Though summer’s garden delights are long gone, winter vegetables like Brussels sprouts are widely available all season long. How can you turn a Brussels sprouts recipe into a holiday-worthy side dish? Jeanette’s Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Bake enriches these tiny cabbages with a rich cheese sauce and savory bacon to compliment any main course. Learn how to make this simple, but special, side dish just in time for the holidays.
Seasonal Side-Dishes for Your Holiday Table: Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Bake
While cream, Gruyere, and cheddar make this recipe a holiday indulgence, it still provides plenty of nutrients. We’ll discuss some of the health benefits of Jeanette’s Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Bake and discuss what’s best served with this versatile side dish.
Are Brussels Sprouts Good For You?
While most vegetables contain valuable nutrients, Brussels sprouts pack a particularly healthy punch. Just a half cup of Brussels sprouts provides more than the daily recommendation of Vitamin K and 81% of your daily Vitamin C needs. But there are more advantages to this humble sprout than just vitamins.
Here are some additional nutrients that Brussels sprouts provide:
- Antioxidants: protect against chronic disease
- Fiber: promotes digestive health
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: reduce risk of cardiovascular disease
What Goes Well with Brussels Sprouts?
Though baked Brussels sprouts with cheese and bacon may steal the show at your holiday table, they also complement a variety of main courses. This recipe goes particularly well with roasted chicken. It can also enhance red meat dishes from skirt steak to prime rib. Meanwhile, a sweet side dish like roasted carrots or rich mashed potatoes provide additional complementary flavors and textures.
Looking for some holiday wine pairings to make this tasty side even more festive? Cheesy Brussels sprouts go particularly well with a crisp Chablis or chardonnay, while a red Burgundy will complement the savory bacon.
Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Bake Recipe
As rich and delicious as Jeanette’s cheesy Brussels sprouts bake is, this one-pan wonder is quick and simple to make. Ready in under 30 minutes, it brings a special holiday flavor with little effort on a busy day.
Ingredients:
- 5 slices bacon
- 3 Tbsp. butter
- 2 small shallots, minced
- 2 lbs. Brussels sprouts
- Kosher salt
- ½ tsp. cayenne pepper
- ¾ c. heavy cream
- ½ c. sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ c. Gruyere cheese, shredded
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F
In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Drain, chop, and set aside.
Return skillet to medium heat and melt butter. Add shallots and Brussels sprouts, seasoning with salt and cayenne. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and drizzle with heavy cream. Top with both cheeses and chopped bacon.
Place skillet in oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until cheese is bubbling. If the cheese hasn’t browned, place skillet under the broiler for 1 minute.
Jeanette’s cheesy Brussels sprouts bake goes well with the bright, citrus flavors of her Berry Orange Spinach Salad. It can also be the perfect accompaniment to her Awesome Baked Pork Tenderloin. From all of us at your local home appliance service, Happy Holidays and best wishes for a healthy New Year!
