a dry skillet before sprinkling to enhance their nutty flavor and create a delightful crunch.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let the cranberry-orange glaze cool slightly before drizzling to help it cling better to the roasted Brussels sprouts.

Save Sweet Brussels Sprouts With Cranberry Glaze

• Store leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the glaze separate to prevent sogginess and maintain crispness.
• Transfer cooled sprouts to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Note that texture might slightly change upon thawing.
• Spread sprouts on a baking sheet, warm at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until heated through. Drizzle fresh glaze before serving to revive flavors.
• Reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, to prevent overcooking. Add a splash of water to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Accompaniments for Tangy Brussels Sprouts

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the sweet-tangy glaze and cut through the roasted Brussels sprouts' richness.
• Complement with Roasted Chicken: Choose a herb-roasted chicken breast that mirrors the caramelized flavors of the Brussels sprouts and provides a protein-rich companion to the dish.
• Match with Toasted Nutty Side: Add a quinoa pilaf with toasted almonds to echo the pecan garnish and provide a textural contrast while supporting the dish's complex flavor profile.
• Balance with Creamy Goat Cheese: Sprinkle fresh goat cheese crumbles over the Brussels sprouts to introduce a tangy, creamy element that enhances the cranberry-orange glaze's brightness.

Brussels Sprout Glaze Twists

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace honey with maple syrup, use coconut oil instead of olive oil for a plant-based version that maintains rich flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Swap honey for sugar-free sweetener, reduce cranberries, add extra pecans for healthy fats and crunch while keeping net carbs low.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Incorporate fresh rosemary or thyme during roasting to elevate the Brussels sprouts with aromatic herbal notes, complementing the tangy glaze.
• Spicy Kick Version: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the glaze for a warm, zesty undertone that contrasts with the sweet and citrusy elements.

FAQs

• Why should I roast Brussels sprouts instead of boiling them?

Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars in Brussels sprouts, creating a deeper, nuttier flavor and crispy exterior that boiling can’t achieve. This method enhances their taste and texture dramatically.

• How do I know when Brussels sprouts are perfectly roasted?

Look for golden brown edges and a crispy outer layer. When they’re tender when pierced with a fork and have a slight char, they’re done. The color should be a rich, deep golden brown with some darker caramelized spots.

• Can I make the cranberry-orange glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the glaze up to 2-3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat before drizzling over the roasted Brussels sprouts. This can save you time when preparing the dish.

• What if I don't have fresh cranberries?

You can substitute dried cranberries or cranberry sauce. Just adjust the liquid and sweetness accordingly. The goal is to create a tangy-sweet glaze that complements the roasted Brussels sprouts.

Sweet And Tangy Brussels Sprouts With Cranberry-Orange Glaze Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty “Sweet and Tangy Brussels Sprouts with Cranberry-Orange Glaze” delivers a festive flavor explosion that elevates simple vegetables into a culinary masterpiece. Crisp brussels sprouts kissed with bright cranberry and citrus notes will make you crave this irresistible side dish at every gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 1/2 cup (75 g) fresh cranberries

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) fresh orange juice
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon orange zest

Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped pecans (optional)

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Instructions

1. Arrange the Brussels sprouts in halves, evenly distributed on a robust baking sheet to ensure maximum caramelization.
2. Massage the olive oil into the vegetables, creating a uniform coating that will promote crispy edges and rich flavor development.
3. Generously season with salt and freshly cracked pepper, spreading the seasoning to guarantee each sprout receives optimal flavor enhancement.
4. Slide the baking sheet into a preheated oven, allowing the high temperature to transform the vegetables into golden, crispy delicacies.
5. Midway through roasting, gently rotate the Brussels sprouts to ensure even browning and prevent potential burning.
6. While the sprouts are transforming, craft the vibrant glaze by combining cranberries, zesty orange juice, amber honey, and tangy balsamic vinegar in a compact saucepan.
7. Simmer the glaze ingredients, watching as the cranberries burst and the mixture reduces into a luxurious, glossy consistency.
8. Extract the roasted Brussels sprouts from the oven, their edges beautifully caramelized and slightly crisp.
9. Lavishly drizzle the warm cranberry-orange glaze over the sprouts, meticulously coating each piece to ensure maximum flavor absorption.
10. For an optional textural contrast, sprinkle fragrant, crunchy pecans across the glazed vegetables.
11. Serve immediately, presenting a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and robust flavors.

Notes

• Ensure Brussels sprouts are evenly sized for consistent roasting and golden-brown caramelization.
• Pat Brussels sprouts dry before roasting to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent steaming.
• For a low-carb version, replace honey with a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit or stevia.
• Toasting pecans briefly in a dry skillet before adding enhances their nutty flavor and adds extra crunch to the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 165
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 20 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg