Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples and Cranberries: A Festive Fall Side Dish

Looking for the perfect side dish to elevate your autumn and winter meals? These Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples and Cranberries are a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and slightly tart flavors that will have everyone coming back for more. Brussels sprouts, often unfairly maligned, are transformed into a crispy, caramelized delight when roasted with the natural sweetness of maple syrup, the tartness of cranberries, and the subtle crunch of apples. This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making it a fantastic addition to your holiday table or a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of maple syrup, Brussels sprouts, apples, and cranberries creates a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and exciting. The slight bitterness of the Brussels sprouts is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the maple syrup and apples, while the cranberries add a delightful tartness.
• Texture Variety: This dish offers a wonderful textural experience. The roasted Brussels sprouts are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, the apples provide a gentle crunch, and the cranberries add a chewy burst.
• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal prep time and is straightforward to follow, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Brussels sprouts are packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. Apples and cranberries add additional vitamins and nutrients, making this side dish a healthy and guilt-free indulgence.
• Versatile: This dish pairs well with a variety of main courses, including roasted chicken, pork, turkey, or even a vegetarian lentil loaf.
• Festive and Beautiful: The vibrant colors of the Brussels sprouts, apples, and cranberries make this dish visually appealing, perfect for adding a touch of festivity to your holiday table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1.5 lbs Brussels Sprouts: Look for Brussels sprouts that are firm, bright green, and relatively uniform in size.
• 2 Medium Apples: Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji apples work well in this recipe. Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart.
• 1 cup Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: If using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them.
• 3 tablespoons Maple Syrup: Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. Avoid using pancake syrup, which is often made with artificial ingredients.
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its flavor and health benefits.
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Adjust to your taste preference.
• 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is recommended.
• Optional: 1/4 cup Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: For added crunch and flavor.
• Optional: 1 tablespoon Balsamic Glaze: For drizzling after roasting, adds a touch of tangy sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the most delicious Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples and Cranberries:

Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

1. Wash the Brussels Sprouts: Rinse the Brussels sprouts under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Trim the Ends: Use a sharp knife to trim off the stem end of each Brussels sprout.
3. Remove Outer Leaves (If Necessary): If any of the outer leaves are yellowed, wilted, or damaged, remove them.
4. Halve or Quarter: Depending on the size of your Brussels sprouts, you can halve them or quarter them. Smaller Brussels sprouts can be halved, while larger ones should be quartered to ensure even cooking. The goal is for all the pieces to be roughly the same size.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

1. Wash the Apples: Rinse the apples under cold water.
2. Core the Apples: Use an apple corer or a sharp knife to remove the core from each apple.
3. Chop the Apples: Cut the apples into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Leaving the skin on is optional, but it adds color and fiber.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. In a Large Bowl: Combine the halved or quartered Brussels sprouts, chopped apples, and cranberries in a large bowl.
2. Add Maple Syrup, Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper: Drizzle the maple syrup and olive oil over the vegetables and fruit. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Toss to Coat: Use your hands or a large spoon to toss all the ingredients together until they are evenly coated with the maple syrup and olive oil mixture. Make sure every piece gets a little love!

Step 4: Roast the Brussels Sprouts

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
3. Spread in a Single Layer: Spread the Brussels sprouts, apples, and cranberries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the vegetables instead of roasting them. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
4. Roast: Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and slightly caramelized, and the apples are softened.
5. Toss Halfway Through: About halfway through the roasting time, toss the vegetables and fruit to ensure even cooking and browning.

Step 5: Add Optional Toppings (If Desired)

1. Add Nuts (Optional): During the last 5 minutes of roasting, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the Brussels sprouts for added crunch and flavor.
2. Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze (Optional): After removing the Brussels sprouts from the oven, drizzle with balsamic glaze for a touch of tangy sweetness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Serve Immediately: Transfer the Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples and Cranberries to a serving dish and serve immediately.
2. Enjoy: This dish is best enjoyed warm. It pairs well with roasted meats, poultry, or vegetarian entrees.

Tips for the Best Results

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding the baking sheet will prevent the Brussels sprouts from browning properly. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
• Use High Heat: Roasting at a high temperature helps to caramelize the Brussels sprouts and create a crispy exterior.
• Toss Halfway Through: Tossing the vegetables halfway through the roasting time ensures even cooking and browning.
• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of maple syrup.
• Add a Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the maple syrup mixture.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the Brussels sprouts and apples ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to roast. Add the cranberries and maple syrup mixture just before roasting.
• Storage: Leftover Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples and Cranberries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Try adding other fruits like pears or grapes, or different nuts like almonds or hazelnuts.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
• Nut-Free: Omit the pecans or walnuts if you have a nut allergy.
• Maple Syrup Substitute: If you don’t have maple syrup, you can substitute honey or agave nectar. Keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different.
• Apple Substitute: Pears can be substituted for apples in this recipe.
• Cranberry Substitute: Dried cranberries can be used in place of fresh or frozen cranberries. If using dried cranberries, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the mixture to rehydrate them.
• Add Bacon: For a savory twist, add cooked and crumbled bacon to the Brussels sprouts after roasting.
• Add Parmesan Cheese: For a cheesy flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the Brussels sprouts during the last 5 minutes of roasting.

Serving Suggestions

Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples and Cranberries are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Roasted Chicken or Turkey: This dish is a perfect complement to roasted chicken or turkey, making it a great addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.
• Pork Tenderloin: The sweetness of the apples and cranberries pairs well with the savory flavor of pork tenderloin.
• Salmon: The sweetness of the maple syrup and the tartness of the cranberries balance the richness of salmon.
• Lentil Loaf or Vegetarian Wellington: This dish adds a touch of festivity to vegetarian entrees.
• As a Salad Topping: Add leftover Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples and Cranberries to a salad for a burst of flavor and nutrients.
• With Quinoa or Rice: Serve this dish over quinoa or rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts, Apples, and Cranberries

This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Here’s a look at the health benefits of the main ingredients:

Brussels Sprouts

• Rich in Vitamins: Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and vitamin A.
• High in Fiber: Fiber promotes healthy digestion and helps to regulate blood sugar levels.
• Antioxidant Powerhouse: Brussels sprouts contain antioxidants that protect the body against damage from free radicals.
• Cancer-Fighting Properties: Some studies suggest that Brussels sprouts may have cancer-fighting properties due to their high levels of glucosinolates.

Apples

• Good Source of Fiber: Apples are a good source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and helps to lower cholesterol levels.
• Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Apples contain vitamin C, potassium, and various antioxidants.
• May Help Regulate Blood Sugar: The fiber in apples can help to regulate blood sugar levels and prevent spikes.
• Promotes Heart Health: Apples contain flavonoids that may help to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Cranberries

• High in Antioxidants: Cranberries are packed with antioxidants, which protect the body against damage from free radicals.
• May Help Prevent UTIs: Cranberries contain compounds that may help to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs).
• Promotes Heart Health: Cranberries may help to lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels.
• Good Source of Vitamin C: Vitamin C supports a healthy immune system.

Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples and Cranberries Recipe

Here’s the complete recipe for Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples and Cranberries:

Final Thoughts

These Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples and Cranberries are a delicious and easy way to enjoy seasonal flavors. The combination of sweet, savory, and tart is sure to please even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re looking for a festive side dish for your holiday table or a satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe is a winner. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!

Enjoy!