Oh, I absolutely love how this Roasted Maple Mustard Brussels Sprouts with Pistachios and Pomegranate Recipe turns out every single time! The caramelized edges from roasting, paired with the sweet maple syrup and tangy mustard glaze, create a flavor combination that’s truly irresistible. Plus, the crunchy pistachios and juicy bursts of pomegranate make each bite exciting, adding that perfect little pop of texture and freshness.
This recipe works amazingly well as a holiday side dish or anytime you want to jazz up your usual veggies. Honestly, I discovered this trick when trying to make Brussels sprouts more appealing to picky eaters at my family dinners – and now they go crazy for it just like I do! I’ll walk you through the whole process so you get that same lovely balance of sweet, tangy, nutty, and fresh flavors that make this dish special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold, Balanced Flavors: The mix of sweet maple, tangy mustard, and fresh pomegranate creates a crowd-pleasing taste.
- Textural Delight: Roasted sprouts’ crisp edges alongside crunchy pistachios and juicy pomegranate give every bite an exciting contrast.
- Simple and Quick: With just a handful of ingredients and about 40 minutes total, it’s an easy side that impresses.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect for holiday dinners, weeknight meals, or even meal prep lunches.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this Roasted Maple Mustard Brussels Sprouts with Pistachios and Pomegranate Recipe come together to create a harmonious dish. It’s worth buying fresh Brussels sprouts and quality maple syrup for the best flavor, plus I recommend using raw pistachios for that great crunch.
- Brussels sprouts: Look for small to medium-sized ones — they roast more evenly and develop better caramelization.
- Maple syrup: A pure 100% maple syrup is key for natural sweetness without any weird aftertaste.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy zip that balances the sweetness brilliantly; I like bold Dijon for this.
- Kosher salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning – don’t be shy here to bring out the sprouts’ natural flavor.
- Pistachios: Finely chopped for texture; I use unsalted raw ones so the salt on the sprouts shines through.
- Pomegranate arils: These juicy bursts brighten the dish and add a festive pop of color.
Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations
I like to mix things up sometimes with this Roasted Maple Mustard Brussels Sprouts with Pistachios and Pomegranate Recipe, so don’t be afraid to personalize it! A little creativity here can make it perfect for your family’s taste or dietary needs.
- Swap nuts: If you’re not a pistachio fan, toasted pecans or walnuts also add a lovely crunch and complement the sweetness.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the maple-mustard glaze to give the sprouts a subtle heat.
- Make it vegan: This recipe is naturally vegan but double-check your mustard and maple syrup labels to be sure.
- Seasonal twist: Swap pomegranate arils with dried cranberries in winter or fresh diced apples in fall for fun variations.
How to Make Roasted Maple Mustard Brussels Sprouts with Pistachios and Pomegranate Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Brussels Sprouts for Maximum Flavor
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it heats, trim off the ends of your Brussels sprouts and cut them in half or quarters if they’re large. Removing the tough stem and cutting them evenly helps the sprouts roast uniformly and get those irresistible crispy edges. Spread them out on one or two baking sheets — overcrowding them will cause steaming rather than roasting, and that’s the last thing we want!
Step 2: Whisk Together the Glaze and Coat Evenly
In a small bowl, whisk 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup with 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard until completely blended. This sweet and tangy glaze is the star here! Drizzle it all over the Brussels sprouts and toss them gently but thoroughly, making sure every sprout gets a nice coating. Don’t forget to sprinkle a generous pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on top — seasoning is the secret to unlocking all those layers of flavor.
Step 3: Roast Until Perfectly Caramelized
Place the sheet pans in the oven and roast the Brussels sprouts for 20-25 minutes. I like to toss them once halfway through cooking so they brown evenly and develop crispy edges all around. Keep a close eye near the end — you want a deep golden caramelization but don’t let them burn. That color and sweet roastiness make the dish sing!
Step 4: Finish with Pistachios and Pomegranate
Once roasted, transfer the Brussels sprouts to a serving platter and sprinkle with ¼ cup of chopped pistachios and about 2 tablespoons of pomegranate arils. The nuts add a delicate crunch while the pomegranate’s jewel-like gems bring brightness and a refreshing burst in each mouthful. Serve this immediately while warm for the best texture contrast and fresh flavor.
Pro Tips for Making Roasted Maple Mustard Brussels Sprouts with Pistachios and Pomegranate Recipe
- Don’t Overcrowd Your Pan: I learned the hard way that cramped sprouts steam instead of roast, so spread them out for maximum crispness.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Maple syrup and mustard blend more easily and coat sprouts better when not cold.
- Toss Halfway for Even Roasting: It helps to flip or stir the sprouts so all sides get that golden-brown goodness.
- Add Pistachios and Pomegranate Last: Adding these after roasting keeps the textures fresh and vibrant, avoiding sogginess.
How to Serve Roasted Maple Mustard Brussels Sprouts with Pistachios and Pomegranate Recipe
Garnishes
I personally love to garnish with a little extra handful of pistachios and pomegranate arils right before serving to brighten the colors and textures even more. Sometimes a light drizzle of extra maple syrup or a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top adds a nice final touch for presentation and flavor balance.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or pork tenderloin for a hearty meal. It also complements grain bowls featuring quinoa or farro, or you could serve it alongside mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a comforting holiday dinner that impresses every time.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve the Brussels sprouts on a large wooden board with scattered pistachios, pomegranate arils, and sprigs of fresh rosemary for a rustic, festive vibe. Alternatively, use a pretty white platter to really make the jewel tones pop, adding edible flowers like nasturtiums for an eye-catching centerpiece that tastes as good as it looks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the Brussels sprouts from getting soggy, I wait to add the pistachios and pomegranate until right before reheating or serving again.
Freezing
Freezing roasted Brussels sprouts can be a bit tricky because their texture changes when thawed. I’ve found it best to freeze them without the pistachios and pomegranate on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to revive that roast crispiness. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but you’ll lose some crisp texture. Add fresh pistachios and pomegranate right after reheating to restore that lovely crunch and freshness.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Frozen Brussels sprouts tend to release more moisture, which can make them soft rather than crispy. If you’re in a pinch, thaw them completely and pat dry very well before roasting. Still, fresh Brussels sprouts give you the best caramelized edges and texture for this recipe.
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Can I make the maple mustard sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can whisk the maple syrup and Dijon mustard together up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature before tossing with the sprouts so it coats more evenly.
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What if I don’t have pistachios or pomegranate?
No worries! You can substitute pistachios with any other nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds that you enjoy toasted to bring out flavor. For the pomegranate arils, dried cranberries or fresh diced apples offer a similar sweet-tart note to balance the dish.
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Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! The roasted Brussels sprouts reheat well and can be packed for lunches or dinners. Just keep the nuts and pomegranate separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain freshness and crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Maple Mustard Brussels Sprouts with Pistachios and Pomegranate Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s just so reliable and delicious. I love how it feels both cozy and elevated, making even a humble vegetable the star of the plate. If you want to impress friends, add a little festive spirit to weeknight dinners, or just enjoy a balanced, tasty side, give this a try—I promise you’ll be reaching for seconds, just like my family does!
PrintRoasted Maple Mustard Brussels Sprouts with Pistachios and Pomegranate Recipe
This Roasted Maple Mustard Brussels Sprouts recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors, perfectly complemented by crunchy pistachios and vibrant pomegranate arils. Ideal as a side dish, these caramelized Brussels sprouts are oven-roasted to tender perfection, making for a colorful and wholesome addition to your meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, halved or quartered and stems removed
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Specially Selected 100% Pure Maple Syrup
- 1 tablespoon Burman’s Dijon Mustard
Seasonings
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 1/4 cup chopped Southern Grove Pistachios
- 2 tablespoons pomegranate arils
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for roasting the Brussels sprouts evenly and caramelizing their exterior.
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Arrange the halved or quartered Brussels sprouts evenly on one or two sheet pans, ensuring they are spread out for optimal roasting and crispness.
- Make the Maple Mustard Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the pure maple syrup and Dijon mustard until well combined, creating a sweet and tangy glaze.
- Coat the Brussels Sprouts: Drizzle the maple mustard mixture over the Brussels sprouts and toss thoroughly to evenly coat each piece, then sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Roast: Place the sheet pans in the preheated oven and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring once or twice during cooking to ensure even browning and prevent burning.
- Finish and Serve: Once roasted to a golden brown and tender, transfer the Brussels sprouts to a serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios and pomegranate arils for added texture and a burst of color, then serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm Brussels sprouts for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust roasting time depending on the size of the Brussels sprouts pieces to avoid overcooking.
- For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast the pistachios before adding them as a topping.
- Pomegranate arils add a refreshing sweetness and vibrant contrast but can be omitted if unavailable or replaced with dried cranberries.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats, grilled poultry, or as a standalone vegetarian option.
