Cozy Keto Cheesy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Casserole Recipe, Made Simple
When the days start to cool down, I always reach for dishes that wrap me in warmth and comfort—without weighing me down. This Keto Cheesy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Casserole Recipe is exactly that kind of dish: rich, toasty, and full of flavor that feels like a gentle kitchen hug. You’ll find the creamy cheddar sauce chewing lightly on your taste buds, while the crisp bacon adds that mouthwatering, smoky crunch we all crave.
I love how this recipe lets the natural sweetness of roasted Brussels sprouts shine, transforming a humble veggie into a star of the table. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight or entertaining keto-loving friends, this casserole is straightforward but never boring. It’s the kind of meal I happily return to time and again, knowing it’ll hit the right notes every single time.
What Makes This Recipe Special
- Balanced flavors: Sweet, rich, and thoughtfully textured.
- Friendly technique: Clear steps built for home success.
- Easy to personalize: Swap in seasonal twists without stress.
- Make-ahead smart: Prep components to save time on busy days.
Ingredient Lowdown
- Brussels sprouts (4 cups, halved): Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and tender-crisp bite.
- Bacon (6 slices, cooked and crumbled): Adds smoky depth and irresistible crunch; a salty counterpoint to creamy cheese.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Enriches the sauce with velvety smoothness that clings beautifully.
- Cheddar cheese (1 cup shredded): Sharp, toasty, and melty—divided use layers flavor perfectly.
- Cream cheese (1/2 cup, softened): Gives a silky, tangy base to the sauce without overpowering.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle aromatic warmth, enhancing every bite.
- Salt and pepper: To season just right; adjust to your personal taste.
- Olive oil: For drizzling the sprouts before roasting, aiding caramelization.
Set Up for Success
Before diving in, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your 9×9-inch baking dish so everything slides out with ease after baking. Get that mise en place going: halve your Brussels sprouts, cook and crumble the bacon, and soften the cream cheese so it blends smoothly later. These little prep habits save time and keep the flow calm while cooking.
Tools & Kitchen Gear
Helpful tools that make this Keto Cheesy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Casserole Recipe smooth from start to finish—plus optional extras for efficiency and precision.
- A sharp chef’s knife for clean halving of Brussels sprouts.
- Baking sheet for roasting with room to crisp.
- Mixing bowls for sauces and tossing veggies.
- 9×9-inch baking dish to layer and bake evenly.
- Whisk or spatula for blending creamy cheese sauce until silky.
- Optional: oven mitts with good grip, and a silicone spatula for scraping.
Step-by-Step: Keto Cheesy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Casserole Recipe
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This steady heat helps caramelize the Brussels sprouts perfectly while melting the cheese evenly later.
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Watch as your kitchen fills with that toasty, earthy aroma when they roast for 20 minutes until tender but still with a slight crisp edge.
- Mix the cheese sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together heavy cream, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheddar until silky and well combined. This creamy blend is going to bring all the layers together in the best way.
- Assemble the casserole: Grease your baking dish well. First, layer the roasted Brussels sprouts, then sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over them. Pour the luscious cheese sauce on top, making sure it covers the layers, then finish with the remaining cheddar cheese sprinkled generously.
- Bake the casserole for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly, golden, and slightly crispy around the edges. This bubbling finish is the hallmark of a winning comfort dish.
- Let it rest briefly after baking—this helps the casserole set slightly, making it easier to serve and intensifying the flavors.
Chef’s Notes & Success Tips
For the crispiest Brussels sprouts, make sure they spread out well on your baking sheet during roasting — no overcrowding! Also, softened cream cheese blends much smoother into the sauce, avoiding any lumps. If your bacon isn’t as crisp as you like, you can always give it an extra quick toast in a skillet before adding it. Finally, if you spot any excess moisture pooling in the casserole after baking, blotting gently with a paper towel helps keep that golden crust delightfully crisp.
Flavor Twists for Keto Cheesy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Casserole Recipe
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a subtle smoky heat.
- Swap the cheddar for Gruyère or mozzarella for a different cheesy vibe.
- Stir in caramelized onions or shallots for natural sweetness.
- Mix fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the cheese sauce for an earthy layer.
- Top with toasted chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture contrast.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a 350°F oven covered with foil to keep the casserole moist—about 15 minutes.
- You can freeze the casserole pre-bake: assemble in a freezer-safe dish, wrap well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as instructed.
- For quick weeknight dinners, prepare the roasted Brussels sprouts and cheese sauce in advance; assemble and bake when ready.
Keto Cheesy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Casserole Recipe FAQs
- Can I substitute another vegetable? Absolutely! Cauliflower florets or asparagus tips baked the same way make great alternatives while keeping it keto-friendly.
- Is this recipe dairy-free adaptable? It’s tricky since the creamy cheese sauce is key here. You could try coconut cream and dairy-free cheese, but textures and flavors will shift.
- How do I prevent the casserole from getting soggy? Roasting the Brussels sprouts thoroughly and draining excess liquid before assembling helps keep the casserole crisp, especially around the edges.
- What’s the best way to cook bacon for this casserole? Oven-baking bacon on a rack for even crispness or pan-frying until crispy works well. Just be sure to drain it on paper towels before crumbling.
- Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes! Skip the bacon and add toasted nuts or sun-dried tomatoes for that savory punch.
Keto Cheesy Bacon Brussels Sprouts Casserole Recipe
A creamy, savory keto-friendly casserole featuring roasted Brussels sprouts, crispy bacon, and a rich cheese sauce baked until bubbly and golden. This dish combines the natural sweetness of roasted Brussels sprouts with the smoky flavor of bacon and a blend of cheeses for a comforting low-carb meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Keto
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
Meat
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Dairy & Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
Seasonings & Oils
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting and baking the casserole.
- Roast Brussels Sprouts: Toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl to ensure even coating. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish. Layer the roasted Brussels sprouts evenly at the bottom, then sprinkle the crumbled cooked bacon over them. Pour the cheese sauce over the top and evenly sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Place the assembled casserole in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute bacon with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to blend smoothly with the heavy cream.
- Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- To add extra flavor, sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving.
