It was Thanksgiving at my aunt’s house, and I was a picky eater, to say the least. I usually stuck to the mashed potatoes and rolls, avoiding anything green. One year, though, a vibrant orange dish caught my eye amidst the sea of brown and beige.
It was the orange maple glazed brussels sprouts, studded with bright red cranberries. Hesitantly, I took a bite, and my world changed. The slight bitterness of the sprouts, the sweetness of the maple, and the tang of the orange created a flavor explosion I never expected.
That dish transformed my perception of vegetables, and I’ve been hooked ever since. This version is my attempt to recreate that magical flavor, and I hope it does the same for you!
Why you’ll love this Orange Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries
- These maple glazed brussels sprouts are a delicious and easy way to add some greens to your plate.
- The combination of sweet maple syrup, tangy orange, and slightly bitter brussels sprouts is a flavor sensation.
- They’re perfect as a side dish for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts.
- Dried cranberries add a burst of chewiness and tartness that perfectly complements the other flavors.
- This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by using maple syrup.
- With a prep time of only 15 minutes, these orange maple glazed brussels sprouts are a quick and impressive side dish.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Directions
Step 1
Maple glazed brussels sprouts makes every moment feel uplifting. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2
In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3
Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until Brussels sprouts are tender and slightly browned, flipping halfway through.
Step 4
While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, orange juice, orange zest, and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
Step 5
Remove Brussels sprouts from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the orange maple glaze over the Brussels sprouts and toss to coat evenly.
Step 6
Stir in the dried cranberries and chopped nuts (if using). Serve immediately.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
Want to switch things up? Try adding different spices to the glaze, like a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warmer flavor. You could also use different nuts, such as slivered almonds or pistachios, for a unique texture. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability, so feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own signature dish.
For a savory twist, consider adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese after roasting. The salty cheese complements the sweetness of the maple glaze beautifully. If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the glaze will add a subtle kick.
Another interesting variation is to add balsamic vinegar to the glaze instead of apple cider vinegar. This will give the brussels sprouts a richer, more complex flavor. Play around with the ratios of maple syrup and vinegar to find the perfect balance for your taste.
Pairings
These orange maple glazed brussels sprouts with cranberries are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of main courses. They are a fantastic addition to any roasted chicken or turkey dish, bringing a pop of color and flavor to the plate. The sweetness of the glaze complements the savory meat perfectly.
For a vegetarian meal, try serving them alongside a hearty grain bowl with quinoa or farro. The sprouts add a welcome dose of vegetables and a burst of flavor that elevates the entire dish. They also pair well with roasted tofu or tempeh.
Looking for other side dish ideas? Consider making some creamy mashed potatoes or a simple green salad to round out the meal. You can also find inspiration at Fork Haven; for example, you might want to try their Orange Creamsicle Fluff Salad, which is a light and refreshing complement to the richness of the maple glazed brussels sprouts. You can check it out here: Orange Creamsicle Fluff Salad Recipe.
Serving ideas
Presentation is key! To make these orange maple glazed brussels sprouts with cranberries even more appealing, arrange them artfully on a serving platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh orange zest and a few extra cranberries for a pop of color.
For a more casual presentation, serve them in a large bowl with a serving spoon. This is perfect for family-style meals or potlucks. You can also add a drizzle of extra glaze over the top just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
These brussels sprouts are also delicious served cold as part of a salad. Simply roast them as directed, then chill them in the refrigerator. Toss them with your favorite salad greens, some crumbled feta cheese, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing and flavorful lunch.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Leftover orange maple glazed brussels sprouts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor may intensify slightly as they sit, so keep that in mind.
To reheat, you can either microwave them for a minute or two, or spread them out on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. The oven will help them retain their crispness better than the microwave.
While you can freeze cooked brussels sprouts, the texture may become a bit mushy upon thawing. If you do choose to freeze them, spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This will prevent them from sticking together.
Make-ahead
To save time on busy weeknights, you can prep the brussels sprouts ahead of time. Trim and halve them, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
You can also make the glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply reheat it in a small saucepan over low heat before using. This will allow the flavors to meld together even more.
For a quick and easy meal prep option, roast the brussels sprouts on Sunday and store them in the refrigerator. Then, just before serving, toss them with the glaze and cranberries. This is a great way to ensure you have a healthy and delicious side dish ready to go all week long.
Common mistakes when making Orange Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries
- Overcrowding the baking sheet: If the brussels sprouts are too close together, they will steam instead of roast, resulting in a mushy texture. Make sure to spread them out in a single layer with enough space between each sprout.
- Not flipping the brussels sprouts halfway through roasting: Flipping ensures that they brown evenly on all sides. Set a timer for 10-12 minutes and flip them halfway through the roasting time.
- Overcooking the glaze: If you cook the glaze for too long, it will become too thick and sticky. Keep a close eye on it and remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches a slightly thickened consistency.
- Using old or stale spices: Fresh spices will give your dish the best flavor. If your spices have been sitting in your pantry for a while, consider replacing them before making this recipe.
- Forgetting to trim the brussels sprouts: Trimming the ends removes any tough or discolored parts, resulting in a more tender and enjoyable dish.
Final notes
These maple glazed brussels sprouts are a delightful way to introduce more vegetables into your diet. The sweetness of the maple syrup combined with the tartness of the cranberries creates a flavor profile that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and additions to make this recipe your own. Cooking should be fun and creative, so feel free to adjust the ingredients and flavors to suit your personal preferences.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! It’s a simple yet elegant side dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Loved this Orange Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries? Try these next
- Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
- Mini Lemon Blueberry Cheesecakes
- Orange Creamsicle Fluff Salad
- No Bake Blueberry Peanut Butter Chew
Orange Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries
These vibrant Orange Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries are the perfect side dish to brighten up any meal. Roasted to perfection and tossed in a sweet and tangy glaze, they’re sure to become a new family favorite!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until Brussels sprouts are tender and slightly browned, flipping halfway through.
- While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine maple syrup, orange juice, orange zest, and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
- Remove Brussels sprouts from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the orange maple glaze over the Brussels sprouts and toss to coat evenly.
- Stir in the dried cranberries and chopped nuts (if using). Serve immediately.
Notes
For a deeper flavor, you can roast the Brussels sprouts at 425°F (220°C) for a shorter amount of time (about 18-20 minutes). Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg