Ooey-Gooey Cheesy Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Get ready to fall in love with Ooey-Gooey Cheesy Bacon Brussels Sprouts! This dish is all about crispy Brussels sprouts coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce and topped with smoky bacon. It’s the kind of comfort food that’s impossible to resist—perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings. If you’re looking for a way to make Brussels sprouts the star of your table, this recipe is a must-try! It’s simple, delicious, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- 2 lbs. Brussels Sprouts: Fresh, trimmed, and halved to ensure even cooking.
- 16 oz Bacon: Crispy and crumbled, adds a smoky, savory crunch.
- 4 Cloves Garlic: Minced to bring bold, aromatic flavor.
- 1 Tsp Oregano: Dried herb for a hint of earthiness.
- 1 Tsp Onion Powder: Enhances the savory notes.
- 1 Tsp Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky depth and mild heat.
- 4 Tbsp Butter: Melted for a rich base in the sauce.
- 2 Tbsp Flour: Thickens the creamy cheese sauce.
- 1 ½ Cups Heavy Cream: Creamy texture for the sauce.
- ⅓ Cup Parmesan Cheese: Shredded for a salty, nutty taste.
- ¾ Cup Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded for gooey, melty goodness on top.
- Salt and Black Ground Pepper: To taste, for seasoning balance.
WHY WILL CREAMY BACON BRUSSELS SPROUTS BE A FAMILY FAVORITE?
- Cheesy and Crispy: The mix of cheesy sauce and crispy bacon makes this dish super tasty, and everyone will enjoy it.
- Great for Any Occasion: You can serve it as a side dish for dinner or as an appetizer for parties and holidays.
- Simple to Prepare: It’s easy to make with just a few ingredients, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
HOW TO PREPARE CREAMY BRUSSELS SPROUTS?
Time needed: 40 minutes
- Steam the Brussels Sprouts:
In a steamer, cook the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts until they’re just tender (about 5-7 minutes). - Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic, oregano, onion powder, and smoked paprika, stirring until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for a minute, then slowly whisk in the heavy cream until smooth. - Add Cheese:
Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. - Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix the steamed Brussels sprouts with the crumbled bacon and prepared cheese sauce.
- Bake:
Pour the mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese on top. - Cook:
Bake at 375°F (190°C) until the cheese is melted and bubbly (about 15-20 minutes). - Serve:
Let it cool slightly before serving your cheesy Brussels sprout side dish!
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
No, it’s not a good idea to bake the Brussels sprouts directly in the cream sauce because the sauce might break and separate during the cooking process. Steaming the Brussels sprouts first helps them soften up, so they absorb the flavors better without affecting the texture of the creamy sauce.
They should be tender with a slight bite when pierced with a fork.
Yes, prepare it in advance and bake it when you are ready.
Yes, it will thicken as it bakes and cools.
Skip the bacon and use your favorite plant-based cheese.
BACON BRUSSELS SPOUTS RECIPE ADD-INS AND VARIATIONS:
- Mushrooms: Sauté sliced cremini or button mushrooms to add a rich, earthy taste that complements the cheesy flavors.
- Shallots: Add finely sliced shallots for a touch of sweetness and depth that enhances the overall flavor.
- Crispy Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the top with toasted breadcrumbs mixed with herbs for a crunchy texture.
- Gruyère Cheese: Substitute mozzarella with Gruyère for a slightly nutty and more complex cheese flavor.
- Chili Flakes: For those who love a bit of heat, mix in chili flakes to give a subtle spicy kick to the dish.
- Pancetta: Swap bacon with crispy pancetta for a rich, savory taste that pairs perfectly with the Brussels sprouts.
WHAT IS COMMONLY SERVED WITH CREAMY BACON BRUSSELS SPROUTS?
Creamy Cheesy Brussels Sprouts go great with many main dishes. They’re often served with roasted chicken, turkey, or beef, making them a hit at holiday meals. They also taste delicious with baked ham or grilled pork chops. For drinks, try a crisp white wine or a light beer to balance the rich flavors. This dish is perfect for cozy gatherings, adding a warm and cheesy touch to any table.
HOW DO YOU STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVER CREAMY BRUSSELS SPROUTS?
To store leftover creamy cheesy Brussels sprouts, let them cool, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a 350°F oven until hot, or use the microwave if you’re in a hurry. Stir occasionally when microwaving to make sure they heat evenly. Reheating in the oven is best for keeping the cheesy texture just right.
CAN LEFTOVERS BE FROZEN FOR LATER CONSUMPTION?
Yes, you can freeze leftover creamy cheesy Brussels sprouts for later, but keep in mind that the sauce may become grainy when reheated. To freeze, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently on the stove or in the oven, stirring well to help smooth out the sauce as it warms up. Enjoy your leftovers, even if they aren’t quite the same as when freshly made!
LOOKING FOR MORE SIDE DISH OPTIONS? TRY THESE!
Garlic and Cream Cheese Easy Red Potato Mash: With tender red potatoes blended into a velvety mash, infused with garlic and the tangy creaminess of cream cheese, it’s comfort food at its best.
Easy Garlic-Infused Sautéed Green Beans: With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish bursting with flavor and nutrition. Perfectly crisp and seasoned with garlic, these green beans will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds.
Sauteed Balsamic Zucchini and Mushrooms: In this recipe, fresh zucchini and earthy mushrooms are expertly sautéed to perfection, their natural flavors enhanced by the sweet and tangy notes of balsamic glaze.
Ooey-Gooey Cheesy Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Equipment
- 9 x 13 baking dish
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. Brussels Sprouts (trimmed and halved)
- 16 oz Bacon (fried crispy and crumbled)
- 4 Cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 Tsp Oregano
- 1 Tsp Onion Powder
- 1 Tsp Smoked Paprika
- 4 Tbsp Butter (melted)
- 2 Tbsp Flour
- 1 ½ Cups Heavy Cream
- ⅓ Cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
- ¾ Cup Mozzarella Cheese shredded
- Salt and Black Ground Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Steam the Brussels Sprouts: In a steamer, cook the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts until they’re just tender (about 5-7 minutes).
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic, oregano, onion powder, and smoked paprika, stirring until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for a minute, then slowly whisk in the heavy cream until smooth.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until it melts into a creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the steamed Brussels sprouts with the crumbled bacon and prepared cheese sauce.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into a baking dish and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cook: Bake at 375°F (190°C) until the cheese is melted and bubbly (about 15-20 minutes).
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving your cheesy Brussels sprout side dish!