If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for that perfect side dish to impress at dinner or just elevate a simple family meal. That’s why I’m thrilled to share this Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole Recipe with you — it’s creamy, savory, packed with flavor, and honestly, a game changer for anyone who used to shy away from Brussels sprouts. You’re going to love how this casserole transforms these little green gems into a crowd-pleasing, cheesy comfort dish that everyone asks for again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with Flavor: The crispy bacon and toasted pine nuts add incredible texture and smoky depth to the creamy Brussels sprouts.
Creamy, Cheesy Comfort: With parmesan, mozzarella, and heavy cream, this casserole has that rich, velvety bite everyone loves.
Easy Yet Impressive: You’ll feel like a pro in the kitchen with just a handful of ingredients and simple steps.
Family Favorite: My crew goes wild for this dish, even my pickiest Brussels sprouts skeptics!

Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole Recipe leans on simple, fresh ingredients that come together seamlessly. Each component brings a little magic to the table — I always make sure to grab good quality bacon and fresh Brussels sprouts for the best results.

Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole Recipe - Ingredients

Toasted pine nuts: Adding these gives a nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Brussels sprouts: Fresh, halved sprouts are ideal here—they cook evenly and get beautifully tender.
Thick-cut bacon: Use thick-cut for that perfect crisp texture and smoky richness.
Heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce luxuriously creamy without being too heavy.
Parmesan cheese: Sharp and salty, it amps up the cheesy flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Lemon zest: Just a touch brightens up the whole casserole.
Ground black pepper: Freshly cracked works best for a balanced peppery kick.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that gooey, bubbly finish on top.
Salt: Don’t underestimate seasoning—it ties all the flavors together.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole Recipe is, so don’t hesitate to make it your own. I’ve experimented with a few tweaks that totally work and keep things exciting.

Add nuts or seeds: I sometimes sub pine nuts for chopped walnuts or add pumpkin seeds for a different crunch texture.
Swap cheeses: Feeling adventurous? Try gruyere or gouda to add unique flavor twists.
Make it vegetarian: Leave out the bacon and boost flavor with smoked paprika and sautéed mushrooms instead.
Seasonal boost: Mix in a handful of cooked wild rice or quinoa for a heartier, fall-inspired casserole.

How to Make Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Toast the Pine Nuts

Start by heating your skillet over medium heat, then add the pine nuts. Stir them every 30 seconds or so to prevent burning — they toast quickly! When you see them turn a beautiful golden color and smell that warm, nutty aroma, it’s time to take them off the heat and set aside to cool. This step really enhances their flavor, making a noticeable difference in the final dish.

Step 2: Crisp Up the Bacon

Using the same skillet, add your diced thick-cut bacon and cook over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. Pro tip: keep about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan—that fat is pure liquid gold for sautéing the Brussels sprouts and adding tons of flavor.

Step 3: Sauté the Brussels Sprouts

Toss the halved Brussels sprouts into the bacon fat and cook them for around 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them tender but still with a bit of bite and some nice browning spots for extra flavor. Overcooking here can lead to mushiness, so keep your eye on the texture.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat, then stir in your heavy cream, parmesan cheese, lemon zest, the crispy bacon, toasted pine nuts, black pepper, and salt to taste. Let everything simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes while the sauce thickens — this is when the magic happens and the casserole starts to feel indulgent.

Step 5: Bake and Brown the Casserole

Pop the creamy Brussels sprouts mixture into your prepared pan, then top it all off with shredded mozzarella cheese. Slide it into a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until it’s bubbling and that cheese has turned golden and irresistible. Keep a close eye so the cheese browns but doesn’t burn — that crispy cheese layer is pure joy to dig into.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole Recipe

Don’t Skip Toasting Pine Nuts: It really elevates their flavor and adds a lovely crunch that balances the creaminess.
Save Bacon Fat: The fat left behind is perfect for sautéing—you’ll get a much richer taste than using plain oil.
Medium Heat for Sprouts: Cooking your Brussels sprouts over medium heat gives them just the right caramelization without going mushy.
Watch the Cheese Browning: Keep an eye on the cheese top in the oven to avoid burning it, but let it get golden for that perfect crunch.

How to Serve Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a bit of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving—it adds a pop of color and a fresh, slightly oniony brightness that contrasts the richness perfectly. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice on each plate also lifts the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or ham for a comforting meal, or alongside a simple pan-seared steak. If you want to keep it vegetarian, a hearty grain salad or garlic mashed potatoes make fantastic companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try serving this casserole in individual ramekins—everyone gets their own personal cheesy, easy-to-eat Brussels treat. Or, top it with some crunchy breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan before baking for an extra layer of texture that wows guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and the casserole keeps great for up to 3 days. When I reheat, it’s best to warm it in the oven so the cheese on top stays nice rather than getting soggy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole before, but I recommend freezing it before baking for the best texture. After thawing overnight in the fridge, bake it fresh so the cheese melts perfectly and the Brussels maintain their flavor and bite.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I like to cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. That way, the cheese gets melty again without drying out, and you’ll almost swear it’s freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I make this Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole Recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream, and use dairy-free cheeses or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Just keep in mind the texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
What’s the best way to ensure my Brussels sprouts aren’t bitter in the casserole?

Select firm, small to medium-sized Brussels sprouts and make sure to cut them in half for even cooking. Sautéing them in bacon fat adds richness and helps tame bitterness. Also, toasting the pine nuts and adding lemon zest gives brightness that balances it all out.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra few minutes to baking time if it’s chilled.
How can I add more protein to this casserole?

Adding cooked shredded chicken or some cooked lentils would be great options. Just mix them in before transferring to the baking dish so everything heats through together.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole Recipe turns simple ingredients into something special that even the Brussels sprouts skeptics in my family gobble up without hesitation. It’s the kind of dish that makes those weeknight dinners feel a little more festive and holiday meals more memorable. Give it a go—you might just find a new favorite side that becomes a staple in your kitchen like it did in mine!