If you’ve ever wondered how to transform humble Brussels sprouts into a dish so luscious it might become your new favorite, you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Brussels Sprouts Bake Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of tender, slightly crispy sprouts enveloped in a rich, cheesy cream sauce, baked to golden bubbly perfection. This comforting dish grabs your taste buds from the first bite and makes Brussels sprouts something everyone at the table will reach for again and again.
Ingredients You'll Need
Sometimes the simplest ingredients come together to create the most memorable flavors, and that’s exactly what happens here. Each element in this recipe plays a key role—bringing richness, texture, and just the right seasoning to elevate the Brussels sprouts to creamy, cheesy heaven.
- Brussels sprouts (2 lbs): Fresh and halved for perfect sautéing and baking texture.
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): Adds a fragrant, subtle spice that brightens the creaminess.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): A light base for sautéing that brings out a gentle fruitiness.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Introduces richness and helps develop a golden color on the sprouts.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Essential for balancing flavors.
- Ground black pepper (⅛ tsp): Adds just a whisper of warmth.
- Chicken broth (½ cup): Used to steam and infuse the sprouts with a savory depth.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The luxurious base of the creamy sauce that makes this bake irresistible.
- Shredded white cheese (1 ½ cups, your choice such as mozzarella, havarti, gouda, or cheddar): Melts perfectly to create gooey, stretchy goodness with some reserved for topping.
- Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, shredded): Adds a sharp, nutty finish to the bake.
How to Make Creamy Brussels Sprouts Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Brussels Sprouts
Begin by heating your oven to 350 degrees F so it’s ready to create that beautifully golden top later. While it’s warming, clean your Brussels sprouts and cut them into quarters. This size allows them to cook evenly and absorb flavors more effectively. Setting them aside here gives you a clear workspace for the next steps.
Step 2: Sauté for Flavor
Heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The butter melts into the olive oil, creating a silky base that will caramelize the sprouts beautifully. Toss in your cut Brussels sprouts and minced garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté this mixture for about 5 minutes—this part intensifies their natural sweetness and softens them slightly, setting a flavor foundation that's hearty and delicious.
Step 3: Add Chicken Broth to Steam
Pour in the chicken broth and continue to sauté for another 5 minutes until the broth evaporates. This step steams the Brussels sprouts just enough to make them tender while still keeping their slight crunch. The broth also adds a subtle umami undertone that makes the whole dish even more savory.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Bake
Transfer the cooked sprouts to an oven-safe baking dish, making sure to get every bit of that flavorful goodness from the skillet. Pour the heavy cream over the sprouts, and stir in one cup of your shredded white cheese along with all of the parmesan. This blend of cheeses melts into a silky sauce that coats every sprout, binding the dish together with rich flavor. Finally, sprinkle the remaining half cup of shredded cheese evenly on top to create a golden, bubbly crust as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden
Place your dish in the oven uncovered and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce is bubbling joyfully and the cheese on top has turned a tantalizing golden brown. This baking step brings everything together and intensifies flavors while giving you an irresistible crust on the surface.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Give the bake about five minutes to rest once out of the oven—this helps it set slightly so every creamy, cheesy spoonful holds together beautifully. Then you’re all set to delight your friends and family with this incredible creamy Brussels sprouts bake.
How to Serve Creamy Brussels Sprouts Bake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few crispy fried shallots can add just the right textural contrast and a pop of color. A dash of smoked paprika or a few red pepper flakes will introduce a subtle kick if you like a touch of spice. These little touches make the dish feel extra special and invite your guests to dive in with enthusiasm.
Side Dishes
This creamy Brussels sprouts bake pairs wonderfully with a variety of mains. Think roasted chicken, glazed ham, or even a juicy steak to complement the creamy, cheesy goodness. For a lighter vibe, serve it alongside a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or some roasted root vegetables. It’s versatile enough to fit into casual family dinners or holiday feasts with ease.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting presentation, serve this bake in a rustic ceramic dish, straight from the oven, so guests can see the bubbling cheese crust. Or, portion individual servings in small ramekins for a stylish touch at dinner parties. Adding toasted nuts or breadcrumbs on top before baking can add a delightful crunch, turning this into a multi-textured delight everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce may thicken in the fridge, but it’s easy to reheat and loosen back up for another round of comfort.
Freezing
You can freeze this bake if you want to keep it longer. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months, ready for those nights when you crave something delicious but quick.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through and bubbly again. A short broil at the end will revive that gorgeous golden cheese topping perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this bake?
While fresh Brussels sprouts give the best texture and flavor for this Creamy Brussels Sprouts Bake Recipe, you can use frozen if needed. Just thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture, then proceed with the sautéing step as usual to help build flavor.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you have a delicious vegetarian version that is just as creamy and satisfying.
What cheeses can I use if I don’t have mozzarella or havarti?
Feel free to get creative! Cheddar, gouda, or even Monterey Jack melt beautifully and add rich flavor. Combining a mild cheese with a sharper one like parmesan creates great balance in this dish.
Can I make this dish vegan-friendly?
To make a vegan Creamy Brussels Sprouts Bake Recipe, swap out butter for vegan margarine, use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives, and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. The texture and flavor will be different but still delicious.
How do I know when the bake is done?
Look for bubbling sauce around the edges and a lightly golden brown cheese crust on top. The Brussels sprouts underneath should be tender but not mushy, and the entire dish should be heated through evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Brussels Sprouts Bake Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a little magic to Brussels sprouts, turning them into a crowd-pleasing, irresistible side dish or even a star on its own. Whether you’re looking for easy weeknight comfort or a stunning addition to the holiday table, it’s totally worth trying. Grab those sprouts and get ready to bake your way to a creamy, cheesy delight that everyone will love!
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Creamy Brussels Sprouts Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and creamy Brussels sprouts bake that combines tender sautéed Brussels sprouts with a rich, cheesy cream sauce, baked to golden perfection. This comforting side dish is perfect for family dinners or holiday meals, featuring a blend of mozzarella, havarti, gouda, or cheddar cheeses along with parmesan for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 lbs Brussels sprouts (washed and cut in half vertically)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
Fats & Oils
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
Seasonings & Liquids
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Cheeses
- 1 ½ cups shredded white cheese (mozzarella, havarti, gouda or cheddar), divided (1 cup for sauce, ½ cup for topping)
- ¼ cup shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the dish.
- Prepare Brussels Sprouts: Clean and cut the Brussels sprouts into quarters, set them aside ready for cooking.
- Sauté Brussels Sprouts: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter. Add the cut Brussels sprouts and the minced garlic. Season with ¼ teaspoon salt and ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper, then sauté for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour in ½ cup chicken broth and continue sautéing for about 5 more minutes until the broth has mostly evaporated and the Brussels sprouts are tender.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Remove the cooked Brussels sprouts from the skillet and add them to an oven-safe baking dish.
- Add Cream and Cheeses: Pour 1 cup of heavy cream over the Brussels sprouts in the dish. Stir in 1 cup of shredded white cheese and all of the parmesan cheese until evenly combined. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheese on top.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the dish is bubbling and the cheese on top is lightly golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the dish to sit for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, then serve warm.
Notes
- You can use mozzarella, havarti, gouda, or cheddar cheese based on your preference or what you have available.
- For a richer dish, use heavy cream, but you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though the texture and taste will be less creamy.
- Make sure not to overcook the Brussels sprouts during sautéing to maintain some bite before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make this dish vegetarian, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
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