Bacon-Infused Creamy Brussels Sprouts Bake
Elevate your vegetable side dish with this scrumptious Bacon-Infused Creamy Brussels Sprouts Bake. Tender Brussels sprouts are combined with crispy bacon, sweet shallots, and a rich blend of white wine and heavy cream, then topped with melty Gruyere cheese for an indulgent experience. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Serve it warm, and watch the smiles as they dig into this creamy, cheesy delight.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
thick-cut bacon
5 slices (crispy, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces)
shallots
1 cup (thinly sliced (about 4 shallots))
Brussels sprouts
1 lb (trimmed and cut in half)
white wine
1/3 cup (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
low sodium chicken broth
2 cups (none)
heavy cream
1/2 cup (none)
Gruyere cheese
1 cup (finely grated (about 3 oz))
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large skillet, cook the thick-cut bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Once done, drain the bacon on paper towels, reserving 2 tablespoons of the rendered fat in the skillet.
3
Add the thinly sliced shallots to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
4
Stir in the halved Brussels sprouts and cook for an additional 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shallots are soft and the sprouts take on a golden color.
5
Pour in the white wine, followed by the salt and fresh ground pepper. Stir well, scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the flavors.
6
Add the low-sodium chicken broth into the skillet, combining thoroughly, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and the liquid has reduced to a syrupy consistency.
7
Transfer the Brussels sprouts mixture to an 8x10 inch casserole dish.
8
Chop the crispy bacon into 1/2 inch pieces and sprinkle over the Brussels sprouts. Then, gently mix in the heavy cream.
9
Top the dish with the finely grated Gruyere cheese, ensuring an even layer.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the liquid is bubbling, the cheese has melted, and the top of the dish is beautifully golden brown.
11
Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bacon-Infused Creamy Brussels Sprouts Bake?
It is an indulgent vegetable side dish featuring tender Brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, shallots, and a rich white wine and cream sauce, topped with melted Gruyere cheese.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How should the bacon be prepared?
Cook 5 slices of thick-cut bacon until crispy, then chop into 1/2 inch pieces.
Should I save the bacon fat?
Yes, reserve 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat in the skillet to sauté the shallots.
How many shallots are needed?
You will need about 4 shallots, which equals approximately 1 cup when thinly sliced.
How long do I sauté the shallots?
Sauté the shallots for about 2-3 minutes until they are softened and fragrant.
How should the Brussels sprouts be prepared before cooking?
The 1 lb of Brussels sprouts should be trimmed and cut in half.
How long should the sprouts cook in the skillet?
Cook them for 7-10 minutes until they take on a golden color and the shallots are soft.
What is used to deglaze the pan?
1/3 cup of white wine is used to deglaze the skillet and incorporate browned bits.
What seasonings are included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper.
What kind of broth is used for simmering?
The recipe uses 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth.
How long does the mixture need to simmer?
Allow the mixture to simmer for about 20 minutes on low heat.
What consistency should the liquid be after simmering?
The liquid should reduce to a syrupy consistency, and the Brussels sprouts should be tender.
What size casserole dish is required?
An 8x10 inch casserole dish is recommended.
When is the heavy cream added?
The 1/2 cup of heavy cream is gently mixed into the casserole dish after the sprouts and bacon have been added.
What type of cheese is used as the topping?
The dish is topped with 1 cup (about 3 oz) of finely grated Gruyere cheese.
How long does the dish bake in the oven?
Bake for about 20 minutes until the top is golden brown.
How do I know when the bake is ready?
The dish is ready when the liquid is bubbling, the cheese has melted, and the top is golden brown.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is tagged as a holiday recipe and specifically mentioned as perfect for Thanksgiving.
Can I serve this dish cold?
For the best flavor and texture, it is recommended to serve this dish immediately while warm.
Is this considered comfort food?
Yes, it is categorized as comfort food due to its creamy and cheesy profile.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total.
Is the bacon fat used for the entire cooking process?
The bacon fat is specifically used for sautéing the shallots and Brussels sprouts in the skillet stage.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include Brussels sprouts, bacon, vegetable side dish, creamy, cheesy, and casserole.
Can I use regular chicken broth?
The recipe specifies low-sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of the dish.
What is the total time for the simmering and baking steps?
The dish simmers for 20 minutes and then bakes for another 20 minutes, totaling 40 minutes plus preparation time.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
No sugar is listed in the ingredients or nutritional overview.
Is this recipe a main course?
No, it is intended to be an elevated vegetable side dish.
How should the Gruyere cheese be prepared?
The Gruyere cheese should be finely grated to ensure an even layer and proper melting.