Creating this mouthwatering dish requires just a few simple steps to get it perfect every time:

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature will help achieve that beautiful roasted flavor.
2. Prepare Brussels Sprouts: Rinse and halve the Brussels sprouts. Set them aside for later.
3. Cook Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until crispy, then remove from the skillet, reserving the grease.
4. Sauté Brussels Sprouts: In the same skillet, add olive oil to the reserved bacon grease. Add the halved Brussels sprouts, cut side down, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until they start to brown.
5. Add Pecans and Cranberries: Stir in the chopped pecans and dried cranberries. If desired, drizzle with maple syrup for extra sweetness.
6. Bake: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and roast in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. You want the sprouts to be tender and caramelized.
7. Finish with Bacon: Once the Brussels sprouts are done, remove them from the oven and stir in the cooked bacon pieces for that smoky flavor.
8. Toss and Serve: Give everything a gentle toss to combine and serve while warm.

With these steps, you’ll have a delightful and satisfying dish that’s bursting with flavor.