Imagine turning the most controversial vegetable into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for more! Our Baked Brussels Sprouts au Gratin is not just another side dish – it's a culinary revelation that transforms humble Brussels sprouts into a creamy, crispy, and utterly irresistible experience. Prepare to shatter every preconceived notion about this nutritious vegetable and elevate your dinner game with a recipe that's as impressive as it is delicious.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the middle for even heating.
- Thoroughly wash the Brussels sprouts under cold running water. Trim off the tough stem ends and slice each sprout in half lengthwise, creating uniform pieces for even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved Brussels sprouts with minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Toss the sprouts to ensure they are evenly seasoned.
- Transfer the seasoned Brussels sprouts to a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading them out in a single layer to promote even roasting.
- Pour the heavy cream evenly over the Brussels sprouts, ensuring all pieces are lightly coated.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the entire surface of the sprouts, creating a generous and even coverage.
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sprinkle the seasoned breadcrumbs uniformly over the cheese-covered Brussels sprouts.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cream to set and flavors to meld.
- Serve hot as a delicious side dish, garnishing with additional fresh ground black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Sprouts: Select firm, bright green Brussels sprouts without any yellow leaves or blemishes for the best flavor and texture.
- Uniform Cutting: Ensure all sprouts are cut to similar sizes to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture.
- Don't Overcrowd: Spread the sprouts in a single layer to allow proper roasting and prevent steaming.
- Cheese Selection: While Parmesan works beautifully, feel free to experiment with Gruyère or a blend of cheeses for complex flavor.
- Breadcrumb Tip: For extra crunch, toast the breadcrumbs lightly in a pan with a touch of butter before sprinkling.
- Watch Browning: Keep an eye on the dish in the final 5-10 minutes to prevent over-browning. If the top is getting too dark, cover loosely with foil.
- Resting Time Matters: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cream to set and flavors to meld perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 80mg
