These Cheesy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are roasted to perfection and dressed to impress in a delicious, garlicky parmesan cream sauce. It’s full of flavor and all the nutritional benefits that come with fresh veggies! Trust me, this is the perfect Brussels sprouts recipe to convert any naysayers.
Looking for more yummy and easy recipes featuring Brussels sprouts? Check out my Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Honey Balsamic Glaze or these Creamy Dijon Brussels Sprouts, too!
Creamy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
I discovered long ago that the humble Brussels sprout has the most delicious potential when cooking. Steamed, sautéed, roasted, you name it – when done right, they’re really one of the most versatile (not to mention healthy!) vegetables for just about any occasion that calls for an effortlessly impressive side dish.
Ever since this revelation, I’ve made it my personal mission to convert Brussels sprouts doubters. Case in point: this recipe in particular for roasted Cheesy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon is dedicated to any and all folks who may still feel that Brussels sprouts aren’t for them! This is the best side dish recipe for Brussels sprouts packed with flavor, roasted to caramelized perfection with chunks of crispy bacon and a delicious garlicky cheese sauce.
With Thanksgiving around the corner, this time of year calls for side dishes that are ambitious with flavors but simple to make. Who’s with me? This easy recipe with cream and bacon is an indulgent twist on my favorite Oven Roasted Brussel Sprouts. Because what are the holidays if not a little indulgent, right?
Why I Love This Recipe
Brussels sprouts are basically little green powerhouses – packed with vitamins A, C, and K, loaded with antioxidants, plus they’re an incredible source of iron and fiber to boot! As a longtime Brussels sprouts convert, I love these low-carb veggies almost any way you can spin them. This roasted recipe has all the health benefits of Brussels sprouts, with added protein from the bacon, and calcium in the cream. Not to mention the rich caramelized flavors that come along with this absolutely amazing combo!
What You’ll Need
You’re only one cheesy, bacon cream sauce away from the Brussels sprouts side dish of your dreams! Here’s everything you’ll need:
- Brussels Sprouts: Whole sprouts, washed & dried.
- Bacon: Thick slices that have been diced. Pancetta makes a great alternative!
- Half & Half: Or heavy whipping cream.
- Dijon Mustard: Creamy, delicious and the perfect amount of bite next to the flavors of the sprouts and pork.
- Parmesan Cheese: Or another hard cheese like Pecorino, finely grated. I love using fresh parmesan but pre-grated or shaved parmesan will also work.
- Garlic: You’ll need 3 big cloves, minced (is there such a thing as too much garlic, honestly?).
- Nutmeg: A dash of nutmeg in the cream sauce adds an extra layer of warm spice.
- Salt & Pepper
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for garnish.
Can I Roast Frozen Brussels Sprouts?
So hear me out: as a last resort, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts for roasting. Just keep in mind that the texture will be different (and not for the better). Since frozen Brussels sprouts are already softened prior to freezing, I’d recommend roasting them straight from frozen instead of boiling or blanching them beforehand.
How to Make Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
I can’t imagine a better combination than bacon, cheese, and veg. And this is one of the easiest recipes to make in under 30 minutes! Follow these steps and be amazed at how quickly this cheesy Brussels sprouts side is eaten up at your next family or holiday dinner.
Cook the Brussels Sprouts and Bacon: First, parboil the Brussels sprouts in salted, boiling water to soften them a bit. At the same time, cook the diced bacon in a cast iron skillet to your desired crispiness. You’ll drain the Brussels sprouts well and add them to the skillet to cook for a minute longer.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a bowl, prepare your cheesy cream sauce by mixing together the cream, dijon mustard, half of the parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until the mixture is well combined.
Pour the Sauce Over the Brussels Sprouts: Remove skillet from heat and then pour the delicious cheesy cream mixture overtop of the Brussels sprouts. Give everything a generous sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese, for good measure.
Bake: Pop the skillet in the oven and bake until the cheese sauce is bubbly and the tops of the Brussels Sprouts are golden brown. Leave the skillet to stand for a few minutes after removing it from the oven, to cool a little.
Garnish your Cheesy Brussels Sprouts with a sprinkling of crushed red pepper and serve hot!
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Brussels Sprouts: Fresh sprouts are by far the best option for roasting. The Brussels sprouts you use should be bright green in color with tight leaves. Don’t forget to give the sprouts a rinse, and remove any loose/wilted leaves before cooking!
- Leave the Bacon Grease in the Pan: Thinking of throwing out the grease after the bacon is finished cooking? Stop right there – and put your hands where I can see them! Keep the bacon grease and use it to coat the Brussels sprouts to achieve the ultimate levels of flavor.
Variation Ideas
I just love a recipe that can be switched up for any occasion. If you’re looking for ways to change up this easy Brussels sprouts recipe, here are some ways to do it:
- Lighten things up by leaving out the cream altogether for simple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon.
- Add in fresh herbs – basil, thyme, parsley and/or dill – that all pair amazingly with Brussels sprouts.
- Make a one-skillet meal by adding in more fresh veggies (tomatoes, peppers, kale, sweetcorn, etc.) and starches like rice, potatoes or Gnocchi.
Serving Suggestions
This delicious recipe for roasted, cheesy Brussels sprouts with bacon is the perfect easy side dish for everyday meals or your next holiday dinner! I love making these as a Christmas or Thanksgiving side – there’s something so satisfying about watching everyone come back for seconds. Here are some ideas of how to serve creamy Brussels sprouts:
- As another easy and healthy side next to Garlic Butter Roasted Parsnips or Lemon Garlic Oven-Roasted Potatoes, while the oven is hot for roasting!
- Serve as a veggie side dish to a casual yet classic Baked Chicken or Easy Instant Pot Whole Chicken.
- Creamy Brussels sprouts make an indulgent and delicious pairing with your next Christmas Roast or Thanksgiving Turkey.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Because of the cream, leftover cheesy Brussels sprouts will need to be stored airtight and in the fridge. Reheat the Brussels sprouts in an oven-safe dish in a 350˚F oven, uncovered, for about 10 to 15 minutes or until warmed through and crispy on top.
More Healthy Side Dish Ideas
- Creamy Dijon Brussels Sprouts
- Roasted Green Beans with Squash and Tomatoes
- Crunchy Kale Quinoa Salad
- Perfect Grilled Zucchini
- Easy Roasted Turnips
ENJOY!
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TOOLS USED IN THIS RECIPE
Cheesy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Ingredients
- 1 pound brussels sprouts washed, dried
- 8 slices bacon, diced
- 1 cup half and half (you can also use heavy whipping cream)
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese , divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- salt and fresh ground pepper , to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- crushed red pepper, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F.
- In a large saucepan cook Brussels sprouts in salted boiling water for 5 minutes or until just tender; drain well.
- In the meantime, cook bacon in a 10-inch cast iron skillet for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until desired crispness.
- Add brussels sprouts to the skillet and continue to cook for 1 minute.
- In a mixing bowl, combine heavy whipping cream, dijon mustard, half of the parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg; mix until well combined.
- Remove skillet from heat.
- Pour cream sauce over the brussels sprouts.
- Sprinkle the remaining parmesan cheese over brussels sprouts.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until bubbly and top is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let stand several minutes.
- Garnish with crushed red pepper and serve.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
