Yummy. Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole. Everyone loves this side dish, whether on weeknights or at your next holiday gathering.
It's a low-carb and keto-friendly dish that's as easy to make as it is delicious. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to whip up something hearty and satisfying without too much fuss and plenty of bacon. So, let's make a cheesy casserole dish!
This recipe is: Low Carb, Keto and Gluten Free
Table of Contents
Inspiration For This Brussel Sprouts Recipe
The inspiration for this Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole came from a memorable evening at a friend's house. He was a bachelor at the time, aiming to create something that felt a bit classy yet simple.
When he served up this dish, it was a delightful surprise. The first bite was all it took for us to ask for the recipe. It was packed with deep flavors and a richness that complements the Brussels sprouts so well.
7 Reasons to love this recipe
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy to make, delicious, and versatile, this one’s for you! Here are 7 reasons why you'll love this brussels sprout casserole:
- Cheesy and full of flavor.
- Crispy bacon and roasted Brussels sprouts.
- One-pan meal for easy clean-up.
- Pairs well with various proteins.
- Low carb without sacrificing taste.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Quick and simple to prepare.
Are Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Low-Carb or Keto?
Absolutely, cheesy Brussels sprouts are a fantastic choice for a low-carb or keto diet. This casserole, with its main ingredient being Brussels sprouts, is inherently low in carbohydrates. It contains 6 g net carbs per serving which makes it a great option for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
Brussels sprouts are a cruciferous vegetable that fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle, providing essential nutrients without the carb overload commonly found in starchy sides. Also, for in-depth nutritional info and carb breakdown of Brussels sprouts, check out my article: Are Brussels Sprouts Low Carb?
When you add in the other components of the dish – melted cheese, crispy bacon, and heavy cream – you're enhancing the flavor without significantly upping the carb count.
I like this side dish for its high-fat content and ability to keep me satisfied longer… plus, it just tastes delicious.
What Are the Ingredients to Make Cheesy Brussels Sprouts?
- Brussels sprouts: The star of the dish, Brussels sprouts are not only delicious but also low in carbs and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They bring a lovely, slightly nutty flavor to the casserole, making it both nutritious and keto-friendly.
- Bacon: The addition of bacon introduces a smoky, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the Brussels sprouts. Its high fat content is ideal for keto diets and it adds a delightful textural contrast.
- Cheddar cheese: Cheddar brings a sharp, tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients. Remember that store-bought shredded cheddar usually has anti-caking agents that are often starchy… this can add hidden carbs!
- Gruyère cheese: Gruyère adds a rich, creamy texture and a slightly sweet, nutty flavor. Like cheddar, it’s also high in fat and low in carbs, aligning well with keto principles.
- Heavy cream: This helps create a luxurious, thick sauce that binds all the components together. It’s high-fat and low-carb, enhancing the keto-friendly nature of the dish.
- Shallots: Shallots are used for their mild, sweet flavor that enhances the overall taste without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Garlic: Garlic adds depth and aroma to the casserole.
Brussels Sprouts Casserole Ingredients List
Below are the quantities of the above-described ingredients for this keto Brussels sprout casserole:
For the Brussels Sprouts
- 3-4 strips of thick-cut bacon, sliced into batons
- 2 shallots or 1 large shallot, finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved or quartered
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- optional: ½ teaspoon of paprika or nutmeg for added flavor
For the Almond Breadcrumb Topping
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ¼ cup of almond breadcrumbs or almond flour
Ingredient Substitutions
Missing an ingredient? No worries! Here are some simple and easily available substitutions that will keep your cheesy Brussels sprouts recipe just as delicious:
- Bacon: Use my homemade bacon bits or some pancetta.
- Cheddar cheese: Use Monterey Jack or even shredded Colby Jack cheese.
- Gruyère: You can use Emmental or shredded Swiss cheese.
- Shallots: Use ⅓ of a cup of finely diced red onion.
- Garlic: You could use up to 6 cloves of roasted garlic or 1 teaspoon of granulated garlic.
Additional Ingredients
Looking to elevate your dish? Here are some additional ingredients that will enhance the flavors and make this brussel sprout casserole recipe even more delicious:
- Fresh herbs: This dish loves the brightness brought by fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or even some finely chopped rosemary.
- Heat: If you love some heat, add some chopped jalapeños or some red pepper flakes.
- Acid: This is a hearty side dish, so adding some acid will impart a really delicious flavor. Use a squeeze of lemon, lime, or a quick spray of some balsamic vinegar.
Note: These are optional ingredients and are not included in the recipe for cheesy Brussels sprouts casserole.
Cooking Tools
Here is a list of the tools you'll need to make cheesy Brussels sprouts:
- Cast iron skillet
- Small pan
- Oven
- Oven-safe dish
- Cooking utensils (spatula, spoon)
- Knife and cutting board
How to Make Brussels Sprouts Casserole: Complete Cooking Guide
Cooking Method
- Frying
- Sautéing
- Baking
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the tools and ingredients for this recipe.
- Trim and halve or quarter Brussels sprouts.
- Slice thick-cut bacon into batons.
- Shred cheddar and gruyère cheese.
- Finely chop shallots.
- Mince garlic cloves.
Cooking Instructions
- Brown the almonds: In a small pan, melt the tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add in the almond breadcrumbs or almond flour. Cook, stirring well, for a couple of minutes. Turn off the heat and set aside to cool.
- Cook the bacon: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In your cast iron skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon. Reserve the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Sauté Brussels sprouts: In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the Brussels sprouts. Cook them on medium heat until they start to brown and soften (about 5 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Add shallots and garlic: Add the chopped shallots and minced garlic to the skillet with the Brussels sprouts. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the shallots are translucent. They do not need to be cooked through as they will go into the oven. If the mixture looks dry, add some olive oil.
- Deglaze with cream: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet. Stir to combine and allow it to simmer for a few minutes. The cream will start to thicken slightly. Turn off the heat on the stovetop.
- Add cheese and bacon: Add half of the cheddar and Gruyère cheese into the skillet, along with the crumbled bacon. Stir until the cheese starts to melt and mix well with the Brussels sprouts. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional spices. Layer the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the cast iron skillet in the preheated oven. Cook for 7-8 minutes. Remove from the oven and add the almond breadcrumb topping. Continue to bake until golden brown (approximately 7-8 minutes more). If you want, turn on the broiler to brown the melty cheese.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Step 1: In a small pan, combine bread crumbs and butter. Brown lightly.
Step 2: Cook the sliced bacon in a heavy bottom pan until crisp.
Step 3: After the brussels sprouts have cooked, add in the shallots and garlic.
Step 4: Add in the heavy cream to the brussels sprouts and shallot mixture.
Step 5: Deglaze the pan with the cream by scraping the bottom gently.
Step 6: Add in the cheese and bacon to the brussels sprouts.
Step 7: Bake in the oven for 7-8 minutes to let the cheese melt.
Step 8: Remove from the oven, add the almond breadcrumbs and continue to cook until brown on top.
💡 My Pro Tip
Brussels sprouts tend to soak up fat while cooking, so if your pan looks dry, add a bit of olive oil during sautéing. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too much oil can make the dish greasy. Remember, we want the Brussels sprouts to brown, so if the pan is only slightly dry, you might not need to add more fat. Also, watch out for hot spots on your pan, especially above the burner, as they can scorch the Brussels sprouts. Stir if necessary to avoid burning.
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- Use pre-cooked bacon bits, but add extra fat to the pan (about 3 tablespoons of clarified butter or ghee) since we won’t have the rendered bacon fat.
- Batch-clean the Brussels sprouts. It’s quicker to handle one step at a time—cut off all the lower stems, remove all the dead leaves, and then slice them all. This assembly-line method speeds up the process.
- Use my keto-friendly almond breadcrumbs. This saves you the step of toasting the breadcrumbs.
This Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Recipe Pairs With The Following Main Dishes
Cheesy Brussels sprouts casserole pairs deliciously with a variety of dishes, enhancing any meal with its rich flavors and textures. Here are some great options:
- Golden Rotisserie Chicken: A classic favorite, Golden Rotisserie Chicken offers a succulent, flavorful experience that complements the rich taste of the brussel sprout casserole with bacon, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
- Bistecca Fiorentina: Try the luxurious Italian flavors of Bistecca Fiorentina, a perfectly grilled steak that pairs wonderfully with the creamy texture and savory notes of the cheesy casserole.
- Grilled Pork Chops: These grilled pork chops are juicy and tender, offering a delightful contrast to the creamy and cheesy goodness of the Brussels sprouts, making for an irresistibly hearty meal.
- The Perfect Porterhouse: Elevate your dining experience with the perfect Porterhouse, a steak that brings robust flavors and a rich, meaty texture that beautifully complements the keto brussels sprouts casserole.
- Baked Pork Tenderloin: Enjoy the tender and flavorful baked pork tenderloin, a dish that pairs exquisitely with cheesy Brussels sprouts , creating a gourmet, low-carb feast.
- Crispy Oven-Roasted Chicken: A comforting meal from every angle starts with some crispy, oven-roasted chicken and gets rounded out with the creamy richness of the Brussels sprouts bacon and cheese casserole.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage
After enjoying your freshly baked cheesy Brussels sprouts, store any leftovers in the refrigerator. Let the casserole cool to room temperature, then cover it with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It stays fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge, but be cautious beyond 3 days to avoid any fridge odors.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in the oven to maintain the casserole's texture and flavor. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the casserole (thawed if frozen) in an oven-safe dish. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
Freezing
Extend the shelf life by freezing your cheesy Brussels sprouts. Portion into containers or wrap securely in freezer-safe wrap or foil. It stays good in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Remember to label containers with the date for easy tracking.
Recipe Conclusion
Whether you're serving it up for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering, Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole is sure to be a hit. With crispy bacon, creamy cheeses, and tender Brussels sprouts all baked to golden perfection, every bite is a taste sensation. It's easy to make and even easier to enjoy—perfect for any occasion!
Let's wrap up this delicious cheesy Brussels sprouts casserole! Enjoy every bite with friends and family. Make every meal unforgettable by embracing the flavors and having fun in your kitchen. Cook up something amazing together today!
Please write in the comments any questions or suggestions you may have. You can also find me on Facebook or Instagram.
Find Other Great Brussels Sprouts Recipes Right On This Blog!
Looking for more delicious recipes with Brussels sprouts? Check out these:
- Baked Brussels Sprouts Gratin: Dive into the creamy and comforting baked Brussels sprouts gratin, a dish that combines the earthy flavors of Brussels sprouts with a rich, cheesy topping, perfect for those who love a gratifying, low-carb side dish.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: Savor the perfect blend of smoky and savory in the roasted Brussels sprouts with Bacon, a recipe that brings out the natural sweetness of the sprouts, complemented by the crispy, salty bacon for a truly irresistible combination.
- Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Hash: For a hearty and flavorful meal, try the Brussels sprouts and bacon hash, combining the robust flavors of Brussels sprouts with bacon in a hash form, ideal for a fulfilling breakfast or a comforting dinner.
- Balsamic Honey Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Experience the delightful tang of balsamic honey roasted Brussels sprouts, where the balsamic vinegar and honey create a mouthwatering glaze, enhancing the sprouts' natural flavors for a sophisticated and tasty side. Please note: this recipe is not low-carb.
- Sautéed Brussels Sprouts Recipe: Enjoy the simplicity and elegance of the sautéed Brussels sprouts recipe, a dish that highlights the sprouts' natural flavors, sautéed to perfection for a quick, easy, and delicious side that pairs well with any main course.
FAQs
Cheddar and Gruyère are excellent choices for their ability to melt into a smooth, creamy texture while providing a rich, deep flavor. Other cheeses like Parmesan or Fontina can also work well, offering a delightful blend of savory notes to the sprouts.
Yes, Brussels sprouts are perfect for a keto diet. They are low in carbs and high in fiber, which makes them an excellent vegetable choice for those following a ketogenic lifestyle. Their carb content is offset by their fiber, resulting in a lower net carb count, essential for maintaining ketosis.
Cheesy Brussel Sprouts
Ingredients
For the Brussels Sprouts
- 3-4 strips of thick-cut bacon sliced into batons
- 2 shallots or 1 large shallot finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 pound fresh Brussels sprouts trimmed and halved or quartered
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- optional: ½ teaspoon of paprika or nutmeg for added flavor
For the Almond Breadcrumb Topping
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ¼ cup of almond breadcrumbs or almond flour
Instructions
- Brown the almonds: In a small pan, melt the tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add in the almond breadcrumbs or almond flour. Cook, stirring well, for a couple of minutes. Turn off the heat and set aside to cool.
- Cook the bacon: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In your cast iron skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon. Reserve the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Sauté Brussels sprouts: In the same skillet with the bacon fat, add the Brussels sprouts. Cook them on medium heat until they start to brown and soften (about 5 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Add shallots and garlic: Add the chopped shallots and minced garlic to the skillet with the Brussels sprouts. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the shallots are translucent. They do not need to be cooked through as they will go into the oven. If the mixture looks dry, add some olive oil.
- Deglaze with cream: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet. Stir to combine and allow it to simmer for a few minutes. The cream will start to thicken slightly. Turn off the heat on the stovetop.
- Add cheese and bacon: Add half of the cheddar and Gruyère cheese into the skillet, along with the crumbled bacon. Stir until the cheese starts to melt and mix well with the Brussels sprouts. Season with salt, black pepper, and optional spices. Layer the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the cast iron skillet in the preheated oven. Cook for 7-8 minutes. Remove from the oven and add the almond breadcrumb topping. Continue to bake until golden brown (approximately 7-8 minutes more). If you want, turn on the broiler to brown the melty cheese.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
Recent Low Carb Recipes:
The Ultimate Game Day Dip
Hosting a game day party? My Ultimate Game Day Dip is the perfect addition. Packed with flavor and easy to make, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
Simple Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
These Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps are quick to make and bursting with flavor! Pulled chicken is tossed in a tangy hot sauce, wrapped in crisp lettuce, and topped with crumbled blue cheese for an easy, satisfying dish. Perfect for lunch or dinner.
Coleslaw for Pulled Pork Recipe
My Coleslaw for Pulled Pork recipe has been a favorite for over 20 years. With a creamy, tangy dressing and crunchy vegetables, it’s the ultimate sidekick to pulled pork or barbecue. Quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Is it low carb? Learn more about it:
The Ultimate Game Day Dip
Hosting a game day party? My Ultimate Game Day Dip is the perfect addition. Packed with flavor and easy to
Simple Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
These Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps are quick to make and bursting with flavor! Pulled chicken is tossed in a tangy
Coleslaw for Pulled Pork Recipe
My Coleslaw for Pulled Pork recipe has been a favorite for over 20 years. With a creamy, tangy dressing and
