Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole with Bacon Recipe
This Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole with Bacon combines tender, halved Brussels sprouts with a rich cream sauce and a blend of parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, topped with crispy bacon and toasted pine nuts for a delightful texture contrast. It’s an indulgent, savory side dish perfect for holiday dinners or any occasion where comfort food shines.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Produce
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, cut in half
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Meat
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
Dairy
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Pantry
- ⅓ cup toasted pine nuts
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Brussels sprouts: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half lengthwise to ensure even cooking.
- Cook bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon pieces and set aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pan.
- Sauté Brussels sprouts: Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet with the bacon fat and sauté for about 5 minutes until slightly softened and lightly browned. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Combine cream and cheeses: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, lemon zest, shredded parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses until well combined.
- Assemble casserole: Transfer the sautéed Brussels sprouts to a baking dish. Pour the cheese and cream mixture evenly over the Brussels sprouts. Sprinkle the cooked bacon and toasted pine nuts on top.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy as a hearty side dish alongside your favorite mains.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle some freshly ground nutmeg into the cream mixture.
- Use fresh Brussels sprouts for the best texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and consider adding mushrooms or smoked paprika for a smoky taste.
- To save time, you can use pre-shredded cheese and pre-toasted pine nuts from the store.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Keywords: Brussels sprouts casserole, cheesy vegetable casserole, bacon Brussels sprouts, holiday side dish, cheesy vegetable bake