1-First, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to get things started on the right note. This temperature ensures everything bakes evenly and comes out bubbly. Once your oven is ready, you’re set for the next steps.

2-Next, boil a large pot of water and cook the trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts for 7 to 8 minutes until they’re tender. After that, drain and cool them, then slice them thinly for the best texture. This prep work helps them absorb flavors beautifully.

3-In a large bowl, combine the sliced sprouts with 1 cup of shredded cheddar, heavy cream, bacon bits, salt, and pepper.

4-Transfer the mixture to a 9 x 13-inch baking dish for even baking.

5-Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and panko bread crumbs, which should be added dry just before baking.

6-Bake for 25 minutes until it’s bubbling and browned on top. The total preparation and cook time is about 40 minutes, making it a quick option for weeknights.

7-Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to keep everything intact.