Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin

Delicious and garlicky, Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin will become the talk of your Thanksgiving table! This recipe combines cheesy bites of tender sprouts that are creamy and packed with flavor. Perfect for any occasion, this dish stands out with its unique blend of three types of cheeses and a simple one-pan preparation method, making it a delightful addition to your meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With just a few steps, you can whip up this impressive side dish in no time.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic and cheese creates an irresistible creamy sauce that elevates the taste of Brussels sprouts.
• Versatile Dish: Suitable for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fancy dinner, this recipe pairs wonderfully with various main courses.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything is cooked in a single pan.
• Cheesy Goodness: Loaded with parmesan, cheddar, and fontina cheeses, it’s a crowd-pleaser for cheese lovers!

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Tools and Preparation

Using the right tools can enhance your cooking experience. Here’s what you’ll need to make Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast iron skillet or oven-safe braiser
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast iron skillet or oven-safe braiser: These retain heat well and help achieve an even bake.
• Cutting board: A sturdy surface makes chopping vegetables safe and easy.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife helps you quickly and efficiently prepare your ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Brussels Sprouts

• 16 ounce brussels sprouts, cleaned, trimmed and cut in half

For the Cream Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg

For the Cheese Blend

• ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded fontina cheese

How to Make Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375ºF. Position a rack in the center to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Prepare Ingredients

While the oven preheats:
Clean and trim the brussels sprouts.
Shred the fontina, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses.
Combine all shredded cheeses in a mixing bowl and set aside.

Step 3: Infuse Garlic Flavor

Heat your cast iron skillet or braiser over medium heat with:
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves minced garlic

Allow the garlic to soften without browning. Once it starts to simmer:
1. Turn off the stove.
2. Stir in ½ cup heavy cream, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg.
3. Mix in half of the combined shredded cheese.

Step 4: Bake the Dish

Add the prepared brussels sprouts into the pan:
1. Stir them into the cream sauce until well coated.
2. Spread them out evenly in a single layer.
3. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

Place in the preheated oven to bake for 18-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and sprouts are tender. Serve warm alongside your favorite protein and other sides!

How to Serve Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin

Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin is a versatile dish that complements many main courses. Its rich flavor and creamy texture make it an ideal side for both casual meals and festive occasions.

Pair with Roasted Chicken

• Roasted chicken offers a savory contrast to the creamy texture of the brussels sprouts, creating a balanced plate.

Serve alongside Steak

• The bold flavors of steak enhance the garlicky richness of the au gratin, making for an indulgent dining experience.

Accompany with Grilled Fish

• Lightly grilled fish provides a refreshing contrast, allowing the cheesy brussels sprouts to shine without overwhelming the palate.

Add to Thanksgiving Dinner

• This dish is perfect for holiday gatherings. Pair it with turkey and cranberry sauce for a delicious twist on traditional sides.

Pair with Quinoa Salad

• A quinoa salad adds a healthy crunch and lightness that beautifully offsets the creaminess of the brussels sprouts.

How to Perfect Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin

Creating the perfect Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin takes just a few simple steps. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time.

• Choose fresh brussels sprouts: Fresh, firm sprouts will provide better texture and flavor compared to older ones.

• Avoid overcooking garlic: When infusing garlic in butter, cook it just until soft to prevent bitterness in your sauce.

• Mix cheeses well: Combining different cheeses not only enhances flavor but also improves creaminess. Make sure they are evenly distributed before baking.

• Bake until golden brown: Ensure the top layer of cheese is bubbling and golden for that perfect gratin finish.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the dish to cool slightly helps set the sauce, making serving easier without losing its creaminess.

Best Side Dishes for Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin

If you’re looking to round out your meal, consider these delicious side dishes that pair wonderfully with Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy garlic mashed potatoes offer a comforting side that complements the rich flavors of the au gratin.

2. Honey Glazed Carrots
   Sweet honey glazed carrots add brightness and color, enhancing your plate’s overall appeal alongside brussels sprouts.

3. Herb-Roasted Potatoes
   Crispy, herb-infused roasted potatoes provide a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the creamy dish.

4. Cranberry Sauce
   A tangy homemade cranberry sauce can cut through the richness of the au gratin, making each bite more refreshing.

5. Green Bean Almondine
   The crunch from almonds and freshness of green beans enhance your meal’s texture while staying on theme with vegetables.

6. Stuffing or Dressing
   Savory stuffing brings classic flavors that work well during holiday meals alongside your garlicky brussels sprouts.

7. Caesar Salad
   A crisp Caesar salad provides a nice balance of flavors, offering crunch and acidity to complement the rich cheese.

8. Cornbread Muffins
   Soft cornbread muffins add sweetness and are perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce left on your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make small errors when preparing Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

• Overcooking the garlic: When infusing garlic into the butter, avoid letting it brown. Browned garlic can taste bitter. Instead, just let it soften and simmer for the best flavor.
• Not trimming the sprouts properly: Ensure that you clean and trim the Brussels sprouts well. Leaving tough stems or damaged leaves can affect texture. Cut them in half for even cooking.
• Skipping cheese mixing: To achieve a creamy consistency, mix half of the shredded cheese into the cream sauce before adding the sprouts. This ensures an even spread of cheesy goodness.
• Crowding the pan: If you overcrowd your baking pan, the Brussels sprouts may steam rather than roast. Spread them out in a single layer for optimal cooking and browning.
• Ignoring seasoning balance: Don’t forget to adjust flavors. Taste your cream sauce before adding the sprouts, and tweak salt and spices as needed for a burst of flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin

• Place cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF, place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin.

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?

You can use frozen Brussels sprouts, but make sure they are thawed and drained well before using them in this recipe for best results.

What types of cheese work best?

For Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin, a combination of cheddar, fontina, and parmesan provides great flavor and creaminess. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses!

How can I customize this recipe?

You can add cooked bacon or pancetta for extra flavor. Other vegetables like cauliflower or broccoli can also be incorporated into this dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare everything up to baking, then cover and refrigerate. Just bake when you’re ready to serve!

Final Thoughts

Garlicky Creamy Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin is not only delicious but also versatile enough to complement various meals. With its creamy texture and cheesy goodness, it’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any dinner table. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting spices to suit your taste!