Pistachio-Crusted Brussels Sprout Skewers with Cranberry Drizzle
🕒 Prep Time
15 minutes
🔥 Cook Time
20–25 minutes
🍽 Serves
3–4
🥦 Ingredients
Brussels Sprout Skewers
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1 lb (450 g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed & halved
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2 tbsp olive oil
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak 20 minutes)
Pistachio Crust
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½ cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped
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¼ cup breadcrumbs (panko works best)
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2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional but recommended)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Zest of ½ lemon
Cranberry Drizzle
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½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned, whole-berry preferred)
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1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
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1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or orange juice
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1–2 tbsp warm water (to thin)
🔪 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or heat a grill pan.
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Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
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Thread onto skewers, cut-side facing out where possible.
2️⃣ Roast or Grill
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Oven: Place skewers on a lined baking sheet and roast for 18–22 minutes, turning once, until tender and lightly charred.
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Grill/Pan: Grill on medium heat for 10–12 minutes, turning for even color.
3️⃣ Make the Pistachio Crust
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In a bowl, mix pistachios, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, olive oil, and lemon zest.
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Once Brussels sprouts are cooked, brush lightly with olive oil and press pistachio mixture onto the cut sides.
4️⃣ Final Bake
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Return skewers to oven for 5–7 minutes until the crust is golden and fragrant.
5️⃣ Cranberry Drizzle
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Warm cranberry sauce in a small pan.
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Stir in maple syrup and balsamic vinegar (or orange juice).
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Thin with warm water until drizzle-able.
6️⃣ Serve
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Drizzle cranberry sauce over skewers.
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Finish with extra crushed pistachios or fresh herbs if you like.
💡 Q & A
Q: Can I make this vegan?
A: Yes! Just skip the Parmesan or use a vegan alternative.
Q: Can I air-fry these?
A: Absolutely. Air-fry Brussels sprouts at 380°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, then add pistachio crust and air-fry 3–4 more minutes.
Q: What can I substitute for pistachios?
A: Almonds, walnuts, or pecans work beautifully.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Roast the Brussels sprouts ahead, crust and reheat just before serving.
Q: What does this pair well with?
A: Roasted chicken, salmon, grain bowls, or as a festive holiday side.