Bacon Brussels Sprouts Gratin: A Sizzling Symphony of Flavors

Prepare your taste buds for a culinary masterpiece—Bacon Brussels Sprouts Gratin. This delectable dish marries the earthy goodness of Brussels sprouts with the smoky allure of bacon, all wrapped in a velvety blanket of creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and holiday feasts, this gratin is a celebration of comfort and indulgence. Join us on a flavorful journey as we unveil the secrets to creating this sizzling symphony of flavors in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Gratin:

• 1.5 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk, warmed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Crafting Bacon Brussels Sprouts Gratin:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and butter a baking dish.
2. Blanch Brussels Sprouts: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add Brussels sprouts and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the warm milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and black pepper. Add Gruyere and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
4. Combine Brussels Sprouts and Bacon: In a large mixing bowl, combine blanched Brussels sprouts and crumbled bacon. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture, ensuring even coating.
5. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine Panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and chopped parsley.
6. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the Brussels sprouts and cheese mixture to the buttered baking dish. Sprinkle the Panko topping evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the gratin is golden and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Allow the gratin to cool for a few minutes before serving. Dive into the layers of flavor and savor the irresistible combination of bacon, Brussels sprouts, and creamy cheese.

Cook Notes

Perfect your Bacon Brussels Sprouts Gratin with these expert tips:

1. Bacon Crispy Perfection: Cook the bacon until it’s crispy for that irresistible smoky flavor and delightful crunch in every bite.
2. Fresh Brussels Sprouts: Opt for fresh Brussels sprouts for the best texture. Trim the ends and halve them for even cooking.
3. Gruyere and Parmesan Combo: The combination of Gruyere and Parmesan cheeses adds a rich and nutty flavor profile to the gratin.

Variations

Customize your Bacon Brussels Sprouts Gratin experience with these delightful variations:

Mushroom Medley:

Saute a mix of wild mushrooms and add them to the Brussels sprouts for an earthy and savory twist.

Caramelized Onion Magic:

Add a layer of caramelized onions for a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor.

Fontina Finesse:

Substitute Gruyere with Fontina cheese for a creamier texture and a milder flavor.

Keto Versions

Indulge in the Bacon Brussels Sprouts Gratin delight while staying keto-friendly with these low-carb adaptations:

Almond Flour Thickening:

Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour in the cheese sauce for a keto-friendly thickening agent.

Cauliflower Swap:

Replace Brussels sprouts with blanched cauliflower florets to reduce carb content.

Sugar-Free Bacon:

Opt for sugar-free bacon to ensure the gratin remains keto-friendly.

In conclusion, Bacon Brussels Sprouts Gratin is not just a side dish; it’s a culinary adventure that elevates the humble Brussels sprout to new heights. With each bite, you’ll experience the perfect harmony of crispy bacon, tender Brussels sprouts, and a luxurious cheese sauce.

So, whether you’re preparing a family dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, Bacon Brussels Sprouts Gratin is a surefire way to delight the senses. Customize, experiment, and savor the satisfaction of creating a dish that transforms everyday ingredients into a symphony of flavors. This gratin is more than a recipe; it’s an invitation to indulge in a culinary masterpiece that celebrates the joy of good food and good company.