My mouth waters just thinking about my mom’s famous Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin. It’s a dish that reminds me of childhood holidays and cozy family gatherings. The way the Brussels sprouts soak up all that rich, creamy, garlicky goodness – it’s simply irresistible. Honestly, I can never get enough of this comforting, indulgent side dish.
Why This Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin
What makes my mom’s Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin so special is the combination of tender, caramelized Brussels sprouts and a luxuriously creamy, garlicky sauce that’s baked to bubbly, golden-brown perfection. The key is roasting the Brussels sprouts first to bring out their natural sweetness, then folding them into a silky béchamel-style sauce spiked with plenty of freshly minced garlic. Once it’s all layered into a baking dish and topped with a generous amount of shredded cheese, it transforms into the ultimate comfort food side dish. Trust me, your family and friends are going to go absolutely crazy for this Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The star of this dish is, of course, the humble Brussels sprout. Look for small, tightly packed heads that are vibrant green in color. For the creamy sauce, you’ll need butter, all-purpose flour, whole milk, heavy cream, and lots of freshly minced garlic. Shredded Gruyère or cheddar cheese provides the gooey, melty topping.
Step-by-Step Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin Instructions
Preparing Your Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin
This Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin comes together in about an hour from start to finish. You’ll need a large mixing bowl, a saucepan, a whisk, and a 9×13-inch baking dish. Let’s get started!
1- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and slice them in half lengthwise. Spread them out on a large baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway, until the Brussels sprouts are tender and caramelized.
2- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until thickened to a creamy consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
3- Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the minced garlic. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
4- In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the roasted Brussels sprouts with the creamy garlic sauce until evenly coated.
5- Transfer the Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Top evenly with the shredded cheese.
6- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown on top. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin is to roast the Brussels sprouts first to bring out their natural sweetness and nutty flavor. Be sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet so they can get nice and caramelized. And don’t be shy with the garlic – the more the merrier in this dish! Taste the creamy sauce before assembling and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serving and Storing Your Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin
Perfect Pairings for Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin
This Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin makes a fabulous side dish for roasted chicken, pork chops, or even grilled steak. It would also be a welcome addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a fresh green salad. As for beverages, a crisp white wine or a cold IPA would be the perfect pairing.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftovers of this Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or the oven until warmed through. You can also make this dish in advance – assemble it up to 2 days ahead, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. It may need an extra 5-10 minutes in the oven since it’s going in cold.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin
Creative Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin Variations
For a little extra richness, try adding crumbled bacon or diced ham to the Brussels sprout mixture. You could also swap in different cheeses like Parmesan, cheddar, or fontina. In the fall, butternut squash or apples would make a delicious addition. And for a pop of color and freshness, top it with toasted breadcrumbs or chopped parsley before serving.
Making Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin Diet-Friendly
To make this dish gluten-free, simply use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. For a dairy-free or vegan version, substitute the milk and cream with unsweetened plant-based milk and use a vegan cheese shreds. The roasted Brussels sprouts will still be the star of the show!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts instead of fresh?
A: You can, but the texture and flavor won’t be quite as good. Frozen Brussels sprouts tend to be more watery and less caramelized. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before roasting.
Q: How do I know when the Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin is done baking?
A: The Brussels sprouts au gratin is ready when the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. You can also test it by inserting a fork – it should pierce through the Brussels sprouts easily.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin is a great make-ahead option. Assemble the casserole up to 2 days in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time since it’s going into the oven cold.
Q: How many people does this recipe serve?
A: This Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin recipe serves 6-8 people as a side dish. If serving it as a main course, it would feed 4-6 people.
Q: Help! My Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin turned out watery. What did I do wrong?
A: A few things could cause a watery casserole. First, make sure you’re using fresh, dry Brussels sprouts and not frozen. Secondly, be sure to cook the flour-butter roux long enough to fully thicken the sauce before assembling the dish. Finally, don’t overcrowd the baking dish, as that can lead to excess moisture.
Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, creamy, and garlicky goodness of this Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin. This comforting and decadent side dish is sure to impress your family and friends with its flavor and texture.
Ingredients
– 1 lb brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1/4 tsp nutmeg
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 2. Toss the brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and black pepper on a baking sheet.
3. 3. Roast the brussels sprouts for 15-20 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.
4. 4. In a saucepan, combine the garlic and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
5. 5. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 3/4 cup of the parmesan cheese and the nutmeg.
6. 6. Transfer the roasted brussels sprouts to a baking dish and pour the creamy garlic sauce over the top.
7. 7. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese over the top.
8. 8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. 9. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving. You can also try adding a panko breadcrumb topping for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin is the ultimate comfort food side dish that’s sure to wow your family and friends. With tender, caramelized Brussels sprouts nestled in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce and topped with melty cheese, it’s a flavor explosion in every bite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a new holiday and weeknight staple in your household. So what are you waiting for? Go grab those Brussels sprouts and get cooking!
