Imagine transforming the often-misunderstood Brussels sprout from a bland, bitter vegetable into a creamy, cheesy delicacy that will have your entire family fighting for the last bite. This Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole isn't just a side dish; it's a culinary revelation that turns humble Brussels sprouts into a decadent, mouth-watering experience that will make you forget every negative childhood memory of overcooked, mushy greens.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly under cool running water, then trim off the tough stem ends and slice each sprout in half lengthwise to ensure even cooking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then blanch the halved Brussels sprouts for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender, but still crisp.
- Drain the Brussels sprouts in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and preserve their vibrant color and texture.
- Arrange the blanched Brussels sprouts in the prepared baking dish, spreading them out in a single even layer.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until well blended.
- Pour the cheese mixture evenly over the Brussels sprouts, ensuring all sprouts are coated with the creamy sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, gently tossing to distribute the seasoning.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown and the Brussels sprouts are tender.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese sauce to set slightly.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish, garnishing with additional fresh cracked black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Sprouts: Select bright green, firm Brussels sprouts without yellow leaves or brown spots for the best flavor and texture.
- Blanching Technique: Don't skip the blanching step! This ensures your sprouts are perfectly tender-crisp and maintain their vibrant color.
- Cheese Selection: For maximum flavor, use freshly grated cheeses instead of pre-shredded varieties. The melting quality will be superior.
- Even Layering: Spread Brussels sprouts in a single layer to ensure each piece gets coated with the delicious cheese sauce.
- Watch the Oven: Keep an eye on the casserole in the last 5-10 minutes to prevent over-browning. The cheese should be golden, not burnt.
- Resting Time Matters: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps the sauce set and makes serving easier.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding crispy bacon bits, toasted breadcrumbs, or chopped herbs like thyme for extra flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
