Easy Creamy Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Bake (Print Version)
Creamy, cheesy Brussels sprouts bake is an easy side dish everyone will love. Tender sprouts smothered in a rich cheese sauce, baked until bubbly and golden.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ The Brussels Sprouts Foundation
01 -
2 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
→ The Creamy Cheesy Embrace
02 -
2 tbsp unsalted butter
03 -
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
04 -
1 1/2 cups whole milk
05 -
4 oz cream cheese, softened
06 -
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
07 -
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
→ Flavor Enhancers & Finishing Touch
08 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
09 -
1/2 tsp onion powder
10 -
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
11 -
1/2 tsp black pepper
12 -
1 tsp salt, or to taste
13 -
1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Trim and halve the 2 lbs Brussels sprouts. Blanch or steam them for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain them very well to remove excess moisture and set aside. This initial cooking ensures tender Brussels sprouts for your Easy Creamy Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Bake Recipe.
02 -
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Whisk in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a pale golden roux forms. This creates the essential creamy foundation for your sauce.
03 -
Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups whole milk into the roux, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking and cooking over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. It should be smooth and velvety.
04 -
Reduce heat to low. Stir in 4 oz softened cream cheese until melted and smooth. Then, add 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp salt. Stir until all cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is wonderfully creamy. This is the heart of your Easy Creamy Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Bake Recipe.
05 -
Gently fold the pre-cooked Brussels sprouts into the creamy cheese sauce until they are evenly coated. Transfer the entire mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish (or similar size). Spread the Brussels sprouts in an even layer for consistent baking.
06 -
Sprinkle 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the Brussels sprouts mixture. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the bake is bubbly around the edges and the Panko topping is golden brown and crisp. For the best Easy Creamy Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Bake Recipe, let it rest briefly.
07 -
Remove the Easy Creamy Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Bake Recipe from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the creamy sauce to set slightly, making it easier to scoop and ensuring maximum deliciousness.
# Notes:
01 -
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce. You can also swap sharp cheddar for Gruyere or fontina for a different flavor profile.
02 -
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
03 -
This bake makes a fantastic side dish for roasted chicken, ham, or steak. It's also hearty enough to be a light vegetarian main course with a simple green salad.
04 -
To save time, you can blanch the Brussels sprouts and make the cheese sauce a day in advance. Store separately, then combine, top with Panko, and bake when ready.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
9x13 inch baking dish
02 -
large saucepan
03 -
whisk
04 -
measuring cups and spoons
05 -
cutting board
06 -
chef's knife
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 380 kcal
Total Fat: 25 g
Total Carbohydrate: 25 g
Protein: 19 g