Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate. Seriously, the first time I made it, I couldn’t believe how creamy and rich it turned out. The Brussels sprouts get so tender and soak up all that garlicky goodness, and when you add that golden, cheesy crust on top—wow! It’s perfect for those cozy family dinners or even as a show-stopping side at a holiday gathering. Trust me, everyone will be coming back for seconds! Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly, so it fits right in at any table. You’re going to love how easy it is to whip up this comforting side dish that makes even the pickiest eaters fall in love with Brussels sprouts!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved: These little green gems are the stars of the show! Make sure to trim off any tough ends and cut them in half to help them cook evenly.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is what brings that punch of flavor! I love using fresh garlic for the best taste—just be careful not to burn it when sautéing.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes the dish ultra-creamy and decadent. It’s rich and luscious, perfect for coating those Brussels sprouts.
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese: Oh, the cheese! It adds a salty, nutty flavor and a beautifully crispy topping. I like to use freshly grated for the best melt and flavor.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: This is for that crunchy topping! You can use plain or seasoned, depending on how adventurous you feel.
- 2 tbsp butter: Butter is essential for sautéing the garlic and adds a lovely richness to the sauce. Make sure it’s unsalted for better control over the seasoning!
- Salt to taste: Adjust this based on your preference. Remember, the cheese adds saltiness too, so taste as you go!
- Pepper to taste: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a nice kick. Don’t hold back if you love a little heat!
How to Prepare Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin
Preheat and Boil
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures everything will cook evenly and come together perfectly! While that’s heating up, grab a pot and fill it with water. Bring it to a boil, and then toss in your halved Brussels sprouts. Let them boil for about 5 minutes—this quick blanching helps them get tender without losing that lovely green color. Once they’re done, drain them and set them aside. Trust me, this step is key for that perfect texture!
Prepare the Creamy Mixture
Now, onto the good stuff! In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once it’s bubbly and starting to smell divine, add your minced garlic. Sauté that for just about a minute—don’t let it burn, or it’ll get bitter! Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, followed by a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. Stir it all together and let it simmer for a minute so the flavors meld beautifully. Oh, the aroma! Now, mix in half of your grated parmesan cheese, stirring until it’s all melted and creamy. This is the magic that brings everything together!
Combine and Bake
Alright, it’s time to bring it all together! In a large bowl, combine your drained Brussels sprouts with that luscious creamy mixture, making sure every sprout is coated in that garlicky goodness. Once it’s all mixed, transfer the whole thing into a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan on top, followed by your breadcrumbs for that irresistible crunch. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until it’s bubbling and golden brown. Trust me, this is where your kitchen will start to smell like heaven!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin turns out absolutely perfect, I’ve got a few tried-and-true tips for you. Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can really elevate your dish!
- Don’t skip the blanching: Boiling the Brussels sprouts for just 5 minutes is crucial! This step helps soften them up and ensures they don’t end up mushy after baking. You want that beautiful tender-crisp texture!
- Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic makes a world of difference. The flavor is so much more vibrant compared to pre-minced options. Just keep an eye on it while sautéing—it cooks quickly!
- Experiment with cheese: While parmesan is classic, feel free to mix in other cheeses like Gruyère or cheddar for a different twist. Just remember to adjust the salt since different cheeses have different salt levels!
- Breadcrumbs matter: For that perfect crunch, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. They’ll give you a lighter, crispier topping that’s simply irresistible!
- Let it rest: After you take it out of the oven, let your dish sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set a bit and makes serving easier!
- Taste as you go: Seasoning is key, so don’t be shy! Taste your creamy mixture before combining with the Brussels sprouts to ensure it’s just right.
Follow these tips, and I promise your Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin will be a hit at your table! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown for each serving of my delightful Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin. Remember, this is just an estimate, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 10g
This dish is loaded with creamy goodness while still providing a good amount of fiber from the Brussels sprouts. It’s perfect for those cozy meals where you want something rich yet packed with flavor. Enjoy every bite, and feel good about it too!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Absolutely! You can use frozen Brussels sprouts in this recipe, but I recommend thawing and draining them first to avoid excess moisture. Just let them sit in a colander for a bit after thawing, so they don’t water down your creamy mixture. They may not have the same fresh crunch, but they’ll still taste delicious and save you some prep time!
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative like almond or cashew cream. Just keep in mind that this will change the flavor a little bit—coconut cream will add a hint of sweetness, while nut creams have their own unique taste. Both will still give you that lovely creaminess you want!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just transfer any uneaten Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it’s warmed through, or you can microwave individual portions. Just be careful not to overcook it, or it might lose that lovely creamy texture!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, Creamy Flavor: The combination of heavy cream, garlic, and parmesan creates a decadent taste that’s hard to resist!
- Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious side dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This dish fits beautifully into vegetarian diets, making it a great option for gatherings with diverse dietary preferences.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday feast, everyone will be asking for seconds (or thirds!) of this comforting dish.
- Versatile Side Dish: Pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses, from roasted meats to hearty vegetarian entrees.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare it in advance and just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve, making entertaining a breeze!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this mouthwatering Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin, let’s talk about the best ways to serve it! This dish is so versatile and pairs beautifully with a range of main courses. Here are some of my favorite suggestions:
- Roast Chicken: A succulent roast chicken is a classic pairing. The crispy skin and juicy meat complement the rich creaminess of the Brussels sprouts perfectly!
- Grilled Salmon: The light, flaky texture of grilled salmon adds a nice contrast to the creamy gratin. Plus, the flavors of garlic and salmon work so well together!
- Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms: For a vegetarian meal, serve your Brussels sprouts alongside stuffed portobello mushrooms filled with cheese, spinach, and herbs. It’s a hearty and satisfying combination!
- Beef Tenderloin: For a special occasion, pair this dish with a perfectly cooked beef tenderloin. The richness of both dishes will have everyone raving!
- Quinoa Salad: If you’re looking for a lighter option, a fresh quinoa salad with roasted veggies and a lemon vinaigrette adds a nice balance to the creamy richness of the gratin.
- Herb-Crusted Pork Chops: The savory flavors of herb-crusted pork chops are an excellent match for the garlicky notes in the Brussels sprouts. It’s a comforting and delicious duo!
Don’t forget to add a nice crusty baguette or some warm dinner rolls on the side to soak up that delicious creamy sauce—trust me, you’ll want every last drop! Enjoy your meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! Storing your Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin is super simple. Just let it cool down to room temperature, then transfer any uneaten portions into an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. I like to label my containers with the date so I know when to enjoy them again!
When you’re ready to dig in, there are a couple of great ways to reheat it. If you want to keep that lovely, creamy texture, I recommend reheating in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the baking dish with foil to prevent it from drying out, and warm it up for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through. Just keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t overcook!
If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave individual servings. Just pop a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel (this helps keep the moisture in), and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed to your liking. Just be careful not to overheat it, or that creamy goodness might lose its charm!
Enjoy your delicious leftovers, and trust me, they’re just as comforting the second time around!
Print
Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin for Cozy Nights
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy dish featuring Brussels sprouts and garlic, topped with a golden crust.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a pot, boil Brussels sprouts for 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute.
- Add heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Mix in half of the parmesan cheese.
- Combine Brussels sprouts with the creamy mixture.
- Transfer to a baking dish and top with remaining parmesan and breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Can substitute cream with a dairy-free option for a vegan dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin, Brussels sprouts, creamy side dish