Cozy Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Gratin Recipe for Fall Nights

Crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch to this decadent brussels sprouts gratin that promises pure comfort on a chilly evening.

Melted cheese creates a golden blanket over perfectly caramelized vegetables and smoky meat bits.

Salt and pepper elevate each carefully sliced sprout into a mouthwatering experience.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with crackling bacon edges for an irresistible side dish.

Rich flavors emerge from simple ingredients that dance together in one harmonious casserole.

Rich cream brings unexpected depth to this classic combination of vegetables and smoky meat.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this incredible gratin that turns ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Prepare to be amazed by how something so simple can taste so incredibly delicious.

The Smart Way to Store Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Gratin

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the gratin fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm the gratin at 350F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain its creamy texture.
• Heat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.
• Wrap the gratin tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What Tastes Good with Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Gratin

• Choose a crisp, acidic white like Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness of bacon and creamy cheese, balancing the dish's heaviness.
• Select a malty amber ale or Belgian-style wheat beer with subtle hop notes that will enhance the smoky bacon and nutty Gruyere flavors.
• Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, zesty contrast against the gratin's decadent and creamy texture.
• Plate this dish alongside roasted chicken or grilled pork tenderloin to create a complete, satisfying meal with complementary protein elements.

Gratin Twists to Try

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace bacon with smoked tempeh or crispy mushroom bacon. Use plant-based butter and dairy-free cream for a completely vegan version that maintains rich flavor profiles.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip breadcrumbs and substitute cauliflower for some Brussels sprouts. Use heavy cream and full-fat cheeses to keep the dish keto-friendly and nutritionally dense.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage during cheese sauce preparation. Incorporate chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives as a final garnish for extra aromatic complexity.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Include red pepper flakes, crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle za'atar seasoning on top. Roast Brussels sprouts with olive oil and garlic before combining with sauce for deeper Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

What People Ask About Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Gratin

• What makes Brussels sprouts taste better in this recipe?

Bacon and cheese transform the Brussels sprouts by adding rich, savory flavors that cut through their natural bitterness, creating a delicious and indulgent side dish.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the gratin earlier in the day and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it in the preheated oven, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through completely.

• How do I know when the Brussels sprouts are properly cooked?

The sprouts should be just tender when pierced with a fork, but not mushy. Boiling them for about 45 minutes ensures they’re cooked perfectly before baking in the cheesy sauce.

• Is this recipe suitable for people who typically don't like Brussels sprouts?

This gratin is an excellent way to convert Brussels sprouts skeptics. The combination of crispy bacon, creamy cheese sauce, and golden breadcrumbs makes the vegetable much more appealing and flavorful.

Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Gratin: Here’s the Buzz

• This bacon and Brussels sprouts gratin delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort.
• Whip up this delicious dish in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a satisfying meal without complicated steps.
• Loaded with melted Parmesan and Gruyere, the creamy sauce creates an irresistible, indulgent experience that transforms humble Brussels sprouts into a crowd-pleasing side dish.
• Equally impressive as a holiday side or casual dinner accompaniment, this recipe works for both elegant gatherings and relaxed family meals.

Must-Have Ingredients for Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Gratin

• Bacon: Provides rich, smoky flavor and crispy texture to the dish, choose thick-cut or center-cut for best results, perfectly complements Brussels sprouts.

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• Brussels Sprouts: Mild, slightly bitter vegetable that absorbs flavors well, look for fresh, compact, bright green sprouts without yellow leaves.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth sauce, select unsalted for better control of salt levels.
• Cream: Creates a luxurious, velvety sauce base, heavy cream works best for stability.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that enhances overall flavor, use freshly grated for best melting.
• Gruyere Cheese, Mozzarella: Provides melty, stretchy texture, Gruyere offers nutty complexity while mozzarella provides mild creaminess.

• Garlic: Adds deep, aromatic flavor, fresh cloves preferred over pre-minced.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances all other ingredients.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and complexity to the dish.

• Breadcrumbs: Adds crispy texture and golden crust, can use panko or traditional breadcrumbs.

Cooking Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Gratin From Scratch

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking dish.

Step 2: Blanch Brussels Sprouts

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add Brussels sprouts and cook until just tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Crisp the Bacon

Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, reserving bacon fat in the pan.

Step 4: Create Flavor Base

• Butter
• Minced garlic

Sauté until fragrant and aromatic.

Step 5: Develop Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Gruyere cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Simmer on low heat, stirring until cheese melts completely.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Gently fold Brussels sprouts and crumbled bacon into the creamy sauce, ensuring even coating.

Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish

• Additional shredded cheese
• Breadcrumbs (optional)

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden. For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the rich, creamy, and crispy casserole.

Kitchen Pointers for Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Gratin

• Blanch Brussels Sprouts Perfectly: Boil exactly 4-5 minutes to maintain crisp texture and bright green color, avoiding overcooking that turns vegetables mushy.
• Bacon Fat Flavor Boost: Reserve a tablespoon of bacon drippings to enhance the dish's richness and add deep, smoky undertones to the sauce.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Grate cheese at room temperature and add gradually while stirring to ensure smooth, lump-free sauce without separation.
• Low-Carb Modification: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly version that maintains the crispy topping texture.
• Temperature Control: Watch carefully during final broiling stage to prevent burning, aiming for golden-brown color without scorching cheese or breadcrumbs.

Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Gratin Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy bacon and brussels sprouts gratin delivers comfort with French countryside charm. Crispy bacon, caramelized brussels sprouts, and rich cheese sauce invite you to savor this irresistible side dish that elevates simple ingredients into pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Vegetables:

• 1 ½ pounds (680 grams) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

Proteins:

• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere or mozzarella cheese

Flavor Enhancers and Other Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds (optional topping)

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Instructions

1. Fire up the oven to a sizzling 400F (200C), preparing for a delectable transformation.
2. Submerge Brussels sprouts in a pot of generously salted, boiling water. Gently simmer for approximately 4-5 minutes until they reach a tender yet vibrant state. Carefully drain and set aside.
3. Render bacon in a spacious skillet over medium heat, coaxing it to a crisp, golden perfection. Extract the bacon with a slotted utensil, preserving a tablespoon of the rich, flavor-packed drippings.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the residual bacon fat, allowing it to dance and release its aromatic essence for roughly 60 seconds.
5. Pour in heavy cream, then sprinkle in a harmonious blend of Parmesan and Gruyere cheeses. Season with salt, black pepper, and a whisper of red pepper flakes. Gently simmer, stirring consistently until the cheese melts into a luxurious, silky sauce.
6. Reunite the crisp bacon pieces and blanched Brussels sprouts with the creamy mixture, ensuring every morsel is lavishly coated.
7. Transfer the decadent ensemble to a well-greased baking vessel, creating an inviting canvas for the final touches.
8. Lavish the top with an additional generous sprinkle of shredded cheese and breadcrumbs for textural contrast.
9. Slide into the preheated oven, allowing the gratin to bubble and transform for 15-20 minutes until achieving a golden, enticing crust. For an extra crisp finish, broil for 2-3 minutes.
10. Allow the gratin a brief moment to settle before serving, letting the flavors meld and intensify.

Notes

• Trim Brussels sprouts tightly to prevent any loose leaves from burning during baking and ensure even cooking.
• Blanch sprouts precisely for 4-5 minutes instead of 45 minutes to maintain crisp texture and vibrant green color.
• Pat Brussels sprouts completely dry after boiling to prevent watery gratin and help cheese sauce adhere better.
• Consider using turkey bacon for a lighter version or swap bacon with pancetta for an elegant twist on traditional recipe.
• For gluten-free option, replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour to maintain crispy topping.
• Make ahead by preparing dish up to cheese coating stage, then refrigerate and bake just before serving to save time.
• Ensure cheese is room temperature to create smoother, more evenly melted sauce without clumping.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg