Nothing says Christmas like a table overflowing with delicious sides that make your main dish shine! Every year, my family goes wild for these roasted Brussels sprouts with cranberries and pecans – they’re the perfect balance of savory and sweet that just screams holiday feast. I remember my aunt bringing this dish to our Christmas dinner years ago, and now it’s become our must-have tradition. These christmas dinner sides ideas aren’t just tasty – they bring everyone together around the table with their festive colors and comforting aromas. Trust me, once you try this simple yet impressive side, you’ll want to make it every holiday season!
Why You’ll Love These Christmas Dinner Sides Ideas
Oh my gosh, these roasted Brussels sprouts are going to be your new holiday superstar! Here’s why:
- Effortless elegance: With just 5 minutes of prep, you’ll have a dish that looks like you spent hours on it
- Flavor fireworks: That magical combo of crispy sprouts, sweet cranberries and toasty pecans? Absolute perfection
- Festive colors: The deep greens, ruby reds and golden browns make your whole table look merry
- Crowd-pleaser: Even veggie-skeptics go back for seconds (my nephew ate three helpings last year!)
Seriously, these christmas dinner sides ideas check all the boxes – delicious, beautiful, and simple enough that you can actually enjoy your own party!
Ingredients for Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Okay, let’s gather our simple but mighty ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need for this knockout christmas dinner side:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts – look for bright green, firm ones (trust me, fresh makes all the difference)
- 2 tbsp olive oil – I swear by California Olive Ranch for roasting
- 1/2 tsp salt – kosher salt gives the best flavor
- 1/4 tsp black pepper – freshly cracked if you’ve got it
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries – the tart ones from Trader Joe’s are my favorite
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans – toast them first for extra nutty goodness!
That’s it! Six simple ingredients that transform into holiday magic. Now let’s get cooking!
How to Make These Christmas Dinner Sides
Alright, let’s turn these simple ingredients into the star of your holiday table! I promise it’s easier than wrapping presents – and way more delicious.
Preparing the Brussels Sprouts
First things first – let’s get those sprouts ready! I like to trim the tough ends off each Brussels sprout (just about 1/8 inch) and peel away any yellow outer leaves. Then comes the magic trick – halve them from top to bottom so they lay flat on the baking sheet. This gives you those perfect crispy edges we all love!
Pro tip: Try to keep your halves roughly the same size so they cook evenly. If you’ve got some real big ones, you might quarter them – but don’t go too small or they’ll turn to mush!
Roasting to Perfection
Now for the transformation! Preheat your oven to 400°F – this high heat is key for getting those gorgeous caramelized edges. While it heats up, toss your sprouts with olive oil, salt and pepper until they’re nicely coated. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet – don’t crowd them or they’ll steam instead of roast!
Pop them in the oven for 20-25 minutes, giving them a quick shake halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they’re tender when pierced with a fork and have those beautiful browned edges. Then just stir in the cranberries and pecans – the residual heat will soften the cranberries slightly. Voila! The easiest, most festive christmas dinner side you’ll make this year!
Tips for the Best Christmas Dinner Sides
Want your Brussels sprouts to steal the show? Here are my tried-and-true tricks:
- Space is your friend: Spread those sprouts out! Overcrowding makes them steam instead of roast – use two pans if needed
- Hot pan magic: Preheat your baking sheet in the oven for 5 minutes before adding sprouts for extra crispy edges
- Toast those nuts: A quick 5-minute toast in a dry pan makes pecans taste ten times better
- Wait to dress: Add cranberries and pecans after roasting so they keep their texture
Follow these simple tips and your christmas dinner sides will be the talk of the table – guaranteed!
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Oh, the beauty of this recipe is how easily you can make it your own! Out of pecans? Walnuts work beautifully – just chop them nice and fine. Not a cranberry fan? Try golden raisins or dried cherries instead for that pop of sweetness.
Want to take it up a notch? Drizzle with balsamic glaze right before serving – the tangy-sweet contrast is incredible. For special occasions, I sometimes add crispy pancetta bits or crumbled goat cheese. The possibilities are endless with these christmas dinner sides ideas!
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Dinner Sides Ideas
Oh, these roasted Brussels sprouts deserve center stage on your holiday table! They’re absolute perfection alongside classic mains like herb-roasted turkey or glazed ham – the sweet-tart cranberries cut through rich meats beautifully. For a festive presentation, I love serving them in my grandmother’s antique copper pan with extra pecans sprinkled on top. Pro tip: Make a double batch because these christmas dinner sides disappear fast once guests start passing them around!
Storage & Reheating
Got leftovers? Lucky you! These Brussels sprouts keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, skip the microwave – it’ll make them soggy. Instead, pop them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to bring back that perfect crispiness. The pecans might lose some crunch, so I like to sprinkle fresh ones on top when reheating!
Nutritional Information
Just so you know, these numbers are estimates – but here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in each serving of these tasty christmas dinner sides! One serving (about 1/4 of the recipe) packs around 180 calories, with 5g of fiber to keep you satisfied. You’re looking at 12g of good-for-you fats (mostly from the olive oil and pecans) and just 8g of natural sugars from the cranberries. Best part? It’s completely cholesterol-free and vegetarian-friendly. Not bad for a dish that tastes this indulgent, right?
Frequently Asked Questions
I get asked about these christmas dinner sides all the time! Here are the answers to the most common questions:
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
You absolutely can, but here’s my trick – thaw them completely first, then pat them super dry with paper towels. Frozen sprouts tend to release more water when roasting, so you might need an extra 5 minutes in the oven to get them crispy. I still prefer fresh for the best texture, but frozen works in a pinch!
How do I make this dish vegan?
Good news – this recipe is already vegan as written! Just double check your dried cranberries (some brands use honey) and pecans to be safe. My aunt makes it with maple syrup instead of honey when she needs it 100% plant-based, and it’s just as delicious. For more information on plant-based eating, check out resources on The Vegan Society.
Can I make this ahead?
Totally! Roast the Brussels sprouts up to 2 days in advance, then just warm them in the oven with the cranberries and pecans before serving. The flavors actually get better as they sit – that sweet-savory combo just keeps improving! If you are interested in other make-ahead holiday recipes, you might look into strawberry lassi drink variations for inspiration.
Share Your Holiday Creations
I’d love to hear how your christmas dinner sides turn out! Did your family go crazy for these Brussels sprouts like mine does? Snap a photo of your holiday spread – I’m always looking for new ways to make this recipe even more special. Happy holidays and happy cooking!
Print
5 Irresistible Christmas Dinner Sides That Wow Every Guest
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious side dishes to complement your Christmas dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender.
- Remove from oven and mix in cranberries and pecans.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts for pecans.
- Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Christmas, side dishes, holiday recipes, Brussels sprouts