Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries & Walnuts

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🥗 Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries & Walnuts

🌟 Description

This dish transforms humble Brussels sprouts into a vibrant, flavor-packed side. Roasted until crispy and caramelized, then tossed in a tangy-sweet balsamic glaze, the sprouts are complemented by chewy dried cranberries and crunchy toasted walnuts. It’s a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and nutty—ideal for holiday tables or everyday healthy meals.

📝 Ingredients

Serves: 4

  • 500g (1 lb) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • ⅓ cup walnuts, roughly chopped

For the balsamic glaze:

  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1–2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

  • Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F)
  • Line a baking tray with parchment paper

2. Roast Brussels Sprouts

  • Toss sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper
  • Spread cut-side down on the tray
  • Roast for 20–25 minutes until golden and crispy

3. Make Balsamic Glaze

  • In a small pan, combine balsamic vinegar, honey, mustard, and garlic
  • Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until thickened

4. Toast Walnuts

  • Lightly toast walnuts in a dry pan for 2–3 minutes until fragrant

5. Combine

  • Transfer roasted sprouts to a bowl
  • Add cranberries and walnuts
  • Drizzle glaze and toss gently

6. Serve

  • Serve warm as a side dish

💡 Tips for Best Results

  • Cut-side down roasting = maximum caramelization
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan—use two trays if needed
  • Add cranberries after roasting to keep them soft, not burnt
  • For extra crispiness: roast at high heat without stirring
  • Want more depth? Add a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of chili flakes

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with roasted chicken, turkey, or grilled fish
  • Great alongside quinoa or couscous for a vegetarian meal
  • Works beautifully as a holiday side dish

🔢 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values:

  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Protein: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fat: 13g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 12g

🌱 Health Benefits

  • Brussels sprouts: Rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants
  • Walnuts: Provide healthy omega-3 fats for heart health
  • Cranberries: Contain antioxidants that support immunity
  • Balsamic vinegar: May aid digestion and blood sugar control

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Yes, but they will be tart. Lightly sauté them first or add a bit more sweetener.

Q2: How do I make this vegan?

Use maple syrup instead of honey.

Q3: Can I prepare this in advance?

You can roast the sprouts ahead, but combine everything just before serving for best texture.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for crispiness.

Q5: Can I use other nuts?

Absolutely—pecans or almonds work great.

✨ Final Note

This recipe is a simple way to elevate everyday vegetables into something special. The contrast of crispy sprouts, sweet glaze, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts creates a dish that’s both nutritious and crowd-pleasing.

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