When the weather turns chilly and the leaves start to blanket the ground, there’s nothing quite like the warmth of a bubbling casserole emerging from the oven. Just the thought of it sends me back to cozy dinners with friends, where laughter mingles with the rich, savory aromas floating through the air. This Brussels Sprouts Casserole is my go-to dish for those moments; it’s a delightful blend of tender Brussels sprouts enveloped in creamy cheddar goodness, topped with a satisfying crunch of breadcrumbs.
I discovered this gem on a particularly busy weeknight when I was tired of the usual takeout and craving something homey yet impressive. It’s surprising how a few simple ingredients can transform a humble vegetable into a show-stopping side dish—or even a satisfying main course. With just 45 minutes from prep to plate, this dish is not only easy but is sure to make a statement at your table, whether it's a family meal or a festive gathering. Join me as we dive into this flavorful adventure!
Why You'll Love This Brussels Sprouts Casserole
- This Brussels Sprouts Casserole is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both novice and seasoned cooks alike.
- The rich, creamy cheddar sauce combined with tender Brussels sprouts creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Its versatility allows it to shine as a side dish for holiday dinners or even as a satisfying main course any night of the week.
- Visually, the golden brown breadcrumb topping is sure to impress your guests and elevate your dining experience.
- This casserole is a true crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to warm hearts and bellies alike.
- With just 45 minutes from start to finish, it saves you time without sacrificing taste or presentation.
Brussels Sprouts Casserole Ingredients
• Here's everything you need for a delicious dish!
For the Casserole
- Fresh Brussels sprouts – halved for even cooking and to ensure they soak up all that creamy goodness.
- Heavy cream – adds a luxurious texture; use half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese – provides a rich, tangy flavor; feel free to mix in some mozzarella for a melty pull!
- Garlic powder – enhances the overall flavor; fresh minced garlic can be used for an extra kick.
- Salt and pepper – season to taste, essential for balancing flavors and enhancing the dish.
For the Topping
- Breadcrumbs – adds a crunchy contrast to the creamy filling; panko breadcrumbs deliver extra crispiness.
Discover how these simple ingredients come together to create an irresistible Brussels Sprouts Casserole that will delight your taste buds!
How to Make Brussels Sprouts Casserole
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking dish by spraying it with nonstick spray. This step ensures your casserole comes out easily while achieving that perfect golden crust.
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Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts, making sure they're all similar in size for even cooking. This allows the sprouts to soak up all the creamy goodness while baking.
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Mix heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cheddar cheese in a bowl until well combined. This rich, flavorful mixture will deeply coat your Brussels sprouts, creating a deliciously creamy texture.
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Coat the halved Brussels sprouts with the creamy mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly dressed. This step is crucial for maximizing flavor in every bite!
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Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish and sprinkle breadcrumbs generously on top. This crunchy layer provides a lovely contrast to the creamy filling.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the top turns a delightful golden brown. This creates a beautiful presentation and irresistible aroma!
Optional: Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Brussels Sprouts Casserole?
When you want to create a comforting meal that warms the soul, the perfect pairings can elevate your Brussels Sprouts Casserole into an extraordinary dining experience.
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Garlic Bread: This buttery delight is the ideal sidekick, with its crunchy exterior balancing the creamy casserole.
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Roasted Chicken: Juicy, herbed chicken offers a savory complement, enhancing the rich flavors of your casserole beautifully.
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Honey-Glazed Carrots: The sweetness of these tender carrots brings a delightful contrast, brightening the overall meal.
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Quinoa Salad: A light, nutty quinoa salad adds a refreshing crunch, providing a lovely textural counterpoint to the creamy dish.
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Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, zesty dressing, and crunchy croutons create a delightful balance, making every bite satisfying.
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Red Wine: A glass of full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon pairs nicely, enhancing the richness of the cheddar.
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Apple Pie: For dessert, a slice of warm apple pie offers a sweet finish that makes the entire meal feel just right.
With these delightful pairings, your Brussels Sprouts Casserole dinner will be a memorable feast that caters to all tastes!
Make Ahead Options
These Brussels Sprouts Casserole preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during hectic weeknights! You can prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance by following these simple steps: after mixing the Brussels sprouts with the creamy cheddar mixture, transfer it to your baking dish and sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you're ready to serve, simply remove the casserole from the fridge and bake it at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-35 minutes, keeping an eye on it as it bubbles. This way, you'll enjoy a delicious meal that's just as satisfying—without the last-minute rush!
How to Store and Freeze Brussels Sprouts Casserole
Fridge: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore its crispy topping and creamy texture.
Freezer: Store cooled Brussels Sprouts Casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly again.
Brussels Sprouts Casserole Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize this dish to your taste preferences and dietary needs!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese for a creamy texture that everyone can enjoy.
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Add Vegetables: Mix in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for an extra layer of flavor and nutrients, transforming your casserole into a veggie-packed delight.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture for a hot twist that elevates your taste buds.
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Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant touch that adds depth to the overall flavor profile of your casserole.
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Protein Boost: Incorporate cooked sausage, chicken, or chickpeas to make this dish heartier and more of a complete meal.
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Nutty Crunch: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pecans or walnuts for an earthy crunch that provides a delightful surprise in each bite.
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Caramelized Onions: Sauté some onions until golden brown and mix them into the Brussels sprouts for added sweetness and rich flavor complexity.
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Vegan Option: Use cashew cream in place of heavy cream and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, perfect for plant-based eaters looking for comfort food.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Brussels Sprouts Casserole, always make sure to trim the ends of the sprouts to remove any bitterness and ensure even cooking.
- To deepen the flavor, consider adding fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder, which can elevate the overall taste.
- For a creamier texture, allow the heavy cream mixture to sit for a few minutes before coating the Brussels sprouts; this will help the flavors meld together.
- Remember to bake until the top is golden brown and bubbly, as this indicates that your casserole is fully cooked and has developed a delicious crust.
Brussels Sprouts Casserole Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best Brussels sprouts?
Absolutely! Look for Brussels sprouts that are firm, compact, and vibrant green. Avoid those with yellowing leaves or dark spots all over, as they may be past their prime. Smaller sprouts tend to be sweeter, so if you have a choice, go for those!
How long can I store leftovers?
Very! You can keep your Brussels Sprouts Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This makes it a great option for meal prep or for enjoying as a delicious leftover for busy weeknights!
Can I freeze Brussels Sprouts Casserole?
Certainly! To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will last for up to 2 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the oven.
What’s the best way to reheat the casserole?
I often reheat my Brussels Sprouts Casserole by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until it's heated through and bubbly again. This helps retain its delicious crispy topping and creamy texture!
Is this recipe suitable for my dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! If you're concerned about dairy, you could substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or almond milk. For gluten-free needs, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Always double-check ingredient labels to avoid common allergens and make it fit your dietary needs.
What if the casserole comes out too dry?
If your Brussels Sprouts Casserole isn't as creamy as you'd like, don't worry! Next time, try adding a bit more heavy cream or even some vegetable broth before baking. This will help keep everything moist. Additionally, covering the dish with foil for the first half of baking can trap steam and enhance the creaminess!
Brussels Sprouts Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking dish by spraying it with nonstick spray.
- Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts, making sure they're all similar in size for even cooking.
- Mix heavy cream, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cheddar cheese in a bowl until well combined.
- Coat the halved Brussels sprouts with the creamy mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly dressed.
- Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish and sprinkle breadcrumbs generously on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the top turns golden brown.
- Optional: Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
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