Looking for a way to turn humble Brussels sprouts into the star of your dinner table?
This creamy Brussels sprouts recipe is the answer.
Loaded with crispy bacon, a splash of lemon juice, and plenty of parmesan, it’s rich, comforting, and surprisingly simple to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ultra creamy and flavorful – Thanks to heavy cream, garlic, and cheese.
Crispy bacon bonus – Adds texture and smoky depth.
Perfect side dish – Works for holidays, special dinners, or cozy weeknights.
One-skillet recipe – Less cleanup, more flavor.
Customizable – Easily adapted with more cheese or a breadcrumb topping.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Brussels sprouts – Fresh, halved, and cooked until tender and golden.
Bacon – Adds salty, smoky flavor and crunchy topping.
Heavy cream – Creates a rich and silky sauce that coats every bite.
Garlic – Adds savory depth and a fragrant kick.
Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce, adding saltiness and umami.
Lemon juice – Brightens and balances the richness of the dish.
Salt & pepper – Just enough to enhance the natural flavors.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Trim Brussels well – Remove yellow or tough outer leaves before halving.
Cook sprouts flat-side down first – For extra browning and flavor.
Don’t overcook cream – Just simmer to avoid curdling or separating.
Use freshly grated parmesan – It melts better than pre-shredded.
Crisp the bacon separately – For even cooking and perfect texture.
How to Make Creamy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Heat a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add chopped bacon and cook until browned and crispy, about 5–7 minutes.
Transfer the bacon to a plate using a slotted spoon, leaving about 3 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
Step 2: Cook the Brussels Sprouts
Add the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts to the hot pan.
Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
Cover with a lid and cook for 8–9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sprouts are tender and have developed a golden crust.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Cream
Once the sprouts are tender, stir in the minced garlic.
Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, then pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Finish with Lemon and Cheese
Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and sprinkle parmesan cheese over the sprouts.
Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce and everything is well combined.
Simmer briefly to thicken slightly, then remove from heat.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (you may want to add an extra ¼ teaspoon of salt).
Top with the reserved crispy bacon and serve warm.
What to Serve It With
Roast chicken or turkey
Mashed potatoes or baked sweet potatoes
Stuffed mushrooms or green bean casserole
Crusty bread to soak up the sauce
Variations / Substitutions
Add cheese – Try Gruyère, sharp white cheddar, or fontina.
Make it spicy – Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
Add mushrooms – Sautéed cremini or shiitake add an earthy note.
Swap cream – Use half and half for a lighter version.
Breadcrumb topping – Add toasted panko for crunch before serving.
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until heated through.
Freezing not recommended – The cream sauce may separate after thawing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Fresh sprouts are best for texture and caramelization, but frozen can work if thawed and patted dry first.
What kind of bacon works best?
Thick-cut bacon gives you more meaty bites, but any style will work well here.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dish up to step 4, then refrigerate.
Reheat gently, add bacon, and serve.
Is there a dairy-free option?
You can use coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative, but the flavor will differ.
Can I omit the bacon?
Yes, for a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and use a little olive oil to sauté the sprouts.
How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?
Add a splash of chicken broth or more cream if it thickens too much during simmering.
What’s the best way to toast nuts for topping?
In a dry skillet over medium heat, stir frequently until golden and fragrant – perfect if you want to replace bacon with crunch.
Final Thoughts
These Creamy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon are proof that this humble veggie can be decadent, crowd-pleasing, and absolutely delicious.
With just a handful of ingredients and one pan, you’ll have a side dish that steals the spotlight.
Whether it’s Thanksgiving dinner or a weeknight meal, this recipe delivers flavor and comfort in every bite.
