Brussels Sprout Casserole with Bacon, Gruyere, and Crispy Cracker Topping Recipe
This Brussels Sprout Casserole is a comforting and delicious side dish featuring tender, sautéed Brussels sprouts in a creamy gruyere cheese sauce, topped with crispy bacon and a buttery, cheesy Ritz cracker crust. Perfectly baked until bubbly and golden, it combines savory and crunchy textures for a crowd-pleasing addition to any meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 pounds Brussels sprouts (halved lengthwise, quartered if large)
Cooking Fat & Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salted butter (melted)
Meat
- 6 slices bacon (chopped)
Dairy
- 1¾ cups whole milk
- 1½ cups shredded gruyere cheese (or sharp cheddar)
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Dry Ingredients & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 10 Ritz Crackers (crushed)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Prepare Brussels Sprouts: Rinse the Brussels sprouts thoroughly and remove any wilted outer leaves. Slice them in half lengthwise, or into quarters if they’re large, to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté Brussels Sprouts: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Brussels sprouts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until they become tender-crisp and slightly browned. Once done, transfer them to a 2-quart baking dish.
- Cook Bacon: In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon and cook over medium-high heat until crisp. Once crispy, set the bacon aside on a plate and reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the skillet for the sauce.
- Make Roux: Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the flour into the reserved bacon grease. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes to form a roux, which will help thicken the cheese sauce.
- Add Milk: Gradually add the milk in small amounts, whisking constantly to create a smooth mixture without lumps.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Remove the skillet from heat. Whisk in the shredded gruyere cheese until melted, then add onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Pour this creamy cheese sauce over the Brussels sprouts in the baking dish. Add the cooked bacon on top and gently stir to combine.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers, shredded Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Evenly spread this crunchy mixture over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- If you prefer a sharper cheese flavor, substitute gruyere with sharp cheddar cheese.
- For a crispier topping, you can add extra crushed Ritz crackers or cheese.
- This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted meats or can be a hearty vegetarian main if bacon is omitted.
- To save time, Brussels sprouts can be pre-steamed before sautéing.
- Adjust salt according to the saltiness of cheese and bacon used.
Keywords: Brussels sprouts casserole, cheesy Brussels sprouts, baked vegetable casserole, holiday side dish, comfort food, gruyere cheese casserole
