Festive Brussels Sprouts with Chestnuts, Pancetta, Orange, and Rosemary

This dish of festive chestnut Brussels sprouts brings together shredded sprouts, savoury pancetta, sweet chestnuts, and bright notes of orange, rosemary, and nutmeg for a wonderfully aromatic holiday side. It’s a hearty, flavour-forward vegetable dish that feels both rustic and elegant – perfect for Christmas dinners, cozy winter meals, or any festive entertaining. With secondary flavours like citrus and herbs, this version goes beyond classic sautéed Brussels sprouts and offers something truly seasonal.

Hey, folks – I hope you’re doing well today.

If you love a holiday side dish that balances comfort with a little flair, these festive chestnut Brussels sprouts might be right up your alley. The combination of pancetta, chestnuts, and orange is warm and aromatic, while rosemary and nutmeg add a subtle Christmas feel without overpowering the vegetables. So, let’s dive into these festive chestnut Brussels sprouts.

Why You’ll Love These Festive Chestnut Brussels Sprouts

• Hearty and seasonal. Brussels sprouts, pancetta, and chestnuts make a warm, satisfying winter side dish perfect for holiday tables.
• Bright citrus notes. Fresh orange zest and juice lighten the richness beautifully.
• Beautiful texture. A balance of shredded Brussels sprouts, soft chestnuts, and crisp pancetta keeps each bite interesting.
• Festive flavours. Rosemary, nutmeg, orange, and maple syrup bring subtle Christmas warmth.
• Flexible. You can make it with or without prosciutto, adjust sweetness, or use stock for extra richness.

Flavour and Texture Profile

This dish is warm, rich, and aromatic. The Brussels sprouts stay slightly crisp, the pancetta adds savoury depth, the chestnuts bring soft sweetness, and orange zest brightens everything. Rosemary and nutmeg introduce gentle holiday charm.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Festive Chestnut Brussels Sprouts

Here’s what goes into these festive chestnut Brussels sprouts and how each ingredient brings its own character to the dish:

• Brussels sprouts. The base of the dish, offering a hearty, earthy flavour that pairs beautifully with rich and sweet holiday elements.
• Pancetta. Adds salty, savoury richness and crisp texture; bacon or prosciutto can work as substitutes.
• Cooked chestnuts. Provide sweet nuttiness and softness, giving the dish a classic festive profile. I used roasted, peeled vacuum-packed chestnuts.
• Orange zest and juice. Brighten everything with fresh citrus notes and complement the chestnuts and rosemary.
• Fresh rosemary. Brings an aromatic, woodsy quality that deepens the holiday feel.
• Fresh nutmeg. Adds gentle warmth and spice to round out the flavours.
• Salt and pepper. Used simply to balance and enhance the other ingredients without overpowering them.
• Olive oil. Just enough to help sauté and soften the sprouts without weighing them down.

Possible Additions and Variations

Here are some great ways to customize your festive chestnut Brussels sprouts, while incorporating secondary keywords:

• Swap pancetta for bacon. Creates deeper smokiness and pairs well with the citrus notes.
• Make orange rosemary Brussels sprouts. Add extra orange zest and a full tablespoon of rosemary for a more herb-forward version.
• Try holiday Brussels sprouts with maple. Increase maple syrup to 2–3 tbsp. for a sweeter, more glazed effect.
• Add apples or pears. For a lighter, fruitier variation.
• Make vegetarian Brussels sprouts and chestnuts. Omit pancetta and prosciutto; use a splash of butter for richness.
• Use thyme. If you prefer a gentler herbal note.
• Add toasted nuts. Pecans or walnuts are delicious if you want more crunch.

More Delicious Festive Sides and Mains

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

• Festive Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Chestnuts
• 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 Chestnuts and Pancetta. 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 Chestnuts, Pancetta, Orange, and Rosemary

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Christmas, Thanksgiving, SidesDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4-6

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Festive chestnut Brussels sprouts with pancetta, orange, rosemary, and nutmeg – a bright, hearty holiday side dish perfect for winter dinners.

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Ingredients

• about 2 lb. Brussels sprouts

• 1 tsp. olive oil

• 150-200 gr. pancetta

• 150-200 gr. cooked chestnuts, crumbled (I used vacuum-packed)

• juice and zest of one medium orange

• 1 tbsp. fresh rosemary, minced

• 1/2 whole nutmeg, grated

• salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

• Trim the ends of Brussels sprouts and discard any tough or discolored outer leaves. Rinse under cold water. If they are large, cut in half or quarters. If they are small, leave them whole.
• Bring a large stockpot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Place Brussels sprouts in water and cook for 2 minutes.
• Remove Brussels sprouts from the heat and transfer to cold water to halt the cooking process then let them drain in a colander. Set aside.
• In a meantime, in a large pan heat the olive oil over low-medium heat, add the pancetta, rosemary, and nutmeg, and cook for about 5-7 minutes.
• Stir in the drained Brussels sprouts and cook, tossing occasionally, for 5-7 minutes, depending on their size and desirable texture. This is a good time to season them with salt and pepper (keep in mind the saltiness of pancetta.)
• Add the chestnuts and cook one minute.
• Stir in the orange zest and juice. Let it cook for a minute or so and off the heat. Enjoy.