Brussels sprouts—those little green orbs that either haunt childhood memories or inspire culinary creativity. But toss them in a blanket of gooey cheese, and suddenly, they’re the heroes of your dinner table. Imagine a dish so comforting it feels like an embrace from a long-lost friend on a chilly evening, while the cheese stretches like the string of a favorite old sweater.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large ovenproof skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to cool slightly, and then discard the bacon fat.
- Return the skillet to medium heat, melt the butter, and add the shallots and Brussels sprouts. Season the mixture with salt and cayenne pepper. Cook while stirring occasionally until the Brussels sprouts are firm-tender, approximately 10 minutes.
- Finely chop the cooled bacon on a cutting board. Remove the skillet from the heat and pour the cream over the Brussels sprouts.
- Evenly sprinkle the shredded Gruyère and sharp white cheddar over the sprouts, and then top with the chopped bacon.
- Place the skillet in the oven and bake until the cheese is bubbly and browned in spots, roughly 12 to 15 minutes. For a more golden top, briefly broil the casserole, keeping a close watch for about a minute.
Ingredients
- 5 slices of bacon
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 2 small shallots, finely chopped
- 2 pounds of Brussels sprouts, halved
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 3/4 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup of shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
FAQ
- Can I prepare the Brussels Sprout Casserole in advance?
- Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of adding the cream, cheese, and bacon. Store it in the refrigerator overnight, covered. When you’re ready to bake, add the remaining ingredients and proceed with the final baking step.
- What is the best method to cook bacon so it stays crisp without curling?
- To achieve crispy bacon without curling, lay the strips in a cold skillet and then set it over medium heat. This method allows the fat to render slowly, which prevents the bacon from seizing up and results in evenly cooked, crispy strips.
- Can I omit the bacon for a vegetarian version?
- Yes, you can skip the bacon entirely if you’re catering to vegetarian guests. The cheesy, creamy sauce is flavorful on its own, and the dish will still be delicious without the bacon.
- What should I serve alongside Brussels Sprout Casserole?
- This casserole pairs wonderfully with holiday mains like brown sugar glazed ham or roast turkey. It also complements any fall dinner, such as chicken with apple and cranberry, making it a versatile side for both special occasions and everyday meals.
- How should I store any leftovers?
- Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Tips
- Prepare in Advance: You can assemble the casserole a day ahead by preparing it up until the addition of cream, cheese, and bacon. Cover and refrigerate, then add these ingredients just before baking the next day.
- Achieve Perfect Crispy Bacon: For crispy bacon that doesn’t curl, start cooking it in a cold skillet over medium heat. This method allows the fat to render slowly, leading to evenly cooked, crispy bacon.
- Customize the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese that melt well. Shredding your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded varieties will ensure a creamier texture.
- Browning the Cheese: For an extra crispy cheese topping, consider broiling the casserole for a minute or so after baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Equipment
- Large Ovenproof Skillet – This is essential for cooking the entire dish, as it requires both stovetop and oven use.
- Slotted Spoon – Useful for transferring the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Broiler Pan (or similar) – If you want to achieve a toastier cheese top, a broiler pan or similar oven-safe dish might be useful for broiling.
- to-stovetop transitions.
