Christmas Brussel Sprouts Recipe Vegetarian and Delicious Ideas

The holiday season is the perfect time to indulge in festive dishes that bring warmth and joy to the table. If you’re looking for a delicious vegetarian side dish that embodies the spirit of Christmas, look no further than this Christmas Brussels sprouts recipe.

These little green gems get a delightful makeover with a combination of vibrant flavors and textures, making them a standout addition to any holiday feast. Whether you’re a Brussels sprouts enthusiast or someone looking to convert skeptics, this recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Roasted to perfection and tossed with a tangy balsamic glaze, crunchy pecans, and a hint of sweetness from dried cranberries, these Brussels sprouts shine as a festive and nutritious dish. They’re easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and beautifully colorful, making them as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.

Best of all, this recipe is entirely vegetarian, so everyone at your table can enjoy it. Let’s dive into how to make this holiday favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Christmas Brussels sprouts recipe is a joy to make and eat. The roasting process caramelizes the natural sugars in the sprouts, creating a rich, nutty flavor that even non-vegetable lovers will appreciate.

The addition of pecans adds a delightful crunch, while dried cranberries lend a festive pop of tartness and color.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—you can customize the seasoning and toppings to suit your taste or dietary preferences. It’s also a nutritious choice, packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a guilt-free indulgence during the holiday season.

Whether served as a side or a main component in a vegetarian meal, this dish will be a hit.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup pecans, roughly chopped
• ½ cup dried cranberries
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a subtle heat

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Small bowl for glaze
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Oven

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Brussels sprouts: Trim the ends and cut each sprout in half lengthwise. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
3. Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure each sprout is well coated to ensure even roasting and flavor.
4. Spread the Brussels sprouts on the baking sheet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to allow for proper caramelization.
5. Roast in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through so they brown evenly. They should be tender and golden brown on the edges.
6. While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes if using.
7. Once the sprouts are roasted, transfer them back to the mixing bowl. Pour the balsamic glaze over the hot Brussels sprouts and toss gently to coat.
8. Add the chopped pecans and dried cranberries, folding them in carefully to distribute evenly without crushing the pecans.
9. Serve warm or at room temperature. This dish pairs beautifully with holiday mains and makes a colorful addition to your Christmas table.

Tips & Variations

“For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese right before serving, or swap pecans for toasted walnuts or almonds.”

To make this recipe vegan, ensure your maple syrup is pure and avoid adding cheese. You can also add a touch of smoked paprika or cumin for a warm, earthy twist.

If you prefer your Brussels sprouts less crispy, reduce the roasting time by 5 minutes. For a sweeter glaze, increase the maple syrup to 2 tablespoons.

Feel free to experiment with adding chopped apples or pomegranate seeds for even more festive flair.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Christmas Brussels sprouts as a festive side alongside your favorite holiday mains. They pair wonderfully with vegetarian dishes like stuffed squash or mushroom Wellington, as well as with traditional roast dinners.

For a complete holiday vegetarian menu, try pairing this dish with Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe or add a refreshing touch with the tangy sweetness of Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe. These pairings will elevate your Christmas spread and impress your guests.

Conclusion

This Christmas Brussels sprouts recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity, nutrition, and holiday magic. The balance of savory roasted sprouts, crunchy pecans, and sweet-tart cranberries, all brought together with a luscious balsamic glaze, creates a dish that’s both comforting and festive.

Whether you’re hosting a vegetarian holiday dinner or just want to add a fresh, flavorful side to your Christmas table, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. Easy to prepare and full of vibrant colors and textures, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season with wholesome, delicious food.

Don’t forget to explore more exciting recipes like the Peda Recipe Ricotta Cheese to keep your festive menu diverse and delightful. Happy holidays and happy cooking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Christmas Brussels Sprouts Recipe Vegetarian”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A festive and flavorful vegetarian Brussels sprouts dish perfect for the holiday season. Roasted with garlic, cranberries, and pecans for a sweet and savory taste.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT25M”, “totalTime”: “PT40M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1/4 cup dried cranberries”, “1/4 cup chopped pecans”, “1 tablespoon maple syrup”, “Salt to taste”, “Black pepper to taste”, “1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 400\u00b0F (200\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Spread sprouts on a baking sheet in a single layer.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Roast for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from oven and drizzle with maple syrup and balsamic vinegar.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add cranberries and pecans, toss gently.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Return to oven for 5 more minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “4 g”, “fatContent”: “12 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “18 g”}}