Creamy Brussels Sprouts Gratin Recipe: A Cozy Winter Delight

Creamy, cheesy brussels sprouts gratin brings a luxurious twist to your vegetable side dish.

Crispy edges peek through a golden blanket of melted cheese, promising intense flavor.

Earthy green morsels nestle beneath a rich, bubbling surface that hints at comfort.

Winter nights call for this decadent combination of tender vegetables and indulgent cream.

Perfectly caramelized sprouts create a delightful contrast against the smooth, velvety sauce.

Each forkful delivers a symphony of textures that will make even vegetable skeptics pause.

Prepare to surprise everyone at the table with this irresistible, crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

Brussels Sprouts Gratin – Rich, Cheesy & Comforting

• Conquer Kitchen Complexity: Surprisingly Simple Gourmet Dish
• Master Culinary Skills: This recipe transforms basic ingredients into an impressive side dish, allowing home cooks to elevate their cooking techniques without advanced training.
• Quick Comfort Creation: Prepare the entire gratin in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or spontaneous weekend gatherings with minimal time investment.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Combines kid-approved bacon with nutritious Brussels sprouts, creating a delicious vegetable dish that even picky eaters will enjoy, disguised with creamy cheese and crispy breadcrumb topping.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for holiday meals, potlucks, or elegant dinner parties, this gratin transitions seamlessly between casual and sophisticated dining experiences.

What Goes Into Brussels Sprouts Gratin

• Brussels Sprouts: Fresh green vegetable with a slightly bitter taste, perfect for roasting and adding nutrition to the dish. Choose firm, bright green sprouts without yellow leaves or blemishes.
• Bacon: Salty, crispy meat that adds rich flavor and texture. Select high-quality, thick-cut bacon for best results.
• Cheese: Provides creamy, melty goodness to bind the dish. Sharp or mild varieties work well.

• Flour: Thickens the sauce and creates a smooth texture.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a velvety sauce.
• Butter: Enhances flavor and helps with sauce consistency.

• Breadcrumbs: Creates a crunchy golden layer on top. Panko or traditional breadcrumbs work great.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds extra flavor and helps brown the topping.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the entire dish.
• Cayenne Pepper: Optional ingredient for adding a slight kick of heat.

Baking Method for Brussels Sprouts Gratin

Step 1: Prep Baking Vessel

Heat oven to 400°F.

Coat an oval baking dish with butter or cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blanch Green Gems

Fill a large pot with water and add salt.

Create an ice water bath in a separate bowl.

Drop Brussels sprouts into boiling water and cook until bright green and slightly tender.

Quickly transfer to ice bath to halt cooking process.

Drain and pat completely dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Step 3: Crisp Bacon Bits

Use a deep skillet to cook bacon until perfectly crispy.

Remove bacon, letting it drain on paper towels.

Keep bacon drippings in the pan for next steps.

Step 4: Craft Silky Cheese Sauce

• Flour
• Heavy cream
• Shredded cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper (optional)

Whisk flour into bacon drippings.

Cook on low heat briefly.

Pour in cream and simmer until slightly thickened.

Gradually add cheese, whisking until smooth and creamy.

Season with salt, pepper, and optional cayenne.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Mix blanched Brussels sprouts and crispy bacon into cheese sauce, ensuring even coating.

Transfer entire mixture to prepared baking dish.

Step 6: Create Crunchy Topping

• Breadcrumbs
• Butter
• Parmesan cheese

Blend breadcrumbs, butter, and Parmesan using hands until well combined.

Sprinkle mixture evenly over Brussels sprouts.

Step 7: Bake and Serve

Slide dish into preheated oven.

Bake 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

If topping browns too quickly, cover with foil.

Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Crispy Perfection In Brussels Gratin

• Cook bacon slowly over medium heat to render fat completely and achieve maximum crunchiness without burning.
• Pat Brussels sprouts thoroughly dry after blanching to ensure a thick, creamy sauce that doesn't become runny.
• Whisk flour and drippings carefully to create a smooth roux, preventing lumps in the final cheese sauce.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyère, sharp cheddar, or smoked gouda for unique taste profiles.
• Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the same creamy sauce consistency.

How to Reheat Brussels Gratin Without Drying It Out

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer gratin to a freezer-safe container, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Freeze up to 1 month for best quality.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place gratin in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating and maintain the dish's creamy texture.

Creamy Options With Brussels Sprouts

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir to complement the rich, creamy cheese sauce and smoky bacon notes.
• Craft Beer Companion: Choose a malty amber ale or Belgian-style wheat beer that balances the gratin's creamy texture and cuts through its richness.
• Perfect Side Protein: Serve alongside roasted chicken or herb-crusted pork tenderloin to create a harmonious main course with complementary flavors.
• Freshness Booster: Add a bright, tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to contrast the gratin's heaviness and provide a palate-cleansing element.

Brussels Gratin Ingredient Options

• Low-Carb Brussels Sprouts Gratin: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly version that cuts carbohydrates while maintaining delicious crunch.
• Dairy-Free Brussels Sprouts Casserole: Swap heavy cream and cheese with coconut cream and nutritional yeast, creating a creamy alternative suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.
• Vegetarian Herb-Infused Gratin: Eliminate bacon and add roasted mushrooms or caramelized onions for depth, using smoked paprika to mimic smoky bacon flavor while keeping the dish meat-free.
• Mediterranean-Style Brussels Sprouts: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle with oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired variation that adds bright, tangy notes to the classic recipe.

FAQs

• What makes the brussels sprouts tender in this recipe?

Blanching the brussels sprouts in salted boiling water for 3-4 minutes helps break down their tough texture, making them slightly tender while preserving their bright green color and preventing overcooking.

• Why do I need to use an ice bath after blanching?

The ice bath stops the cooking process immediately, preventing the brussels sprouts from becoming mushy and helping them retain their vibrant green color and crisp texture.

• Can I substitute the bacon with something else?

Yes, you can use pancetta, ham, or smoked turkey bacon for a similar flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, consider using caramelized onions or roasted mushrooms to add depth and richness to the dish.

• What role does the bacon drippings play in the cheese sauce?

Bacon drippings add incredible flavor and help create a rich, savory base for the cheese sauce, enhancing the overall taste of the gratin with a deep, smoky undertone.

Brussels Sprouts Gratin Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy, cheesy brussels sprouts gratin delivers comfort on a plate with its rich, golden-brown top. Crispy edges and velvety interior promise a delightful side dish you’ll savor to the last delectable bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds Brussels sprouts (small to medium), outer leaves removed, stems trimmed, halved
• 6 strips bacon, diced
• 2 cups grated sharp white Cheddar cheese (or Gruyere, Fontina, or Brie)
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Cream and Seasoning:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Topping and Preparation:

• 2 slices butter-flavored bread (such as brioche), coarsely ground
• 2 tablespoons salted butter, softened (or unsalted butter with a pinch of salt)
• Butter, oil, or cooking spray (for the baking dish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare a gratin dish by lightly coating with butter or cooking spray, then set the oven temperature to 400°F for optimal heating.
2. Create a boiling water bath with salt, quickly submerge Brussels sprouts for 3-4 minutes until they transform into a vibrant green color and become slightly tender.
3. Immediately transfer sprouts to an ice water bath to halt cooking, then carefully dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
4. Render bacon in a deep skillet over medium heat until crispy and golden, extracting maximum flavor and creating delicious drippings.
5. Transform bacon drippings into a luxurious sauce by whisking flour, creating a roux that will thicken and provide depth to the dish.
6. Gradually introduce heavy cream to the roux, stirring continuously until the mixture reaches a smooth, slightly thickened consistency.
7. Incorporate shredded cheese into the cream sauce, melting completely and creating a rich, velvety texture with gentle whisking.
8. Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and a hint of cayenne for a subtle kick of heat.
9. Gently fold crispy bacon pieces and blanched Brussels sprouts into the cheese sauce, ensuring every morsel is evenly coated.
10. Transfer the creamy mixture to the prepared gratin dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
11. Craft a crispy topping by combining breadcrumbs, melted butter, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese using your fingertips.
12. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture generously over the Brussels sprouts, creating a golden, crunchy surface.
13. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown color and bubbling edges.
14. If the breadcrumb topping browns too quickly, loosely tent with aluminum foil to prevent burning while ensuring complete cooking.
15. Serve immediately while the gratin is hot and the topping remains delightfully crisp.

Notes

• Blanching Brussels sprouts helps maintain their vibrant green color and prevents overcooking, ensuring a crisp-tender texture that’s perfectly balanced.
• Reserve some bacon drippings for extra flavor, but drain excess fat to keep the dish from becoming too greasy and heavy.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like Gruyère and sharp cheddar to add depth and complexity to the sauce.
• Toast breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before adding to the topping for an extra crunch and nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 629
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 765 mg
• Fat: 55 g
• Saturated Fat: 32 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 158 mg