**Creamy Brussels Sprouts Gratin with Bacon**

**Creamy Brussels Sprouts Gratin with Bacon**

**Ingredients:**

– 1 1/2 lbs (680g) Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 4 slices bacon, chopped
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
– 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
– 1/2 cup (50g) shredded Gruyère or cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. **Cook the Bacon:**
– In a large oven-safe skillet or pan, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it is crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.

3. **Sauté the Brussels Sprouts:**
– Add the halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet with the bacon fat, cut side down. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until they start to caramelize and develop a golden-brown color. Stir occasionally.

4. **Prepare the Creamy Sauce:**
– Push the Brussels sprouts to one side of the skillet and add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
– Stir in the heavy cream, milk, Dijon mustard, and shredded Gruyère or cheddar cheese. Mix everything together, coating the Brussels sprouts in the creamy sauce.
– Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. **Bake the Gratin:**
– Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the Brussels sprouts.
– Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

6. **Add the Bacon:**
– Once the gratin is out of the oven, sprinkle the cooked bacon pieces over the top.

7. **Garnish and Serve:**
– Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired.
– Serve the Brussels sprouts gratin warm as a side dish or a light main course.

This creamy Brussels sprouts gratin with bacon is sure to be a hit, combining the richness of the cheese and cream with the savory, smoky flavor of bacon. Enjoy!