The holidays are a time for delicious, comforting food. If you’re looking for a rich, creamy, irresistible side to serve this year, this Bacon Brussels Sprouts Gratin is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
How Can I Customize This Recipe?
This versatile recipe lends itself to substitutions and customization. Try swapping out the Brussels sprouts for broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, or a mixture of seasonal vegetables. You can also use different types of bacon or cheese to suit your tastes. Leaving out the bacon makes this vegetarian-friendly.
What’s the Prep and Cook Time?
With only 15 minutes of prep and another 15 minutes in the oven, this gratin comes together quickly. It’s an easy make-ahead dish that you can prep earlier and bake right before serving.
How Much Does This Yield?
The ingredient quantities provided result in a generous 6 servings as a holiday side dish. You may want to double it if serving as an entrée with pasta or potatoes.
What Are the Main Ingredients?
This recipe calls for bacon, Brussels sprouts, butter, heavy cream, white cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, and basic seasonings like salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. You’ll also need a buttered 2-quart baking dish.
What Are the Steps to Make This?
First, boil the sprouts until just tender. Meanwhile, cook the bacon until crisp. Toss the drained sprouts with bacon, seasonings, cream, and cheese and transfer to your baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs, butter, and remaining bacon before baking until browned and bubbly.
Any Special Tips?
Some clever cooks save and add a bit of the hot bacon grease to the gratin for extra richness and bacon flavor! Sprinkling Parmesan over the top adds a tasty finishing touch as well.
Where Can I Find the Full Recipe?
Scroll down for the complete ingredient quantities and instructions to make this holiday-worthy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Gratin at home!
Why is This Such a Popular Holiday Side?
This gratin is a surefire crowdpleaser because it brings together Brussels sprouts with everyone’s favorite foods – bacon, cheese, cream, and butter! Roasting gives the sprouts irresistible caramelized flavor. The cheese and creamy sauce takes them over the top into indulgent, craveable territory. Even skeptics end up going back for seconds!
Bring On the Holiday Feasting!
With such simple preparation and ingredients that just about everyone enjoys, this Bacon Brussels Sprouts Gratin deserves a spot on your festive holiday table. The blend of flavors, textures, and colors makes it a stunning yet easy side to serve for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. One bite and your guests will be begging you to share the recipe!
Bacon Brussels Sprouts Gratin Recipe
Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 8 oz Bacon
- 1 lb Brussels Sprouts, cleaned and trimmed
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter, in pieces, extra for greasing
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup White Cheddar Cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
- A Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes
- Freshly Ground Pepper, to taste
- Kosher Salt, to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 2-quart baking dish with butter.
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Add Brussels sprouts and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and coarsely chop.
- If using raw bacon, fry it until crisp, then coarsely chop.
- In the baking dish, combine half of the bacon with the Brussels sprouts. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly.
- Pour cream over the mixture. Top with cheese, the remaining bacon, and breadcrumbs. Dot with butter pieces.
- Bake until the gratin is bubbly and golden brown, approximately 15 minutes.
Enjoy this simple yet luxurious dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings. The combination of flavors will delight your taste buds and make this recipe a favorite!
