Festive Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Chestnuts

Bright, savoury, and wonderfully seasonal: these festive cranberry Brussels sprouts combine tender sprouts with sweet chestnuts, ham, salty prosciutto, dried and fresh cranberries, and warm spices for a vibrant holiday side dish. This version leans beautifully festive without being heavy, making it an excellent addition to Christmas dinners, winter entertaining, or any cozy December meal.

Hey folks, I hope you all are doing well!

Today we’re bringing a little colour and brightness to the holiday table with this hearty Brussels sprouts dish that’s equal parts savoury and sweet. With prosciutto, ham, cranberries, and chestnuts all working together, this feels rustic yet elegant – a cheerful, flavour-packed winter side you’ll want to return to year after year. So, let’s dive into these festive cranberry Brussels sprouts.

Why You’ll Love This Festive Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Chestnuts

• Seasonal ingredients: Chestnuts, cranberries, Brussels sprouts, and rosemary create a beautifully festive flavour combination.
• Wonderful contrast: Savoury prosciutto and ham pair with tart cranberries and maple sweetness for a balanced and lively dish.
• Great texture: A mix of shredded sprouts, soft chestnuts, chewy cranberries, and crisp prosciutto keeps each bite interesting.
• Easy to prepare: Everything cooks in one large pan, making this holiday side simple yet impressive.
• Versatile: Works alongside turkey, duck, ham, or even as light mains.

Flavour and Texture Profile

This dish is bright, savoury, and beautifully aromatic. The Brussels sprouts offer earthy, nutty notes; the chestnuts add creaminess; and the cranberries cut through with both sweetness and tartness. Ham and prosciutto lend richness, while rosemary and nutmeg bring cozy winter warmth. Every spoonful feels hearty yet lively, with a balance of soft, crisp, and chewy textures.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Festive Cranberry Brussels Sprouts

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that give these festive cranberry Brussels sprouts their seasonal character.

• Brussels sprouts: Shredded or halved for faster cooking and great texture.
• Chestnuts: Tender, buttery, and quintessentially festive – especially good with cranberries. I used roasted, peeled, and vacuum-packed chestnuts.
• Ham + prosciutto: Savoury depth and a touch of saltiness to balance the sweetness.
• Cranberries (fresh + dried): Add tart bursts, colour, and holiday brightness.
• Rosemary + nutmeg: Warm, aromatic, and ideal for winter cooking.
• Maple syrup: Enhances caramelization and complements the cranberries.
• Smoked paprika + chipotle: Add subtle warmth and smokiness.
• Pomegranate arils: Optional, for sparkle and freshness before serving.

More Delicious Festive Sides and Mains

Are you looking for more festive holiday recipes, like these festive cranberry Brussels sprouts? Be sure to check more recipes below:

• Cranberry Maple Orange Sauce with Brandy and Rosemary
• Brussels Sprouts with Pancetta and Chestnuts
• Festive Mini Nut Roast with Chestnuts, Rosemary and Cranberries
• Festive Chestnut Mashed Potatoes: The Perfect Holiday Side

I’d love for you to try these Festive Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Chestnuts. If you give this holiday side recipe a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen.

Cheers!

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Festive Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Chestnuts

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Christmas, Sides, Festive Mains

Servings

4-8

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Festive Cranberry Brussels Sprouts is a bright, savoury holiday side with chestnuts, ham, prosciutto – packed with seasonal flavour.

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

• 1 tbsp. olive oil

• 1 large onion, sliced

• about 2 lb. Brussels sprouts, ends trimmed then shredded or halved

• 150-200 gr. cooked lean ham, cubed

• 150-200 gr. cooked and peeled chestnuts (I used vacuum-packed)

• 3-4 prosciutto slices (about 50 gr.), thinly sliced

• 1 tbsp. minced fresh rosemary

• 1/3 cup dried cranberries

• 1/2 cup fresh (or frozen) cranberries

• 1-2 tbsp. maple syrup

• 1/2 whole nutmeg, freshly grated

• 1 tsp. smoked paprika

• 1/8 tsp. chipotle powder

• salt, optional, if needed

• about 2/3 cup of water (or vegetable stock)

• 1/4 cup pomegranate arils, for serving (optional)

Directions

• Into a large pan add the olive oil and cook the onions over low-medium heat, 5 minutes.
• Add the shredded Brussels sprouts and cook, occasionally stirring, 5-7 minutes until start to brown.
• Add the prosciutto, ham (if using), chestnuts, dried cranberries, rosemary, and spices. Cook 2-3 minutes.
• Add water (or you can use stock) in 2-3 settings (waiting until the previously added liquid has mostly evaporated) and cook over high medium for about 8 minutes or until the sprouts are almost soft.
• Stir in the maple syrup and fresh (or frozen) cranberries. Cook 1 minute and off the heat. Let it cool, covered, for 5-10 minutes before serving. If desired, sprinkle with the pomegranate arils. Enjoy!