Brussels Sprouts Bacon and Stuffing Casserole

Description

Brussels Sprouts Bacon and Stuffing Casserole is the ultimate cozy comfort dish that combines roasted Brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, savory stuffing, creamy sauce, and melted cheese into one delicious baked casserole.

This recipe takes classic holiday flavors and brings them together in a rich, satisfying side dish that is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas dinners, family gatherings, or any comforting winter meal. The Brussels sprouts become tender with beautifully caramelized edges, while the bacon adds a smoky savory flavor. The stuffing creates a golden crispy topping, and the creamy sauce brings everything together.

Even people who usually avoid Brussels sprouts will love this recipe because the combination of bacon, herbs, cheese, and stuffing transforms the vegetable into a flavorful dish everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients
For the Brussels Sprouts Mixture
2 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
6 slices of bacon, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Sauce
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup sour cream or cream cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Stuffing Topping
3 cups cubed bread stuffing mix or toasted bread cubes
2 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Additions
½ cup chopped mushrooms
¼ cup dried cranberries
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Red pepper flakes for spice
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Wash and trim Brussels sprouts.

Cut each sprout in half and remove any damaged outer leaves.

Place Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet.

Add:

Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper

Toss until evenly coated.

Roast for 20–25 minutes until slightly golden and tender.

Roasting first gives the Brussels sprouts a deeper flavor and removes any bitterness.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy.

Remove bacon pieces and place them on a paper towel.

Keep about 1–2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet for extra flavor.

Step 3: Cook Onion and Garlic

Add diced onion to the skillet.

Cook for 3–5 minutes until softened.

Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

If adding mushrooms, cook them with the onions until golden.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Add butter to the skillet.

Once melted, sprinkle flour over the butter and stir.

Cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.

Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking.

Add heavy cream and continue stirring.

Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.

Add:

Sour cream or cream cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning

Stir until smooth and creamy.

Season with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Add roasted Brussels sprouts into the creamy sauce.

Add cooked bacon pieces.

Mix gently until everything is coated.

Transfer mixture into a greased baking dish.

Step 6: Prepare Stuffing Topping

In a bowl combine:

Stuffing cubes
Melted butter
Garlic powder
Parsley
Black pepper

Mix until evenly coated.

Spread the stuffing mixture over the Brussels sprouts.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the oven.

Bake uncovered for:

25–30 minutes

until:

The top is golden brown.
The cheese is bubbling.
The stuffing is crispy.

Allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Tips and Notes
Roast Brussels sprouts before adding them to the casserole for the best flavor.
Use thick-cut bacon for a stronger smoky taste.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-packaged cheese.
Do not overcook Brussels sprouts before baking because they will continue cooking in the casserole.
For extra crunch, add toasted walnuts or pecans on top.
Use day-old bread for homemade stuffing because it absorbs flavors better.
Add dried cranberries for a sweet and savory holiday twist.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk or broth.
Let the casserole rest before serving so the layers set nicely.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheating

Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.

Microwave individual portions until heated through.

Freezing

Freeze before baking for up to 2 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Recipe Variations
Creamy Chicken Brussels Sprouts Casserole

Add:

2 cups shredded cooked chicken

for a complete main dish.

Vegetarian Version

Replace bacon with:

Mushrooms
Smoked paprika
Extra cheese

for a meat-free option.

Low-Carb Version

Replace stuffing with:

Crushed pork rinds
Almond flour topping
Extra cheese
Holiday Cranberry Version

Add:

Dried cranberries
Pecans

for festive flavor.

Spicy Version

Add:

Chili flakes
Jalapeños
Pepper jack cheese

for extra heat.

Benefits of Brussels Sprouts, Bacon, and Stuffing Casserole
Rich in Fiber

Brussels sprouts provide dietary fiber that supports healthy digestion and helps keep you satisfied.

Packed With Vitamins

Brussels sprouts contain vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants that support overall health.

Good Source of Protein

Bacon and cheese provide protein that helps make this dish filling and satisfying.

Contains Healthy Fats

Ingredients like cheese and butter provide fats that add flavor and help with nutrient absorption.

Comforting and Satisfying

The combination of vegetables, creamy sauce, and savory stuffing creates a balanced comfort meal.

Great for Special Occasions

This casserole makes vegetables more enjoyable and is perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Q&A
Q: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

Yes, but thaw and drain them first to avoid excess water.

Q: Can I make this without bacon?

Yes. Add mushrooms or smoked seasonings for extra flavor.

Q: What type of stuffing works best?

Traditional herb stuffing mix, sourdough cubes, or homemade stuffing all work well.

Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be slightly lighter and less rich.

Q: How do I make the topping extra crispy?

Bake uncovered and broil for 1–2 minutes at the end if desired.

Q: Can I add meat to make it a full meal?

Yes. Cooked chicken, turkey, or sausage works beautifully.

Q: Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Not with traditional stuffing, but it can be adapted using a low-carb topping.

Servings

Serves: 8 people

Serving Size: About 1 cup

Approximate Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 420
Protein: 16 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 6 g
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 720 mg

Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

Brussels Sprouts Bacon and Stuffing Casserole is a delicious way to enjoy vegetables with classic comfort food flavors. The smoky bacon, creamy cheese sauce, roasted Brussels sprouts, and crispy stuffing topping create the perfect balance of textures and flavors.