Blackberry Brussels Sprouts
Time: 36 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Roasted Brussels sprouts meet crispy bacon, maple candied pecans, and fresh Driscoll’s Blackberries gently glazed in warm balsamic vinegar for a glossy, tart finish. A vibrant, crowd-pleasing fall side dish that’s equal parts sweet, salty, crispy, and juicy.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
26 minutes
Serves:
6-8
Perfect for:
Bookclub Bites
Dairy Free
Potluck Standouts
Ingredients
Pecans
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (2.25 ounces) pecan halves
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Brussels sprouts
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Blackberries
- 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 packages (6 ounces each) Driscoll’s Blackberries
Directions
Pecans
- LINE a baking sheet with parchment paper and SET ASIDE.
- POUR 3 tablespoons maple syrup into a medium sauce pan.
- ADD 3 tablespoons brown sugar.
- COOK and STIR over medium heat just until beginning to bubble, about 1 minute.
- REMOVE from heat.
- ADD 1/2 cup (2.25 ounces) pecans.
- ADD 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.
- ADD 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- ADD 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper, if using.
- STIR to coat pecans.
- TRANSFER to prepared baking sheet.
- CHILL in freezer until firm, about 20 minutes.
Brussels sprouts
- PREHEAT oven to 450°F.
- LINE a baking sheet with parchment paper and SET ASIDE.
- LINE a wide dinner plate with paper towels.
- TRIM stems from 1 pound Brussels sprouts.
- SCLICE in half lengthwise.
- TRANSFER Brussels sprouts to a large mixing bowl and SET ASIDE.
- LAY 8 thick-cut bacon slices onto prepared baking sheet.
- BAKE 8 minutes.
- FLIP bacon slices.
- BAKE 8 – 10 minutes until crispy.
- TRANSFER bacon slices to prepared dinner plate.
- POUR bacon fat over Brussels sprouts.
- ADD 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- ADD 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
- STIR to combine.
- PLACE Brussels sprouts face down in a single layer on baking sheet used for bacon.
- BAKE 14 minutes.
- FLIP Brussels sprouts.
- BAKE 14 minutes.
- TRANSFER to a large serving dish and SET ASIDE.
- CHOP bacon slices.
- SPRINKLE chopped bacon over Brussels sprouts and STIR to combine.
Blackberries
- POUR 1 ½ tablespoons balsamic glaze into a large microwave safe mixing bowl.
- ADD 1/8 teaspoon salt.
- STIR to combine.
- HEAT in microwave just until warm. Do not overcook.
- ADD 2 packages (6 ounces each) blackberries.
- FOLD gently until blackberries are evenly coated.
- ALLOW to rest 3 minutes.
- STRAIN gently through a fine mesh sieve and DISCARD any liquid.
Assembly
- CHOP pecan mixture into small pieces.
- PLACE pecan pieces into mixing bowl with Brussels sprouts.
- STIR to combine.
- FOLD IN glazed blackberries gently.
- SERVE immediately.
