Name: Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole with Bacon Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound Brussels sprouts, cut in half; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ⅓ cup toasted pine nuts; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; Salt, to taste

If you’re anything like me and sometimes find Brussels sprouts a bit intimidating, this Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole with Bacon Recipe is a game-changer. It transforms these little greens into a creamy, cheesy, and smoky side that everyone at the table ends up loving. The crispy bacon wrapped in that luscious cheese sauce makes it feel like a treat, not just a vegetable dish.

What I love most is how well this casserole works for both casual weeknight dinners and festive holiday meals. It’s simple to prepare but feels special enough to bring alongside your main course when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you make this, the cheesy, nutty, and bacon-packed flavors will have you coming back again and again for this Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole with Bacon Recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role. The combination of creamy cheeses and crispy bacon is pure comfort, while the lemon zest and pine nuts add brightness and crunch that really elevate the casserole. Here are a few tips for picking out the best components:

Brussels sprouts: Look for firm, bright green sprouts without yellowing leaves—they’ll roast up perfectly and keep a nice bite.
Lemon zest: Fresh is best here to add a pop of brightness; avoid pre-packaged zest for the most vibrant flavor.
Bacon: Thick-cut bacon gives you those wonderfully crispy, meaty bites that balance the softness of the cheese sauce.
Heavy cream: This is the base of your cheesy sauce—it makes everything rich and silky.
Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated if you can; it melts beautifully and adds that nutty, salty punch.
Mozzarella cheese: This melts stretchy and gooey, perfect for that ultimate cheesy experience.
Toasted pine nuts: These bring a subtle crunch and a hint of earthiness—toast them lightly to maximize flavor.
Ground black pepper and salt: Season carefully since both cheeses and bacon already carry saltiness—taste as you go.

Variations

I’m all about making recipes your own, and this Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole with Bacon Recipe is no exception. Over time, I’ve played with a few tweaks depending on what’s on hand or the season, and I highly encourage you to experiment and find your favorite version.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap out pine nuts for toasted walnuts or pecans for a different crunch experience. It’s a small change that adds a lovely seasonal twist.
Variation: For a lighter option, I’ve used half-and-half instead of heavy cream—still creamy but less rich.
Variation: To pack a bit more punch, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of smoked paprika into the cheese sauce.
Variation: If you want to make it vegetarian, just skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions instead. It’s still hearty and satisfying.

How to Make Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole with Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Brussels Sprouts

Start by trimming and halving your Brussels sprouts so they cook evenly. I like roasting them briefly in a hot oven, about 15 minutes at 400°F, just until they start to get tender and caramelized—it brings out their natural sweetness. This step ensures the sprouts hold their shape and don’t get mushy in the casserole. If you’re short on time, you can steam them, but roasting adds a depth that’s worth the few extra minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon Crisp

While the Brussels sprouts roast, dice your thick-cut bacon and cook it in a skillet over medium heat until it’s nice and crisp. This is where a lot of the smoky flavor comes from, so don’t rush it. Once done, drain off excess fat on paper towels but save a little for the cheese sauce base—it adds incredible flavor.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet you cooked the bacon, lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream along with a bit of the reserved bacon fat. This combo creates a rich, silky base. Slowly add your parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, stirring gently until melted and smooth. Stir in the lemon zest, pine nuts, and season with salt and pepper carefully, remembering the bacon and cheeses are already salty. This sauce will coat every Brussels sprout bite with cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Combine the roasted Brussels sprouts and crispy bacon in a casserole dish, then pour that luscious cheese sauce over the top to coat everything thoroughly. Spread evenly and pop it into a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. You’ll see some bubbling cheese and a few golden brown spots—that’s when you know it’s perfect. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving so it sets nicely.

How to Serve Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole with Bacon Recipe

The image shows fresh cooking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. In a large white bowl, vibrant green Brussels sprouts sit piled closely together, their leafy texture visible. Next to it, six slices of raw bacon with alternating pinkish-red and white fat layers lie flat on the surface, showing their stripes clearly. Around the bacon are various small white bowls: one contains shredded pale yellow cheese, another has four brown eggs, and a third holds mixed nuts with a deep brown color. There are two white shallow dishes holding ground black pepper and a mix of salt and pepper. There are two bright yellow lemon slices on the side and a white cup full of creamy white sauce nearby. The layout is clean and well-organized, with each ingredient distinct and fresh-looking. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this casserole with a little extra fresh lemon zest and some chopped fresh parsley for color and brightness just before serving. Occasionally, I’ll sprinkle on some extra toasted pine nuts on top to keep that lovely crunch throughout the meal. These small touches make it look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple roasted chicken, grilled pork chops, or even alongside a holiday ham. If you want more veggies, a crisp green salad or roasted root vegetables complement the richness of the dish nicely. I personally love serving this with a light couscous or quinoa to soak up any extra cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets—everyone loves getting their own cheesy portion straight from the oven. Garnishing with microgreens or edible flowers gives it that extra wow factor for holiday dinners or dinner parties. It’s surprisingly elegant despite how easy it is to make!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers from this Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole with Bacon Recipe store really well. I keep them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually last up to 3 days. The cheese sauce thickens a bit as it cools, but reheating brings everything back to creamy perfection.

Freezing

If you want to prep this casserole ahead for a busy week, I’ve frozen it successfully a couple of times. Make it up to the assembly stage, then wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap before freezing. When you’re ready, bake it straight from frozen, adding extra time (about 15-20 minutes) until it’s hot and bubbly.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I pop the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until warmed through and bubbly again. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving works too, but the oven helps keep that crispy top texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this casserole?

Absolutely! If you use frozen Brussels sprouts, make sure to thaw and drain them well before roasting or adding to the casserole. This helps avoid excess moisture that could make the dish watery.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses simple ingredients like veggies, cheese, bacon, and nuts. Just be sure your bacon and cheese don’t contain any hidden gluten additives.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Definitely! Just omit the bacon and consider adding mushrooms or a smoky paprika seasoning to keep that savory depth. Using toasted nuts adds texture and heartiness too.
How do I prevent the casserole from being too salty?

Since bacon and parmesan are pretty salty, taste your cheese sauce before adding extra salt. Season lightly and adjust gradually to avoid overpowering saltiness.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead and bake later?

Yes, you can assemble it a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole with Bacon Recipe has become one of my favorite sides to make when I want something comforting yet vegetable-forward. It’s easy to put together, packed with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser even for folks who usually avoid Brussels sprouts. Give it a try on your next meal—you’ll be surprised how it steals the spotlight. And hey, if you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself making it again and again because it really hits the spot.