This Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Bake is a warm and comforting side dish that is perfect for any occasion. Sautéed garlic brussels sprouts are topped with bacon and cheese and baked until bubbly and golden. Serve this easy to make and flavorful side dish for a holiday feast or busy weeknight dinner.
Cheesy baked brussels sprouts with bacon is one of the best ways to eat brussels sprouts. This recipe takes Brussels sprouts to a whole new level of flavor and indulgence. Tender, cheesy, and delicious. Plus, it is easy to prepare using a handful of simple ingredients and following a few basic steps. So whether you're a Brussels sprouts lover or have been hesitant to give them a try, these cheesy brussels sprouts are a must-try recipe that will change your perception of this vegetable forever.
Why You'll Love this Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Bake
- So easy to make. This brussels sprouts recipe comes together quickly and easily with just a few simple steps and ingredients, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. All you do is cook the bacon, sauté the brussels sprouts, then combine and top with cheese. Finally, pop into the oven until melty and bubbly.
- Delicious and flavorful. This baked brussels sprouts and bacon dish is rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor. The nutty and slightly sweet flavor of the Brussels sprouts is perfectly complemented by the smoky flavor of bacon and gooey melty cheese. It's a match made in culinary heaven.
- Brussels sprouts are healthy. Brussels sprouts are packed with essential nutrients, including vitamins K, C, and A, as well as fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. By incorporating them into a cheesy bake, you can enjoy their nutritional benefits in a delicious and comforting way.
- Serve it on any occasion. Serve these baked brussels sprouts with bacon as a side dish paired with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or pork on busy weeknights, alongside a holiday roast for Thanksgiving dinner, or as a side on Sunday dinner.
Ingredient Notes
To make this flavorful Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Bake, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):
- Brussels sprouts - look for fresh Brussels sprouts that are firm and green without any brown spots. Trim the ends and cut them in half for even cooking.
- bacon - use freshly crisp bacon for the best flavor and texture. Alternatively, you can use pre-cooked bacon bits for convenience.
- garlic - we used fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor but you can use pre-minced garlic if it is more convenient.
- mozzarella cheese - Freshly grated cheese will melt more smoothly compared to pre-shredded cheese. You can also feel free to substitute with other cheeses like cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan.
- salt and pepper
You will also need measuring cups and spoons and a large oven-safe skillet (like a 12-inch cast iron skillet).
How to Make the Best Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Bake
- Cook bacon. In a large ovenproof skillet, add bacon and cook over medium-high heat until browned on both sides and crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Leave the bacon fat in the skillet and transfer the bacon onto a paper towel lined plate. Chop the bacon into 1 inch bits.
- Add Brussels sprouts. Add Brussels sprouts and garlic to the same pan. Stir constantly and cook until golden brown and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add cheese. Sprinkle bacon bits and shredded cheese evenly over the Brussels sprouts and bake in a 375F preheated oven until the melted cheese is bubbly and golden brown, about 10-12 minutes.
- Serve. Serve immediately.
Recipe Variations
- Make it vegetarian. Not a fan of bacon? No problem, just leave it out. Instead of sauteeing the brussels sprouts in the bacon fat, add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Use different cheese. We top this with mozzarella but you can experiment with different types of melty cheese for a different flavor. Try white cheddar, Gruyere, Parmesan, or Fontina cheese.
- Add herbs. Elevate the flavor of these baked brussels sprouts by adding in fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage. Sprinkle it over the brussels sprouts before popping into the oven.
- Make it spicy. Add some heat with cayenne pepper powder or go more subtle with a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
How to Serve
This Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Bake is delicious served as a side dish paired with a holiday roast or other roasted meats for dinner and a range of other sides. Some of our favorite entrees and sides to pair with this are:
- Prime Rib Roast
- Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
- Cheddar Mashed Potatoes
- Dutch Oven Whole Chicken
- Roasted Pork Tenderloin
- Fall Harvest Salad
- Oven Roasted Vegetables
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Cut the Brussels sprouts evenly. For even cooking, it's important to prepare the Brussels sprouts properly. First, trim the steps and remove any wilted or discolered outer leaves. Slice the sprouts in half (or quarter larger sprouts). This will create more surface area for caramelization and a better texture.
- Make without an oven safe skillet. If you do not have an oven-safe skillet like a cast iron skillet, just cook everything in a regular skillet. Transfer the sautéed bruseels sprouts to a casserole pan or baking dish, top with bacon and cheese, and place into the oven.
- Broil for crispy cheese. If you prefer the cheese to be extra crispy and golden on top, you can broil this in the last couple minutes of baking for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Serve immediately. These cheesy baked brussels sprouts with bacon are best enjoyed hot while the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
Make Ahead
To make this cheesy brussels sprouts bake ahead of time, you can assemble the dish up to the point of baking. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 1 day. When ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before baking according to the recipe instructions.
How to Store
Store leftover brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat
Reheat leftovers in a 375F preheated oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty. You can also microwave until warmed through. Note that the texture of the Brussels sprouts may be softer after reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
For the best texture and flavor, we recommend fresh Brussels sprouts. However, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts in a pinch. Thaw the frozen sprouts before cooking and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Keep in mind that frozen sprouts may have a slightly different texture compared to fresh sprouts.
Yes, you can omit the bacon if you prefer a vegetarian version or simply don't have it on hand. The dish will still be delicious and cheesy without the bacon. You can also experiment with other vegetarian toppings like toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
More Brussels Sprouts Recipes
- 15 Best Brussels Sprouts Recipes
- Sautéed Brussels Sprouts
- Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- Creamy Brussels Sprouts Bake
- Parmesan Crusted Brussels Sprouts
- Bacon Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
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Recipe
Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Bake
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Bake is a warm and comforting side dish that is perfect for any occasion. Sautéed garlic brussels sprouts are topped with bacon and cheese and baked until bubbly and golden. Serve this easy to make and flavorful side dish for a holiday feast or busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 5 slices bacon, sliced in half
- 2 pound Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F.
- In a large ovenproof skillet, add bacon and cook over medium-high heat until browned on both sides and crisp, about 8-10 minutes. Leave the bacon fat in the skillet and transfer the bacon onto a paper towel lined plate. Chop the bacon into 1 inch bits.
- Add Brussels sprouts and garlic to the same pan. Stir constantly and cook until golden brown and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle bacon bits and shredded cheese evenly over the Brussels sprouts and bake in the oven until the melted cheese is bubbly and golden brown, about 10-12 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Make ahead instructions: To make this cheesy brussels sprouts bake ahead of time, you can assemble the dish up to the point of baking. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 1 day. When ready to bake, remove the dish from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before baking according to the recipe instructions.
How to store: Store leftover brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to reheat: Reheat leftovers in a 375F preheated oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through and the cheese is melty. You can also microwave until warmed through. Note that the texture of the Brussels sprouts may be softer after reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Sandy Bauder says
I tried the Cheesy Brussel Sprout Bake and it was a complete hit! My niece was visiting us and she had, what little remained, for breakfast the next morning. Will definitely add this to our favorites and dinner rotation!