Are you ready to elevate your side dish game to a whole new level of deliciousness? Look no further than our Bacon Brussels Sprouts Gratin! This decadent and flavorful dish combines the earthy goodness of Brussels sprouts with the rich and savory taste of bacon, all topped off with a creamy and cheesy gratin. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply looking to add some excitement to your weeknight dinners, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive in and discover how to create this irresistible dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts, halved
- 8 oz. bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup fontina cheese, grated (optional)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 egg
- 1 sprig rosemary, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Cook Brussels Sprouts:
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, blanch the Brussels sprouts for 3-4 minutes, until just tender. Drain and set aside.
3. Cook Bacon:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
4. Make Gratin Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, olive oil, egg, minced rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
5. Combine Ingredients:
- Add the blanched Brussels sprouts and crumbled bacon to the bowl with the cream mixture. Toss until the Brussels sprouts and bacon are evenly coated.
6. Layer in Baking Dish:
- Transfer the Brussels sprouts and bacon mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
7. Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese (and fontina cheese, if using) evenly over the top of the Brussels sprouts mixture.
8. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove from the oven and let the gratin cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional minced rosemary, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Extra-Crispy Bacon: For extra crispy bacon, bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for the topping. Gruyère, Parmesan, or mozzarella would all work well in this recipe.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon for a vegetarian-friendly version of this dish. You can add extra cheese or toasted breadcrumbs for added flavor and texture.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
To make a keto or low-carb version of this Bacon Brussels Sprouts Gratin, try the following substitutions:
- Almond Flour: Replace the heavy cream with a mixture of almond milk and heavy cream to reduce the carb content.
- Low-Carb Sweetener: Use a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar.
- Cauliflower: Swap out the Brussels sprouts for cauliflower florets for a lower-carb option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes! You can prepare the gratin up to one day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Simply bake it when ready to serve.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: While you can freeze leftovers, the texture may change slightly upon reheating. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one month.
Q: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts? A: Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts in this recipe. Simply thaw them before blanching them in boiling water.
In conclusion, our Bacon Brussels Sprouts Gratin is the ultimate comfort food dish that combines the smoky flavor of bacon with the wholesome goodness of Brussels sprouts, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy gratin. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a holiday feast or as a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and satisfy your cravings. So why wait? Whip up a batch today and treat yourself to a cozy and delicious meal that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite!
