Creamy Garlic Parmesan Brussel Sprouts & Bacon Recipe

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts & Bacon Recipe

Nestled among comfort foods, these creamy garlic parmesan brussel sprouts & bacon burst with irresistible flavor combinations.

Crispy bacon pieces complement the tender vegetable perfectly.

Cheese melts into every green crevice, creating rich layers of deliciousness.

Home cooks appreciate simple recipes that deliver maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

Caramelized edges add depth to each savory bite.

Salt and pepper enhance the natural earthiness of fresh brussels sprouts.

You won’t believe how quickly this dish comes together in one skillet.

Flavor Ideas For Brussel Sprouts With Bacon

  • Vegetarian Brussels Sprouts Delight: Replace bacon with crispy roasted chickpeas or plant-based bacon alternatives for a meat-free protein option.
  • Low-Carb Keto-Friendly Version: Swap cornstarch for xanthan gum as a thickener and use heavy cream with extra aged parmesan to maintain low-carb macros.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy cream with coconut cream, use nutritional yeast instead of cheese, and keep the bacon for added flavor and richness.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Option: Add sun-dried tomatoes, replace parmesan with feta cheese, and sprinkle with oregano for a Greek-style vegetable side dish.

Best Accompaniments For Garlic Parmesan Brussel Sprouts

  • Dinner Party Showstopper: Serve as a luxurious side dish that will impress guests with its rich, creamy texture and crispy bacon bits.
  • Family-Style Comfort: Place the skillet directly on the table for a rustic, warm presentation that encourages sharing and second helpings.
  • Low-Carb Love: Pair with grilled chicken or steak for a protein-packed meal that satisfies keto and low-carbohydrate diet preferences.
  • Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or thyme right before serving to add a bright, garden-fresh flavor and beautiful green garnish.

Storing Brussel Sprouts With Bacon Safely

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the sprouts and bacon separate from garnishes to maintain their crispy texture.
  • Carefully pack the dish in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing with fresh herbs or cheese toppings.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place sprouts in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes. Uncover for the last 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.

FAQs

  • Why should I use an oven-safe skillet for this recipe?

An oven-safe skillet allows you to seamlessly transition from stovetop cooking to oven baking, which helps develop deeper flavors and ensures even cooking without dirtying multiple dishes.

  • Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts instead of fresh?

Fresh Brussels sprouts are recommended for better texture and crispiness, but if using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry to prevent excess moisture that could make the dish soggy.

  • How do I know when Brussels sprouts are perfectly cooked?

Look for slightly charred edges and a tender interior. They should be golden brown and easily pierced with a fork but not mushy or overly soft.

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Brussel Sprouts And Bacon

  • Savor Flavor-Packed Comfort: Indulge in a mouthwatering combination of crispy Brussels sprouts, smoky bacon, and creamy cheese that transforms a simple side dish into a culinary masterpiece.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Taste: Enjoy a quick and easy recipe that requires just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze while delivering restaurant-quality flavors right to your dinner table.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Veggie Makeover: Elevate boring Brussels sprouts into a irresistible dish that even veggie skeptics will love, thanks to the rich, creamy sauce and crispy bacon bits that add incredible depth and texture.
  • Customize Your Culinary Creation: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting cheese types, adding herbs, or tweaking spice levels to suit your personal taste and make this dish uniquely yours.

Ingredients For Garlic Parmesan Brussel Sprouts

Main Ingredients:
  • Brussels Sprouts: Fresh vegetables that serve as the base of this creamy and savory dish.
  • Bacon: Provides a smoky and crispy element to enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • Cream: Creates a rich and luxurious sauce that coats the Brussels sprouts.
Cheese Ingredients:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Add a melty and sharp cheese layer that complements the other ingredients.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Adds a robust and aromatic flavor to the dish.
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that help bring out the natural taste of the ingredients.
  • Butter: Provides additional richness and helps with cooking the Brussels sprouts.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the cream sauce for a more desirable consistency.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley, Thyme, Rosemary: Herbs that can add a fresh and aromatic finish to the dish.

Instructions For Creamy Brussel Sprouts And Bacon

Instructions For Creamy Brussel Sprouts And Bacon

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Heat the oven to 375°F, creating the perfect environment for a delicious side dish.

Step 2: Sizzle Bacon

Cook bacon in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat until it becomes perfectly crispy.

Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, then set aside.

Step 3: Saute Brussel Sprouts

Drain most of the bacon fat, keeping just a thin layer for extra flavor.

Melt butter in the same pan and add Brussels sprouts.

Season with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir occasionally and cook for about 6 minutes until edges start to crisp and caramelize.

Step 4: Add Aromatic Garlic

Introduce minced garlic to the sprouts, stirring for one minute until the kitchen fills with a fragrant aroma.

Step 5: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet, reducing heat to low.

Let the sprouts simmer until they become tender, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Thicken Sauce

If the cream seems too thin, create a quick cornstarch slurry and stir it into the mixture to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 7: Combine And Top

Fold the crispy bacon back into the skillet.

Sprinkle generously with:
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese

Bake until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly, approximately 15 minutes.

Step 8: Final Broil

For extra golden cheese, switch oven to broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 9: Garnish And Serve

Finish with a final crack of black pepper.

Tips For Creamy Garlic Brussel Sprouts

  • Keep 1-2 tablespoons of bacon fat for rich, deep flavor without overwhelming greasiness.
  • Cook sprouts until edges slightly char and caramelize for maximum taste and texture.
  • Use cornstarch slurry to thicken sauce if it's too runny, ensuring a creamy, luxurious coating.
  • Broil briefly for 2-3 minutes to achieve golden, bubbly cheese topping that looks restaurant-quality.
  • Sprinkle fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary for a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish.
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Brussel Sprouts & Bacon Recipe

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Brussel Sprouts & Bacon Recipe


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4.5 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent garlic parmesan brussels sprouts with crispy bacon create a mouthwatering side dish that elevates simple vegetables into a gourmet experience. Salty, rich flavors blend perfectly, promising a delightful companion to any main course you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds brussels sprouts
  • 10 ounces (283 grams) bacon
  • 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) light cream or heavy cream

Cheese:

  • ⅓ cup mozzarella cheese, fresh shredded or grated
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese, fresh shredded or grated

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 pinch pepper
  • 1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 375°F, preparing for a delectable roasted vegetable dish.
  2. Cook bacon in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, allowing excess oil to drain.
  3. Retain 1-2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet. Melt butter and add Brussels sprouts, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté for approximately 6 minutes, stirring occasionally to achieve crispy, slightly charred edges.
  4. Introduce minced garlic and sauté for one minute until aromatic. Pour cream into the skillet, reducing heat to low and allowing sprouts to simmer until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. If sauce appears thin, whisk in cornstarch slurry, stirring immediately to thicken and integrate smoothly.
  6. Reintroduce crispy bacon pieces, mixing thoroughly to distribute flavors. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheeses over the surface.
  7. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes until cheese melts and becomes bubbly. For additional color, broil 2-3 minutes until cheese turns golden brown.
  8. Finish with a light dusting of fresh cracked pepper and optional herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary for an aromatic garnish.
  9. Pro tip: Carefully scrape the caramelized bits from the skillet bottom to maximize flavor complexity in the final dish.

Notes

  • Ensure Brussels sprouts are fresh and firm, with bright green color and tight leaves for the best texture and flavor.
  • Select thick-cut bacon for maximum crispiness and rich smoky undertones that complement the creamy sauce.
  • Control cream thickness by adjusting cornstarch slurry carefully to prevent sauce from becoming too gloppy or runny.
  • Customize cheese blend by experimenting with different varieties like gruyère or sharp cheddar for unique flavor profiles.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 384 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 670 mg
  • Fat: 33 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 17 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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