This skillet Maple Balsamic Brussels sprouts with Cranberries and Bacon makes such a perfect addition to your holiday table! Brussels sprouts and cranberries are sautéed together and tossed with crispy bacon and a delicious maple balsamic sauce. Such a crowd pleaser and one that comes together in less than 30 minutes.
Let’s just start with the obvious: You guys are going to love this one! If you’ve been a Wholesomelicoius reader for awhile, you know that my entire family (including the dog) are obsessed with brussels sprouts. We eat them pretty much every day!
Whether it be my Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, Creamy Lemon Garlic Brussels Sprouts or Roasted Honey Garlic Brussels, they are pretty much the vegetable side dish I make the most. As a nutritionist, I also love the nutrient density of brussels sprouts! They are loaded with fiber and antioxidants like vitamin C.
In planning my Thanksgiving menu, I knew I wanted to include them on our table with a festive flair. By festive, I mean, I really really wanted to include fresh cranberries.
So I set to work……And it’s a masterpiece.
In my One Pot Gluten-Free Cooking cookbook, I have a warm Brussels Sprouts salad that is probably my favorite recipe in the entire book. While it’s downright delicious and great for any occasion, I wanted to do something similar, but more festive for the holidays. Also one that I can share here on the blog!
How to make Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Bacon:
Here are the ingredients you need:
- bacon
- red onion
- avocado oil or olive oil
- brussels sprouts
- cranberries
- balsamic vinegar
- maple syrup
- salt and pepper
Simple ingredients, and so easy to make!! We start by sautéing the bacon and cooking to desired crispiness, set aside. Then toss in the red onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, also set aside. Cook the brussels and cranberries together. You want the brussels to begin to brown and cranberries to soften. Now add in water and bring to a boil so it all cooks properly! Remove from heat.
We now add the bacon and onion back to the skillet, and top with the balsamic vinegar and maple syrup.
I love the way the tart cranberries pair with the crispy bacon and brussels, and also make for a tasty compliment to balsamic and maple!
Serving and Storing:
This is not a recipe to make ahead, but one that should be served warm and shortly after cooking. You want that crispy and fresh taste. It’s well worth it you guys! Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
You can store in the fridge for up to 3 days, and enjoy by re-heating in the skillet.
Other Vegetable Side Dishes you will love!
- Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Butternut Squash Au Gratin
- Creamy Skillet Green Bean Casserole
- Apple Slaw with Toasted Pecan Vinaigrette
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Maple Balsamic Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Bacon
One Pan and 30 minutes is all you need for this delicious warm Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Bacon! You'll love the tangy maple balsamic dressing, and that this recipe is quick and easy to put together.
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bacon, sugar free
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 1-2 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- 16 oz Brussels Sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp salt + more to taste
Instructions
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Begin by heating a large skillet to medium heat. Add the bacon, and cook for approximately 4-5 minutes per side (or until desired crispiness). Set aside, leave the bacon fat in the pan.
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Toss in the red onion, saute for 3-4 minutes or until fragrant and lightly browned. Set aside with bacon. Keep the skillet on the stove and heat on.
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Now add in 1-2 tbsp of oil (depending on how much you have left over from the bacon), and toss in Brussels sprouts and cranberries. Saute, stirring occasionally, for 5-6 minutes, or until the Brussels are browned and cranberries begin to soften.
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Pour in water and increase the temperature to high to bring to a light boil, then reduce to medium heat. Let the Brussels and cranberries continue to cook so the cranberries begin to pop, and the water is almost completely gone (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat.
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Pour Brussels and cranberries into a serving dish, crumble the bacon and add to the dish along with the red onion. Toss in the balsamic vinegar and maple syrup to coat. Sprinkle with salt and serve warm(adding any additional salt to taste).
This was such a hit at our family gathering! Thanks!