Irresistibly Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Gratin: The Ultimate Holiday Side Dish

This creamy, bubbly, and irresistibly cheesy Brussels Sprouts Gratin recipe is destined to become your new favorite holiday side dish. Prepare to delight even the most skeptical palates!

Discover the Best Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Gratin You’ll Ever Taste!

For many, Brussels sprouts are that one vegetable you know you *should* eat, but often dread. They can be bitter, mushy, or just plain uninspiring. But what if there was a way to transform them into a dish so utterly delicious, so unbelievably craveable, that they become the first thing to disappear from your holiday spread?

Enter our incredible Brussels Sprouts Gratin recipe! This isn’t just another side dish; it’s a game-changer. Imagine perfectly tender, thinly sliced Brussels sprouts bathed in a rich, creamy, and savory sharp white cheddar cheese sauce, then baked to golden-brown, bubbly perfection. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors – the subtle earthiness of the sprouts, the tang of the sharp cheddar, and the luxurious silkiness of the cream.

This Brussels sprouts gratin recipe takes a humble vegetable and elevates it to a holiday star. It’s the kind of dish that converts Brussels sprout skeptics into avid fans, making it a guaranteed family favorite. Forget everything you thought you knew about Brussels sprouts – this recipe will make you believe!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Gratin

Making this incredible Brussels sprouts gratin is surprisingly simple, yet the results are profoundly delicious. Follow these easy steps to create a show-stopping side dish that will impress everyone at your table.

Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts. Begin by thoroughly washing one pound of fresh Brussels sprouts. Carefully trim off the woody ends of each sprout, then remove any loose or yellowed outer leaves. This ensures only the freshest, most tender parts of the sprout make it into your gratin.

Achieving the Perfect Texture: Cutting the Brussels Sprouts

Step 2: Slice for Success. Once trimmed, cut each Brussels sprout into thin thirds. For smaller sprouts, halving them will work just fine. The goal here is to create thin, even pieces. Why thinly sliced? This method allows them to cook more evenly, absorb the creamy cheese sauce beautifully, and results in an even yummier, slightly crisper texture once baked. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in the final dish!

Step 3: First Roast for Tenderness. Arrange the thinly sliced Brussels sprouts in a small baking dish. Lightly spray them with olive oil cooking spray. Roast the sprouts in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C) for approximately 20 minutes, or until they have softened slightly and are just beginning to develop a hint of caramelization. This initial roasting step is crucial for mellowing their flavor and creating a tender base for the gratin.

Crafting the Dreamy, Creamy Cheese Sauce

Step 4: Prepare the Irresistible Cheese Sauce. While your Brussels sprouts are roasting, it’s time to prepare the star of the show: that incredibly rich and savory cheese sauce! In a skillet, sauté the diced yellow onion and minced fresh garlic with a teaspoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, typically 5-10 minutes. This builds a wonderful aromatic base for your sauce. Then, stir in the heavy cream, half of the freshly grated sharp white cheddar cheese, along with salt and pepper to taste. Continue stirring gently until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and luscious. This quick and easy sauce is what truly transforms the Brussels sprouts.

Step 5: Assemble the Gratin. Once the Brussels sprouts have finished their initial roast and are tender-crisp, remove them from the oven. Evenly pour the rich white cheddar cream sauce over the top, ensuring every sprout is coated in its cheesy goodness. Then, generously sprinkle the remaining half cup of sharp white cheddar cheese over the entire dish. This top layer of cheese will bake into a glorious, bubbly crust.

The Grand Finale: Baking to Golden Perfection

Step 6: Bake to Bubbly Perfection. Return the cheesy Brussels sprouts gratin to the 400-degree Fahrenheit (200°C) oven for a final bake of approximately 15 minutes. Keep a close eye on it! You’re looking for that glorious moment when the cheese on top is beautifully browned, bubbly, and forms a delicious, slightly crispy crust. This final bake brings all the flavors together, creating a truly unforgettable side dish.

This cheesy Brussels sprouts gratin is not just a perfect side for your holiday dinner; it’s a testament to how truly delicious vegetables can be when prepared with a little love and a lot of cheese. I promise, even if you’ve been a lifelong Brussels sprout hater, one bite of this creamy, savory delight will convert you. Get ready for requests for this recipe every single year!

Expert Tips for the Best Brussels Sprouts Gratin

• Don’t Skimp on Fresh Ingredients: As noted, fresh Brussels sprouts are essential. The same goes for freshly grated cheese – it melts smoother and tastes infinitely better than pre-shredded.
• Slicing Consistency: Uniformly slicing the sprouts ensures they cook evenly. This prevents some pieces from being undercooked while others are mushy.
• Pre-Roasting is Key: The initial roast of the Brussels sprouts helps to tenderize them and reduce any potential bitterness, giving them a head start before they’re smothered in cheese sauce.
• Seasoning: Taste your cheese sauce before adding it to the sprouts. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. Different brands of cheese can vary in saltiness.
• Serving Immediately: While delicious at room temperature, this gratin is best served hot and bubbly straight from the oven when the cheese is at its peak gooeyness.

Variations to Customize Your Gratin

• Add Bacon: Crispy crumbled bacon bits stirred into the sauce or sprinkled on top before the final bake adds a smoky, salty kick that perfectly complements the sprouts and cheese.
• Different Cheeses: While sharp white cheddar is fantastic, feel free to experiment with other good melting cheeses like Gruyere, Fontina, or even a mix of Parmesan and mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the cheese sauce can add a subtle warmth and zing.
• Herbaceous Touch: Fresh thyme or rosemary, finely chopped and added to the cheese sauce, can elevate the aroma and taste.
• Breadcrumb Topping: For an extra crispy crust, mix Panko breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter and sprinkle over the top cheese layer before baking.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the Brussels sprouts (steps 1-3) and the cheese sauce (step 4) ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, combine them in the baking dish, top with the remaining cheese, and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to ensure it’s heated through and bubbly.
• Storage: Leftover Brussels sprouts gratin can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave or cover the baking dish with foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through. For a crispier top, remove the foil for the last few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Gratin

Q: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this gratin?
A: For the best results, we highly recommend using fresh Brussels sprouts. Frozen sprouts tend to become watery and mushy when cooked, which won’t give you the desired texture for this gratin.

Q: What kind of baking dish should I use?
A: A small oven-safe baking dish, about 8×8 inches or a similarly sized oval gratin dish, is perfect for a pound of Brussels sprouts. Ensure it’s deep enough to hold the sprouts and sauce comfortably.

Q: Can I make this gratin spicier?
A: Absolutely! Add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce along with the salt and pepper for a delightful spicy kick.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
A: Yes, you can prep the sprouts and the cheese sauce separately up to two days in advance. Assemble and bake just before serving for the freshest taste and best texture.

Q: How do I know when the Brussels sprouts are cooked perfectly?
A: The initial roasting should make them tender when pierced with a fork, but still slightly firm. They will continue to soften in the cheese sauce. The final bake is mostly about getting that beautiful golden, bubbly cheese crust.

There you have it – everything you need to know to create the most delicious and comforting cheesy Brussels sprouts gratin. This dish is truly a celebration of flavor and a testament to how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. Enjoy!

4.79 from 14 votes

Cheesy Brussel Sprouts Gratin

By:
Joy Shull

This Brussels sprouts gratin recipe makes the perfect, indulgent holiday dish! These cheesy brussels sprouts are always a hit, even with sprout skeptics.

Prep:

10 minutes mins

Cook:

35 minutes mins

Total:

45 minutes mins

Servings:
6

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Ingredients 

• 
  
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  1 lb brussels sprouts, thinly sliced
• 
  
  ▢
  
  
  1/2 small yellow onion, diced
• 
  
  ▢
  
  
  6 cloves garlic, minced
• 
  
  ▢
  
  
  1/2 cup heavy cream
• 
  
  ▢
  
  
  1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 
  
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  1 teaspoon salt
• 
  
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  1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions 

• Cut off the ends of the brussels sprouts and remove any shriveled or loose outer leaves.
• Cut each brussel sprout into thin thirds (or in half for very small ones) to ensure even cooking and texture.
• Place the sliced brussels sprouts in a small baking dish and lightly spray them with olive oil cooking spray.
• Bake the brussels sprouts in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F (200°C) for 20 minutes, until slightly tender.
• While the brussels sprouts are cooking, add the diced yellow onion and minced fresh garlic to a skillet with 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Sauté over medium-high heat for 5 – 10 minutes, until the onion is softened and translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
• Stir in the heavy cream, 1/2 cup of the freshly grated sharp white cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
• Remove the roasted brussels sprouts from the oven and pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the top.
• Top the gratin with the remaining 1/2 cup of sharp white cheddar cheese.
• Bake the cheesy brussel sprouts gratin again at 400 degrees F (200°C) for 15 minutes, or until the top is beautifully browned and bubbly. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories:
185
kcal

,

Carbohydrates:
10
g

,

Protein:
8
g

,

Fat:
14
g

,

Saturated Fat:
8
g

,

Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g

,

Monounsaturated Fat:
3
g

,

Cholesterol:
41
mg

,

Sodium:
536
mg

,

Potassium:
355
mg

,

Fiber:
3
g

,

Sugar:
3
g

,

Vitamin A:
1052
IU

,

Vitamin C:
66
mg

,

Calcium:
187
mg

,

Iron:
1
mg

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