Is there anything more enticing than the aroma of crispy bacon melding with creamy, savory Brussels sprouts? This delicious dish hits all the right notes, delivering a delightful combination of textures and flavors that make it a fantastic addition to any meal. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests at a gathering, these Creamy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. The richness of heavy cream and the salty crunch of bacon elevate the humble vegetable to new heights, making it not just a side dish, but a star at your table.
What makes this dish stand out is its simplicity and speed—ready in under an hour and made with just a handful of ingredients. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, offering a gourmet taste without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a Brussels sprouts aficionado or trying them for the first time, this recipe is sure to deliver a comforting and satisfying experience you won’t want to miss.
Why Make This Recipe
Ready to discover why Creamy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon should be at the top of your cooking list? First off, the flavor profile is unbeatable. Rich heavy cream, savory bacon, and the nutty essence of Brussels sprouts work together to create a harmonious dish that will tantalize your taste buds. You won’t even need a complicated recipe to achieve this!
Additionally, this dish is incredibly quick to prepare. With just a few steps and minimal ingredients, you can whip it up in under 30 minutes after cooking the bacon. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or as a last-minute addition to your dinner parties.
You’ll also appreciate the versatility of this recipe. It pairs perfectly with a variety of mains—from roasted chicken to a juicy steak—making it a go-to side for almost any occasion.
How to Make Creamy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Ingredients
- Brussels sprouts
- Bacon
- Heavy cream
- Garlic
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
Tip: If you’re having difficulty finding fresh Brussels sprouts, check your local farmer’s market or produce section. You can always substitute frozen ones in a pinch, but fresh will yield the best texture and flavor.
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures that your Brussel sprouts will become perfectly tender while bubbling up beautifully in the creamy sauce as it bakes.
- Cook the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon and crumble it into bite-sized pieces. Leave the rendered fat in the skillet for the next step.
- Sauté the Brussels sprouts: Add halved Brussels sprouts to the same skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes or until they become lightly browned. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly and don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Add garlic: Toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream: Slowly add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring gently as you bring it to a simmer. The cream should thicken slightly, which will take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add bacon and cheese: Fold in the crumbled bacon and add in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and combines with the cream, creating a rich, luscious sauce.
- Season: Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Be generous, as these veggies love a little seasoning!
- Transfer to an oven-safe dish: Pour the creamy Brussels sprouts mixture into a baking dish. Ensure it’s evenly spread out to promote even cooking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve warm: Enjoy this delightful dish while it’s fresh out of the oven—its creamy texture is best when served immediately.
How to Serve Creamy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
These Creamy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are best served hot right out of the oven. For presentation, consider serving them in a shallow bowl and garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or additional Parmesan cheese for that extra restaurant-style finish.
Pair them with roasted meats like chicken or duck, or alongside a hearty grain dish for a well-rounded meal. A crisp white wine or a light-bodied red will complement the dish beautifully. For a touch of elegance, try garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. This dish is versatile enough for both casual family dinners and elegant gatherings.
How to Store Creamy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
For any leftovers, refrigerate in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container, and it can last up to 3 months. To reheat, the oven is your best friend—pop them in at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes but be mindful that this can affect the dish’s creamy texture. Always check for off smells or visible spoilage before consuming leftovers.
Tips to Make Creamy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
- Prep Ahead: You can wash and trim Brussels sprouts ahead of time to save on prep. Just store in water in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
- Swap Ingredients: If you’re out of Parmesan cheese, try using Gruyère or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Avoid Overcooking: Monitor the Brussels sprouts; if they begin to brown too quickly, lower the heat to medium.
- Skillet Substitute: If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the mixture to a baking dish after cooking on the stovetop.
- Batch Cook: Double the recipe for big gatherings or meal prep; it freezes well for later enjoyment.
- Adjust Texture: If the sauce is too thick, whisk in a splash of broth or additional cream to reach your desired consistency.
- Flavor Boost: Consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice before baking for a bright contrast to the richness.
- Transform Leftovers: Toss leftover Brussels sprouts in a salad with mixed greens and nuts for a lunch upgrade.
- Diet Friendly: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free option.
- Customization: Add nuts or seeds for a crunch, or top with crispy onions for extra texture.
Variations
- Vegan Delight: Make Creamy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon plant-based by substituting the bacon with crispy tempeh and using coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Smoky Chipotle: For a kick, add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the heavy cream for a smoky and spicy version that packs a punch!
- Herbal Infusion: Stir in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the Brussels sprouts as they sauté for an aromatic twist that enhances the overall flavor.
- Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the finished dish for a refreshing citrus note that brightens the creamy sauce.
- Asian Spin: Incorporate soy sauce and sesame oil, and finish with toasted sesame seeds for a flavorful Asian-inspired dish.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything ahead of time, but it’s best to bake it right before serving. Assemble the Brussels sprouts and sauce, cover, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh before serving to enjoy the best texture.
How do I store leftovers?
Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and used within 3 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can! Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will last about 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, and then bake or microwave until heated through.
What can I substitute for bacon?
For a vegetarian version, consider using smoked tempeh, mushrooms, or even a bit of liquid smoke for flavor without actual meat.
How do I prevent sticking?
To avoid sticking, make sure your skillet is well-heated before adding the Brussels sprouts. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the pan, allowing them space to sear evenly.
Is this keto-friendly?
Yes! This dish is naturally low in carbs, thanks to the Brussels sprouts, making it compatible with a keto diet. Just be mindful of the overall ingredients you use.
Can I double or halve this recipe?
Definitely! This recipe can easily be scaled up or down based on your needs. Just adjust cook times accordingly if baking in a larger or smaller dish.
Indulge in this rich and comforting Creamy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon that makes every bite worth savoring. Enjoy!
Creamy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon and crumble it into bite-sized pieces, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
- Add halved Brussels sprouts to the same skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes or until lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Slowly pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring gently as you bring it to a simmer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the cream thickens slightly.
- Fold in the crumbled bacon and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese melts and combines with the cream.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the creamy Brussels sprouts mixture into a baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve warm, ideally garnished with a sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper or additional Parmesan cheese.