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
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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.
Like all cabbages, Brussels are unavoidably fibrous and dense. You must overcome this by either cooking them in salty water until fork tender (blanching), or by roasting at a high (over 425F) temperature for upwards of 20 minutes. To guarantee great texture, do both!
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.
To maximize the flat areas, which get the most crispy surface area, cut your Brussels sprouts in half. If your Brussels sprouts are very small, you can leave them whole (and if they are very large, quarter them).
When overcooked, Brussels sprouts turn mushy and release excess sulphur (the thing that makes cabbage and Brussels sprouts smell like cabbage and Brussels sprouts)—not good eats. So what's the secret? Roasting. Seriously—the simple preparation of roasting veggies is like magic.
Prepare the vegetables: leave them whole or cut them in half if large, then blanch them in salted boiling water until crisp-tender (al dente), about 4 min. Drain well, then serve.
Can you freeze raw Brussels sprouts without blanching? You can you freeze uncooked Brussels sprouts, but you'll need to be aware that they may be a little softer than if you blanched them (so keep an eye on the cooking time). Plus, they won't keep in the freezer for as long.
Method. Tip the brussels sprouts into a pan and add a couple of cm water and a pinch of salt – a large pan works better so they're not piled up too high. Cover and bring the water to the boil, turn down to a simmer and cook with the lid on for 3- 5 mins depending on size.
For best results, soak your Brussels sprouts in salt water. Not only does salt act to tenderize the dense sprouts, but it will also help to season them all the way through. It won't take a lot -- just add 1 tablespoon of salt per 1 quart of water and toss in trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts.
Rinse under cold running water to remove any dust or dirt. Use a small knife to remove the sprout tip, and then remove any leaves that have bad spots. Raw: Slice thinly and toss with other shredded vegetables like cabbage, carrots, or beets.
The fiber in Brussels sprouts—over 3 grams per cup, according to the USDA—helps regulate blood sugar levels, support digestive health, and feed the beneficial gut bacteria. Gut bacteria are tied to positive mood, immunity, and anti-inflammation, according to Harvard University's School of Public Health.
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.
Over the last twenty years, farmers have mellowed the "unpleasant" flavor of brussels sprouts by breeding a vegetable that contains fewer bitter compounds or glucosinolates. So, brussels sprouts just taste better than they used to when we were kids. The rub is that glucosinolates help protect sprouts against pests.
They are rich in antioxidants, high in fibre and can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Should you parboil Brussels sprouts before frying? Parboiling Brussels sprouts before frying is a good technique to ensure they cook evenly and become tender on the inside while allowing for a crispy exterior when fried.
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.
Why Are My Brussel Sprouts Not Crispy? Spread them out into a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet to avoid overcrowding. If they're too close together, they'll steam instead of roast which stops the crisping process.
Introduction: My name is Rev. Leonie Wyman, I am a colorful, tasty, splendid, fair, witty, gorgeous, splendid person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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