🥗 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.