If you’re looking to transform Brussels sprouts from a humble side into an absolute showstopper, Cheesy Brussels Sprouts with Gruyere & Bacon is the crave-worthy recipe you need. This dish takes tender, caramelized sprouts and smothers them in a rich, creamy Gruyere sauce with smoky bacon – the result is deeply savory, endlessly cheesy, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for holidays, dinner parties, or just to make a Tuesday feel extra special. Each bite brings together a gorgeous, golden cheese pull and just the right hint of salty, crisp bacon for an irresistible balance of flavors. You’ll never look at Brussels sprouts the same way again!

Cheesy Brussels Sprouts with Gruyere & Bacon Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

While Cheesy Brussels Sprouts with Gruyere & Bacon tastes like pure comfort, the magic truly lies in a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one brings something essential, whether it’s a punch of flavor, a silky texture, or that irresistible golden color bubbling up from the oven.

Brussels sprouts: Fresh sprouts give you the best caramelization and a tender bite, so try to go for bright green, firm ones.
Gruyere cheese: This nutty, melty cheese creates a luxurious sauce and the ultimate cheesy topping – don’t substitute it if you want the classic flavor!
Bacon: Crispy, chopped bacon brings smoky, salty magic and a fun pop of texture that pairs perfectly with the sprouts’ earthiness.
Heavy cream: This is the secret to the sauce’s ultra-creamy mouthfeel, binding the cheese and veggies together in every forkful.
Garlic: Just a hint freshens up the sauce and brings savory depth without overpowering the dish.
Butter: Used to sauté the garlic and sprouts, a bit of butter adds richness and helps everything develop that gorgeous golden-brown color.
Salt and pepper: A generous season really brings out the flavors of all the main ingredients—don’t skip this step!
Optional – Fresh herbs (like chives or parsley): Add color and a pop of freshness for an irresistible finishing touch just before serving.

How to Make Cheesy Brussels Sprouts with Gruyere & Bacon

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and cut any larger ones in half so everything cooks evenly. While the oven heats, you’ll also want to grate that Gruyere and measure out your other ingredients—mise en place makes this dish a breeze!

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon

Add your chopped bacon to a large oven-proof skillet. Cook until the bacon is perfectly crispy and golden brown. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon bits to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving a tablespoon or two of the bacon grease in the pan for flavor (if there’s a lot remaining, you can drain off the excess).

Step 3: Sauté Brussels Sprouts & Garlic

Into the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt into the hot bacon drippings. Toss in the prepared Brussels sprouts and season with salt and pepper. Sauté them for about 5–7 minutes, or until they’re taking on some color and just starting to soften. In the last minute of cooking, add the minced garlic and stir to release its aroma without letting it burn.

Step 4: Make Creamy Gruyere Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, letting it bubble gently while you stir, scraping up the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, then sprinkle in most of your shredded Gruyere cheese (reserve some for topping later). Keep stirring until the cheese melts and you have a dreamy, velvety sauce enveloping the Brussels sprouts.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden & Bubbly

Sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon all over the top of the creamy sprouts, then add the last handful of Gruyere for that signature gooey crust. Transfer the skillet to your hot oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving—then dig in and let the compliments roll!

How to Serve Cheesy Brussels Sprouts with Gruyere & Bacon

Garnishes

For a truly restaurant-worthy finish, sprinkle the hot, bubbly Cheesy Brussels Sprouts with Gruyere & Bacon with freshly chopped chives or parsley right before serving. A dusting of flaky sea salt or a crack of black pepper is never a bad idea either, adding sparkle and color that make each portion totally irresistible.

Side Dishes

This decadent, savory side dish pairs beautifully with classic mains like roast chicken, beef tenderloin, holiday ham, or even a simple pan-seared steak. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad and some crusty bread to soak up that extra Gruyere sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to take your Cheesy Brussels Sprouts with Gruyere & Bacon to the next level for guests, try baking it in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a personal touch. Want to impress at a potluck? Use the extra sauce and bacon to stuff halved potatoes, then bake until bubbly for festive, hand-held appetizers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply transfer the cooled Cheesy Brussels Sprouts with Gruyere & Bacon to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making them just as foodie-worthy for lunch the next day.

Freezing

While the cream and cheese sauce can sometimes change texture after freezing, you can still freeze this dish in a tightly covered, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and be prepared for a slightly less creamy texture (but still delicious!).

Reheating

To keep that irresistible cheese pull alive, reheat Cheesy Brussels Sprouts with Gruyere & Bacon in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbling, about 15 minutes. For a quick lunch, microwaving in 30-second bursts also works—just cover the dish to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts instead of fresh?

Fresh Brussels sprouts really shine in this recipe, delivering the best caramelization and texture. However, you can use frozen sprouts if needed—just thaw and pat them very dry before sautéing so your sauce stays thick and creamy.

What if I can’t find Gruyere cheese?

Gruyere’s nutty, melty character is the signature here, but if you’re in a pinch, try an equal amount of Swiss, Comté, or even a sharp white cheddar. Each will give you plenty of gooey goodness, though the flavor will shift slightly.

Can I make Cheesy Brussels Sprouts with Gruyere & Bacon vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just skip the bacon and use an extra tablespoon of butter or a splash of olive oil for sautéing. You can also add smoky toasted pecans or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for that signature flavor without the meat.

How can I prepare this dish ahead for a party?

Assemble everything up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to one day. When you’re ready to eat, simply bake as directed (you may need to add a few extra minutes to account for the chill).

What wine pairs well with Cheesy Brussels Sprouts with Gruyere & Bacon?

Try a crisp, lightly oaked Chardonnay or a fruity Pinot Noir for a lovely contrast to the rich cheese and bacon. For beer lovers, a malty brown ale is a fabulous match too!

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re out to impress or just want to treat yourself to something extra special, Cheesy Brussels Sprouts with Gruyere & Bacon is the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Every bite is irresistibly cheesy, comforting, and loaded with flavor—go ahead, give it a try and watch everyone fall in love with Brussels sprouts all over again!

Cheesy Brussels Sprouts with Gruyere & Bacon Recipe