A cheesy, creamy sauce is a warm bath for brussels sprouts and bacon. Brussels sprouts and bacon gratin is not only a perfect side dish for weeknight or weekend cooking, but is also a family crowd pleaser for the holidays. This recipe will get the non-brussels sprouts-eaters digging in and this is where Kraft natural cheese can help!

When I think of a gratin I think of melted cheese in a thick creamy sauce that is so warm and comforting. Now, not everyone likes brussels sprouts, but they will when they try this dish because not only is there melted cheese all over this dish, there's bacon in and on top! What's not to love? It's a cheesy, bacon lovefest and cheesy is a good thing in this instance and now that the weather is cooling off, who couldn't do with a nice warm cheese hug?

So simple to make in just a few easy steps and it all starts with bacon that is cooked until crispy. Brussels sprouts are boiled until almost tender (they finish cooking in the oven), then a creamy, cheesy sauce is made then poured over the brussels sprouts and bacon, then topped with more bacon and baked until bubbly and golden.

I used a mix of Kraft sharp cheddar with a little Kraft mozzarella mixed in because a cheesy dish has to have the stringy factor and mozzarella is perfect for creating this.

What cheesy recipe is your favorite?

Brussels sprouts and bacon gratin

Recipe Type: Side dish

Prep time: 15 mins

Cook time: 20 mins

Total time: 35 mins

Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces brussels sprouts, rinsed, ends trimmed and cut in half and boiled for 4 minutes
• 8 slices bacon, chopped into small pieces
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• Small grating of nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups grated cheddar, plus 1 cup for topping
• 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. Bring a large pan of water to a boil and cook the brussels sprouts for 2-3 minutes, slightly underdone. Drain and set aside.
3. Add the bacon to a sauté pan over medium heat and cook until lightly browned and crispy.
4. Remove the bacon onto a paper towel, reserving the bacon fat in the pan.
5. Whisk the flour into the bacon fat until well mixed and cook for 2 minutes.
6. Slowly whisk in the milk until the flour is dissolved, add the nutmeg, salt and pepper.
7. Bring to a simmer and whisk until the milk starts to thicken.
8. Stir in small handfuls of the 2 cups cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, making sure each is melted before adding more and stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
9. Add the brussels to a baking dish and sprinkle with 1/2 of the bacon.
10. Pour the cheese sauce over the brussels sprouts and sprinkle with the 1 cup cheddar and remaining bacon.
11. Place the dish onto a baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes until the top is golden brown.

Read the original on: Culinary Ginger