Irresistible Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin: Your Ultimate Cheesy Holiday Side Dish

Prepare for a culinary revelation! This Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin recipe is destined to become the star of your holiday table, offering a delightful twist on a classic vegetable. Imagine tender Brussels sprouts, bathed in a rich, garlicky cream sauce, and crowned with a bubbly, golden crust of three magnificent cheeses. It’s a side dish that promises to be both comforting and elegant, effortlessly bringing together incredible flavor in a single pan. With a surprisingly simple ingredient list, the taste impact is truly FANTASTIC, making it a must-have for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special gathering.

Get ready to grab your favorite casserole dish, because your kitchen is about to be filled with the most spectacular aromas! The enticing scent of garlic-infused butter, mingling with roasted Brussels sprouts and a luxurious heavy cream, all topped with a generous sprinkle of three delectable cheeses. Watching it bubble away in a cast iron skillet is truly a sight to behold, hinting at the side dish perfection that awaits. This versatile creation is not just for special occasions; it’s an ideal accompaniment to virtually any main course. Pair it with a perfectly roasted chicken, a majestic Thanksgiving turkey, or even a sophisticated roast beef tenderloin served with a decadent mushroom cream sauce. Its adaptability makes it a valuable addition to your recipe repertoire.

Who can resist a side dish featuring a velvety cream sauce, the sharp tang of white cheddar, a whisper of warm nutmeg, and that glorious, bubbly crust straight from the oven? This recipe draws inspiration from my beloved cauliflower cheese casserole, with a few key enhancements to elevate the Brussels sprout experience. For this particular au gratin, I’ve chosen a harmonious blend of Parmesan, medium cheddar, and fontina cheeses. Fontina lends a subtle nuttiness and incredible melt-factor to the Brussels sprouts, creating a truly gourmet experience. However, don’t hesitate to swap it for mozzarella for a classic stretch, Swiss for a milder nutty note, or Gruyère for a more complex, earthy flavor, depending on what you have on hand or prefer.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin

• Unforgettable Flavor: The combination of roasted garlic, rich cream, and a trio of cheeses transforms humble Brussels sprouts into a gourmet delight.
• Effortlessly Elegant: Despite its sophisticated taste, this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and grand holiday feasts.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimizing cleanup is always a win! This recipe comes together beautifully in a single oven-safe pan, simplifying your cooking process.
• Versatile Pairing: As mentioned, it complements a wide array of proteins and other side dishes, making it a flexible choice for any meal.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Even those who claim not to like Brussels sprouts often find themselves asking for seconds of this cheesy, creamy version!

Essential Ingredients for Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin

• Brussels Sprouts: The star of our show! For optimal texture and cooking, ensure your Brussels sprouts are clean, trimmed, and sliced lengthwise. If you have particularly small sprouts, you can certainly toss them in whole. Brussels sprouts are not only delicious but also packed with fiber, essential vitamins, and antioxidants. This recipe naturally leans into a keto-friendly profile due to its low carbohydrate count and rich fat and protein content, making it a fantastic option for those following specific dietary plans.
• Butter: Just 2 tablespoons of butter are needed to kickstart our flavorful sauce. Whether you opt for salted or unsalted butter depends on your preference and what you typically keep stocked in your kitchen. Butter helps to beautifully brown the garlic and forms the creamy base.
• Garlic: We call for three cloves of fresh garlic, finely minced. Mincing ensures that the garlic flavor is thoroughly distributed and that the garlic itself softens and blends seamlessly into the sauce during roasting. In addition to fresh garlic, a touch of garlic powder further deepens the savory notes, providing a robust garlicky essence throughout the dish.
• Heavy Cream: A crucial ingredient for achieving that luxurious, velvety texture. Just a splash of heavy cream is all it takes to create a luscious garlic-butter cream sauce that coats every single sprout. Don’t skimp on this; it’s key to the “creamy” in “creamy au gratin.”
• Seasonings: A simple yet powerful quartet of seasonings transforms this dish. You’ll need kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, along with garlic powder for an extra layer of garlicky goodness. The secret ingredient that truly elevates this recipe, especially for holiday-inspired dishes, is a pinch of ground nutmeg. Its warm, subtle spice pairs exceptionally well with creamy, cheesy vegetable bakes, hinting at festive flavors.
• Parmesan Cheese: I always have shredded Parmesan cheese in my freezer – it’s a lifesaver for last-minute pasta dishes and perfect for recipes like this Brussels sprout bake. Its sharp, salty, and umami-rich flavor adds depth and a fantastic golden crust.
• Cheddar Cheese: For this recipe, I prefer using a medium cheddar cheese for its balanced flavor, offering that classic cheesy comfort. However, if you enjoy a sharper profile or a lighter appearance, white cheddar is an excellent alternative.
• Fontina Cheese: This cheese is a fantastic choice for its superior melting qualities and mild, nutty flavor, which beautifully complements the Brussels sprouts. If fontina isn’t readily available or you prefer other options, feel free to substitute with mozzarella for a stringier melt, Swiss for a distinct nutty sweetness, or Gruyère for a more complex, earthy taste. All will yield delicious results!

Pro Tips for Perfect Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin

• Freshly Shredded Cheese is Best: While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect how smoothly it melts. For the creamiest, most luxurious sauce and a perfect bubbly crust, take a few extra minutes to shred your own cheeses from blocks.
• Don’t Burn the Garlic: Garlic can go from perfectly golden to burnt and bitter very quickly. Keep a close eye on it when sautéing and remove it from the heat as soon as it becomes fragrant and slightly golden, before it has a chance to turn dark.
• Evenly Cut Sprouts: Ensure your Brussels sprouts are cut into similar sizes (halved or quartered for larger ones). This promotes even cooking, so you don’t end up with some sprouts undercooked and others perfectly tender.
• Single Layer for Browning: When adding the Brussels sprouts to the pan, try to spread them out in as much of a single layer as possible. This allows them to roast and tenderize evenly, absorbing the creamy sauce.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before adding the sprouts. Adjust salt, pepper, or nutmeg as needed to suit your preference. Remember that Parmesan cheese adds significant saltiness, so factor that in.

Crafting Your Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin

1. Initial Preparation: Begin by positioning a rack in the center of your oven; then, preheat your oven to a steady 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). While the oven warms up, meticulously wash, trim, and slice your Brussels sprouts lengthwise. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors. This is also the perfect time to shred your chosen cheeses. A crucial tip for the best melt: always shred cheese when it’s cold from the refrigerator. Don’t let it sit out for too long, as room-temperature cheese can become oily when shredded.
2. Infusing the Garlic Flavor: Place a cast iron skillet or any other large, oven-proof skillet over medium heat on your stovetop. Add the butter to the pan along with the finely minced garlic. Allow this mixture to gently cook and come to a subtle simmer. The goal here is to infuse the butter with the aromatic garlic flavor without burning the garlic. As soon as the garlic is fragrant and slightly softened, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, followed by all your seasonings: kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and the subtle warmth of ground nutmeg. Finally, add half of your beautifully shredded cheese blend to the sauce and stir until it’s perfectly combined and beginning to melt into a creamy consistency.
3. Baking to Golden Perfection: Now, add your prepared Brussels sprouts directly into the pan with the rich cream sauce. Gently stir them to ensure every sprout is thoroughly coated in the flavorful mixture. Once coated, spread the sprouts out as much as possible in an even layer. Evenly sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the Brussels sprouts. Carefully transfer the dish into your preheated oven to bake for approximately 18-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is gloriously golden brown and bubbly, and the sprouts are tender-crisp. Serve this irresistible au gratin warm, as the perfect accompaniment to your favorite meal!

Creative Variations & Serving Suggestions

Variations:

• Add a Crispy Element: For an extra layer of texture, consider adding crispy fried shallots, toasted breadcrumbs, or even a sprinkle of crushed crackers on top during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
• Smoky Bacon Addition: Yes, bacon lovers, you can absolutely add bacon! Cook 4-6 slices of bacon until crispy, crumble, and sprinkle over the au gratin along with the cheese before baking. The salty, smoky flavor is a wonderful complement.
• Fresh Herbs: Elevate the aroma and taste with fresh herbs. A sprinkle of fresh thyme can be infused with the garlic and butter, or chopped fresh parsley can be added as a vibrant garnish just before serving. Rosemary or chives would also be lovely additions.
• A Touch of Heat: For those who enjoy a little kick, a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes stirred into the cream sauce will add a pleasant warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
• Other Vegetables: While Brussels sprouts are the star, you could experiment with adding other quick-cooking vegetables like chopped cauliflower, broccoli florets, or even thinly sliced potatoes (though potatoes will require longer cooking).

Serving Suggestions:

• Holiday Feast Essential: This au gratin shines brightest as a Thanksgiving or Christmas side. Its richness and festive appeal make it a perfect addition to a holiday spread.
• Weeknight Dinner Upgrade: Don’t reserve it just for special occasions! It pairs beautifully with simple roasted chicken, pan-seared pork chops, or even a hearty vegetarian lentil loaf for an elevated weeknight meal.
• Brunch Delight: Consider serving a smaller portion alongside scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage, or a savory quiche for an indulgent brunch experience.
• Comfort Food Combo: For the ultimate comfort meal, serve it alongside classic mashed potatoes and a flavorful gravy.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

While this Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, leftovers are certainly a treat! Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, you have a few options:

• Microwave: For a quick reheat, individual portions can be zapped in the microwave until heated through. Be mindful not to overheat, as this can make the sprouts too soft.
• Oven: For best results and to regain that lovely bubbly crust, transfer the leftovers to an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Remove the foil for the last few minutes if you want to crisp up the cheese again.
• Stovetop: You can also gently reheat smaller portions in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. You might need a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

If you like this recipe, you might also like:

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• Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes – Another comforting, cheesy side dish that’s always a hit.
• Twice Baked Potato Casserole (Potatoes Romanoff) – A decadent potato dish that brings joy to any table.
• Caramelized Onion Puff Pastry Bites with Gruyere and Mushrooms – Elegant appetizers featuring sweet onions and savory mushrooms.
• Crunchy Asparagus Orzo Salad with Lemon Shallot Dressing – A light and refreshing salad that offers a delightful contrast.