Growing up, I can still vividly remember the aroma of Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin wafting through my grandma’s kitchen. It was a dish she’d make every Thanksgiving, and it quickly became a cherished family tradition. I can picture myself as a little kid, eagerly watching her carefully trim and roast the Brussels sprouts to perfection, then gently folding them into a rich, creamy sauce infused with fragrant garlic. The way the edges of the sprouts would get crispy and caramelized in the oven, contrasting with the silky, cheesy interior – it was pure comfort food magic. To this day, the taste of that Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin takes me right back to those cozy holiday gatherings, surrounded by loved ones and feeling so grateful. It’s a recipe that’s truly stood the test of time, and I’m thrilled to be able to share it with you.
Why This Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin
What makes this Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin recipe so special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The key is in the way the Brussels sprouts are prepared – roasted until they’re tender and caramelized on the outside, then gently folded into a silky, garlic-infused cream sauce. The combination of the slightly sweet, nutty sprouts and the rich, savory sauce is seriously addictive. Plus, the generous topping of melted cheese takes this dish to the next level of indulgence. It’s the kind of side that can easily steal the show, even on a table filled with Thanksgiving classics.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin is that it’s made with simple, everyday ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. The star of the show, of course, is fresh Brussels sprouts – look for bright green, tightly-packed heads that are free of any blemishes or discoloration. You’ll also need heavy cream, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of shredded cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella. Don’t forget the butter, flour, and a touch of nutmeg to round out the flavors.
Step-by-Step Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin Instructions
Preparing Your Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin
This Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin comes together in about an hour, start to finish. You’ll need a large oven-safe baking dish, a saucepan, and a few basic kitchen tools. The first step is to roast the Brussels sprouts to get that delicious caramelization, then you’ll create a rich, creamy garlic sauce and combine everything together before baking it to bubbly perfection.
1- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Trim the Brussels sprouts, cutting any larger ones in half, and toss them with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a large baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway, until they’re tender and lightly browned.
2- While the sprouts are roasting, make the creamy garlic sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, then whisk in the flour to create a roux. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly, and let the sauce simmer and thicken.
3- Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
4- Once the Brussels sprouts are roasted, transfer them to a large baking dish and pour the creamy garlic sauce over the top, making sure to coat all the sprouts evenly.
5- Top the Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin with the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
6- Bake the dish for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin turns out perfectly, here are a few pro tips:
– Be sure to roast the Brussels sprouts until they’re tender and caramelized. This really brings out their natural sweetness and nutty flavor.
– Don’t be afraid to use plenty of garlic in the creamy sauce – the more the merrier!
– Shredding the cheese yourself, rather than using pre-shredded, will give you a smoother, creamier texture.
– If the top starts to brown too quickly, simply cover the dish with foil to prevent burning.
– Let the Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken up.
Serving and Storing Your Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin
Perfect Pairings for Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin
This Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin makes a fantastic side dish for any holiday feast, from Thanksgiving to Christmas. It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, ham, or even a juicy steak. For a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside a hearty grain like farro or wild rice. And don’t forget the complementary flavors of a nice, crisp white wine or a bold red.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin reheats wonderfully, so it’s the perfect make-ahead dish. You can assemble the entire casserole a day or two in advance, then simply bake it off when you’re ready to serve. Leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days – just reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven. This dish also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin
Creative Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin. Try swapping in roasted butternut squash or cauliflower for some of the Brussels sprouts. You could also add a sprinkle of crunchy breadcrumbs or crushed nuts to the top for extra texture. For a pop of color and freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or chives.
Making Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin Diet-Friendly
To make this dish more diet-friendly, you can easily substitute the heavy cream for a lower-fat milk, like almond or oat milk. Opt for reduced-fat or plant-based cheeses to cut the calories and saturated fat. And for a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before roasting to ensure they get nice and crispy.
Q: How can I make this dish more kid-friendly?
A: To make the Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin more appealing to little ones, you can try pureeing the roasted sprouts into the sauce for a smoother texture. You can also top it with crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Q: Can I make this dish in advance?
A: Absolutely! This Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin is perfect for making ahead of time. You can assemble the entire casserole, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before popping it in the oven.
Q: How can I scale this recipe up or down?
A: This recipe can easily be doubled or halved to serve a larger or smaller crowd. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly – a larger dish may need a few extra minutes in the oven.
Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 6
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, creamy, and garlicky goodness of this Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin – the perfect side dish for any occasion! Perfectly roasted brussels sprouts are smothered in a decadent, cheesy sauce for a comforting and indulgent side.
Ingredients
– 1 lb brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. – Toss the brussels sprouts, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until well coated.
3. – Spread the brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until tender and lightly browned.
4. – In a saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until simmering. Reduce heat and let simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
5. – Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and well combined.
6. – Transfer the roasted brussels sprouts to a baking dish and pour the creamy cheese sauce over the top, making sure all the sprouts are evenly coated.
7. – Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the top is lightly browned.
8. – Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. The cheese sauce can also be thinned with a bit of milk or cream if it becomes too thick. For a crunchier topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the top before baking.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Main Courses
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about this Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin. It’s the perfect side dish to elevate any holiday meal, but it’s also easy enough to enjoy as a weeknight dinner. The combination of tender, caramelized Brussels sprouts and that rich, creamy garlic sauce is truly irresistible. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and that it becomes a new family favorite in your home, just like it is in mine. Let me know what you think in the comments below – I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!