Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole combines the rich flavors of sautéed Brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, and a creamy cheese sauce into a delightful dish. This casserole is perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something warm and comforting. Enhanced with lemon zest and topped with melted mozzarella, it brings a burst of flavor to your table. Whether served as a side dish or a vegetarian main when omitting bacon, it’s sure to please everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole
This Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole stands out for several reasons. First, it offers a delightful blend of textures—from tender Brussels sprouts to crispy bacon. Second, it’s a creamy Brussels sprouts dish that satisfies your comfort food cravings. Third, it’s easy to prepare, making it a great option for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Additionally, the recipe is versatile; you can easily make it a vegetarian Brussels sprouts casserole by skipping the bacon. Plus, it’s packed with flavor from the combination of cheeses and toasted pine nuts. Lastly, it fits well into various diets, including a gluten-free cheesy Brussels sprouts casserole option.
Ingredients for Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole
Gather these items:
- ⅓ cup toasted pine nuts
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, cut in half
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt to taste
How to Make Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 2-3 quart baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, add ⅓ cup pine nuts. Stir frequently, about every 30 seconds, to ensure even toasting and prevent burning. When fragrant and lightly golden, remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Step 3: Using the same skillet, add 6 slices of diced thick-cut bacon. Cook over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon pieces onto a paper towel-lined bowl to drain excess fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet and discarding the rest.
- Step 4: Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the remaining bacon fat in the skillet. Sauté over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sprouts begin to brown and become tender.
- Step 5: Lower heat to medium-low and stir in 1 ½ cups heavy cream, 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, the crisped bacon, toasted pine nuts, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and salt to taste. Simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens nicely.
- Step 6: Transfer the Brussels sprout mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese turns golden brown.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole
Keep these in mind:
- Use fresh Brussels sprouts for the best flavor and texture.
- For a healthier option, substitute the heavy cream with a lighter cream or milk.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like cauliflower or broccoli for a cheesy vegetable casserole with Brussels sprouts.
Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole
This casserole can be served as a comfort food Brussels sprouts recipe alongside roasted meats or as a standalone vegetarian dish. Pair it with a refreshing salad to balance the richness. It also makes an excellent side for holiday dinners, bringing a festive touch to your table.
How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole
To store leftovers, place the casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, ensuring it retains its creamy texture. This method also works well for meal prep—make it ahead of time for a quick weeknight dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole
What’s the secret to perfect Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole?
The secret lies in the balance of flavors and textures; use fresh sprouts, quality cheese, and ensure the sauce is thick enough to coat the ingredients without being runny.
Can I make Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, just cover it tightly and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for the best flavor.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole?
To avoid sogginess, ensure your Brussels sprouts are well sautéed before mixing them with the sauce, and don’t skip toasting the pine nuts for added crunch.
Variations of Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole You Can Try
For added flavor, consider these variations:
- Substitute bacon with mushrooms for a vegetarian Brussels sprouts casserole.
- Mix in some cheddar for a cheddar Brussels sprouts casserole.
- Add spices like nutmeg or cayenne for a twist.
This dish is versatile and can be tailored to suit any dietary needs while still being delicious!
For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making Creamy Potato Soup for a comforting meal. If you’re looking for a side dish, our Green Bean Casserole is a perfect match!
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Delicious Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Brussels Sprout Casserole is a delightful and rich dish combining tender sautéed Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon, toasted pine nuts, and a creamy cheese sauce. Enhanced with lemon zest for brightness and topped with melted mozzarella, this casserole makes a perfect comforting side or vegetarian-friendly main when bacon is omitted.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup toasted pine nuts
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, cut in half
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 2-3 quart baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add ⅓ cup pine nuts. Stir frequently, about every 30 seconds, to ensure even toasting and prevent burning. When fragrant and lightly golden, remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Using the same skillet, add 6 slices of diced thick-cut bacon. Cook over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon pieces onto a paper towel-lined bowl to drain excess fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet and discarding the rest.
- Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the remaining bacon fat in the skillet. Sauté over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sprouts begin to brown and become tender.
- Lower heat to medium-low and stir in 1 ½ cups heavy cream, 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, the crisped bacon, toasted pine nuts, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and salt to taste. Simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens nicely.
- Transfer the Brussels sprout mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese turns golden brown.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole








