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Cheesy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Updated on 4 min read

Quick Description

This Cheesy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon skillet is a comforting, flavorful dish featuring roasted Brussels sprouts coated in a creamy cheese sauce and topped with crispy bacon. It’s indulgent enough for holidays yet easy enough for weeknights.

Servings & Timing

  • Servings: 6
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
  • Total Time: ~35 minutes

Ingredients List

Main Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 ½ cups shredded Gruyère (or mozzarella/cheddar mix)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt, to taste

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra Parmesan for topping

Instructions

  1. Cook Bacon: In a large oven-safe skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove with slotted spoon, leaving ~1 tablespoon bacon fat in skillet.
  2. Cook Brussels Sprouts: Add halved Brussels sprouts to skillet. Sauté 5–6 minutes until browned and slightly tender. Stir in garlic.
  3. Make Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat. Stir in cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened (3–4 minutes).
  4. Add Cheese: Stir in 1 cup cheese until melted.
  5. Bake: Sprinkle remaining cheese and cooked bacon on top. Transfer skillet to oven and broil for 3–5 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  6. Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Additional Notes

  • If sprouts are very large, quarter them for even cooking.
  • Gruyère gives a nutty, rich flavor, but cheddar or mozzarella works fine.
  • Great as a side dish for steak, chicken, or holiday roasts.

Dietary Info

  • Keto-Friendly / Low-Carb
  • Gluten-Free
  • High-Fat, High-Protein

Brief Introduction

Brussels sprouts often get a bad reputation, but when roasted or pan-seared, they develop a sweet, nutty flavor. Pair them with bacon and cheese, and suddenly they’re the star of the table.

This skillet dish combines all the best parts of comfort food: smoky bacon, creamy sauce, melty cheese, and hearty veggies. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply upgrading your weeknight dinner.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide (Narrative Expansion)

Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Cooking the bacon first not only gives you crispy bits for topping but also provides rendered fat to flavor the Brussels sprouts.

Step 2: Brussels Sprouts Transformation
Instead of boiling (which makes them mushy), pan-searing caramelizes the sprouts, unlocking sweetness.

Step 3: Building Creamy Goodness
Heavy cream + Dijon + cheese = a silky, tangy sauce that coats every sprout.

Step 4: Melty Cheese Finish
Broiling at the end ensures that bubbly, golden top layer we all crave.

Ingredient Details & Substitutions

  • Bacon: Turkey bacon or pancetta works too.
  • Cheese: Gruyère is best, but Swiss, provolone, or cheddar are great options.
  • Cream: Half-and-half can work; coconut cream for dairy-free.
  • Add-ons: Mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even shredded chicken to make it a main dish.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

  1. Loaded Brussels Sprouts Skillet – Add caramelized onions + mushrooms.
  2. Buffalo Brussels Sprouts – Toss in buffalo sauce, top with blue cheese.
  3. Chicken & Brussels Bake – Add shredded rotisserie chicken for a one-pan meal.
  4. Low-Calorie Option – Use light cream + part-skim cheese.
  5. Holiday Version – Top with dried cranberries + pecans for festive flair.

Storage & Make-Ahead

  • Store leftovers in airtight container up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in oven or air fryer for best crispness.
  • Can prep sprouts and sauce ahead, assemble, then bake just before serving.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this without bacon?
Yes — use olive oil instead and add toasted nuts for crunch.

Q2: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — use coconut cream + vegan cheese.

Q3: Do I have to broil it?
Not required, but broiling gives that signature bubbly cheese crust.

Q4: Can I freeze it?
Not recommended — cream sauces tend to separate.

Optional Personal Story

When I first served this at a Thanksgiving potluck, I expected it to be “just a veggie side.” Instead, it disappeared faster than the turkey. The combination of creamy cheese, smoky bacon, and caramelized sprouts made it unforgettable — even for the kids who swore they hated Brussels sprouts.

Call-to-Action

If you loved this Cheesy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon, try it at your next holiday meal or weeknight dinner. Play with cheeses, add chicken, or even turn it into a casserole — and share your version with friends!

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