Cranberry Orange Glazed Brussels Sprouts: 5 Festive Steps to a Holiday Side Sensation

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Cranberry Orange Glazed Brussels Sprouts in a serving dish

Because the only thing better than Brussels sprouts is Brussels sprouts that sing carols in your mouth.

A Holly Jolly Twist on a Classic Veggie

We all know the holiday hustle can turn even the merriest soul into a red-nosed grump. Enter Cranberry Orange Glazed Brussels Sprouts, the side dish that’ll make you rethink your standard green bean casserole. Imagine tender, caramelized Brussels sprouts dressed in a glossy cranberry-orange glaze, lightly sweet, tangy, and delightfully unexpected—just like that Secret Santa gift that actually wowed you instead of making you cringe.

Forget the haters who think Brussels sprouts belong in the trash. We’re dressing these mini green wonders in flavors so bright and festive, Santa himself might trade in his cookies for a plate of these. This dish screams “holiday cheer,” pairs beautifully with your roast turkey or ham, and adds a punch of color that’ll make your Christmas spread shine brighter than your neighbor’s lawn decorations.

(Looking to fill out your entire festive menu? Consider adding our Cinnamon Sugar Snowflake Cookies for dessert or sipping on a Gingerbread Hot Chocolate Surprise as you prep. Your kitchen = ultimate holiday hub.)

Why These Sprouts Will Deck Your Halls

  • Merry Flavor Mash-Up: Cranberries and orange bring sweet-tart holiday magic that’ll convert even the Brussels-skeptics.
  • Colorful Christmas Vibes: Deep greens, ruby reds, and a glossy glaze? Consider your holiday tablescape Instagram-ready.
  • No Blandness Allowed: A whisper of honey, a hint of zest, and a dash of seasonings ensure every bite pops with personality.
  • Easy Showstopper: Simple steps, everyday ingredients, but a result so fancy that guests will ask for the recipe (or try to steal yours).
  • Versatile Partner: Pairs beautifully with roasted meats, vegetarian mains, and even leftover stuffing. It’s your holiday sidekick.

A Backstory of Festive Flavor

Legend claims an ambitious elf once tried to make Brussels sprouts more jolly by pairing them with the flavors of Christmas morning: cranberries and orange. After some trial and error (and a few too many candy canes), the elf’s masterpiece emerged—a side dish that smelled like a holiday market and tasted like a Yuletide miracle. Rumor has it that Mrs. Claus still serves it up in the North Pole kitchen to keep Santa’s crew cheerful after marathon toy-making sessions.

Spread the Holiday Cheer

These Cranberry Orange Glazed Brussels Sprouts play nicely with a range of festive favorites:

  • Cranberry Compatibility: Serve alongside glazed ham or roasted turkey for a sweet-tart complement to savory meats.
  • Fruity Flourish: Pair with citrusy cocktails or a sparkling cranberry punch. Your taste buds will carol “Fa la la la la” after every sip and bite.
  • Decadent Desserts: After finishing your plate of sprouts, end on a high note with Cinnamon Sugar Snowflake Cookies, proving that sugar and spice do indeed make everything nice.

Chef’s Tip: Don’t Burn the Brussels

Roasting Brussels sprouts too long can make them bitter and sadder than a snowman in a heatwave. Aim for tender-crisp, with lightly charred edges. Keep an eye on the oven, stir occasionally, and pull them out the moment they hit that perfect golden-brown hue.

Cranberry Orange Glazed Brussels Sprouts: 5 Festive Steps to a Holiday Side Sensation
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Cranberry Orange Glazed Brussels Sprouts: 5 Festive Steps to a Holiday Side Sensation

Course: SidesCuisine: Holiday, ChristmasDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cook time

25

minutes
Calories

140

kcal
Total time

40

minutes

Our Cranberry Orange Glazed Brussels Sprouts combine caramelized sprouts with a tangy-sweet glaze of cranberries and fresh orange, delivering a festive side dish perfect for your Christmas feast.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • Salt & pepper to taste

  • ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries

  • ¼ cup fresh orange juice

  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)

  • Zest of 1 orange

  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter

Directions

  • Roast the Sprouts: Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet. Roast 20-25 mins, stirring halfway, until tender and slightly charred at the edges.
  • Cranberry Orange Magic: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey (or maple syrup), and a pinch of salt. Simmer over medium heat until cranberries soften and start to burst, ~5-7 mins.
  • Finish the Glaze: Stir in orange zest and butter until melted. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness as desired.
  • Glaze It Up: Transfer roasted sprouts to a serving dish. Drizzle the cranberry-orange mixture over them, gently tossing to coat.
  • Serve & Impress: Garnish with extra orange zest or a few whole cranberries for flair. Place on your holiday table and watch guests swoon.

Pro Tips (Because You’re Fancy Like That)

  • Balance the Flavors: If it’s too tart, add more honey. Too sweet? A squeeze of lemon juice helps.
  • Add Crunch: Toss in toasted pecans or almonds for a nutty texture that complements the glaze.
  • Make It Ahead: Prep the glaze in advance and reheat gently before serving. Roast sprouts fresh for best texture.

Allergy & Dietary Notes

  • Dairy-free? Swap butter with a plant-based alternative.
  • Vegan? Use maple syrup and vegan butter.
  • Gluten-free by default, just double-check your ingredients.

Storage & Leftovers

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. They’re still tasty the next day, making them a perfect addition to a festive leftovers bowl.

Deck the Halls with Daring Flavors

Congratulations, you’ve turned Brussels sprouts into the star of your holiday lineup with these Cranberry Orange Glazed Brussels Sprouts. They’re tangy, vibrant, and glamorous enough to outshine any tired old side dish. Drop a comment below—did your guests applaud your culinary genius? Share this recipe with fellow foodies who deserve a little holiday magic on their plates. Because in a season of joy and plenty, your side dishes should sing just as loudly as the carolers at your door.

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