As I channeled my inner chef, a fragrant blend of garlic and melted cheese wafted through the kitchen, instantly transforming my mood. Introducing Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin—this delectable side dish takes the oft-misunderstood Brussels sprout and elevates it into a creamy, cheesy sensation that can steal the show at any gathering. Not only is it a quick prep, making it perfect for busy weeknights or festive occasions, but it’s also a delightful low-carb, gluten-free option that everyone will love. Imagine this beautiful dish next to your favorite roast or turkey, adding a festive touch to your table. Curious how you can whip up this crowd-pleaser? Let’s dive in! Why is this au gratin recipe a must-try? Irresistible Flavor: The rich combination of cheeses and garlic creates a truly memorable dish that elevates Brussels sprouts from a mere side to a gastronomic delight. Easy Prep: With simple steps and minimal fuss, you can enjoy a home-cooked masterpiece in under an hour, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and festive gatherings. Diet-Friendly: This recipe caters to various dietary needs, being gluten-free and keto-friendly, allowing you to share delicious food without compromise! Versatile Pairing: Whether served alongside roasted chicken or a festive turkey, it complements any main dish beautifully, ensuring it becomes a staple at your gatherings. Texture Fiesta: Experience the heavenly contrast of creamy, cheesy goodness with a crispy topping that takes comfort food to a whole new level! Be sure to save some for leftovers, or check out other delightful options like Cajun Sausage Pasta to mix things up! Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin Ingredients For the Brussels Sprouts • Brussels Sprouts – Fresh is best for optimal texture and flavor. For the Creamy Mixture • Garlic – Adjust the amount based on your love for garlic; it adds a delicious punch. • Heavy Cream – Provides rich creaminess; feel free to substitute with a lighter cream for fewer calories. • Nutmeg – A pinch adds warmth and complexity to the dish; remember, a little goes a long way! For the Cheesy Goodness • White Cheddar Cheese – Gives a sharp, tangy flavor; medium cheddar or gouda also work well. • Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated enhances melting and flavor depth. • Fontina Cheese – Adds nuttiness; mozzarella or Swiss can easily substitute if needed. For Cooking • Butter – Essential for sautéing and adds rich flavor to the dish. Transform your appreciation for Brussels sprouts with this Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin, a dish that’s not just for the holiday table but for any gathering that deserves a touch of warmth and indulgence! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will ensure that your Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin bakes evenly, resulting in a bubbly, golden topping. While the oven heats, prepare your ingredients for a seamless cooking experience. Step 2: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts Clean and trim your fresh Brussels sprouts, ensuring any damaged outer leaves are removed. If you have larger sprouts, slice them in half to ensure even cooking. Once prepped, set them aside in a bowl, ready for the next step. Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Brussels Sprouts In a large skillet, melt a generous pat of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Next, toss in the Brussels sprouts, cooking them for approximately 5-7 minutes until they become tender and slightly browned, enhancing their flavor and texture. Step 4: Mix in the Cream and Nutmeg Pour in a rich splash of heavy cream and sprinkle in a pinch of nutmeg, stirring them into the Brussels sprouts. Allow the mixture to simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the cream thickens slightly, enveloping the sprouts in a decadent sauce. This luxurious mixture is what makes your Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin truly special. Step 5: Add the Cheeses With everything well combined, remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the shredded white cheddar, Parmesan, and Fontina cheeses evenly over the Brussels sprouts. Gently stir to ensure every sprout is coated in the melty cheese goodness, which will create a delightful topping when baked. Step 6: Bake to Perfection Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on the dish as it bakes; you want to achieve a bubbly surface and a wonderful golden brown crust on top. This step ensures your Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin has that perfect comforting finish. Step 7: Garnish and Serve If desired, garnish your beautifully baked dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin warm, alongside your favorite main dishes, and watch it become a beloved favorite at any gathering. Make Ahead Options These Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin are perfect for meal prep, saving you time on busy days! You can clean and trim the Brussels sprouts and sauté them with garlic, then refrigerate the mixture for up to 24 hours. Simply cover it tightly to maintain freshness and prevent browning. When you’re ready to enjoy this dish, mix in the cream, nutmeg, and cheeses, then transfer everything to the oven for baking. This allows the flavors to deepen while ensuring that your Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin is just as delicious as when freshly made, offering a comforting meal with minimal effort! How to Store and Freeze Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin Fridge: Store leftover Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow it to cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the assembled but unbaked dish. Wrap securely in plastic wrap followed by foil; it keeps for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking. Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. For a fresh-baked taste, cover with foil to retain moisture and then uncover for the last few minutes to crisp the top. Expert Tips for Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin Use Fresh Sprouts: Fresh Brussels sprouts yield the best texture and flavor. Avoid wilted or yellowing sprouts for optimal results. Don’t Rush the Sauté: Sauté garlic and Brussels sprouts until tender and slightly golden to enhance their flavor. Rushing can lead to a bland dish. Perfect Creaminess: For a smoother sauce, gently simmer the heavy cream a bit longer to thicken before adding the cheeses. This makes your Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin creamy and luscious. Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix and match cheeses based on preference. Just ensure they melt well to create that gooey, cheesy topping. Broiling Bonus: For a crunchier topping, broil the dish in the last few minutes. Watch it closely to prevent burning! What to Serve with Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin Elevate your dining experience with delightful accompaniments that perfectly complement the rich flavors of this cheesy side. Roasted Chicken: The juicy, tender chicken pairs seamlessly with the creamy Brussels sprouts, creating a comforting meal everyone will love. Herb-Crusted Turkey: A holiday favorite, this flavorful turkey harmonizes beautifully with the decadent cheese in the gratin for a festive spread. Grilled Salmon: The light, flaky fish brings a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy sauce, balancing the meal with a healthy touch. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and chewy, these garlic breadsticks are perfect for mopping up the cheesy goodness left on your plate after the Brussels sprouts. Quinoa Salad: A bright, zesty salad filled with fresh veggies adds a refreshing crunch, enhancing the overall texture and flavor profile of your meal. Sparkling White Wine: The effervescence and acidity of sparkling wine cut through the creaminess, making each bite of Brussels sprout even more delightful. Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, a light and airy chocolate mousse brings a sweet finish to your meal, offering a satisfying contrast to the savory flavors. Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin Variations Feel free to add your personal touch to this delightful recipe, transforming it to suit your family’s taste buds! Bacon Boost: Stir in crispy bacon bits for an irresistible crunch and smoky flavor that elevates the dish to new heights. Imagine the savory aroma filling your kitchen, making it hard for anyone to resist! Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist that brightens the dish. Just a sprinkle of herbaceous goodness can transform your Brussels sprouts into a culinary masterpiece. Cheese Medley: Experiment with different cheeses such as gouda, Gruyère, or mozzarella. Each cheese brings its own unique flavor, creating a delightful and diverse taste sensation in every bite. Spicy Kick: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for a fiery twist! The heat will complement the creaminess beautifully, perfect for those who enjoy a little spice in their life. Nutty Blend: Mix in some toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and nutty flavor. The crunch of the nuts enhances the creaminess, making each bite a delightful surprise. Vegan Version: Swap out the heavy cream and cheeses for coconut cream and nutritional yeast to create a rich vegan alternative. This way, everyone can enjoy a creamy, satisfying dish that meets plant-based preferences. Cauliflower Substitute: For a lighter twist, replace half of the Brussels sprouts with cauliflower florets. This will still give you that creamy texture while reducing the total carb count even more. Creamy Mushroom: Add sautéed mushrooms to enhance the umami flavor and provide an earthy complement to the creamy sauce. This addition creates a more robust and hearty dish that’s perfect for cozy evenings. With these variations, you’ll always have a reason to whip up your Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin. Want another comforting dish? Consider pairing it with Honey Pepper Cheese for a delightful meal combination! Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin Recipe FAQs How do I choose fresh Brussels sprouts? Absolutely! When selecting Brussels sprouts, look for bright green, firm sprouts without any dark spots or yellowing leaves. The smaller they are, the sweeter the flavor. A good tip is to give them a little squeeze; they should feel dense and firm to the touch! What is the best way to store leftovers? You can keep leftover Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure they have cooled completely to avoid condensation. For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled (but unbaked) dish, wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then foil; it will keep for up to 2 months. How should I reheat the leftovers? Reheating is simple! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with foil to retain moisture, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. Remove the foil in the last few minutes for that lovely crispy top, giving it a fresh-baked look and texture. Can I freeze this au gratin dish? If so, how? Yes, you can absolutely freeze it! Just assemble the dish without baking it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil to prevent freezer burn, and it will last for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as per the instructions. Is this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions? Very much so! Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin is gluten-free and can be adapted for a keto or low-carb diet depending on the type of cream and cheese you choose. Just make sure to use gluten-free cheese and heavy cream for the best results! What should I do if the Brussels sprouts are overcooked? If you find your Brussels sprouts are overcooked, they might become mushy. To avoid this, always sauté just until they’re tender and slightly golden, around 5-7 minutes in total. That way, they’ll retain their shape and offer a delightful texture alongside the creamy sauce. Irresistibly Cheesy Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin is a delectable low-carb, gluten-free side dish perfect for any gathering. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 35 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: CasseroleCuisine: AmericanCalories: 220 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Brussels Sprouts1 pound Brussels Sprouts Fresh is best for optimal texture and flavor.For the Creamy Mixture3 cloves Garlic Adjust based on your love for garlic.1 cup Heavy Cream Feel free to substitute with a lighter cream.1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg A pinch adds warmth and complexity.For the Cheesy Goodness1 cup White Cheddar Cheese Medium cheddar or gouda also work well.1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated enhances melting and flavor depth.1 cup Fontina Cheese Mozzarella or Swiss can easily substitute if needed.For Cooking2 tablespoons Butter Essential for sautéing and adds rich flavor. Equipment SkilletOven Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).Clean and trim your fresh Brussels sprouts, ensuring any damaged outer leaves are removed. Slice larger sprouts in half.In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Toss in the Brussels sprouts, cooking for approximately 5-7 minutes until tender and slightly browned.Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle in nutmeg, stirring into the Brussels sprouts. Allow to simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the cream thickens slightly.Remove from heat and sprinkle the cheeses evenly over the Brussels sprouts. Stir to ensure every sprout is coated.Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve warm. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 7gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 550mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 90mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the assembled but unbaked dish for up to 2 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
