Cheesy Brussels Sprout Casserole
Smells of roasted Brussels sprouts waft through the air as this Cheesy Brussels Sprout Casserole bakes to perfection in your oven. The golden-brown cheesy crust beckons you closer, while the creamy interior promises a delightfully rich experience. Each forkful is a warm embrace. The combination of butter, gruyère, and parmesan in this dish transforms your ordinary Brussels sprouts into something truly special — a dish that will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds!
Table of Contents
Reflecting on my childhood, I remember my mom’s Sunday dinners, where vegetables didn’t always take center stage. Yet, when she introduced Brussels sprouts, particularly in a sumptuous casserole, it was magical. I will never forget seeing those little green nuggets transformed into something so creamy and cheesy that even my pickiest cousins couldn’t resist. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or even a cozy weeknight dinner, this Cheesy Brussels Sprout Casserole is sure to be a new family favorite. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 20 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of baking, this casserole is perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Irresistible Flavor: Creamy, cheesy, and just the right amount of spice from the red pepper flakes make every bite unforgettable.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: This casserole looks impressive with its bubbly cheese and golden onion topping, perfect for parties.
- Flexible Serving: Serve as a hearty side with dinner or enjoy it as a comforting main dish on chilly nights.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily make it gluten-free by using alternative flours; it’s also rich in nutrients!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Brussels Sprouts (2 pounds): Fresh Brussels sprouts add the primary flavor and texture. Make sure they’re washed and trimmed for the best taste. Frozen sprouts can work too but adjust cooking times.
- Unsalted Butter (¼ cup or ½ stick): This rich fat creates a flavorful base. Feel free to substitute with olive oil for a lighter version.
- Yellow Onion (1 medium): A finely diced onion adds sweetness and depth. Red or shallots are great alternatives if you prefer.
- Garlic (4 teaspoons, minced): Fresh garlic imparts a fragrant aroma and a robust flavor. Use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh is best!
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (½ teaspoon): Just the right kick balances the creaminess. Omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (¼ cup or 31 g): Helps thicken the creamy sauce. Cor tapioca or arrowroot flour can serve as gluten-free alternatives.
- Chicken Broth (1 cup or 252 g): Adds depth to the casserole. Vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian option.
- Heavy Whipping Cream (1 cup or 238 g): This is what makes the casserole nice and creamy. Substitute with full-fat coconut milk for a lactose-free alternative.
- Kosher Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors in the dish. Sea salt is a good substitute.
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Freshly cracked black pepper adds a subtle warmth.
- Gruyère Cheese (1 cup or 113 g, shredded): Its nutty flavor perfectly complements Brussels sprouts. Swiss cheese can be a good alternative.
- Parmesan Cheese (1 cup or 100 g, freshly grated): A salty goodness that adds an extra layer of flavor. Pecorino can substitute if desired.
- French’s Crispy Fried Onions (1 ½ cups or 100 g, or homemade): These give a delightful crunch on top. Homemade steps could involve tossing onion rings in flour and frying until golden!
- Fresh Parsley: (for garnish): Adds a pop of color. If unavailable, green onions can be a nice touch too!
How to Make Cheesy Brussels Sprout Casserole
Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, wash, trim, and halve the brussels sprouts. This ensures they cook through evenly and soak up all the delicious flavors from the casserole.
Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the finely diced onion, and sauté until it becomes translucent. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Add in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring frequently until fragrant, about 1 minute. The sweet and savory aroma will fill your kitchen beautifully!
Whisk Dry to Wet Ingredients: Once aromatic, sprinkle the flour over the sautéed mixture, whisking it into the butter to create a roux. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Next, add the heavy cream while continuing to whisk. This sauce will become smooth and slightly thick. You might want to remove it from heat as it thickens, ensuring a luscious texture for your casserole.
Combine Together: Now it’s time to combine everything! Add the halved Brussels sprouts to your skillet and mix well. Fold in the gruyère and parmesan cheese until they’re evenly distributed. Season with kosher salt and black pepper. The cheesy goodness should coat the sprouts beautifully, creating a comforting and hearty mixture.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Carefully pour the cheesy Brussels sprouts mix into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread them out evenly for uniform cooking and top with the crispy fried onions for that perfect crunchy finish. This will add such a delightful texture contrast!
Bake Until Golden: Place the casserole in the preheated oven, baking for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on it and look for sizzling edges that indicate it’s time to take it out. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving; this helps everything set and makes serving easier.
Storing & Reheating
To store your Cheesy Brussels Sprout Casserole, let it cool to room temperature before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerated, it will keep well for about 3-4 days. You may freeze it for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe dish. When ready to enjoy, oven bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Be aware that the crispy topping may soften, but you can always pop it under the broiler for a minute or two to refresh that lovely crunch!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the Brussels sprouts during the sautéing step; they should still be slightly crisp before baking.
- If using frozen sprouts, thaw them first and pat dry to avoid excess moisture in your casserole.
- For a creamier texture, consider adding another half cup of cream or even a dollop of cream cheese to the mix.
- Doubling the recipe? Be sure to use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley for a pop of color just before serving. This not only looks great but also adds a fresh flavor!
There you have it — a rich, flavorsome Cheesy Brussels Sprout Casserole that’s perfect for gathering and enjoying with family and friends! You’ve crafted not just a meal, but a nostalgic experience. Get creative with the toppings or ingredients, and make it your own. Whether celebrating a holiday or simply adding joy to a weeknight dinner, your kitchen will be filled with laughter and delicious memories. Bon appétit!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and leave out any meat-based ingredients. This will still ensure a deliciously rich flavor.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to your baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze portions for longer storage, up to 3 months.
Can I substitute the cheeses?
Certainly! While gruyère and parmesan give fantastic flavor, you can experiment with other melting cheeses like cheddar or fontina. Each will give your casserole a different twist while still remaining delicious!
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📖 Recipe Card
Cheesy Brussels Sprout Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Brussels Sprout Casserole is a delightful blend of flavors that turn ordinary Brussels sprouts into a mouthwatering dish. With creamy cheese and a crunchy topping, it’s perfect for gatherings and weeknight dinners alike!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Brussels Sprouts
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 4 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 1/2 cups French's crispy fried onions
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash, trim, and halve the Brussels sprouts.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté diced onion until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes for 1 minute.
- Sprinkle flour over the mixture, whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, ensuring a smooth sauce.
- Fold in the halved Brussels sprouts, gruyère, parmesan, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and top with crispy fried onions.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Avoid overcooking the Brussels sprouts to maintain a slight crisp.
If using frozen sprouts, thaw first and pat dry to prevent excess moisture.
Add more cream for extra creaminess if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
