When the holidays roll around, my kitchen turns into a happy, chaotic whirlwind. I love planning the main course, but honestly, the side dishes are where the real fun is. They add all the color and variety to the table.
If you’re searching for new Christmas Side Dishes Recipes that will wow your guests without adding stress, you have come to the right place. These Hot Honey Roasted Brussels Sprouts are absolutely fantastic. They are a little sweet, a little spicy, and completely delicious.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, this recipe is incredibly simple. During the holiday rush, the last thing anyone needs is a complicated dish with a million steps. This is a true one pan wonder that requires very little effort but delivers big flavor.
The combination of flavors is just special. You get the earthy, caramelized Brussels sprouts, the sweet pop of dried cranberries, and the satisfying crunch of pecans. It is a wonderful mix of textures.
But the hot honey glaze is what truly makes this dish stand out. It brings a gentle heat that balances the sweetness and makes every bite interesting. It turns a simple vegetable into one of the most requested Xmas Side Dishes.
This dish also looks beautiful on a holiday table. The deep green of the sprouts, the vibrant red of the cranberries, and the toasted pecans create a festive presentation. It is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Plus, it’s a great way to get even the pickiest eaters to enjoy their vegetables. Many people who claim to dislike Brussels sprouts have been converted by this recipe. It’s one of those amazing Christmas Vegetables Side Dishes that everyone enjoys.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients for these amazing Christmas Side Dishes Recipes is simple. Everything should be easy to find at your local grocery store, especially during the holiday season. Here is what you will need.
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, stems removed and halved
- 1 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup coarsely broken pecans
- 1 ½ tablespoons Mike’s Hot Honey
A quick note on the sprouts. Try to pick ones that are similar in size. This helps them cook evenly. If you have some very large ones, just quarter them instead of halving them.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to make one of the most delicious Christmas Dinner Recipes Sides? Let’s walk through it together. The process is very straightforward.
Step 1: Prepare The Oven And Sprouts
First things first, preheat your oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat is key to getting that wonderful roasted char on the sprouts. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Next, prepare your Brussels sprouts. If you rinsed them, make sure to pat them completely dry with a paper towel. Water is the enemy of crispiness. Any moisture will cause the sprouts to steam instead of roast.
Step 2: Season The Brussels Sprouts
Now for the seasoning. You can do this in a large bowl, but I like to do it directly on the baking sheet to save a dish. Drizzle the sprouts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the kosher salt, and the black pepper.
Use your hands to toss everything together. Make sure every sprout is lightly coated in oil and seasoning. As you toss them, some of the outer leaves might fall off. Set these loose leaves aside for later. They get extra crispy and are a real treat.
Step 3: First Roast
Spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. It is very important not to overcrowd the pan. They need space to roast properly.
Turn each sprout so the flat, cut side is facing down on the parchment paper. This direct contact with the hot pan is what gives them that beautiful golden brown sear. Roast them for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Add The Toppings
After 10 minutes, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Sprinkle the dried cranberries, broken pecans, and the reserved loose leaves over the sprouts. Give everything a quick stir to distribute the new additions.
Adding these ingredients later in the cooking process prevents them from burning. The cranberries will soften slightly and the pecans will get nicely toasted without becoming bitter.
Step 5: Final Roast
Return the pan to the hot oven. Continue to roast for another 3 to 4 minutes. You are looking for the sprouts to have nice toasty brown spots. They should be tender on the inside but still have a slight bite. Nobody likes mushy sprouts.
The exact time will depend on the size of your sprouts and your oven, so keep a close eye on them during this final stage. This is a key step for great Christmas Side Dishes Recipes.
Step 6: Finish And Serve
Once they are roasted to your liking, transfer the Brussels sprouts mixture to a serving bowl. Now for the final touch. Drizzle the hot honey and the remaining ½ tablespoon of olive oil over the top.
Toss everything gently to coat. The warmth from the sprouts will make the honey glaze perfectly liquid and easy to distribute. Serve immediately while they are hot and crispy. These are some of the best Xmas Side Dishes you can make.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, which is rare, storing them is easy. Let the roasted Brussels sprouts cool completely to room temperature first.
Once cooled, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 3 or 4 days. The texture will soften a bit upon refrigeration, but the flavor will still be wonderful.
To reheat, I recommend spreading them on a baking sheet and warming them in a 350 degree oven for about 5 to 10 minutes. This helps them crisp up again. An air fryer also works great for reheating. I would avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy.
Tips
Want to make sure your Christmas Vegetables Side Dishes turn out great every time? Here are a few extra tips for success.
Do not overcrowd the baking sheet. I know I have said it before, but it is the most important tip. If the sprouts are piled up, they will steam instead of roast, and you will miss out on that lovely caramelized flavor.
If you are doubling the recipe for a large crowd, use two separate baking sheets. It is better to have extra space than to compromise on the texture of your Christmas Dinner Recipes Sides.
Feel free to customize this recipe. Walnuts or slivered almonds would be a great substitute for pecans. You could also add some crumbled bacon or pancetta for a savory, salty kick. A sprinkle of feta or goat cheese at the end is also delicious.
You can do some prep work in advance to make holiday cooking easier. The Brussels sprouts can be trimmed and cut a day or two ahead. Store them in a container in the fridge. You can also measure out the cranberries and pecans and keep them in a small bag.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A simple, flavorful, and festive side dish that is sure to be a hit. This is one of those Christmas Side Dishes Recipes that will become a new holiday tradition.
It is proof that holiday cooking does not have to be complicated to be impressive. The beautiful colors and amazing taste of these hot honey roasted Brussels sprouts will brighten any dinner table. Enjoy making this for your loved ones!
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Brussels Sprouts?
I would not recommend using frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe. They contain too much moisture, which will prevent them from getting crispy and caramelized in the oven. Fresh is definitely best here.
Is There A Substitute For Hot Honey?
Absolutely. If you cannot find hot honey, you can make your own. Simply warm up regular honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes. You could also use maple syrup for a different, but equally delicious, sweet glaze.
How Do I Make This Dish Less Spicy?
To reduce the spice level, you have a couple of options. You can use regular honey instead of hot honey. Or, you can mix a small amount of hot honey with regular honey to get just a hint of warmth without too much heat.
Can I Prepare The Entire Dish In Advance?
This dish is best served fresh from the oven for the best texture. However, you can do all the prep work ahead of time. Cut the sprouts and measure the other ingredients so it all comes together quickly when you are ready to cook. This is a big help for planning your Christmas Side Dishes Recipes.
Hot Honey Roasted Brussels Sprouts
These Hot Honey Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a fantastic holiday side dish. With a delightful mix of sweet and spicy, they combine earthy Brussels sprouts, vibrant dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans, all coated in a special hot honey glaze. Simple to make and packed with flavor, they’re sure to impress your guests.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Pat your Brussels sprouts completely dry. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the kosher salt, and the black pepper. Toss everything together to lightly coat. Set aside any loose outer leaves for later.
- Spread the seasoned Brussels sprouts in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring the flat, cut side is facing down. Roast for about 10 minutes.
- Carefully remove the pan from the oven. Sprinkle the dried cranberries, broken pecans, and the reserved loose leaves over the sprouts. Give everything a quick stir.
- Return the pan to the oven. Continue to roast for another 3 to 4 minutes, until the sprouts have nice toasty brown spots and are tender-crisp.
- Transfer the Brussels sprouts mixture to a serving bowl. Drizzle with the hot honey and the remaining ½ tablespoon of olive oil. Toss gently to coat and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
For even roasting, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. If doubling the recipe, use two separate sheets.
Customize this dish by substituting walnuts or slivered almonds for pecans. Crumbled bacon, pancetta, feta, or goat cheese can also be delicious additions.
You can prep the Brussels sprouts (trim and cut) a day or two in advance and store them in the fridge to save time on busy holidays.
If you can’t find hot honey, simply warm regular honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a similar sweet-spicy glaze.
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