Sizzling Bacon & Brussels Sprouts Gratin Recipe That Dazzles

Creamy, golden-brown gratins with crispy bacon and roasted brussels sprouts bring comfort to any dinner table.

This delectable roasted brussels sprouts gratin combines rich, smoky flavors that dance across your palate.

Crisp bacon pieces crackle against tender vegetables, creating a perfect balance of textures.

Sharp cheese melts into every crevice, adding depth and warmth to each bite.

Earthy brussels sprouts absorb the savory bacon’s essence, transforming a simple side dish into a luxurious experience.

Weeknight dinners or special gatherings will feel instantly elevated with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

One forkful promises to make believers out of even the most skeptical vegetable eaters.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need to Make Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Gratin

• Brussels Sprouts: Hearty winter vegetable that brings earthy flavor and nutrient-packed punch, choose bright green and firm sprouts without yellow leaves or brown spots.

• Bacon: Crispy meat that adds smoky depth and rich texture, select thick-cut varieties for maximum crunch and more substantial flavor.

• Butter, Cream, Parmesan Cheese, Gruyere Cheese: Luxurious dairy components that create silky smooth sauce, opt for freshly grated cheeses for best melting quality.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Mild alternative cheese with excellent melting properties, great for extra stretchy texture.

• Garlic: Powerful flavor booster that adds warm, intense undertone, choose fresh cloves for most robust taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Essential seasoning blend that elevates overall dish complexity, use freshly ground pepper for maximum impact.

• Breadcrumbs: Optional crispy layer that provides delightful textural contrast, homemade breadcrumbs offer superior crunch compared to store-bought versions.

Kitchen Must-Haves for Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Gratin

• Skillet: Large, heavy-bottomed pan for cooking bacon and making creamy sauce.
• Baking Dish: 9×9-inch (or similar) greased dish for baking the gratin.
• Slotted Spoon: Perfect for removing crispy bacon from the pan.
• Large Pot: Used for boiling Brussels sprouts with salted water.
• Cheese Grater: To shred extra Parmesan or Gruyere for topping.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and mixing ingredients in the skillet.
• Colander: To drain boiled Brussels sprouts.

Making Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Gratin: Your Game Plan

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400F, preparing for a delicious culinary adventure.

• Blanch the Green Gems

Boil Brussels sprouts in salted water until they’re tender and bright green, about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.

• Crisp the Bacon

Sizzle bacon in a skillet until it’s perfectly crisp and golden. Remove the bacon, keeping a tablespoon of that liquid gold (bacon fat) behind.

• Create the Creamy Base

Toss butter and garlic into the skillet, letting them dance and release their aromatic magic. Pour in cream and sprinkle cheeses, stirring until everything melts into a luxurious sauce.

• Combine and Coat

Fold the Brussels sprouts and crumbled bacon into the creamy mixture, ensuring every morsel gets a delicious bath.

• Bake to Perfection

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, crown with extra cheese, and slide into the hot oven. Bake until the top turns golden and the edges bubble with excitement.

• Rest and Serve

Let the gratin cool for a few minutes, then dive into this indulgent side dish that’s sure to steal the show at any meal.

Tricks to Make Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Gratin Even Better

• Cook bacon until it's extra crispy for maximum flavor and texture in the gratin.
• Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly version that keeps the crunch.
• Sprinkle chopped fresh thyme or rosemary into the cheese sauce for an aromatic, garden-fresh twist.
• Swap bacon with smoked tempeh or roasted mushrooms to create a meat-free version that still delivers rich, deep flavors.
• Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.

Ways to Serve Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Gratin with Flair

• Rustic Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this rich, cheesy gratin as a stunning main dish alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak for a hearty meal that will impress family and friends.
• Elegant Side Dish Pairing: Complement the gratin with a light, crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy, indulgent flavors of the dish.
• Holiday Potluck Favorite: Bring this crowd-pleasing recipe to your next gatherings, as it travels well and can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for buffet-style events and potlucks.
• Wine and Dine Combo: Pair this decadent gratin with a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light red such as Pinot Noir to enhance the dish's complex, savory profile.

How to Store Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Gratin Without Losing Flavor

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze up to 3 months for future easy meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm in oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispy texture. Microwave works in a pinch, but may soften breadcrumbs and reduce crispiness. Add a sprinkle of fresh cheese before reheating to refresh flavors.
• Can prep Brussels sprouts and bacon a day ahead. Store separately in refrigerator. Assemble and bake just before serving to maintain optimal texture and taste. Mix ingredients right before baking for maximum flavor and crunch.

Crispy Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Gratin Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy bacon and brussels sprouts gratin delivers comfort on a plate, blending crispy bacon with tender vegetables. Cheese-laden and rich, this dish promises a delightful journey through savory flavors you won’t soon forget.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 ½ lbs (680 g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere or mozzarella cheese (plus more for topping)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds (optional topping)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and position a rack in the center for even cooking.
2. Brussels Sprouts Blanching: Submerge Brussels sprouts in rapidly boiling salted water, cooking until they reach a tender yet crisp consistency, approximately 4-5 minutes. Quickly drain and set aside.
3. Bacon Rendering: In a spacious skillet, transform bacon into crispy morsels over medium heat. Extract the bacon with a slotted utensil, reserving approximately one tablespoon of rendered fat for subsequent cooking.
4. Flavor Building: Introduce butter and minced garlic to the bacon-seasoned skillet, sautéing until aromatic and golden, releasing their rich essence.
5. Sauce Creation: Incorporate cream, Parmesan, Gruyere, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes into the skillet. Gently simmer, stirring continuously until the cheeses melt into a velvety, harmonious sauce.
6. Combining Components: Fold the blanched Brussels sprouts and crisp bacon into the creamy sauce, ensuring complete coverage. Transfer the mixture to a generously greased baking dish.
7. Finishing Touches: Generously sprinkle additional shredded cheese and breadcrumbs across the surface for added texture and visual appeal.
8. Baking Process: Slide the gratin into the preheated oven, baking uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the top becomes golden and the edges bubble enticingly. For an extra crisp finish, activate the broiler for 2-3 minutes.
9. Serving: Allow the gratin to rest briefly, permitting the flavors to settle before presenting this luxurious side dish.

Notes

• Boil Brussels sprouts for exactly 45 minutes to achieve perfect tenderness without becoming mushy or losing nutritional value.
• Reserve precisely 1 tablespoon of bacon fat for optimal flavor infusion without making the dish overly greasy.
• Use low heat and constant stirring when combining cheeses to create a smooth, creamy sauce without separation or burning.
• Optional broiling for 2-3 minutes guarantees a golden, crunchy top layer that adds delightful texture contrast to the creamy base.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg