A delicious Brussel sprouts recipe the whole family will enjoy, this Creamy Cheesy Brussel Sprout Bake is made completely in our cast-iron pan. Perfectly cooked Brussel sprouts in an easy cream sauce and topped with cheese and bacon – what’s not to love here?
Cheesy Brussel Sprout Bake Recipe
This is hands-down my daughter’s favorite Brussel sprout recipe.
I’ve perfected my recipes for:
- Kung Pao Brussel Sprouts
- Brussel Sprouts Salad with Feta and Bacon
- Roasted Brussel Sprouts
- Maple Bacon Brussel Sprouts
- Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Pears
But, time and time again, when we see Brussel sprouts in the grocery store she begs for this creamy, cheesy Brussel sprout bake.
And who could blame her?! Perfectly roasted, caramelized Brussel sprouts with an easy 2-ingredient cream sauce, topped with plenty of cheese and topped with chopped bacon. It’s an indulgent, delicious side dish that you can feel good about serving to your family.
And bonus? This creamy Brussel sprout bake is delicious and impressive enough that you can serve it for special occasions without anyone batting an eye. No one has to know how incredibly easy it is – and that it took you less than 25 minutes to whip everything up.
Whether you’re a Brussel Sprout skeptic or already a convert, this recipe is going to become a new tried-and-true favorite!
All cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, etc) contain a sulfur-containing phytocehmical called glucosinolate, which is responsible for that sulphuric odor and bitter flavor that many of us associate with Brussel sprouts – and the reason why so many people dislike them! By roasting or pan searing them, you allow the natural sugars of the Brussel sprouts to become caramelized to counter the bitter flavor. The creamy and cheese further our efforts to reduce the bitter flavor profile with more pleasant flavors.
While this Brussel sprouts recipe is indulgent with two types of cheese and bacon, we also lightened things up by using a slurry made with milk and cornstarch rather than using heavy cream or additional cheese to form the creamy sauce. If you want to lighten up this recipe further, you can skip the bacon or reduce the cheese. (I personally will be doing neither of these two things.)
Can you make creamy Brussel sprouts low-carb? Yes, swap out the whole milk and cornstarch for heavy cream. That’s it. That one small switch makes this recipe low carb.
Can you make creamy Brussel sprouts ahead of time? While you can prepare this recipe right up to the point where you pop it in the oven, and then refrigerate overnight, I personally am not a fan of Brussel sprouts or cauliflower cooked the day before and heated up. I find the sulphuric smell (caused by glucosinolate) gets overpowering, and prefer it prepared fresh.
Health Benefits of Brussel Sprouts
- Folate – needed to make red and white blood cells in the bone marrow, convert carbohydrates into energy, and produce DNA and RNA
- Manganese – reduces inflammation and helps regulate blood sugars
- Vitamin C – promotes iron absorption, supports the immune system, necessary for the growth, development and repair of all body tissues
- Vitamin K – essential for bone health
- Fibre – regulates blood sugars and helps support a healthy digestive system
- Anti-oxidants – helps lower your risk of chronic disease by reducing oxidative stress
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids – reduce blood triglycerides, slow cognitive decline, reduce insulin resistance and decrease inflammation
Cheesy Brussel Sprout Bake Ingredients
- Bacon, chopped
- Onion, diced
- Brussel Sprouts, outer leaves discarded and cut in half
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- Whole Milk
- Cornstarch
- Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- Parmesan Cheese, shredded
Scroll down to the printable recipe card for full measurements.
Tip: you can also add a couple cloves of garlic to this recipe, add to the skillet along with the onions and Brussel sprouts.
Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plate lined with paper towel
- Sharp kitchen knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula these spatulas because they are one solid piece and don’t have removable heads for bacteria to get trapped underneath. Plus they are heat-resistant and have a lifetime warranty.
How to Make a Cheesy Brussel Sprout Bake in a Cast Iron Skillet
Preheat oven to 350F.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon to your desired preference.
Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
Add the diced onions and Brussel sprouts to the hot bacon and cook for 4-5 minutes, until onions are translucent and Brussel sprouts are browned. Stir occasionally.
Heat the milk in a microwave for 25 seconds, then whisk in the cornstarch.
Stir the warmed milk mixture into the brussel sprouts. Heat for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Turn off the heat and sprinkle both cheeses and the bacon onto the brussel sprouts.
Place in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, until cheeses are melted.
Serve warm.
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Grab your free printable for our cheesy Brussel sprouts bake recipe:
Cheesy Brussel Sprout Bake
A creamy, cheesy Brussel sprout bake that will convert anyone who is on the fence about Brussel sprouts. This indulgent side dish is guaranteed to be a new family favorite.
Ingredients
- 3 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cups brussel sprouts, outer leaves discarded and cut in half
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1-2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon to your desired preference.
- Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
- Add the diced onions and Brussel sprouts to the hot bacon and cook for 4-5 minutes, until onions are translucent and Brussel sprouts are browned. Stir occasionally.
- Heat the milk in a microwave for 25 seconds, then whisk in the cornstarch.
- Stir the warmed milk mixture into the brussel sprouts. Heat for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Turn off the heat and sprinkle both cheeses and the bacon onto the brussel sprouts.
- Place in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, until cheeses are melted.
- Serve warm.
Notes
You can add garlic to this recipe, add 2 cloves of sliced garlic when adding the onions and Brussel sprouts.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
10Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 114Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 217mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 7g
I hope your family loves this easy, cheesy Brussel sprouts recipe as much as mine does! It’s a tried-and-true family favorite, as perfect for busy weeknights as it is for special occasions. It will definitely be gracing our table at both Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner this year.
For more delicious vegetable side dishes, check out our Creamed Spinach recipe or our Roasted Tomato Soup recipe.
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