Cheesy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: A Comfort Food Revelation

Brussels sprouts, often relegated to the sidelines of the culinary world, deserve a starring role. When paired with crispy bacon and a generous blanket of melted cheese, they transform into a dish that’s both comforting and surprisingly sophisticated. This cheesy Brussels sprouts with bacon recipe is a testament to the power of simple ingredients, elevated through thoughtful preparation and the irresistible allure of bacon and cheese.

This recipe isn’t just about making Brussels sprouts palatable; it’s about making them craveable. The bitterness of the sprouts is balanced by the saltiness and smoky flavor of the bacon, while the cheese adds a creamy richness that ties everything together. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping side dish for Thanksgiving, a cozy weeknight dinner component, or a way to convince even the most ardent Brussels sprouts skeptic, this recipe is your answer.

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Balancing Flavors:** Brussels sprouts have a natural bitterness. Bacon’s saltiness and smokiness counteracts this, creating a harmonious flavor profile. The cheese adds a creamy, rich element that further mellows the bitterness.
* **Texture is Key:** Roasting the Brussels sprouts ensures they are tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. Crispy bacon adds another layer of textural delight. The cheese melts into a gooey, delicious blanket.
* **Simple Ingredients, Big Impact:** This recipe uses readily available ingredients, yet the combination results in a dish that tastes far more complex than the sum of its parts.
* **Customizable:** This recipe is a fantastic base. Feel free to add other vegetables, different cheeses, or spices to suit your taste.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Brussels Sprouts:** 1.5 pounds, fresh, trimmed and halved (or quartered if large)
* **Bacon:** 8 ounces, thick-cut, diced
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced
* **Shallot:** 1 medium, finely chopped
* **Gruyere Cheese:** 1 cup, shredded (or your favorite melting cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination)
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/4 cup, grated
* **Salt:** To taste
* **Black Pepper:** Freshly ground, to taste
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a touch of heat)
* **Fresh Thyme:** 1 sprig (optional, for added flavor)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect batch of cheesy Brussels sprouts with bacon:

**Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts**

1. **Wash and Trim:** Thoroughly wash the Brussels sprouts under cold water. Trim the ends and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves.
2. **Halve or Quarter:** Depending on the size of your Brussels sprouts, halve or quarter them. Smaller sprouts can be halved, while larger ones benefit from being quartered to ensure even cooking.

**Step 2: Cook the Bacon**

1. **Render the Fat:** In a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal), cook the diced bacon over medium heat. Stir frequently until the bacon is crispy and the fat has rendered out. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
2. **Remove Bacon:** Using a slotted spoon, remove the crispy bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the skillet – this is flavor gold!

**Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics**

1. **Sauté Garlic and Shallot:** Add the minced garlic and chopped shallot to the skillet with the rendered bacon fat. Sauté over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and the shallot is softened but not browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make it bitter.

**Step 4: Roast the Brussels Sprouts**

1. **Add Brussels Sprouts:** Add the halved or quartered Brussels sprouts to the skillet with the garlic and shallot. Toss well to coat them evenly with the bacon fat and aromatics.
2. **Season:** Season the Brussels sprouts with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the sprig of fresh thyme, if using.
3. **Roast:** Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and slightly browned. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.

**Step 5: Add the Cheese and Bacon**

1. **Top with Cheese:** Remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle the shredded Gruyere cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the Brussels sprouts.
2. **Add Bacon:** Sprinkle the cooked bacon over the cheese.

**Step 6: Melt the Cheese**

1. **Broil (Optional):** For a perfectly melted and bubbly cheese topping, you can broil the Brussels sprouts for 1-2 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent the cheese from burning. Alternatively, you can return the skillet to the oven for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

**Step 7: Serve**

1. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with additional fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
2. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the cheesy Brussels sprouts with bacon immediately while the cheese is still melted and bubbly. These are best enjoyed hot!

## Tips for the Best Cheesy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

* **Use Fresh Brussels Sprouts:** Fresh Brussels sprouts are essential for the best flavor and texture. Avoid using frozen Brussels sprouts, as they tend to be mushy.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet:** If you’re making a large batch, it’s better to roast the Brussels sprouts in two batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding can lead to steamed rather than roasted sprouts.
* **Use Thick-Cut Bacon:** Thick-cut bacon adds more flavor and texture to the dish. It also holds up better during cooking.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the Brussels sprouts after roasting and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt and pepper to taste.
* **Choose Your Cheese Wisely:** Gruyere is a classic choice for its nutty flavor and excellent melting properties. However, you can experiment with other cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, or a combination of your favorites.
* **Don’t Overcook the Brussels Sprouts:** Overcooked Brussels sprouts can become mushy and bitter. Roast them until they are tender but still have a slight bite.
* **Broil with Caution:** If you choose to broil the Brussels sprouts to melt the cheese, watch them carefully to prevent burning. The broiler can quickly turn cheese from melted and bubbly to burnt and bitter.
* **Add a Touch of Acid:** A squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of balsamic vinegar after roasting can brighten the flavors and add a touch of acidity to balance the richness of the bacon and cheese. Add this after removing from the oven.

## Variations and Additions

This recipe is a great starting point for your own culinary creations. Here are a few ideas for variations and additions:

* **Add Balsamic Glaze:** Drizzle a balsamic glaze over the Brussels sprouts after roasting for a sweet and tangy flavor.
* **Add Roasted Nuts:** Sprinkle toasted pecans, walnuts, or almonds over the Brussels sprouts for added crunch and flavor.
* **Add Dried Cranberries:** Add dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness and chewiness.
* **Add Apples:** Add diced apples to the skillet along with the Brussels sprouts for a sweet and savory combination.
* **Add Sausage:** Substitute some of the bacon with cooked Italian sausage for a heartier dish.
* **Add a Creamy Sauce:** Toss the roasted Brussels sprouts with a creamy Parmesan sauce for an extra decadent dish.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
* **Vegetarian Option:** Omit the bacon and use olive oil or butter to sauté the garlic and shallot. Add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
* **Different Cheese Combinations:** Experiment with different cheese combinations to find your perfect flavor profile. Gouda, fontina, and Havarti are all great options.

## Serving Suggestions

Cheesy Brussels sprouts with bacon are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Side Dish:** Serve as a side dish with roasted chicken, pork chops, steak, or fish.
* **Appetizer:** Serve as an appetizer for a dinner party or holiday gathering.
* **Main Course:** Serve as a main course with a side salad or crusty bread.
* **Thanksgiving Side:** A welcome addition to your Thanksgiving table, providing a savory counterpoint to the sweeter dishes.
* **Holiday Feast:** Elevate your Christmas or other holiday meals with this delightful side dish.

## Make-Ahead Tips

* **Prep the Brussels Sprouts:** You can wash, trim, and halve or quarter the Brussels sprouts up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Cook the Bacon:** You can cook the bacon up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Assemble and Roast:** You can assemble the Brussels sprouts with the garlic, shallot, and bacon fat up to 1 day in advance. Store them in the skillet, covered, in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, add the cheese and bake as directed.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover cheesy Brussels sprouts with bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the Brussels sprouts in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on 6 servings)

* Calories: 250-300
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 8-10g
* Cholesterol: 40-50mg
* Sodium: 300-400mg
* Carbohydrates: 15-20g
* Fiber: 5-7g
* Sugar: 3-5g
* Protein: 10-12g

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Cheesy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon Recipe Card

**Yields:** 6 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 25 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 pounds fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (or quartered)
* 8 ounces thick-cut bacon, diced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 medium shallot, finely chopped
* 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Salt to taste
* Freshly ground black pepper to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 1 sprig fresh thyme (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Brussels sprouts: Wash, trim, and halve or quarter the Brussels sprouts.
3. Cook bacon: In a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal), cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving rendered fat in the skillet.
4. Sauté aromatics: Add minced garlic and chopped shallot to the skillet with bacon fat. Sauté over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant and softened.
5. Roast Brussels sprouts: Add Brussels sprouts to the skillet with garlic and shallot. Toss to coat evenly. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add thyme sprig (if using).
6. Transfer to oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until Brussels sprouts are tender and slightly browned, stirring halfway through.
7. Add cheese and bacon: Remove skillet from oven. Sprinkle Gruyere and Parmesan cheese evenly over the Brussels sprouts. Sprinkle cooked bacon over the cheese.
8. Melt cheese: Broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully, or return to oven for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Serve immediately: Garnish with fresh thyme leaves (if desired). Serve hot.

Enjoy this delightful and comforting dish! It’s a surefire way to make Brussels sprouts a star at your table.