Cheesy Brussels Sprout Casserole with Turkey Bacon (Thanksgiving Favorite!)

If you’re building your Thanksgiving side dish menu and looking for something cozy, creamy, and full of flavor, this cheesy Brussels sprout casserole with turkey bacon is a total winner. It’s everything you want in a comfort food dish—golden cheese, velvety cream, crispy turkey bacon, and perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts. Bonus: it’s made without pork or alcohol, and it all comes together in one skillet in just 35 minutes.

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Whether you're hosting a Friendsgiving, a big family dinner, or just prepping a warm, comforting dish to enjoy on a chilly fall evening, this one is bound to be a new seasonal favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Brussels Sprout Casserole

Fast & Fuss-Free
This is a true one-pan wonder. Everything cooks right in a single oven-safe skillet—less mess, less cleanup, and way more time to focus on other Thanksgiving dishes (like pie!).

Family-Friendly & Flavor-Packed
Even the pickiest eaters at the table—yes, even those who usually turn up their noses at Brussels sprouts—will go in for seconds. The creamy cheese sauce and the smoky turkey bacon balance out the earthy flavor of the sprouts perfectly.

Perfect for a Cozy Holiday Table
This casserole makes a warm, hearty addition to any Thanksgiving spread. It's a nice contrast to traditional stuffing or mashed potatoes and pairs well with other seasonal classics.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this deliciously gooey Brussels sprout casserole:

• 5 slices turkey bacon
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 small shallots, finely chopped
• 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, halved
• Kosher salt, to taste
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional but recommended)
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup shredded Gruyère cheese
• ½ cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese

Ingredient Tips:
Use fresh Brussels sprouts whenever possible—they’ll roast up beautifully and hold their texture. If you can, shred your cheese from the block for a smoother melt (pre-shredded cheese often includes anti-caking agents that can mess with the texture).

How to Make It (Step-by-Step)

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the turkey bacon in a cold oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy, about 6–8 minutes. Remove and place on paper towels, then chop.
3. Drain excess fat, then add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the chopped shallots and sauté until soft—about 2–3 minutes.

4. Add Brussels sprouts, season with salt and cayenne, and cook for 10 minutes until just tender. Stir occasionally so they cook evenly.
5. Remove from heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to coat everything.

6. Top with cheeses and the chopped turkey bacon.
7. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. For a golden top, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end—just keep an eye on it!

Serving Suggestions for Thanksgiving

This casserole fits beautifully into a classic Thanksgiving menu. Serve it next to:

• Roast turkey or glazed chicken
• Buttery mashed potatoes or herbed wild rice
• Cranberry sauce for a tart contrast
• Warm dinner rolls to soak up every bit of creamy sauce

And don’t forget dessert—something like a spiced pumpkin pie or pecan tart would round out this comfort-packed meal.

Make-Ahead Tips

Want to save time on Thanksgiving Day? You can absolutely prepare this casserole in advance.

• Make it the night before, stopping just before adding the cream and cheese.
• Store covered in the fridge.
• When ready to bake, add the cream, cheese, and turkey bacon, then pop it in the oven!

Leftovers & Storage

This casserole stores well, making it ideal for holiday leftovers.

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through or microwave in 30-second intervals.

Delicious Recipe Pairings You’ll Love

Looking for more Thanksgiving recipes to complete your menu? These dishes pair beautifully with this Brussels sprout casserole:

• Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Feta – a fresh, bright balance to this rich casserole.
• Classic Stuffing Recipe – every holiday table needs a comforting stuffing.
• Sweet Potato Gratin Recipe – double up on cozy vibes with another creamy, cheesy side.

Pin your favorites and save this casserole recipe on your holiday board over on Pinterest. Trust me, you’ll want to come back to this one every fall.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Thoughts

This cheesy Brussels sprout casserole is proof that holiday sides can be both comforting and exciting. It’s hearty enough to stand out on a crowded Thanksgiving table but easy enough to make any time you need a quick, cozy veggie dish.

Give it a try, and let me know in the comments how it turned out for you—or tag me on Pinterest @bakewithlina. Happy cooking and happy Thanksgiving!

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