There’s something utterly delightful about the way Brussels sprouts transform from humble vegetables into a creamy, decadent dish almost effortlessly. Recently, I found myself craving a warm, comforting side that would bring joy to the dinner table without a fuss. Enter my Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin—a recipe born from the desire to elevate everyday ingredients into a crowd-pleasing feast.
The moment you whip this up, the rich aroma of sautéed garlic blends with creamy, melted parmesan, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Picture this: fresh Brussels sprouts surrounded by a velvety garlic cream, topped with a golden crust—just the thing to make family dinners feel special again. Whether you’re trying to impress your guests or simply looking for a satisfying side dish to pair with your favorite protein, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
With a quick prep time and simple ingredients, you’ll be whisking up a delightful dish that’s both heartwarming and nostalgic, reminding us that home-cooked meals are truly the best kind of comfort. Ready to dig in? Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin
- This Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin is incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your loved ones.
- The flavor is absolutely delightful, with the combination of garlic and parmesan creating a rich and comforting experience with every bite.
- Its versatility shines through as it pairs beautifully with any main dish, making it a perfect addition to your dinner table for any occasion.
- Visually, the golden crust on top adds an irresistible appeal that will have everyone eager to dig in.
Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin Ingredients
For the Brussels Sprouts
- Brussels sprouts – 1 lb – fresh Brussels sprouts are key for the best flavor and texture.
For the Creamy Sauce
- Garlic – 3 cloves – sautéing garlic brings out its sweet aroma and savory flavor that perfectly complements the dish.
- Heavy cream – 1 cup – adds a luxurious creaminess that makes this a truly indulgent treat.
- Salt – to taste – enhances the overall flavors and balance of your dish.
- Pepper – to taste – a dash of pepper adds a hint of warmth and spice.
For the Topping
- Grated parmesan cheese – 1 cup – imparts a delightful richness, with half mixed into the cream and the other adding a crispy topping.
- Breadcrumbs – 1/2 cup – contributes to that crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
- Butter – 2 tbsp – melting into the breadcrumbs creates a golden, buttery topping that’s irresistible.
This Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin is sure to become a family favorite!
How to Make Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Set the stage for baking with a gentle warmth that will help achieve that golden, crispy top. -
Boil the Brussels sprouts for 5 minutes.
This quick blanching softens them just enough while preserving their vibrant green color. Drain and let them rest as you prepare the sauce. -
Melt the butter in a skillet and sauté the garlic for 1 minute.
Watch the garlic sizzle and release its sweet aroma, transforming the butter into a fragrant base for your creamy sauce. -
Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
Combine everything gently, letting the cream mix seamlessly with the flavors. Look for a smooth consistency and a lovely sheen. -
Mix in half of the grated parmesan cheese.
This creates a cheesy, rich foundation that enhances the overall flavor of the dish and results in a deliciously savory bite. -
Combine the cooked Brussels sprouts with the creamy mixture.
Gently fold them together, ensuring each sprout is coated in that luscious garlic cream—a satisfying sight that promises deliciousness! -
Transfer everything to a baking dish.
Spread the mixture evenly, then top it with the remaining parmesan and breadcrumbs, making sure they are well-distributed for that crunchy topping. -
Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
You’ll know it’s ready when the top is beautifully crisped and the kitchen is filled with mouthwatering scents!
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin
Fridge: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore creaminess.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. It’s best to portion them out to make defrosting easier when cravings strike!
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, approximately 20-25 minutes.
Reheating: To maintain the crispy topping, cover with foil while reheating, removing it in the last few minutes to regain that golden crust.
Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin Variations
Feel free to sprinkle your creativity into this dish—let’s explore how to add your unique touch!
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Vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of heavy cream for a lighter version while keeping the creamy goodness.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a luscious sauce, and use nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
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Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the creamy mixture for a delightful kick.
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Herbed: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or parsley into the cream sauce for a burst of freshness and flavor.
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Nutty Crunch: Toast some crushed walnuts or pecans with the breadcrumbs for an extra crunch and delightful nuttiness on top.
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Smoky Flavor: Mix in some smoked paprika or use smoked gouda instead of parmesan for a deep, smoky twist.
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Cheese Blend: Play around with different cheeses—try a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a gooey, melty experience.
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Caramelized Onions: Add a layer of caramelized onions to the Brussels sprouts for rich, sweet undertones that elevate the dish.
Enjoy experimenting and making this recipe truly your own!
What to Serve with Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin?
Elevate your dining experience with delightful pairings that complement the creamy richness of this dish.
- Roasted Chicken: Juicy roasted chicken provides a savory contrast that perfectly balances the creamy texture, making each bite satisfying.
- Grilled Salmon: The rich flavors of salmon harmonize beautifully with the garlicky cream, adding a touch of elegance to your meal.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread offers a delightful crunch and is perfect for soaking up the creamy goodness left on your plate.
- Quinoa Salad: A light, fresh quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette brings bright flavors, cutting through the richness and adding a refreshing touch.
- Mushroom Risotto: Creamy mushroom risotto complements the Brussels sprouts, enhancing the meal’s luxurious feel with earthy flavors.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and tangy dressing in a Caesar salad provides a refreshing accompaniment, balancing the dish’s indulgence perfectly.
- Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc will enhance the meal, offering a crisp acidity that pairs wonderfully with the creamy gratin.
- Chocolate Mousse: End your meal on a sweet note! A rich chocolate mousse adds a decadent touch that contrasts beautifully with the savory dish.
- Apple Tart: A warm apple tart with a scoop of vanilla ice cream brings a comforting sweetness, rounding out the flavors of your dinner beautifully.
Make Ahead Options
These Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin are perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline meal prep! You can prepare the creamy mixture (steps 3 through 5) up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover it and refrigerate to keep the flavors fresh. The Brussels sprouts can be boiled and combined with the creamy sauce a day ahead as well; just keep them tightly sealed to maintain their texture. When you’re ready to serve, transfer the mixture to your baking dish, sprinkle on the remaining parmesan and breadcrumbs, and bake it straight from the fridge for about 30-35 minutes, allowing for that golden crust to develop beautifully. Enjoy this time-saving approach to a comforting dish that’s just as delicious as when freshly made!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin, always select fresh Brussels sprouts to ensure the best flavor and texture in your dish.
- When sautéing garlic, be careful not to overcook it, as this can lead to a bitter taste—just a minute is enough to release its sweetness.
- Make sure to mix the heavy cream and cheese thoroughly for a smooth and creamy sauce, preventing lumps from ruining your dish.
- Finally, bake until the topping is golden brown, which usually takes about 25-30 minutes, to achieve that perfect crispy texture on top of your gratin.
Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my Brussels sprouts are ripe?
Absolutely! When selecting Brussels sprouts, look for firm, bright green heads. Avoid any that have dark spots all over, as these indicate overripeness. The leaves should be tightly closed, and they should feel heavy for their size, ensuring they’re fresh and full of flavor.
What’s the best way to store leftovers of Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin?
You can keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat gently in the oven or microwave. I usually recommend adding a splash of cream before reheating to restore that delicious creaminess.
Can I freeze Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin?
Very! For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. I often portion out the gratin into individual servings, making it super easy to pop something delicious out when the craving strikes.
How should I thaw and reheat my frozen Brussels sprouts au gratin?
To thaw, place the frozen gratin in the refrigerator overnight for a gentle defrost. When ready to eat, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes. If you want to maintain that delightful crispy topping, cover it with foil while heating and then remove it in the last few minutes to let that golden crust return.
What if my garlic burns while sautéing?
Oh no! If your garlic burns, it can add a bitter taste to your dish. When sautéing garlic, keep a close eye on it—about 1 minute should be perfect. If it does burn, I recommend starting over with fresh garlic to keep the flavor profile intact.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of with this recipe?
Definitely! If you’re serving this dish to guests with allergies, be mindful that it contains dairy (heavy cream and cheese). You could substitute with a dairy-free cream alternative and nutritional yeast for a nutty, cheesy flavor to make it suitable for vegan dietary needs. Just watch the consistency of your sauce—make sure it’s still creamy!
Equipment
- Oven
- skillet
- baking dish
Ingredients
For the Brussels Sprouts
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts fresh Brussels sprouts are key for the best flavor and texture.
For the Creamy Sauce
- 3 cloves Garlic sautéing garlic brings out its sweet aroma and savory flavor.
- 1 cup Heavy cream adds a luxurious creaminess.
- Salt to taste.
- Pepper to taste.
For the Topping
- 1 cup Grated parmesan cheese imparts a delightful richness.
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs contributes to a crunchy texture.
- 2 tbsp Butter melting into the breadcrumbs creates a golden topping.
Instructions
How to Make Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil the Brussels sprouts for 5 minutes.
- Melt the butter in a skillet and sauté the garlic for 1 minute.
- Stir in the heavy cream, salt, and pepper.
- Mix in half of the grated parmesan cheese.
- Combine the cooked Brussels sprouts with the creamy mixture.
- Transfer everything to a baking dish.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
