Name: Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or vegetable oil); 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar; 1/2 cup dried cranberries

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Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries are a delicious, festive side dish that could be the highlight of your holiday meal — or any meal, really! The earthy flavors of Brussels sprouts with the tartness of cranberries make for a unique combination that is simply amazing. Not to mention, it's so easy to make and takes just 15 minutes from start to finish.

Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries are a delicious, festive side dish that is easy to make with earthy Brussels sprouts and tart cranberries. | aheadofthyme.com

Brussels sprouts are one of the most versatile vegetables out there. They can be boiled, steamed, sautéed, roasted, or even grilled to perfection. But for us, the easiest way to cook them is by sautéing. It brings out their natural sweetness and makes them tender on the inside while keeping a slight crisp on the outside. Since they are naturally earthy and bitter, pairing them with sweet-tart cranberries is the perfect way to balance out the flavors. Topped off with sweet, fruity balsamic vinegar, there's no way you can resist this delicious vegetable side dish.

Why You'll Love this Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries Recipe

Quick and easy. Making an appetizing side dish doesn’t have to take hours. This brussels sprouts recipe is so simple with just six ingredients and 15 minutes of prep and cooking time. Plus, no special equipment is needed!
Great holiday side dish. This dish is so pretty and festive, making it perfect for the holidays and other special occasions. The bright green Brussels sprouts and gorgeous red cranberries add a nice pop of color to your holiday table. But don’t think twice about making it any day of the year!
Healthy and tasty. Brussels sprouts are incredibly nutritious, packed with fiber, minerals, and vitamins B9, C, and K. Adding antioxidant-rich cranberries to the mix just makes them even better in terms of nutrition and flavor.
Unique flavor combination. The nutty flavors of Brussels sprouts and sweet-tart cranberries are a match made in heaven. It’s a combination you don’t see very often, but you’ll be surprised how these two ingredients work so well together.

Ingredient Notes

To make these easy Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

cooking oil - we used avocado oil for sautéing the sprouts. Use any cooking oil like vegetable oil and olive oil.
Brussels sprouts - use fresh Brussels sprouts for the best flavors. If possible, choose small to medium-sized pieces as they tend to be sweeter and more tender. Make sure to cut them in half and discard the stem ends.
cranberries - I use dried cranberries for this recipe, but you can also use fresh ones.
balsamic vinegar - adds a nice zing to the dish that complements the earthy flavor of sprouts and the sweetness of cranberries.
salt and black pepper - season to taste.

You will also need measuring cups and spoons and a large skillet.

How to Make the Best Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries

Sauté brussels sprouts. In a large skillet, add oil and heat over medium heat until it sizzles, about 1-2 minutes. Add Brussels sprouts and cook until caramelized golden brown and tender, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Add cranberries. Add balsamic vinegar and cranberries. Toss well and cook until the cranberries are tender, about 3-4 minutes. Serve immediately.

Recipe Variations

Add nuts. Throw in some walnuts, pecans, pistachios, or almonds for an added crunch.
Try different seasonings. Adding garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, or spices like cinnamon and nutmeg will give the dish an extra flavor boost.
Make it cheesy. Sprinkle Parmesan or feta cheese on top for that creamy, cheesy goodness. Check out our Parmesan Crusted Brussels Sprouts for inspiration.
Roast it instead. Toss the Brussels sprouts, season with salt and pepper, bake at 375°F for about 15 minutes, mix in the cranberries, and bake until everything is cooked through. Top it off with some balsamic vinegar, and you’re good to go!
Use maple or honey. Drizzle the dish with a bit of maple syrup or honey before serving for a hint of sweetness.
Add butter. If you want a richer flavor, add a pat of butter to the sprouts while they’re cooking. It makes everything so much better!

How to Serve

Serve these delicious Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries with beef, chicken, pork, or even fish for a complete meal. They also make a great side for a vegetarian meal. Here are some recipes that would go well with this dish:

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Heat the oil enough. When cooking the sprouts, use hot enough oil to help them brown nicely and develop that crispy texture we all love. It’s ready for cooking when the oil starts to sizzle.
Don't overcook the sprouts. Even though we want them to be nicely browned, they can become too soft and mushy if cooked for too long. Cook them just until they are tender-crisp and caramelized.
Use high-quality balsamic vinegar. Thick, syrupy balsamic vinegar helps to add a sweet, fruity, and slightly tangy flavor that makes the dish even more delicious!

Storing and Reheating Instructions

How to Store

Let the sprouts cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How to Reheat

The best way to reheat these sprouts with cranberries is in an oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s hot and crispy again. You can also cook the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat. Add a little bit of oil or butter, and cook for just a few minutes until warmed through.

More Brussels Sprouts Recipes

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