Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *Cheddar Bacon Brussels Sprouts Bake*! It’s an absolute game-changer when it comes to side dishes. Imagine tender Brussels sprouts smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce, with the savory crunch of bacon sprinkled throughout. Trust me, it’s a flavor explosion that’s sure to impress! And hey, if bacon isn’t your thing, you can easily whip up a vegetarian version that’s just as divine by leaving it out. The combination of cheddar and Parmesan adds such a rich, comforting element, and the smell while it bakes? Wow! You’ll be counting down the minutes until it’s ready to dig in. This dish is not just for holiday dinners; it’s perfect for any weeknight meal when you want to treat yourself to something special.
Ingredients List
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (or omit for a vegetarian option)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Cheddar Bacon Brussels Sprouts Bake
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this *Cheddar Bacon Brussels Sprouts Bake*! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish to serve in no time. Ready? Let’s do this!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial for that golden, bubbly finish we all love!
- Now, grab a large pot and fill it with water. Bring it to a boil, then toss in your trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts. Let them boil for about 5 minutes until they’re just slightly tender. You want them to retain a bit of crunch.
- After 5 minutes, drain the Brussels sprouts and transfer them to a baking dish. This is where all the magic will happen!
- In a separate bowl, mix together the heavy cream, minced garlic, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. This creamy mixture is going to make everything so luscious.
- Pour that heavenly cream mixture evenly over the Brussels sprouts, making sure they’re all coated in that goodness.
- Now it’s time to sprinkle on the crumbled bacon (if using) and the shredded cheddar cheese. I mean, who doesn’t love extra cheese, right?
- Top it all off with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that extra oomph!
- Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want it bubbly and golden on top!
Once it’s done, let it cool for just a few minutes before diving in. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Nutritional Information
This *Cheddar Bacon Brussels Sprouts Bake* packs a flavorful punch while still being a satisfying side dish! Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, 28g of fat, 15g of protein, and 10g of carbs. It’s rich and indulgent, so it’s perfect for those nights when you want to treat yourself! Just keep in mind that these values are estimates, and they might vary a bit based on your specific ingredients. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich and creamy texture that’s simply irresistible.
- Versatile! Enjoy it with crispy bacon or make it vegetarian—either way, it’s delicious.
- Comforting flavors that’ll warm your heart and satisfy your cravings.
- Bakes up beautifully with a bubbly, golden top that looks as good as it tastes.
- Great for meal prepping—just reheat for a tasty side any night of the week.
- A crowd-pleaser that impresses at holiday gatherings and casual dinners alike!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your *Cheddar Bacon Brussels Sprouts Bake* turns out perfectly every time! First off, don’t skip the boiling step—this helps to soften the Brussels sprouts just enough while keeping a nice crunch. If you want to switch things up, try using different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor twist. For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the cream mixture! And if you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some sautéed onions or mushrooms for added depth. Remember, the key to a perfect bake is to keep an eye on it during the last few minutes—once it’s bubbly and golden, it’s ready to be devoured!
Variations
One of the best things about this *Cheddar Bacon Brussels Sprouts Bake* is how easily you can tweak it to suit your taste! For starters, why not play around with the cheese? Substituting Gruyère or a pepper jack cheese can add a delightful twist, or you could even try a mix of cheeses for an extra layer of flavor. If you’re looking to sneak in more veggies, consider adding chopped cauliflower or roasted butternut squash for a colorful and nutritious boost. You can also throw in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for additional texture and taste. And for those who love a bit of a kick, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can really elevate the flavor profile. The possibilities are endless—get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This *Cheddar Bacon Brussels Sprouts Bake* keeps really well, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep. Just let the dish cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then place the bake in a baking dish and cover it with foil to prevent drying out. Heat it for about 15-20 minutes or until it’s warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also pop it in the microwave, but I find the oven keeps that creamy texture and golden top so much nicer. Enjoy those delicious leftovers!
FAQ Section
Can I make this dish without bacon?
Absolutely! You can easily make a delicious vegetarian version by omitting the bacon. The creamy cheddar and Parmesan will still give you that rich flavor you crave!
How should I store leftovers?
To keep your *Cheddar Bacon Brussels Sprouts Bake* fresh, let it cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll last in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed well!
What’s the best way to reheat it?
I recommend reheating in the oven to retain that creamy texture. Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. If you’re short on time, a microwave works too, but the oven is the way to go for that perfect golden finish.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using. You might want to reduce the boiling time since frozen sprouts can be softer than fresh ones.
What can I serve with this dish?
This *Cheddar Bacon Brussels Sprouts Bake* is a fantastic side for roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even alongside a hearty pasta dish. It’s versatile enough to complement any meal!
Cheddar Bacon Brussels Sprouts Bake: 7 Comforting Reasons
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious Cheddar Bacon Brussels Sprouts Bake that combines savory flavors in a creamy, cheesy dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot, boil Brussels sprouts for 5 minutes until slightly tender.
- Drain and transfer Brussels sprouts to a baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix heavy cream, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the cream mixture over the Brussels sprouts.
- Add cooked bacon and cheddar cheese on top.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- You can omit bacon for a vegetarian option.
- Feel free to use different cheese varieties.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Cheddar Bacon Brussels Sprouts Bake, Brussels Sprouts, Cheddar Cheese, Bacon