Go Back
+ servings
Brussels sprout gratin with breadcrumb topping.
Print Pin
5 from 6 votes

Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Gratin with Bacon

cheesy Brussels sprouts gratin with smoky bacon! A delicious and festive vegetable side dish that the whole family will love, even sprout haters!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine British
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 535kcal
Author Beth Sachs

Equipment

  • Chopping Board
  • Knife
  • Cheese Grater
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Oven Proof Baking Dish

Ingredients

  • 600 g Brussels Sprouts trim the bottoms and remove outer leaves. Halve any large ones.
  • 50 g Butter
  • 200 g Smoked Bacon Lardons
  • 2 Garlic Cloves peeled and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Thyme Leaves chopped (or use dried thyme)
  • 50 g Plain Flour
  • 700 ml Milk
  • 2 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon Grated Nutmeg
  • 200 g Cheddar grated
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper

For the topping

  • 50 g Dried Breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoon Grated Parmesan
  • 1 teaspoon Thyme Leaves chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 200°C (180 fan/ Gas 6/ 400°F).
  • Bring a pan of salted water to a boil and cook the sprouts for 3 minutes. Drain, rinse under cold water to retain colour, and set aside.
    600 g Brussels Sprouts
  • In a large heavy-based saucepan, melt the butter then fry the bacon, thyme leaves, and garlic for 2-3 minutes.
    50 g Butter, 200 g Smoked Bacon Lardons, 2 Garlic Cloves, 1 teaspoon Thyme Leaves
  • Stir in the flour and cook for 2 minutes.
    50 g Plain Flour
  • Turn the heat up, whisk in the milk and continue to stir until the sauce thickens. It should coat the back of a wooden spoon.
    700 ml Milk
  • Take the sauce off the heat and stir in the grated cheese, dijon mustard, grated nutmeg, and salt & pepper.
    2 teaspoon Dijon Mustard, ¼ teaspoon Grated Nutmeg, 200 g Cheddar, ½ teaspoon Salt, ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
  • Mix in the cooked sprouts then pour the cheesy sprouts into a baking dish.
  • Mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan and thyme leaves and scatter over the top of the gratin. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbling.
    50 g Dried Breadcrumbs, 3 tablespoon Grated Parmesan, 1 teaspoon Thyme Leaves

Notes

Expert Tips:
  • If you are using frozen sprouts there is no need to cut them in half. Frozen sprouts are usually small and tender. If using fresh sprouts, make sure they are roughly the same size.
  • Salt the water for the Brussels sprouts generously - it helps to reduce bitterness and up the flavour!
  • Reserve a cup of Brussels sprouts cooking water in case you want to thin out the cheese sauce.
 
Variations:
  • Make it vegetarian-friendly and leave out the bacon.
  • Add chopped walnuts or hazelnuts to the topping for extra crunch and flavour.
  • Add other cooked vegetables to the gratin such as cauliflower and broccoli, turning it into a cheesy vegetable gratin.
  • Swap the cheddar for gruyere or crumbled blue cheese.
  • Add in cooked pasta or gnocchi for a Brussels sprout pasta bake.
 
Storage:
Make-Ahead: The cheesy Brussels sprouts gratin can be made up to 2 days ahead. Make the dish up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate. When you are ready to eat, bake as directed in the recipe.
Store: Leftover cook sprout gratin can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Place in the microwave and cook until piping hot.
Freeze: The dish can be frozen for up to 3 months (either before or after it has been baked). Defrost in the fridge before baking as directed or reheating.
 
Nutrition:
The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
 
Nutrition Facts
Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Gratin with Bacon
Amount per Serving
Calories
535
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
29
g
45
%
Saturated Fat
 
11
g
69
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
5
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
6
g
Cholesterol
 
50
mg
17
%
Sodium
 
1196
mg
52
%
Potassium
 
691
mg
20
%
Carbohydrates
 
41
g
14
%
Fiber
 
8
g
33
%
Sugar
 
9
g
10
%
Protein
 
30
g
60
%
Vitamin A
 
1342
IU
27
%
Vitamin C
 
87
mg
105
%
Calcium
 
514
mg
51
%
Iron
 
3
mg
17
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Snap a pic and tag @effortlessf00d on Instagram or Twitter