These creamy baked Brussels sprouts are a tasty side dish that everyone will love! They’re rich and cheesy, making those little green veggies truly irresistible.
Honestly, I never thought I’d love Brussels sprouts this much! Baking them with cheese makes them feel like a treat. Serve them at dinner, and watch them disappear! 🥦✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brussels Sprouts: Fresh Brussels sprouts are best for this recipe, but you can use frozen ones in a pinch. Just remember to thaw and drain them before baking to avoid extra moisture.
Heavy Cream: If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk. It might change the creaminess a bit, but it’ll still be tasty.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds great richness, but mascarpone or ricotta can be good substitutes if you don’t have cream cheese on hand. Just make sure they’re softened for easy mixing.
Cheese Varieties: While mozzarella and Parmesan are winning choices, feel free to mix it up! Cheddar or Gruyère can add some delightful flavors too. Use what you have!
Herbs: Fresh herbs elevate the dish! If you have fresh thyme or parsley, go for it! Dried herbs work fine too, but fresh brings an extra punch of flavor.
How Do You Make the Creamy Sauce Smooth?
Creating a smooth and creamy sauce is key to making this dish delightful. Start by warming the heavy cream and softening the cream cheese together over low heat. Stir constantly to avoid any lumps. Here’s a quick step-by-step:
- Combine heavy cream and cream cheese in a saucepan on low heat.
- Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and mixed in well.
- Add garlic, herbs, and half the Parmesan cheese before removing from heat.
- Mix well until everything is smooth and blended.
Taking your time here pays off in delicious creaminess! Enjoy making this dish a hit at your table!
How to Make Creamy Baked Brussels Sprouts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 1 1/2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme leaves)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Cheesy Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to bake, so you’ll need around 40 minutes in total. It’s quick enough to fit into a busy evening yet fancy enough for a special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking dish (about 9×13 inches) and lightly grease it to prevent the Brussels sprouts from sticking.
2. Season the Brussels Sprouts:
In a large bowl, take the halved Brussels sprouts and toss them with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until they’re evenly coated. Once seasoned, spread them out evenly in the prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and softened cream cheese. Place it over low heat and stir frequently until the cream cheese has fully melted and the mixture is smooth and warmed through. This will take just a few minutes!
4. Add Flavor:
Next, stir in the minced garlic, thyme, and ground nutmeg (if you’re using it). Don’t forget to mix in half of the Parmesan cheese. Take the saucepan off the heat once everything is well-combined and creamy.
5. Combine and Top:
Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the Brussels sprouts in the baking dish. After that, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top for a nice gooey finish!
6. Bake the Dish:
Now, it’s time to bake! Put the baking dish in the oven, uncovered, and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for tender Brussels sprouts and a golden, bubbly cheese on top.
7. Finish and Serve:
Once done, take the dish out of the oven (be careful, it’s hot!). Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top and add some fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve while hot!
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy delight that’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table!
Can I Use Frozen Brussels Sprouts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen Brussels sprouts; just be sure to thaw and fully drain them before baking. This helps avoid extra moisture in the dish, ensuring a creamy texture.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream and cream cheese with coconut cream or a nut-based cream (like cashew cream). Use dairy-free cheese alternatives for the mozzarella and Parmesan to maintain the cheesy flavor!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, then cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed to bring back the creamy texture!