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Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, and Cranberries

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This Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, and Cranberries recipe combines savory, sweet, and nutty flavors into a perfect holiday or everyday side dish. Caramelized Brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, crunchy pecans, and tart cranberries make this dish a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 500 g (1 lb) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 4 slices of bacon, chopped
  • 1/3 cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the bacon

  1. In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
  2. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet, discarding the rest.

2. Cook the Brussels sprouts

  1. Add the olive oil to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat and heat over medium-high heat.
  2. Place the Brussels sprouts cut-side down in the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes, without stirring, until they develop a golden, caramelized surface.
  3. Stir the sprouts, season with salt and pepper, and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, or until tender but still slightly crisp.

3. Toast the pecans

  1. In a small dry skillet, toast the pecans over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Set aside.

4. Assemble the dish

  1. Add the bacon and cranberries to the skillet with the Brussels sprouts. Stir to combine.
  2. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and honey, and toss to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

5. Serve

  • Transfer the Brussels sprouts to a serving dish and sprinkle with the toasted pecans. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Variations:
    • Substitute dried cranberries with dried cherries or raisins.
    • Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper flavor.
  • Make-Ahead: Prepare the bacon and toast the pecans in advance. Cook the Brussels sprouts just before serving for the best texture.
  • Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon and use 1 tablespoon of butter instead of bacon fat.