Discover a sumptuous twist on Brussels sprouts as crispy bacon mingles with tender halves stewed in a luscious garlic and cream sauce. Rich parmesan and mozzarella bring creamy indulgent layers while subtle red pepper heat and fresh seasonings elevate this dish into a gourmet delight perfect for any occasion utterly.
I was excited to try this Creamy Garlic Parmesan Brussel Sprouts With Bacon recipe because it brings a whole new level of flavour to a classic veggie dish. I always loved creamy brussel sprouts ever since I tried similar recipes and this one did not disappoint.
Pan fried brussel sprouts, bacon pieces, garlic, and butter are cooked until they come together in a light mixture then heavy cream, grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella are added to create a delicious cheesy sauce. I even tossed in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a tiny heat and finished it with just the right amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Its a hearty yet balanced meal in terms of nutritional value with loads of protein from bacon and healthy fibre from the sprouts. Its perfect for a side dish that feels indulgent yet surprisingly wholesome, a must try for anyone into unique veggie sides.
Why I Like this Recipe
I love this recipe because it makes the Brussels sprouts crispy on the outside yet tender on the inside. I appreciate how the bacon adds this smoky, savory flavor that just ties everything together. I really dig the rich, cheesy garlic sauce that makes every bite feel decadent. Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight when I want something comforting and satisfying.
My Creamy Garlic Parmesan Brussels Sprouts and Bacon is seriously one of my new fav ways to eat this usually boring veggie. I mean, I never thought Brussels sprouts could taste so amazing until I got this recipe down. Its a mix of pan fried sprouts and crispy bacon baked in a creamy garlic sauce thats so cheesy with mozzarella and Parmesan oozing all over. I promise, if you try it, you might end up eating more than you planned just because it tastes so damn good.
Ingredients
- Brussels sprouts: high in fiber and vitamins, slightly bitter but crisp when cooked.
- Bacon: adds savory protein and smoky flavor, even though its not the healthiest choice.
- Garlic: a bold, aromatic ingredient that offers a punchy, memorable spice.
- Heavy cream: rich and smooth, it gives our dish a velvety texture and indulgence.
- Parmesan cheese: tangy and salty; provides protein and calcium for a cheesy boost.
- Mozzarella cheese: mild and melty, it adds creaminess and a gooey texture to the dish.
- Red pepper flakes: a pinch adds gentle heat that balances the rich flavors.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 6 slices bacon, cut into bite sized pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How to Make this
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and trim and halve your Brussels sprouts.
2. In a large oven-safe skillet, cook the bacon pieces over medium heat until they’re a bit crispy, then remove them and set aside.
3. In the bacon fat left in the skillet, place the Brussels sprouts cut side down and let ‘em brown for about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and butter to the skillet and stir it around, letting the garlic cook for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and stir slowly while seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
6. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until everything is nicely combined.
7. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top and then scatter the cooked bacon pieces on top.
8. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 6-8 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
9. Remove from the oven carefully, and give it a quick stir to mix in all the gooey cheese.
10. Serve your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Brussel Sprouts With Bacon hot and enjoy this tasty twist on a classic veggie dish!
Equipment Needed
1. Oven (set to 400°F)
2. Large oven-safe skillet
3. Stove for cooking bacon and veggies
4. Cutting board
5. Sharp knife for trimming Brussels sprouts and slicing bacon
6. Measuring spoons for butter, garlic, and spices and a measuring cup for heavy cream
7. Garlic press or the knife you’ll use if you dont have one specifically
8. Grater for Parmesan cheese
9. Spatula or tongs for stirring and moving food around
10. Oven mitts for safe handling of the hot skillet
FAQ
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Brussel Sprouts With Bacon Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Bacon: You can use turkey bacon or even crumbled smoked sausage if youre looking for a leaner option.
- Butter: If you dont have butter on hand, try using olive oil or avocado oil to add a bit of richness instead.
- Heavy cream: For a lighter twist, you might use half-and-half or even coconut cream, but it might change the flavor a tad.
- Parmesan cheese: Pecorino Romano could be a good swap if you want a sharper, saltier taste.
- Garlic: In a pinch, garlic powder can work instead of fresh garlic, though the flavor wont be as bold.
Pro Tips
1. When cooking the bacon in the skillet, try not to overcook it too much. Overcooked bacon can turn too crispy and lose that rich flavor which is really important here. Instead, pull it out when it’s still a bit soft, then mix it back in later.
2. Make sure the Brussels sprouts have their cut sides touching the pan long enough to really get a good brown caramelization. This will add a lot of flavor that makes the dish extra tasty.
3. When you add the garlic and butter to the bacon fat, keep an eye on the garlic. It can go from perfect to burnt in no time so stir it constantly for just about a minute.
4. Lastly, watch the cheese when you put it in the oven. Even though bubbling cheese is awesome, too much time in there can turn it rubbery, so keep a close eye on it and pull it out right when its bubbly and golden.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Brussel Sprouts With Bacon Recipe
My favorite Creamy Garlic Parmesan Brussel Sprouts With Bacon Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven (set to 400°F)
2. Large oven-safe skillet
3. Stove for cooking bacon and veggies
4. Cutting board
5. Sharp knife for trimming Brussels sprouts and slicing bacon
6. Measuring spoons for butter, garlic, and spices and a measuring cup for heavy cream
7. Garlic press or the knife you’ll use if you dont have one specifically
8. Grater for Parmesan cheese
9. Spatula or tongs for stirring and moving food around
10. Oven mitts for safe handling of the hot skillet
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 6 slices bacon, cut into bite sized pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and trim and halve your Brussels sprouts.
2. In a large oven-safe skillet, cook the bacon pieces over medium heat until they’re a bit crispy, then remove them and set aside.
3. In the bacon fat left in the skillet, place the Brussels sprouts cut side down and let ‘em brown for about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and butter to the skillet and stir it around, letting the garlic cook for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and stir slowly while seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
6. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until everything is nicely combined.
7. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top and then scatter the cooked bacon pieces on top.
8. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 6-8 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
9. Remove from the oven carefully, and give it a quick stir to mix in all the gooey cheese.
10. Serve your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Brussel Sprouts With Bacon hot and enjoy this tasty twist on a classic veggie dish!
