If you’re looking for a comforting yet vibrant side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds, this Brussel Sprouts Au Gratin Recipe is an absolute must-try. It takes humble Brussels sprouts and transforms them into a creamy, cheesy delight with a golden, bubbling crust that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With layers of tender shredded sprouts, rich Gruyère cheese, and fragrant spices, this dish is a fantastic way to elevate your veggie game and impress friends and family alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Brussel Sprouts Au Gratin Recipe comes down to a handful of simple ingredients that work beautifully together. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to balance creamy richness, subtle spice, and fresh vegetable flavor—making this dish both satisfying and vibrant.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a luscious base for sautéing and imparts a delicate richness without overpowering the greens.
- Brussels sprouts: Shredded for tender texture and maximum flavor absorption, they are the star of the dish.
- Minced garlic: Adds a punch of savory depth that perfectly complements the cheese and spices.
- All-purpose flour: Works as a thickening agent to create that smooth, creamy sauce coat.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the creaminess.
- Heavy cream: Enriches the dish with velvety smoothness and a subtle sweet creaminess.
- Nutmeg, paprika, and onion powder: A trio of warm spices that bring complexity and a gentle warmth without overwhelming the sprouts.
- Gruyère cheese: Melted within and on top, it delivers that perfect nutty, melty, golden crust that makes this au gratin irresistible.
How to Make Brussel Sprouts Au Gratin Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
The very first step is crucial: preheat your oven to 400º F so it’s primed and ready. This ensures that once the creamy mixture is in the oven, it will crisp up nicely on top and become beautifully golden without drying out the sprouts underneath.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Sauté Brussels Sprouts
Using a large ovenproof skillet or a cast iron pan, melt the butter over medium heat. This buttery foundation will lend the sprouts a wonderful silky coating. Add the shredded Brussels sprouts and sauté for about 5 minutes. At first, they might look like too many, but don’t worry—they shrink down as they cook, softening perfectly for the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Flour
Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook it for about a minute until fragrant—this little step releases the garlic’s flavor without burning it. Then sprinkle the flour over everything. Stir well, making sure the sprouts and garlic are evenly coated, helping the sauce thicken later on.
Step 4: Season and Add Cream
This is where the flavor starts to build—carefully add the nutmeg, paprika, kosher salt, and onion powder, infusing the dish with warmth and gentle spice. Pour in the heavy cream and toss everything to combine, coating each shred of Brussels sprouts in luscious cream mixed with aromatic spices.
Step 5: Incorporate Cheese
Turn off the heat and stir in 1 ½ cups of Gruyère cheese until melting and merging with the creamy mixture. This cheese adds that nutty, slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the Brussels sprouts. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top, preparing for a golden, bubbly finish.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Slide your skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 16 to 19 minutes until the top is beautifully golden brown and bubbling. This step marries all the flavors and textures, giving you a crispy, cheesy crust against the tender, creamy sprouts underneath.
How to Serve Brussel Sprouts Au Gratin Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten and freshen up the richness, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or a handful of toasted pine nuts on top right before serving. This adds a lovely pop of color and crunch, making each bite even more delightful.
Side Dishes
This Brussel Sprouts Au Gratin Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, pork tenderloin, or even a simple grilled steak. It’s a perfect way to add a rich vegetable side that complements heartier mains without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve the au gratin in individual ramekins or a beautiful cast-iron skillet at the table so everyone can enjoy the bubbling, crispy topping fresh from the oven. You can also layer it atop mashed potatoes for a cozy casserole twist that adds even more indulgence to your meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Brussel Sprouts Au Gratin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it to room temperature before sealing to maintain the creamy texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, too! Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to preserve the flavors and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the au gratin in an oven-safe dish at 350º F for about 15 minutes or until bubbly and heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible because reheating slowly helps retain the creamy texture without making the sprouts mushy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this au gratin?
While fresh Brussels sprouts work best for shredding and sautéing, you can use frozen if needed. Just be sure to thaw and drain them very well to avoid excess water making the dish soggy.
Is Gruyère cheese essential, or can I substitute it?
Gruyère gives the dish its signature nutty and creamy flavor, but you can substitute with Emmental, Swiss, or a mild cheddar for a slightly different yet still delicious taste.
Can I make this without heavy cream?
The cream adds richness and helps the sauce thicken beautifully, but you could try using whole milk with a bit of butter for a lighter version. Keep in mind the texture will be less decadent.
How do I shred Brussels sprouts quickly?
The easiest way is to use a food processor fitted with a shredding blade, or you can finely slice them by hand with a sharp knife for more control over texture.
Is this dish suitable for a holiday meal?
Absolutely! The Brussel Sprouts Au Gratin Recipe offers a sophisticated yet cozy side that fits perfectly with holiday feasts or special occasions, adding a comforting and elegant vegetable option to your table.
Final Thoughts
This Brussel Sprouts Au Gratin Recipe is one of those dishes that turns even the most hesitant Brussels sprouts skeptics into fans. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, making it a wonderful way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable with a decadent twist. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will easily find a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. So grab those Brussels sprouts and get ready to indulge in a seriously cozy, crowd-pleasing treat!
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Brussel Sprouts Au Gratin Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin recipe features tender shredded Brussels sprouts cooked in a creamy, cheesy sauce with Gruyère, garlic, and aromatic spices. Sautéed on the stovetop and finished in the oven until golden and bubbly, this dish makes a rich and comforting side perfect for holiday meals or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, shredded
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC) to prepare for the final baking step.
- Melt Butter: Place a large oven-proof skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat on the stovetop and melt the butter completely.
- Sauté Brussels Sprouts: Add the shredded Brussels sprouts to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes. They may look like a lot initially but will shrink as they cook.
- Add Garlic and Flour: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the all-purpose flour and mix thoroughly to coat the sprouts evenly.
- Mix Seasonings and Cream: Add the nutmeg, paprika, kosher salt, onion powder, and heavy cream. Toss everything together until well combined. Turn off the heat.
- Add Cheese: Stir in 1 ½ cups of Gruyère cheese into the mixture, then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese evenly on top of the Brussels sprouts.
- Bake Au Gratin: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 16 to 19 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Notes
- Be sure to use an oven-proof skillet to avoid transferring the mixture to another dish before baking.
- Shredding the Brussels sprouts allows them to cook more evenly and absorb the creamy sauce better.
- Gruyère cheese melts well and develops a beautiful nutty flavor; you may substitute with Swiss cheese if needed.
- For a bit of extra crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats or as a hearty vegetarian main when paired with a grain salad.
