If you are looking for a delightful and comforting vegetable side that will win over even the most skeptical eaters, this Creamy Baked Brussels Sprouts Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Picture tender, roasted Brussels sprouts bathed in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce, topped with bubbling golden mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. It strikes the perfect balance between savory richness and the natural earthiness of fresh sprouts, making it an ideal accompaniment for any meal. Whether you’re serving a weeknight dinner or special holiday feast, this dish brings bold flavor and irresistible creaminess to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Baked Brussels Sprouts Recipe lies in its simple yet impactful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role—from the fresh Brussels sprouts that provide that signature bite and slight bitterness to the cheeses and cream that create a silky, indulgent sauce. Together, they transform a humble vegetable into a crave-worthy dish.
- Brussels sprouts (1 ½ pounds, trimmed and halved): Fresh is best for vibrant flavor and texture, and halving helps them roast evenly and get crisp on the edges.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps the sprouts develop a beautiful golden roast.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the creaminess perfectly.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Provides just a touch of mild heat to lift the dish.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Offers aromatic depth and a savory kick that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The star of the sauce, creating that indulgent, silky coating that clings to every sprout.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Adds a nutty, sharp flavor that melts into the cream for fabulous richness.
- Mozzarella cheese (½ cup, shredded): Gives a luscious, bubbly, and stretchy topping that turns golden when baked.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): A subtle hint of heat that wakes up the creaminess without overpowering it.
- Ground nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): A warming spice that deepens the flavor profile, adding unexpected complexity.
How to Make Creamy Baked Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Brussels Sprouts
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the halved Brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper until each piece is nicely coated. Spread them evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Roast for 20 minutes, until they turn lightly golden and tender. This initial roast caramelizes the edges and softens the sprouts, creating a perfect base for your creamy topping.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce
While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, reduce some kitchen multitasking into simple comfort food magic. Lower your oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). In a small saucepan on medium heat, combine the minced garlic, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and ground nutmeg. Stir continuously for about 3 to 4 minutes until the Parmesan melts completely and the mixture is smooth, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Once the sprouts are roasted, pour the creamy garlic sauce evenly over them. Then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top, followed by the optional crushed red pepper flakes for that tiny burst of heat. Bake everything together for another 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is gloriously bubbly and golden brown on the surface. This final bake melds all the flavors and textures into one harmonious dish that’s as pretty as it is delicious.
Step 4: Cooling and Finishing Touches
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. This rest time allows the creamy sauce to thicken slightly, making every bite perfectly luscious without being runny. If you want extra crunchy cheese topping, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end—just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
How to Serve Creamy Baked Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs such as chopped parsley or thyme bring a vibrant contrast and a fresh pop of color that brightens the plate. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts can add wonderful crunch and a subtle nuttiness that pairs beautifully with this creamy dish.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Baked Brussels Sprouts Recipe shines alongside roasted meats like chicken or pork, but it’s equally delightful with a hearty grain like wild rice or quinoa. Pairing with a crisp green salad can balance the richness with some refreshing texture and acidity.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Brussels sprouts directly from the baking dish for a cozy, family-style feeling, or plate individually for a more elegant presentation. You can also add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your creamy masterpiece, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it a convenient and delicious make-ahead side.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this Creamy Baked Brussels Sprouts Recipe, it’s best to do so before baking. Place the assembled dish in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to heat through.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through and bubbly again. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the topping from becoming soggy or rubbery—oven reheating preserves the dish’s lovely textures.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
While fresh Brussels sprouts give the best flavor and texture for this recipe, you can use thawed frozen sprouts in a pinch. Just make sure to dry them thoroughly to prevent excess moisture from diluting the creamy sauce.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
Yes! You can swap heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk, but expect a slightly less thick and rich sauce. Adding a bit more cheese can help boost the creaminess to compensate.
Can I prepare this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute the dairy cheeses with plant-based alternatives and use coconut cream or a cashew cream sauce instead of heavy cream. Keep in mind the flavors will be different but still delicious in their own right.
How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a gentle heat that complements the richness without overwhelming the sprouts. If you prefer no heat, simply leave them out or reduce the amount.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Sliced mushrooms, pearl onions, or chopped bell peppers can add extra dimension and color to this dish. Just be mindful of cooking times to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Baked Brussels Sprouts Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone wanting a comforting yet elegant vegetable side. The combination of roasted sprouts, rich garlic cream sauce, and golden cheese topping makes it a standout on any table. I hope you give it a try soon and discover just how irresistible Brussels sprouts can really be when prepared with a little love and plenty of creaminess.
Print
Creamy Baked Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy baked Brussels sprouts recipe features tender Brussels sprouts roasted to golden perfection and smothered in a rich, cheesy cream sauce. Enhanced with garlic, Parmesan, and mozzarella, this flavorful side dish is perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 ½ pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Brussels Sprouts: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Roast Brussels Sprouts: Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Roast for 20 minutes, or until they are slightly golden and tender.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: While the sprouts roast, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the minced garlic, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and nutmeg. Stir constantly until the cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth, about 3–4 minutes.
- Combine and Add Cheese: Pour the warm cream sauce evenly over the roasted Brussels sprouts. Then, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and, if desired, crushed red pepper flakes over the top.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Finishing Touches: Let the dish cool slightly before serving. For extra crispiness, you can broil the dish for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the dish for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Use Gruyère cheese instead of mozzarella for a more robust flavor.
