Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash are a perfect fall side dish, especially when you add bacon, cranberries, and a maple syrup balsamic dressing.
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Why Roast Vegetables?
The dry heat of a hot oven amplifies the flavour of the veggies, gives them crisp on the outside, but keeps them tender on the inside. Roasting is also simple, easy, and you can roast everything on one pan, making clean up simple.
Brussels Sprouts Can be Delicious
Brussels Sprouts have, sometimes, had a bad rap, because, if they are cooked the wrong way, they really are awful. There was a time when most cooks boiled the sprouts until they were mushy, greyish dull green, and tasted bitter and sulfurous. No wonder nobody liked them!
Brussels sprouts, correctly cooked, are a whole different veggie. They have a pleasant bitterness and a nutty taste. Roasting them caramelizes the sprouts a little, giving them a browned, slightly crispy outside, and a tender, chewy inside.
About These Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash
The slight bitterness of perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts, paired with the sweetness of butternut and maple, is divine when tossed with bacon and cranberries. It's a beautiful, flavourful dish that makes a wonderful holiday side, but it's also easy enough to make on any weeknight, too. You could easily add some chicken pieces to the pan for a simple sheet pan dinner.
Brussels Sprout Nutrition
Despite being low in calories, sprouts are incredibly nutritious. They are a great source of vitamin C, as well as vitamin K, which is important for bone health. The sulfur compounds in Brussels sprouts have been shown to have cancer-fighting properties. Sprouts are high in fibre and also contain vitamin A, vitamin B6, folate, calcium, and iron. Get more info here: How Healthy are Brussels Sprouts?
Butternut Squash Nutrition
Brussels Sprouts may be nutritional stars, but butternut squash is no slouch either. This winter squash is loaded with vitamin A, fibre, and has more potassium per serving than a banana. Butternut is also a good source of vitamin C, vitamin E, iron, magnesium, and folate.
Together, these two veggies are not only delicious but nutrient-dense, too. Brussels sprouts are also delicious raw! Check out Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad With Apples.
Looking for More Vegetable sides?
Some other delicious side dish ideas to try: Shredded Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Sautéed Green Beans With Lemon & Garlic, Creamy Parsnip Puree, Mashed Roasted Butternut Squash, Air Fryer Butternut Squash, Brown Sugar Roasted Carrots, Brown Sugar Brussels Sprouts or Red Cabbage & Apple Braise,
Recipe
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash
Ingredients
- 5 slices bacon thick cut
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts trimmed
- 1 lb butternut squash peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)
- 1 cup cranberries fresh
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook the bacon until just crisp, and remove to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the bacon grease.
- Preheat oven to 400°
- Prepare a large baking sheet (17 x 11) by lining with parchment paper
- Slice the Brussels sprouts in half lengthwise
- Chop the bacon strips
- In a large bowl, toss together the sprouts, cubed squash, cranberries, bacon pieces, thyme leaves, and 2 tablespoon of the reserved bacon grease.
- Spread the vegetable mixture evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Roast in the center of oven 20-30 minutes, turning halfway through until veggies are fork-tender and lightly browned
- whisk together maple syrup and balsamic vinegar
- Remove from oven and toss lightly with maple balsamic dressing. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Brian Jones says
I love sprouts, we have a constant battle to keep the local hare away from ours in the garden.. They seem to love em too! This sounds delicious and that glaze/sauce is perfect.
Colleen says
I do hope you are winning the battle, Brian! This is a perfect recipe to use the sprouts that the hare doesn't get. 🙂
Maria says
It's great to stock up on simple go-to side dishes this time of year!
Colleen says
I'm happy to supply one of those go-to's for you, Maria. Enjoy!
Nicoletta sugarlovespices says
Love the ingredients in this dish and together they make a most delicious and nutritious Fall/Winter side meal. We roast our vegetables a lot, nothing can beat their flavor!
Colleen says
I agree, Nicoletta. Roasting veggies not only makes them delicious, but it's so fuss free, too.
Denise from Urb’n’Spice says
I could totally see your Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash side dish becoming a family favourite, Colleen. As a matter of fact, it looks like the kind of dish that I would happily devour on my own! the addition of bacon, cranberries and maple syrup balsamic dressing take it over the top! Well done! I cannot wait to try this! ??
Colleen says
Hi Denise, this really is a family favourite at our house. I almost look more forward to this than the turkey :-). Enjoy!
Cathy says
What a beautiful dish! I agree with you about Brussels sprouts. Boiling just spoils them. However, roasting them with bacon and adding maple syrup and balsamic vinegar looks amazing! I'm pinning this recipe to try!
Colleen says
I think you'll love it, Cathy!
Jessica says
This sounds delicious! Perfect side dish for the holiday season - bacon, brussels sprouts and butternut squash = the best combination!
Colleen says
So true, Jessica! Plus cranberries ?
Sri Mallya says
What a lovely combination of ingredients. Looks so colorful and delicious.
Colleen says
Thank you Sri! It is as delicious as it looks.
Jane Saunders says
Haha, I remember mushy sprouts as a child too. I'm always careful not to replicate that dish for my kids. However, I think I'd like to try your vibrant medley of veggies next, since this colourful side is bound to appeal to my family.
Colleen says
Hi Jane, this dish is a huge improvement on those mushy sprouts, and I'm sure you & your family will love it. Enjoy!
Renu says
I agree with you that roasting really gives such a different and yum taste, and that dish of yours is so inviting. Thanks for the info on how to cook brussel sprouts, as I had once done and did not liked it. Will surely try your way.
Colleen says
Hi Renu, how they are cooked makes all the difference. I hope you like it!
Alexis says
I love all of the colors in this dish. We always make something similar for Thanksgiving dinner. So yummy!
Colleen says
Hi Alexis, It really is yummy, and I love how colourful it is also. Happy Thanksgiving!
Danielle says
This recipe combines my favorite fall ingredients! Brussel sprouts, butternut squash and cranberries in one? Such a great recipe!
Colleen says
Hi Danielle! It's such a great fall combo, right? I think you'll love it!
Ellen says
Two favorites in my house! This will be great with roasted chicken.
Colleen says
Ellen, I agree, it will be perfect with roasted chicken. Everything in the oven and no pots to wash 🙂
Andrea Metlika says
This looks Fabulous! Love all the ingredients. Can't wait to make this.
Colleen says
Thanks Andrea, I know that you will love this dish if you love all the ingredients. Enjoy!
Adrianne says
Yum, this looks fabulous! The addition of the maple syrup would be perfect with the butternut squash and bacon. All good things in this recipe!!
Colleen says
Thanks Adrianne! All these flavours are perfect together, and it couldn't be easier.
Dina says
Looks delicious and very seasonal. Always love your food.
Colleen says
Hi Dina! Thank you, it really is delicious, and I always appreciate you stopping by.