Cheesy Bacon Brussels Sprouts

Our family really likes brussels sprouts, and adding cheese and bacon makes this an irresistable side vegetable.

• Ready In: 1 hr 25 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄4 lbs Brussels sprouts, cut in half (about 5 cups)
• 6  slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1  tablespoon butter or 1  tablespoon margarine
• 1  large onion, finely chopped (1 cup)
• 1  tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1⁄4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper
• 3⁄4 cup half-and-half
• 2  teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
• 1⁄3 cup  shredded parmesan cheese
• 1⁄2 cup  shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Remove any discolored outer leaves and trim stem portion of brussels sprouts. In a 3-quart saucepan, place brussels sprouts; add enough water just to cover. Heat to boiling; boil 6-8 minutes or until crisp-tender. Drain and return to saucepan; set aside.
2. Meanwhile, in a 10-inch skillet, cook bacon over medium heat, stirring occassionally, until crisp. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels; set aside. Drain all but 1 tablespoon bacon fat from skillet.
3. Add butter to bacon fat in skillet. Heat over medium-high heat until butter is melted. Add onion; cook 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until crisp-tender. Add flour, thyme and pepper; cook and stir until well-blended. Gradually stir in half-and-half and bouillon granules. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly; boil and stir 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese.
4. Pour sauce over brussels sprouts in saucepan; mix gently. Spoon into 2-quart casserole. Bake uncovered 25-30 minutes, sprinkling with crumbled bacon and Cheddar cheese for last 10 minutes of baking, until hot and bubbly. Serve right away.