We’re calling thisThe Best Brussels Sprouts Casserole for good reason! One bite of this cheesy, brussels sprouts recipe and you’ll be hooked!
Love sprouts? we do too! Be sure to try our Sheet Pan Loaded Brussels Sprouts covered in cheese and bacon…or a simple dinner or Thanksgiving side dish, these Crock Pot Crispy Brussels Sprouts!
Here’s a secret…I never used to be a big fan of is brussels sprouts. Also I’m confused, brussel sprouts casserole or brussels sprouts casserole?
The correct spelling is “Brussels Sprouts”, but I get it if you don’t add the “s at the end. It doesn’t really seem to flow.
Brussels do sort of get a bad rap as far as vegetables go. Kids don’t usually like them and I’d say maybe 50/50 adults are going to say they like them or hate them.
Used to be a hater. Now I’m a lover. But try one bite of The Best Brussels Sprouts Casserole and you’ll be converted for life!
What Makes This The Best Brussels Sprouts Recipe?
There are a few tricks to making this brussels sprouts recipe THE BEST.
The trick to making this recipe the best, in my opinion, is the way the sprouts are cut. They are sliced into thin pieces, or shaved, so that you’re not biting into a big giant sprout. The texture that this creates also allows the shaved sprouts to absorb the sauce and flavors better than larger pieces.
And of course bacon. Because any brussel sprouts recipe with bacon is always going to be a home run.
Another reason, besides the flavor is that this casserole recipe is SO easy to make, you won’t be saving it just for the holidays! We make this recipe as a side to our regular dinner all the time.
How Do You Make This Casserole Recipe?
Get those shaved sprouts and mix them together with bacon bits (or crumbled bacon) cream and shredded cheese. Top it off with panko bread crumbs and bake.
Easy as heck, am I right? But it’ll taste like you were in the kitchen for hours…you’ll get your pats on the back for this one guys.
This Brussels Sprouts Casserole can be served with almost any dinner. Need a Thanksgiving side? Well here you go. Easy, make ahead, crazy flavored casserole that will be a hit with everyone!
Can You Make This Brussels Sprouts Casserole Ahead Of Time?
You can, that’s what makes this recipe perfect for the holidays! Follow the recipe to the end, right before baking. Cover with foil and store in your refrigerator until you’re ready.
Bring the casserole out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking, then bake per the instructions. It’s as easy as that!
Need More Easy Brussels Sprouts Recipes?
We’ve certainly made a few recipes with sprouts on the site here that I do love. These Whiskey Glazed Baby Carrots and Brussels are one of them, another that we make all the time is this Asian Chicken and Brussels Stir Fry.
If you’re looking for a cold brussels sprouts recipe, try this Thai Peanut Brussels Sprout Cole Slaw. A perfect side dish recipe or a sandwich topping!
Or check out our How To Make The Best Roasted Brussels Sprouts post for a healthy vegetable side you can make all year long!
Looking For More Side Dish Recipes?
• Grandma’s Stuffed Artichokes
• Spaghetti Squash with Bacon and Gruyere
• Spicy Mushroom Rice
PIN IT!
Print
The Best Brussels Sprout Casserole
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 15 reviews
Author:Dan
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:25
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:6 servings 1x
Print Recipe
This cheesy, bacony, creamy brussels sprouts casserole is going to be your family favorite too! A tasty side dish that works with a holiday meal or everyday dinner!
Scale
Ingredients
2 lb. brussels sprouts
1 cup fresh bacon bits (or fresh cooked bacon, chopped)
2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil.
Trim the ends of the brussels sprouts, cut the sprouts in half, then add them to the water once it comes to a boil.
Boil the sprouts for 7-8 minutes, until just tender. Drain and let cool.
Slice the brussels into thin pieces then add to a large bowl.
Mix together with 1 cup of the cheese, the cream, the bacon bits, salt and pepper.
Pour into a 9 x 13 inch baking dish and cover with the remaining cup of cheese and the bread crumbs.
Bake for 25 minutes until the casserole is bubbling and the bread crumbs are brown.
There are 2 magical ingredients that will bring your brussels sprouts to the next level. Salt, and oil. That's pretty much all there is too it! A nice olive oil will give them a dose of healthy fats, which will keep you feeling full and satisfied even longer.
Not only can soaking make the centers more malleable, but the water that's absorbed into them will create a steaming action, whether you choose to roast, saute, or make your Brussels sprouts in your air fryer. The steam can help to ensure the cooking is even throughout the Brussels sprout.
The combination of techniques, searing then roasting, is what gives restaurant Brussel Sprouts the upper hand on the until-now pathetic homemade variety. Eureka! Avoid using a glass baking dish with very high sides, as this will trap moisture inside the pan, causing the sprouts to steam rather than roast.
Your first step should always be to blanch the brussels sprouts. This is basically when they get submerged in boiling water just for a few minutes, not until they're fully cooked, but just enough to take away some of the bitterness. Blanching also softens them and preserves their beautiful bright green color.
A bit of brown sugar will also work. Acid can be useful as well. A splash of lemon juice, or even apple cider vinegar, works wonders on bitter sprouts.
First and foremost, roasted Brussels sprouts are a delicious side dish. Serve them plain, simply seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or dress them up! Drizzle them with a bit of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice and toss them with feta or Parmesan cheese, herbs, red pepper flakes, and nuts or pepitas.
Just be sure there is some space between your sprouts on the roasting pan so they roast and don't steam. Place the sprouts cut-side down: Trim and halve the sprouts and roast them with their cut side against the baking sheet.
Roast 'em! Our two rules: place and space! Place them cut side down to create that slightly crunchy exterior and soft interior. Space them out evenly so they don't steam–a crowded sheet pan party is not where your brussels want to be.
Meanwhile, prepare the sprouts by discarding any tough, coarse outer leaves. Using a sharp knife, cut a deep cross into the base of each sprout: this will enable the centre to cook without overdoing the outside. Add the sprouts to the pan of boiling water, cover and boil for 4-5 minutes until just tender.
If any of the leaves have brown spots or are yellowing, it's a sign of early spoilage. If you remove the blemished leaves and the interior looks OK, you can still use the sprout. However, if the interior leaves are also showing blemishes or yellowing, it's best to toss it (or compost it, if you can).
While broccoli may have a higher count of calories, fat, and carbs, it is richer in calcium, iron, and pantothenic acid (a B vitamin that does wonders for healthy hair), and has a bit more potassium. Brussels sprouts, on the other hand, are lower in sodium.
Steaming and boiling use moist heat, and moist heat can make Brussel Sprouts mushy and stinky—not a good combo. Give them the treatment they deserve by roasting them instead.
The soak time tenderizes the sprouts so the middles are softer. Don't worry, they won't be soggy! I would never do that to you. If, like me, you don't mind some chew to your sprouts, you don't need to soak the Brussels sprouts prior to cooking.
About 30 years ago, a Dutch scientist identified the chemicals that made brussels sprouts bitter. He selected seed varieties with lower levels of the bitter chemicals and bred new high-yielding varieties that tasted less bitter.
Because PTC is prevalent in Brussels sprouts, these so-called "Supertasters" perceive them as intensely bitter. This is all connected to a taste-related gene called TAS2R38, which has a variant called AVI and one called PAV.
After the sprouts are roasted and caramelized, drizzle honey (or hot honey), soy or balsamic glaze, or go sweet and savory with sweet chili or maple syrup. Sub in other cheeses while you're at it, like Gruyère, feta, or blue, depending on your mood.
Brussels sprouts are especially rich in vitamin K, which is necessary for blood clotting and bone health ( 2 ). They're also high in vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps promote iron absorption and is involved in tissue repair and immune function ( 3 ).
Introduction: My name is Lakeisha Bayer VM, I am a brainy, kind, enchanting, healthy, lovely, clean, witty person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.