Cheesy Brussels Sprout Casserole
The moment you step into the kitchen, the rich, creamy aroma of Cheesy Brussels Sprout Casserole starts to waft through the air, inviting your appetite to join the fun. Picture crisp Brussels sprouts enveloped in a luscious, velvety cheese sauce, bubbling away like a warm hug waiting to be savored. The golden crust of crispy fried onions adds an irresistible crunch that promises to make your heart sing with joy. It feels like a cozy family gathering around the dinner table, where every bite brings back fond memories and a sense of belonging.
Table of Contents
Fall is here, and with it comes the comfort of hearty dishes that nourish the body and soul. As someone who cherishes time spent with loved ones over a hearty meal, this Cheesy Brussels Sprout Casserole has become a go-to recipe in my home, especially during the holidays. So, gather your loved ones, and let’s whip up this creamy goodness together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready to serve in under an hour, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of gruyère and parmesan creates a melty, cheesy delight that pairs beautifully with the roasted Brussels sprouts.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: This casserole is not just delicious; it’s a feast for the eyes with its golden topping and vibrant green veggies.
- Flexible Serving: Enjoy it as a side dish during holidays, or as a comforting main dish anytime you crave something warm and hearty.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for vegetarians, and can be made gluten-free with simple ingredient swaps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Brussels Sprouts (2 pounds): Fresh, washed, trimmed, and halved Brussels sprouts provide the star power in this recipe, bringing a delightful crunch and earthy flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Unsalted Butter (¼ cup or ½ stick): Used for sautéing and forming the base of the sauce, unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness in your dish. Feel free to swap it with olive oil for a dairy-free alternative.
- Yellow Onion (1 medium): The finely diced onion adds sweetness and a depth of flavor. If you’re out of yellow onion, try using a sweet onion for a similar effect.
- Garlic (4 teaspoons minced): Fresh garlic, minced, brings a punch of flavor that brightens the entire casserole. You can opt for garlic powder in a pinch, using about 1 teaspoon instead.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (½ teaspoon): These add a subtle heat that balances the richness of the cheese. Omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour (¼ cup or 31 g): This helps thicken the sauce; use a gluten-free blend if needed.
- Chicken Broth (1 cup or 252 g): Provides a savory base for the sauce; vegetable broth can be swapped for a vegetarian option.
- Heavy Whipping Cream (1 cup or 238 g): For that velvety finish. Coconut cream is a great dairy-free substitute, giving it a slightly sweeter taste.
- Kosher Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for enhancing the flavors. Adjust it based on your dietary preferences.
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Freshly cracked provides warmth and depth; you can add more for a spicier kick.
- Gruyère Cheese (1 cup or 113 g, shredded): Melts beautifully, lending a nutty flavor—Swiss cheese can also do the job if you’re running low.
- Parmesan Cheese (1 cup or 100 g, freshly grated): The salty, tangy kick is ideal for this casserole. If you want a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast adds a similar flavor profile.
- Crispy Fried Onions (1½ cups or 100 g): These can be store-bought or homemade, adding that crucial crunchy layer; you can even experiment with nuts for a twist.
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish): A sprinkle of chopped parsley brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color before serving.
How to Make Cheesy Brussels Sprout Casserole
Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating, wash and trim your Brussels sprouts, cutting them in half, which allows for thorough cooking and increased surface area for browning.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is aromatic but not browned—this step adds a rich flavor base to your casserole.
Whisk in Flour: Sprinkle the flour into the skillet with the onion and garlic mixture, stirring well to combine. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until it’s lightly golden; this helps eliminate the raw flour taste and thickens your sauce.
Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking over medium heat until the mixture thickens slightly and bubbles gently, around 3-5 minutes. Now, season with kosher salt and black pepper for an extra flavor punch!
Incorporate Cheeses: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded gruyère and grated parmesan until they melt and create a creamy, cheesy sauce. This is where the magic begins as the mixture transforms into a gooey delight!
Toss in Brussels Sprouts: Gently fold the halved Brussels sprouts into the cheesy sauce until well coated. It’ll feel exciting to see each sprout enveloped in that silky goodness.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the cheesy Brussels sprout mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. You want every sprout to have its moment in the spotlight!
Add Topping: Generously sprinkle crispy fried onions over the top, creating that mouthwatering crunch. Feel free to go wild with the topping; after all, who doesn’t love a little extra crunch?
Bake Until Golden: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen fills with that irresistible cheesy aroma.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to preserve it longer, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through—this will help refresh the texture although the crispy topping may lose some crunch.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Make sure to not overcook your Brussels sprouts before they go into the casserole; they should be tender but still hold their shape.
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding cooked bacon pieces or pancetta to the cheese mixture.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let it set up a bit. This makes it easier to scoop and serve!
- If you prefer a creamier texture, mix in some cream cheese or sour cream into the cheese sauce.
- Don’t hesitate to make this casserole ahead of time; simply assemble it and keep it covered in the fridge, baking it just before serving.
The melding of flavors in this Cheesy Brussels Sprout Casserole leads to delightful bites that offer comfort and nostalgia with every forkful. Whether enjoyed during the holidays or a simple weeknight meal, I hope this dish finds a special place in your heart and around your dining table. Remember, cooking is about fun and exploration—feel free to experiment with ingredients and flavors that you love. Enjoy this dish with friends and family, and let its warmth fill your home.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking point, then cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
While fresh Brussels sprouts are recommended for their texture, you can use frozen ones. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess moisture to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
How do I make this dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk and replace the cheeses with vegan alternatives. The flavor may differ slightly but can still be rich and enjoyable.
What other toppings can I use?
Feel free to mix things up with other toppings, such as panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a crunchy finish, or try adding grated cheese varieties like cheddar or mozzarella for a twist!
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📖 Recipe Card
Cheesy Brussels Sprout Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Brussels Sprout Casserole is a comforting dish featuring crispy Brussels sprouts in a creamy cheese sauce. Loaded with gruyère and parmesan, it’s perfect for holidays and cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- Brussels Sprouts (2 pounds)
- Unsalted Butter (¼ cup or ½ stick)
- Yellow Onion (1 medium)
- Garlic (4 teaspoons minced)
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (½ teaspoon)
- All-Purpose Flour (¼ cup or 31 g)
- Chicken Broth (1 cup or 252 g)
- Heavy Whipping Cream (1 cup or 238 g)
- Kosher Salt (1 teaspoon)
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon)
- Gruyère Cheese (1 cup or 113 g, shredded)
- Parmesan Cheese (1 cup or 100 g, freshly grated)
- Crispy Fried Onions (1½ cups or 100 g)
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare the Brussels sprouts by washing, trimming, and halving them.
- Melt unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat, then sauté diced onion until translucent. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Add flour to the skillet and stir to combine, cooking for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, cooking until slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat and mix in gruyère and parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Gently fold the halved Brussels sprouts into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and top with crispy fried onions.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Notes
For added flavor, consider mixing in cooked bacon or pancetta with the cheese sauce.
Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving for easier serving.
You can prepare the casserole ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
