Orange Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries is a bright and sweet side dish that brings together tender roasted Brussels sprouts, a sticky maple syrup glaze, zesty orange, and juicy cranberries. The combination is colorful and full of flavor, making these little sprouts feel special and festive.
I love making this dish when I want something both healthy and a bit indulgent. The sweetness from the maple syrup and orange balances out the natural earthiness of the sprouts, while the cranberries add just the right pop of tartness. It’s funny how something as simple as a drizzle of glaze and a handful of berries can make Brussels sprouts so much more exciting to eat!
My favorite way to serve this is alongside roasted chicken or turkey, especially during the holidays when you want a burst of fresh flavors on your plate. It’s always a hit at dinner parties too—people often ask for the recipe because it’s a surprisingly tasty way to enjoy a vegetable that doesn’t always get the love it deserves.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brussels sprouts: Fresh, firm sprouts work best for roasting. Look for bright green heads without yellowing or soft spots. If you can’t find fresh, frozen sprouts can be roasted too—just adjust cooking time slightly.
Bacon: Adds smoky crispiness and depth. For a vegetarian option, try smoked tempeh or coconut bacon. If you skip bacon, a splash of smoked paprika in the glaze adds a nice flavor boost.
Maple syrup: The sweet base of the glaze. You can substitute honey or agave nectar if needed, though maple gives a unique earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with orange.
Orange juice & zest: Fresh orange juice brightens and lightens the glaze. I recommend fresh juice over bottled for the best flavor. The zest adds an extra pop of citrus aroma—don’t skip it!
Dried cranberries: These bring tartness and color contrast. You can replace them with raisins or chopped dried cherries if preferred. If you want more texture, toss in some toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts.
How Do You Get Crispy, Tender Brussels Sprouts With a Sticky Maple Glaze?
Getting that perfect balance of crisp outside and tender inside is key here. Here’s how I do it:
- Roast cut side down: This helps the sprouts brown beautifully and caramelize. It locks in flavor and texture.
- High heat: Roasting at 400°F ensures they cook through and get crispy edges without drying out.
- Use enough oil: Olive oil coats the sprouts evenly, aiding caramelization and preventing burning.
- Cook bacon first: Using the leftover bacon fat to glaze the sprouts adds extra flavor and contributes to that sticky, delicious coating.
- Simmer glaze briefly: After adding the maple-orange mixture, gently cook for a few minutes so the syrup thickens and clings to the sprouts.
Following these tips brings out the best in Brussels sprouts and makes sure every bite has that lovely mix of crispy, tender, sweet, and tangy flavors.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large baking sheet – perfect for roasting Brussels sprouts evenly in a single layer.
- Sharp chef’s knife – makes trimming and halving the sprouts quick and easy.
- Large skillet – you’ll use this to cook bacon and toss the sprouts with the glaze.
- Mixing bowl – handy for whisking the maple syrup, orange juice, and zest together.
- Slotted spoon – great for removing crispy bacon without the grease.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap bacon for pancetta or smoked sausage for a different smoky twist.
- Add toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch and a nutty flavor contrast.
- Try goat cheese or feta crumbles on top for a creamy, tangy touch.
- Mix in cooked quinoa or farro to make this a more filling dish.
How to Make Orange Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 ½ pounds fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to roast the Brussels sprouts, plus 5 to 7 minutes to cook the bacon and glaze. In total, plan for about 40 minutes to have this delicious side ready to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Brussels Sprouts:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Spread them out cut side down on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the Brussels sprouts are browned and tender.
2. Cook the Bacon:
While the Brussels sprouts roast, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the pan and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
3. Prepare the Glaze and Combine:
In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, fresh orange juice, and orange zest. When the Brussels sprouts are done roasting, add them to the skillet with the bacon fat on medium heat. Pour the maple-orange glaze over them, stirring to coat everything evenly. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the glaze thickens and becomes sticky.
4. Add Cranberries and Bacon:
Stir in the dried cranberries and crispy bacon pieces, tossing gently to combine and warm the cranberries slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
5. Serve:
Transfer the glazed Brussels sprouts with cranberries to a serving dish and enjoy this sweet, tangy, and savory side right away!
Can I Use Frozen Brussels Sprouts Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just thaw them completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture before roasting. You may need to reduce the roasting time slightly since frozen sprouts can cook faster.
What Can I Substitute for Bacon?
If you want a vegetarian version, try smoked tempeh, coconut bacon, or simply skip the bacon and add a pinch of smoked paprika to the glaze for a smoky flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Roast the Brussels sprouts and cook the bacon in advance, then prepare the glaze and combine everything just before serving to keep the glaze fresh and sticky.
