Pomegranate Pancetta Feta Brussels Sprouts Recipe
A vibrant and flavorful side dish featuring roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with savory pancetta, sweet pomegranate seeds, tangy balsamic vinegar, and creamy feta cheese. This warm, colorful recipe offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, ideal for elevating any meal.
- Author: Leo
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Modern American
- Diet: Low Salt
Vegetables & Fruits
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- ½ cup pomegranate seeds
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Meat
Dairy
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
Pantry & Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for roasting the Brussels sprouts evenly and getting a nice caramelization.
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and slice them in half to promote even roasting and quicker cooking.
- Toss with Olive Oil: In a large mixing bowl, coat the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper thoroughly to enhance flavor and assist browning during roasting.
- Add Pancetta: Fold the diced pancetta into the Brussels sprouts, allowing its fat and flavor to infuse the sprouts as they roast.
- Spread on Baking Sheet: Evenly spread the Brussels sprouts and pancetta mixture on a baking sheet in a single layer to promote even cooking and crispiness.
- Roast: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes. Stir halfway through cooking to brown the sprouts evenly and allow the pancetta to crisp up nicely.
- Combine with Pomegranate: Once roasted and removed from the oven, immediately toss in the pomegranate seeds and drizzle with balsamic vinegar to infuse brightness and a rich tang.
- Top with Feta: Gently fold the crumbled feta cheese into the warm Brussels sprouts, letting it soften slightly without melting completely.
- Garnish: Optionally sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for color contrast and a fresh herbal note.
- Serve Warm: Serve the dish warm to enjoy the blend of sweet, salty, tangy, and savory flavors melded together.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit pancetta and add toasted walnuts or pine nuts for crunch.
- Ensure Brussels sprouts are halved evenly for uniform cooking.
- Use fresh pomegranate seeds for the best texture and flavor; frozen seeds can be watery.
- Adjust salt carefully, as pancetta and feta are both salty.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: Brussels sprouts recipe, roasted Brussels sprouts, pancetta Brussels sprouts, pomegranate Brussels sprouts, feta cheese side dish, healthy vegetable side, autumn side dish