Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin
A warm, comforting Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin dish featuring tender Brussels sprouts smothered in a rich, creamy Gruyère and Parmesan cheese sauce, baked until golden and bubbly. Perfect for cozy dinners or holiday sides, this recipe offers a delicious twist that even Brussels sprouts skeptics will love.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Vegetables
- 1 lb fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
Dairy & Cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dry Ingredients & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon paprika or a pinch of nutmeg
- Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: Trim the ends and halve the Brussels sprouts to ensure even cooking. Blanch them in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until just tender, then drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in the flour and whisk constantly to create a roux. Slowly add milk or cream while whisking to prevent lumps, and cook until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in shredded Gruyère and Parmesan cheese, along with salt, pepper, and optional paprika or nutmeg.
- Combine and Transfer: Gently fold the blanched Brussels sprouts into the cheese sauce, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Transfer the mixture to a buttered baking dish to ensure even browning.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving for optimal texture.
Notes
- Blanching the Brussels sprouts ahead softens their bite and reduces oven cooking time.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and improved sauce texture.
- Making a proper roux ensures the cheese sauce thickens smoothly without lumps.
- Keep an eye on baking time to avoid drying out the dish; aim for a bubbly, lightly browned top.
- For added texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs or nuts on top before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Brussels sprouts, au gratin, cheesy side dish, comfort food, holiday side, creamy vegetable bake