Name: Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole with Bacon Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound Brussels sprouts, cut in half; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 6 slices thick-cut bacon, diced; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ⅓ cup toasted pine nuts; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; Salt, to taste

If you’ve been craving a comforting side dish that really wows, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole with Bacon Recipe. I absolutely love how the savory bacon and nutty cheese seriously elevate humble Brussels sprouts to something worthy of any holiday table or weeknight feast. Stick with me—I’ll walk you through all my tips and tricks to make sure your casserole comes out rich, creamy, and delicious every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with Flavor: The combo of crispy bacon, toasted pine nuts, and melted cheeses creates a harmony that’s impossible to resist.
Perfect Texture: Tender, caramelized Brussels sprouts with a crunchy topping give you the best of every bite.
Simple Yet Elegant: It’s an effortless recipe that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Crowd-Pleaser: I’ve served this casserole at family dinners and potlucks—everyone goes crazy for it, and you will too.

The image shows a close-up of a round black baking dish filled with a layered casserole. The top layer is melted cheese, golden and bubbly in some spots, sprinkled with small green herbs. Underneath are roasted Brussels sprouts, light green with browned edges, mixed with bits of cooked chicken in light brown and white tones. Some pine nuts are scattered throughout, adding small pale beige spots. A wooden spoon lifts a serving, showing the gooey melted cheese stretching between the dish and the spoon, highlighting the mix of textures and colors in the layers. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole with Bacon, Brussels Sprouts Bacon Bake, Easy Brussels Sprouts Casserole, holiday Brussels Sprouts Side Dish, cheesy Brussels Sprouts recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe brings together ingredients that complement each other beautifully—creamy cheeses, smoky bacon, and fresh Brussels sprouts, with a hint of citrus from lemon zest. I recommend picking firm, tight Brussels sprouts and the best quality thick-cut bacon you can find for maximum flavor.

Flat lay of fresh halved Brussels sprouts, six thick slices of raw bacon stacked neatly, a small white bowl of toasted pine nuts, a small white bowl filled with heavy cream, a small white bowl with shredded parmesan cheese, a small white bowl with shredded mozzarella cheese, a whole lemon with a few strips of lemon zest arranged beside it, a small white bowl of ground black pepper, and two whole uncracked brown eggs placed symmetrically on a simple white ceramic surface, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole with Bacon, Brussels Sprouts Bacon Bake, Easy Brussels Sprouts Casserole, holiday Brussels Sprouts Side Dish, cheesy Brussels Sprouts recipe

Brussels sprouts: Look for bright green and crisp ones; trimming and halving them helps with even cooking.
Thick-cut bacon: Adds smoky richness and texture; thick slices crisp up perfectly without drying out.
Heavy cream: This makes the casserole luxuriously creamy—don’t skip it or try substitutes.
Parmesan cheese: Grated fresh if possible, for that sharp, nutty depth.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create that ooey-gooey topping everyone loves.
Toasted pine nuts: Bring a subtle crunch and slightly sweet flavor, perfectly balancing the richness.
Lemon zest: Brightens up all the creamy, cheesy goodness with a fresh pop.
Black pepper and salt: Essential seasonings to tie everything together and enhance flavors.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’m all about making recipes your own, and this Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole with Bacon Recipe is no exception. Over time, I’ve tweaked it based on what’s in my fridge or who I’m feeding. Feel free to experiment—you’ll find plenty of ways to make it your signature dish.

Make it vegetarian: When I want a meatless option, I swap bacon for smoked paprika and add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy smoky vibe.
Add nuts or seeds: Besides pine nuts, you can try walnuts or pecans toasted to add different textures.
Spicy twist: Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes in the cream sauce to give it a subtle kick—my family loves that heat contrast.
Cheese substitutions: If you don’t have Parmesan, Gruyère or sharp Cheddar also work beautifully to keep that melty, cheesy goodness.

How to Make Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole with Bacon Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Pine Nuts Carefully

Start by heating pine nuts in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir them every 30 seconds so they toast evenly and don’t burn. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden and release a nutty aroma. This step adds a subtle crunch and depth of flavor to the casserole, so don’t rush it!

Step 2: Cook Crispy Bacon and Reserve the Fat

Next, cook your diced thick-cut bacon in the same skillet until crisp. Once that happens, remove it onto a paper towel to drain. Leave about two tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pan—this smoky fat will soak into the Brussels sprouts and make the whole dish unbelievably flavorful.

Step 3: Sauté Brussels Sprouts in Bacon Fat

Toss the halved Brussels sprouts into the bacon fat and sauté for around 10 minutes over medium heat. You want them to get tender and develop some golden-brown edges for that caramelized goodness. Be patient here—this step builds serious flavor.

Step 4: Add Cream, Cheese, and Seasonings

Turn the heat down to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, half a teaspoon of black pepper, salt to taste, crispy bacon, and toasted pine nuts. Let this simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens up and the cheese melts into a creamy sauce. This is the heart of your casserole, so watch it closely to avoid scorching.

Step 5: Bake with Mozzarella Topping Until Bubbling

Transfer your cheesy Brussels sprouts mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes. You’re aiming for bubbly sauce and a beautifully golden cheesy crust. Keep an eye on it—you want it perfectly browned but not burnt.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole with Bacon Recipe

Don’t rush the sauté: Letting the Brussels sprouts brown properly adds a ton of flavor—you’ll taste the difference.
Use quality bacon: Thick-cut bacon crisps up nicely and provides rich fat that enhances the whole casserole.
Toast pine nuts separately: This extra step gives your dish a lovely crunch and prevents any bitterness from burning.
Watch your oven closely: Mozzarella can brown quickly, so check it a few minutes before time to get that perfect golden crust without burning.

How to Serve Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole with Bacon Recipe

A black dish filled with layers of baked Brussels sprouts covered in melted, golden brown cheese. The Brussels sprouts are bright green with some charred dark spots, mixed with small pieces of crispy browned bacon scattered on top and throughout. The cheese layer is creamy white with brown toasted edges and small green herb sprinkles. A woman's hand is holding a fork that lifts a chunk of the Brussels sprouts and cheese from the dish, showing the soft texture underneath the melted cheese. The dish sits on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole with Bacon, Brussels Sprouts Bacon Bake, Easy Brussels Sprouts Casserole, holiday Brussels Sprouts Side Dish, cheesy Brussels Sprouts recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this casserole with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few extra toasted pine nuts on top. Sometimes I add a handful of chopped fresh parsley to brighten it up—that touch of green just looks so inviting on the cheesy surface.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or pork tenderloin. For a full meal, I usually add a simple quinoa salad or some garlic mashed potatoes—both soak up all the saucy goodness on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I like to serve this casserole in individual ramekins. It makes each portion feel special and helps with presentation. You can also top each serving with a crisp bacon strip twisted on top for that extra wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the casserole even tastier the next day. Just make sure to cool it fully before refrigerating to keep the texture nice.

Freezing

My experience freezing this casserole has been good—as long as you skip baking the mozzarella topping and add it fresh when reheating, the texture stays much better. Freeze the unbaked casserole in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole and warm it gently in a 350°F oven until heated through, around 15 minutes. Then add the mozzarella topping and return it to the oven for 5–10 minutes until bubbly and golden. This two-step reheating keeps everything creamy without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this casserole?

You can, but fresh Brussels sprouts give a better texture and flavor. If you use frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding extra moisture to the casserole, which could make it watery.
What can I substitute for pine nuts?

Toasted walnuts, pecans, or even sliced almonds make great alternatives. They each bring a different crunch and flavor, so feel free to choose your favorite nut.
Can I prepare this casserole entirely ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble everything up to step 4, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking with the mozzarella topping. This makes it a perfect make-ahead dish for busy days or celebrations.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it naturally is. Just double-check that your bacon and cheese are gluten-free as some brands may add additives or fillers.

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole with Bacon Recipe, I was blown away by how it transformed a simple vegetable into a show-stopping dish. My family can’t get enough of it now, and honestly, neither can I. It’s creamy, crunchy, and just packed with flavor—everything you could want from a side dish. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy but feels special, this one’s a winner. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own!