Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, Cranberries, and Goat Cheese: The Ultimate Fall & Winter Side Dish
Welcome the delightful flavors of autumn and winter into your kitchen with this exceptional recipe for **Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, Cranberries, and Goat Cheese**. This isn’t just any side dish; it’s a culinary masterpiece that strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated holiday fare and a comforting weeknight treat. Combining tender, perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon, crunchy toasted pecans, tart dried cranberries, and creamy goat cheese, this dish offers an explosion of textures and flavors that will captivate your palate and leave your guests craving more.
Crafted with just a handful of simple yet high-quality ingredients, this recipe comes together surprisingly quickly, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings or when you need an impressive dish without spending hours in the kitchen. The magic truly happens when the earthy bitterness of the Brussels sprouts meets the salty crunch of bacon, the rich nuttiness of pecans, the bright sweetness of cranberries, and the tangy creaminess of goat cheese. It’s a harmonious blend that creates an utterly addictive side dish, one that’s guaranteed to disappear from the serving platter almost as soon as it arrives.
This versatile recipe is designed to complement a wide array of main courses, from succulent roasted poultry to hearty beef dishes, or even as a standout vegetarian option (simply omit the bacon). Whether you’re planning a grand holiday feast, a cozy family dinner, or a potluck gathering, these roasted Brussels sprouts will undoubtedly be a memorable addition. If you’re looking to expand your repertoire of delicious and easy-to-make vegetable sides, be sure to explore my other popular recipes such as Carrot Cake Roasted Carrots, Crispy Sweet Potatoes with Tahini Dressing, or my refreshing Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprout Salad.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This incredible Brussels sprouts dish isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary experience designed to bring joy and flavor to your table with minimal fuss. Here are just a few reasons why it will quickly become a cherished favorite:
- Effortlessly Delicious & Wholesome: We believe that healthy eating doesn’t have to sacrifice flavor. This recipe is built on simple, wholesome ingredients, transforming humble Brussels sprouts into a gourmet-tasting side that’s packed with nutrients. Enjoy the goodness of fresh vegetables, healthy fats from pecans and avocado oil, and the rich protein from bacon, all contributing to a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly good for you.
- Lightning Fast Preparation: Say goodbye to complicated, time-consuming recipes. From start to finish, this dish comes together in just 30-40 minutes. This includes all prep and cooking time, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights when you crave something special but are short on time. It’s also perfect for holiday entertaining, allowing you to focus on your main course without a labor-intensive side.
- Unmatched Versatility for Any Occasion: This side dish is a true chameleon, adapting beautifully to various meals and settings. Its elegant presentation and rich flavors make it fancy enough to grace your holiday table alongside roasted turkey, ham, or prime rib. Yet, its straightforward preparation makes it easy enough for a casual family dinner paired with proteins like my Marry Me Meatloaf or Pan Roasted Maple Dijon Chicken. It also pairs wonderfully with roasted pork tenderloin, grilled steak, or even as a hearty vegetarian main course (by omitting the bacon or using a vegetarian bacon substitute).
- A Symphony of Flavors and Textures: What truly sets this dish apart is its dynamic profile. You get the slight crispness and earthy notes of perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts, the irresistible salty crunch of bacon, the buttery depth of toasted pecans, the vibrant tang of dried cranberries, and the smooth, creamy finish of goat cheese. Each bite offers a delightful interplay that keeps you coming back for more.
Recipe Ingredients: A Deep Dive
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its core ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential:
- Brussels Sprouts: You’ll need approximately 14 ounces of fresh Brussels sprouts. When selecting, look for firm, bright green sprouts without any yellowing or soft spots. The preparation is key for optimal texture: trim the woody ends and remove any loose or discolored outer leaves. Depending on their size, quarter or halve them. For uniform cooking, try to make your pieces roughly the same size. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and gives them a desirable slight crispness. Brussels sprouts are also a powerhouse of vitamins K and C, and dietary fiber, making this dish both delicious and nutritious.
- Avocado Oil: This recipe specifically calls for 2 tablespoons of avocado oil to roast the Brussels sprouts. Avocado oil is an excellent choice due to its high smoke point, which means it can withstand high oven temperatures without breaking down or developing an off-flavor. It also has a very neutral taste, allowing the other ingredients to shine. If you don’t have avocado oil, a high-quality extra virgin olive oil can be used, though its smoke point is slightly lower.
- Seasoning (Kosher Salt & Cracked Black Pepper): A simple pinch of kosher salt and a few turns of freshly cracked black pepper are all you need to elevate the natural flavors of the Brussels sprouts. Seasoning before roasting ensures the flavors penetrate the vegetable as it cooks, enhancing its taste without overpowering it. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your personal preference. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a dash of garlic powder or onion powder to the sprouts before roasting.
- Bacon: 5-6 slices of center-cut bacon are ideal for this recipe. Center-cut bacon typically has less fat than regular bacon, resulting in crispier bits. The method is simple: pan-fry the bacon until it’s perfectly crisp, then drain it on paper towels and crumble it into small, savory pieces once cooled. The crispy, salty bacon adds a crucial umami element and a delightful textural contrast. As an optional but highly recommended step, reserve a drizzle of the rendered bacon grease to toss with your Brussels sprouts before roasting. This infuses them with an incredible depth of smoky flavor.
- Pecans: You’ll need ½ cup of pecan pieces, and the secret here is to toast them! Toasted pecans release their aromatic oils, intensifying their nutty flavor and providing a wonderful crunch. Simply add the pecan pieces to a dry, nonstick skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until they become fragrant and lightly golden. This usually takes only a few minutes, so watch them closely to prevent burning.
- Dried Cranberries: ½ cup of dried cranberries adds a burst of tart sweetness that beautifully cuts through the richness of the bacon and goat cheese. Their chewy texture also provides a pleasing contrast to the crispy sprouts and crunchy pecans. They are essential for that signature fall/winter flavor profile.
- Goat Cheese: Finishing the dish with 1-2 ounces of crumbled goat cheese introduces a creamy, tangy element that ties all the flavors together. Its distinct, slightly tart flavor pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients. If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, shaved Parmesan or crumbled feta can serve as excellent substitutes, offering a salty, savory alternative.
Creative Substitutions and Variations
One of the best aspects of this roasted Brussels sprouts recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to get creative and customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas:
- Nut Alternatives: If pecans aren’t your favorite, or if you’re looking for a different flavor profile, feel free to swap them out. Toasted walnuts offer a slightly more bitter, earthy note, while toasted pine nuts provide a delicate, buttery texture. Toasted slivered almonds would add a different crunch and mild flavor. Ensure whatever nut you choose is toasted for maximum flavor.
- Cheese Options: Goat cheese adds a unique creamy tang, but if you prefer something different, shaved Parmesan cheese is an excellent savory and salty alternative that melts beautifully with the warm sprouts. Crumbled feta cheese would also work well, offering a similar salty-tangy profile to goat cheese.
- Fruit Swaps: The dried cranberries are essential for that sweet-tart balance. However, if you’re looking for a seasonal variation, fresh pomegranate arils would add a beautiful burst of color and juicy tartness when sprinkled over the finished dish. Dried cherries or even golden raisins could also be used for a different kind of sweetness.
- Vegetarian/Vegan Version: To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the bacon. For a vegan version, remove the bacon and substitute the goat cheese with a dairy-free crumbled cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Spice it Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes tossed with the Brussels sprouts before roasting would add a nice kick.
- Sweet Enhancements: A drizzle of maple syrup or balsamic glaze over the finished dish can add another layer of sweetness and acidity that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Add this just before serving.
How to Make the Perfect Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, Cranberries and Goat Cheese
Creating this flavorful side dish is straightforward and comes together in just a few simple steps. Follow these instructions to achieve perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts adorned with their delicious companions.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
While this dish is undeniably best served fresh and warm, you can certainly enjoy the leftovers. Proper storage and reheating will help maintain its deliciousness.
Storage: Allow the roasted Brussels sprouts to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. To preserve the texture of the pecans and ensure optimal freshness, if you plan to store leftovers, consider adding the toasted pecans and crumbled goat cheese just before serving the initial dish. For any leftovers, add them just before reheating.
Reheating: For best results, gently reheat the leftovers in the microwave until warmed through. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the Brussels sprouts soggy. If you prefer a crispier texture, spread the leftovers on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated and slightly re-crisped. Avoid freezing this dish, as Brussels sprouts tend to become mushy and unpleasant in texture after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making perfect roasted Brussels sprouts and this recipe:
No, soaking Brussels sprouts before roasting is generally not necessary. Simply remove the ends, wash them thoroughly under cold water, and dry them well. Drying is crucial to ensure they roast and crisp up, rather than steam in the oven. Then, halve or quarter them based on their size for even cooking.
Yes, you can prepare certain components of this recipe in advance to save time. You can trim and halve the Brussels sprouts a day or two before and store them in the refrigerator. You can also cook and crumble the bacon ahead of time. However, for the best taste and texture, especially for the toasted pecans and goat cheese, it’s recommended to roast the Brussels sprouts and add all the components (bacon, pecans, cranberries, and goat cheese) just before serving.
Technically, yes, this dish could be served cold, similar to a salad. However, it is truly best enjoyed immediately and when it is hot or warm. The warmth helps the goat cheese become creamy and allows the flavors to fully meld, enhancing the overall experience.
Adding a drizzle of reserved bacon grease to the Brussels sprouts before roasting is an optional but highly recommended step. The bacon grease imparts an incredible depth of smoky, savory flavor to the sprouts, making them even more delicious and intensifying the overall taste profile of the dish.
Several factors contribute to crispy Brussels sprouts: ensure they are thoroughly dry before roasting (pat them with paper towels), don’t overcrowd the baking sheet (give them space to breathe and brown), and make sure your oven is preheated to a high temperature (400°F or 200°C is ideal).
Absolutely! This dish is still incredibly flavorful without the bacon. You can roast the Brussels sprouts with avocado oil and seasonings, then proceed with adding the toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and goat cheese. For an added smoky flavor, you could include a pinch of smoked paprika or a vegetarian bacon substitute.
More Irresistible Fall and Winter Vegetable Side Dishes
If you’ve enjoyed this recipe, you’re in for a treat! Discover more delightful vegetable side dishes perfect for the crisp fall and chilly winter months to expand your culinary repertoire:
- Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprout Salad
- Roasted Vegetable Salad
- Carrot Cake Roasted Carrots
- Maple Butter Roasted Acorn Squash
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, Cranberries and Goat Cheese
Sarah Thomas-Drawbaugh
5
servings
15
mins
25
mins
40
mins
This Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, Cranberries and Goat Cheese is the ultimate side dish for any fall or winter gathering. Elegant enough for holiday celebrations yet simple enough for everyday meals, this recipe offers a delightful blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors with satisfying crunch and creamy textures. It’s a versatile dish that promises to impress and satisfy.
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Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars from 2 votes
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Equipment
- 1 baking tray
- 2 nonstick skillets
Ingredients
- 14 ounces Brussels sprouts, remove ends, wash & dry. Then halve or quarter based on size.
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil, to roast the sprouts
- pinch kosher salt, to season the sprouts
- few turns cracked black pepper, to season the sprouts
- 5-6 slices center cut bacon, cook and crumble. Option to reserve a drizzle of grease for roasting the Brussels sprouts
- ½ cup pecan pieces, toasted
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 1-2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
Instructions
How to Make this Recipe
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a large baking tray and set it aside.
Roast the Brussels Sprouts
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Add the prepared Brussels sprouts (trimmed, washed, dried, halved or quartered) to the baking tray. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of avocado oil and season with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss until the sprouts are well coated. Spread them in a single layer on the tray. (Optional: for extra flavor, you can add a drizzle of the reserved bacon grease to the Brussels sprouts before roasting.) Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the sprouts are tender-crisp and lightly browned. Cooking time may vary slightly based on the size of your Brussels sprouts.
Assemble
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Once the roasted Brussels sprouts are pulled from the oven, immediately add the cooked and crumbled bacon to the tray. Follow with the toasted pecan pieces and dried cranberries. Gently toss all ingredients together on the tray until thoroughly combined.
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Transfer the mixture to a clean serving dish. Top generously with the crumbled goat cheese. Serve warm and enjoy this delightful fall and winter side dish.
Notes
How to Store: Store any leftover Brussels sprouts with Bacon, Pecans, Cranberries, and Goat Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For optimal freshness and texture, it’s best to add the toasted pecans and goat cheese just before serving if preparing ahead or storing leftovers.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving or 1/5th of the side dish, Calories: 248kcal, Carbohydrates: 20g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 9g, Cholesterol: 4mg, Sodium: 43mg, Potassium: 615mg, Fiber: 9g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 664IU, Vitamin C: 68mg, Calcium: 74mg, Iron: 2mg
Side Dish
American
248
Sarah Thomas-Drawbaugh