Ingredients
Method
- Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the kitchen!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
- Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). The right temperature ensures that your Brussels sprouts roast beautifully, developing that delightful caramelization.
Step 2: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
- Take your Brussels sprouts and give them a good rinse. After patting them dry, slice them in half. This helps them roast evenly and absorb all the glorious flavors we’re about to add.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove the bacon from the pan but keep the fat in there. We need that flavor!
Step 4: Sauté the Garlic
- Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic to the leftover bacon fat. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful here—not too much heat, or you’ll burn the garlic and ruin everything.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- In a large bowl, combine the sautéed garlic, roasted Brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, Gruyère cheese, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix it all together until every Brussels sprout is coated in cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Transfer to a Baking Dish
- Pour your mixture into a greased baking dish. You want everything to fit snugly without overcrowding. It ensures even cooking and allows those delicious flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 7: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Seriously, it’s hard to describe the smell, but it’s fantastic!
Step 8: Finish with Pine Nuts and Parmesan
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and immediately sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts on top. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Here are some handy tips to make sure your cheesy Brussels sprouts bacon turns out perfectly every time:
- Roast the Brussels: For the best flavor and texture, don’t skip roasting. Sautéing in bacon fat also adds a lovely flavor dimension.
- Cheese Choice: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Cheddar or Fontina can work well too!
- Don’t Rush: Let your dish rest for a few minutes before serving. It allows flavors to meld and will help set the cheesy sauce.
- Time Saver: Want to prep ahead? You can assemble everything in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
- Garnish Wisely: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives adds color and freshness. Plus, they make for a lovely presentation!
