Creamy Baked Brussel Sprouts Recipe

Tender Brussels sprouts coated in a rich, creamy sauce and baked until golden and bubbly—this dish transforms simple vegetables into a mouthwatering side or even a main course. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday feast or preparing a quick weeknight meal, creamy baked Brussels sprouts are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Indulgent: The creamy sauce elevates Brussels sprouts to a decadent side dish.
2. Easy to Prepare: Requires minimal ingredients and comes together in under an hour.
3. Versatile: Great as a side dish or a vegetarian main.
4. Perfectly Crispy: A golden cheese crust adds irresistible texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Trim and Halve: Cut off the tough stem ends of the Brussels sprouts and slice them in half lengthwise.
3. Season and Roast: In a large mixing bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
4. Par-Roast: Roast for 15 minutes until they are slightly tender and starting to brown.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3. Create Roux: Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
4. Add Milk and Cream: Slowly pour in the warm milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Then, add the heavy cream.
5. Season the Sauce: Stir in Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 3: Combine and Assemble

1. Mix with Sauce: Transfer the roasted Brussels sprouts to a large bowl and pour the creamy sauce over them. Stir to coat evenly.
2. Layer in Baking Dish: Spread the mixture evenly in a greased baking dish.

Step 4: Add the Topping

1. Sprinkle Cheese: Top the Brussels sprouts with shredded mozzarella or Gruyère, followed by Parmesan.
2. Optional Breadcrumbs: For extra crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake Until Golden: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
2. Broil for Extra Crispiness: For a crispier top, broil on high for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

Tips for Success

1. Don’t Skip Par-Roasting: Roasting the Brussels sprouts before adding the sauce ensures they stay tender and flavorful.
2. Avoid Watery Sauce: Use warm milk and cream for a smoother, lump-free sauce.
3. Customize the Topping: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter or herbs for added flavor.
4. Add Protein: Incorporate cooked bacon, diced ham, or shredded chicken for a heartier dish.

Variations

1. Cheesy Bacon Brussels Sprouts

• Add 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon to the creamy sauce or sprinkle it on top before baking.

2. Spicy Twist

• Mix a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the sauce for a subtle kick.

3. Vegetarian Main Dish

• Add cooked quinoa or farro to the Brussels sprouts for a filling vegetarian option.

4. Herb-Infused

• Stir fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley into the sauce for added depth of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

Yes, but thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess water in the dish.

What other cheeses can I use?

Cheddar, fontina, or Havarti are great alternatives for the creamy topping.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Use full-fat dairy and avoid overheating the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with roasted chicken, steak, or salmon for a complete meal.
• Serve as a side at holiday dinners alongside mashed potatoes and stuffing.
• Enjoy as a vegetarian entrée with a crusty baguette.

Conclusion

Creamy baked Brussels sprouts are the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. With their tender texture, cheesy topping, and rich flavor, they’ll convert even the most skeptical vegetable eaters. Perfect for holidays, weeknight dinners, or potlucks, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

Yield: 6

Creamy Baked Brussel Sprouts Recipe

Print

Tender Brussels sprouts coated in a rich, creamy sauce and baked until golden and bubbly—this dish transforms simple vegetables into a mouthwatering side or even a main course. Whether you're serving it at a holiday feast or preparing a quick weeknight meal, creamy baked Brussels sprouts are sure to impress.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• For the Creamy Sauce
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For Topping
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Brussels Sprouts
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   Toss the halved Brussels sprouts in olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet.
   
2. Roast the Brussels Sprouts
   Roast for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are lightly browned and tender. Remove from the oven and set aside.
   
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
   In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
   Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and nutmeg (if using). Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   
4. Combine and Assemble
   Place the roasted Brussels sprouts in a baking dish. Pour the creamy sauce over them and toss gently to coat.
   Sprinkle mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs (if using) evenly on top.
   
5. Bake
   Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
   
6. Serve
   Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.
   Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy as a creamy, indulgent main course.

Notes

• Make It Lighter: Substitute half-and-half or milk for heavy cream, but the sauce will be slightly less rich.
• Add Protein: Toss in cooked bacon bits, shredded chicken, or crispy pancetta for added flavor and protein.