Dutch Oven Cranberry Cashew Broccoli is a fancy-feeling yet simple side dish perfect for the holidays or any night of the week.

Looking for more amazing side dish recipes? Give a try our Dutch Oven Steamed Corn or Skillet Baked Beans and Bacon. On the healthier side you could whip up our Skillet Roasted Asparagus in no time.

Side view of cranberry cashew broccoli in a white bowl.

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How to make cranberry cashew broccoli.
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If you're looking for a quick and easy side dish the whole family will love or a dish to bring to a pot luck, then this is your recipe.

It's one of those that come together rather quickly, often with things you have right in your pantry.

This is one of those recipes that you just can't get wrong. Although, I realize that by saying that, someone will. And then they will come and leave me a comment telling me so.

It all comes together rather quickly. I think the prep might take longer than the actual cooking process, especially if you don't take any shortcuts like buying broccoli florets or precooked bacon.

How to make cranberry cashew broccoli.

Ingredients to make the side dish: dried cranberries, onion, lemon, broth, broccoli, bacon, cashews, and herbs/spices along with the Dutch oven and a wooden spoon on a green linen.

Make sure you use a 4-quart Dutch oven or larger, any smaller and you'll be over flowing, and not in a good way.

Chopped bacon and onions cooking in a Dutch Oven

Get your Dutch oven screaming hot and cook the bacon and onions together. This is pretty much the most heavenly smell on earth.

I like to chop my bacon before tossing it in, but you could start cooking it whole and break it up as you go.

If you've bought lean bacon (or turkey bacon, etc) and it's not rendering enough to keep from sticking, consider a dollop of butter or a quick glug of olive oil. Just enough to keep it all from sticking.

Chopped bacon and onion cooking in a Dutch oven, salt, pepper ,and garlic have been added.

Even in the most well-seasoned, non-stickest of not-stick pans, bacon can stick if it's too lean.

Pro Tip:

Let the bacon render for a good minute before adding the onions.

Once the bacon and onions are about halfway cooked, toss in your salt, pepper, and garlic. Make sure everything is mixed in well.

Broccoli has been added to the sautéed bacon and onions.

Drain any excess renderings from the bacon once it has crisped to your desired crispiness.

Toss in the broccoli then sprinkle with the sugar, if you're using it. Don't worry, it's not going to make it sweet. Sugar helps the color pop, keeping the broccoli vibrant.

Chicken broth being added to the broccoli with bacon and onions.

Pour in the broth, stir, cover, and steam for about 4 minutes. The broccoli will be cooked but firm. Now if you like broccoli to have a bit of limp, then steam it for 5 minutes.

However long you steam the broccoli, once done, remove from heat.

Cashews, cranberries, and the lemon juice have been added, completing the dish.

Stir in the cashews and the cranberries. Replace the lid askew, and allow to sit for 3-5 minutes. State for seasoning, add any more salt or pepper if needed.

Stir in the lemon juice. serve immediately and enjoy this Dutch oven cranberry cashew broccoli.

Ways to adapt:

Add 8 oz of sliced mushrooms while cooking the bacon and onions.
Use red onion instead of yellow or white.
Chill and serve as a salad.
Use walnuts, almonds, peanuts, or pecans.

A serving bowlful of Dutch oven cranberry cashew broccoli

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes you can. However, depending on the type of frozen broccoli and the cut size, the steam time will need to be adjusted.

Can I use bacon bits?

Well...by bits, do you mean those pink rock-looking things? Ok, I love them too but they're not the best in this dish.

You can use the pre-cooked bacon or jarred bacon pieces. Don't add it until you're steaming the broccoli. You'll have to sauté the onions first in a bit of butter or oil.

If you tried this Dutch Oven Cranberry Cashew Broccoli or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!

Dutch Oven Cranberry Cashew Broccoli