Roasted Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries

Prep: 15 minCook: 20 min8 servingsmediumAmerican
Roasted Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries

Caramelized brussels sprouts roasted cut-side down until golden, then tossed with tart fresh cranberries, sweet maple syrup, tangy balsamic vinegar, and crunchy toasted hazelnuts. A balanced side dish with sweet, savory, and acidic notes that complements poultry or rich proteins.

Ingredients

8 servings
  • 2 pounds brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • flaky sea salt
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
    dried cranberries1/2berry

    will not soften as much

    Full guide →
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
    honey1:1sweetener

    slightly different flavor profile

    Full guide →
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
    red wine vinegar1:1acid

    similar depth

    Full guide →
  • ½ teaspoons black pepper
  • cup chopped toasted hazelnuts
    walnuts1:1nut

    different texture and flavor

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 425°F (425°F).

  2. 2

    Toss halved brussels sprouts with olive oil on a rimmed metal baking sheet.

  3. 3

    Place cut side down and roast for 10 minutes.

  4. 4

    Remove pan and add cranberries.

  5. 5

    Continue roasting for 10 minutes.

  6. 6

    Transfer to a bowl and toss with maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, black pepper, and hazelnuts.

  7. 7

    Serve immediately.

Tips

Tip 1

Cut side down creates caramelization and develops deep flavor.

Tip 2

Do not stir before cranberries are added to keep brussels sprouts cut-side down.

Tip 3

Toast hazelnuts yourself for best flavor, or verify store-bought are fully toasted.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 325°F oven.

Make Ahead

Prep brussels sprouts and toast hazelnuts up to 1 day ahead. Roast same day before serving.

Serve With

Serve as a side dish with roasted chicken, turkey, or pork. Complements holiday meals.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Do not stir brussels sprouts during first 10 minutes to avoid preventing cut-side caramelization.

Watch

Do not use burnt hazelnuts; they will add bitter flavor.

Watch

Do not skip the cut-side-down placement; it creates the best texture and flavor development.

Substitutions

balsamic vinegar
red wine vinegar1:1acid

similar depth

Full guide →
hazelnuts
walnuts1:1nut

different texture and flavor

Full guide →
hazelnuts
pecans1:1nut

similar but milder flavor

Full guide →
maple syrup
honey1:1sweetener

slightly different flavor profile

Full guide →
fresh cranberries
dried cranberries1/2berry

will not soften as much

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →