If there’s one holiday side dish I get excited about every single year, it’s Orange Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries. They’re sweet, tangy, citrusy, caramelized, and beautifully colorful—everything I want on a festive table. This recipe turns humble Brussels sprouts into a dish that feels gourmet but is actually incredibly simple to make.
Whether you’re cooking for a holiday dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or just trying to add more veggies to your plate, this recipe is a delicious way to do it.
Quick Facts
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cooking Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Serving Size: 4 servings
Why You’ll Love These Orange Maple Brussels Sprouts
These sprouts hit every flavor note—sweet maple, bright orange, a hint of tartness, and the warm caramelization from roasting. Here’s why this dish is a favorite:
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They look festive and colorful
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Quick enough for weeknights, special enough for holidays
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Perfect balance of sweet, tangy & savory
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Uses simple, wholesome ingredients
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Elegant enough for a Thanksgiving or Christmas table
Even people who claim to “hate Brussels sprouts” usually fall in love with this version!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Brussels Sprouts
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1 lb (450 g) Brussels sprouts, halved
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2 tbsp olive oil
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Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Glaze
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3 tbsp maple syrup
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2 tbsp orange juice (freshly squeezed)
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1 tsp orange zest
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1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
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¼ tsp chili flakes (optional)
Add-Ins
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⅓ cup dried cranberries
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Optional: toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch
How to Make Orange Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts
Step 1: Prep the Sprouts
Trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and slice them in half. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Roast Until Golden
Spread them on a baking sheet cut-side down.
Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 18–20 minutes, or until crisp and browned.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together:
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Maple syrup
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Orange juice
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Orange zest
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Balsamic vinegar
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Chili flakes
This glaze is what gives the sprouts their shiny, citrusy finish.
Step 4: Coat With Glaze
Transfer the hot, roasted sprouts to a bowl and pour the glaze over them. Toss until every sprout is shiny and caramel-coated.
Step 5: Add Cranberries
Stir in dried cranberries so they slightly soften from the heat.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve warm as a holiday side dish.
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Pair with roasted chicken, turkey, salmon, or a vegetarian main.
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Add toasted nuts on top for crunch.
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Serve over quinoa or rice for a wholesome lunch bowl.
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Great addition to a festive potluck or family dinner.
Tips for Customization
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Sweeter: Add an extra drizzle of maple syrup.
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More tangy: Increase the balsamic vinegar.
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Add crunch: Top with pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds.
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Make it spicy: Add a pinch more chili flakes.
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Make it buttery: Toss with 1 tablespoon of melted butter at the end.
Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving)
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Calories: 160
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Carbs: 24g
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Fat: 6g
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Protein: 3g
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Fiber: 4g
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Sugar: 14g
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Yes, but roast them longer so they crisp up. Fresh sprouts work best.
2. Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! Roast the sprouts earlier, then glaze and reheat before serving.
3. What can I use instead of maple syrup?
Honey or agave syrup work well.
4. Can I swap cranberries for something else?
Raisins, chopped dates, or dried cherries also taste amazing.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Final Thoughts
Orange Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries are the perfect balance of cozy and bright—ideal for holiday meals, Sunday dinners, or anytime you want vegetables that don’t taste boring. They’re simple, impressive, and bursting with flavor.
