Name: Cheesy Brussels Sprout Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds Brussels Sprouts, washed, trimmed, and halved; 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter; 1 medium Yellow Onion, finely diced; 4 teaspoons Garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes; 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour; 1 cup Chicken Broth; 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream; Kosher Salt & Black Pepper to taste; 1 cup Gruyère Cheese, shredded; 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated; 1 cup Crispy Fried Onions; Fresh Parsley, chopped, for garnish

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

The enticing aroma of roasted Brussels sprouts mingling with rich, melted cheese hugs your senses as you step into the kitchen to prepare this Cheesy Brussels Sprout Casserole. Golden, bubbly cheese cascades over tender, caramelized sprouts in a dance of textures that’s both comforting and satisfying. Each bite bursts with flavor, creating a delightful warmth that feels like a hug on a chilly evening.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Cheesy Brussels Sprout Casserole
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Cheesy Brussels Sprout Casserole

I remember the first time I made this casserole for a family gathering in the fall. The table was filled with heartwarming dishes, but the moment this cheesy delight came out of the oven, it became the star of the show. Friends and family alike flocked to it like moths to a flame, their laughter and satisfied sighs mingling with the savory scents wafting through the air. As the leaves changed colors and a chill settled in, there was no better way to bring loved ones together than with an offering of pure comfort food.

Now, I invite you to make this Cheesy Brussels Sprout Casserole, whether it’s for a cozy family dinner, a festive holiday feast, or just a simple weeknight meal. Get ready for deliciousness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready to eat in just about an hour, including prep time!
Irresistible Flavor: The robust combination of cheeses and well-seasoned sprouts creates a taste explosion with every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Its bubbly, golden top and vibrant green Brussels make it a stunning centerpiece for any table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect as a side dish or a delightful main course for brunch or dinner gatherings.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by substituting flour or using gluten-free crispy onions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Brussels Sprouts: Two pounds, washed, trimmed, and halved. These green gems add a fantastic crunch and earthy flavor that balances the richness of the cheese.
Unsalted Butter: A quarter cup, which enhances the creaminess of the sauce. You can swap it for olive oil if preferred.
Yellow Onion: One medium, finely diced. It brings sweetness and aroma, browning beautifully to enhance the overall taste.
Garlic: Four teaspoons minced, adding depth. Fresh garlic is best, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Half a teaspoon for a hint of heat. Adjust according to your spice preference; omit for less heat!
All-Purpose Flour: A quarter cup thickens the sauce beautifully. If gluten-free, use cornstarch or a gluten-free blend instead.
Chicken Broth: One cup provides savory depth. Vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian option.
Heavy Whipping Cream: A cup gives a luscious creaminess. For lighter versions, half-and-half can be used, but the texture won’t be as rich.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the dish to perfection—adjust to taste!
Gruyère Cheese: One cup shredded. This Swiss cheese melts impeccably, offering nutty flavors. Fontina or aged cheddar can be delicious substitutes.
Parmesan Cheese: A cup, freshly grated for additional flavor and that golden crust. Reggiano or pecorino also shine here.
Crispy Fried Onions: A generous cup adds a crunch! Use French’s or homemade fried onions, or toasted breadcrumbs as a substitute if needed.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish. It adds a burst of color and freshness finishing off your casserole beautifully.

How to Make Cheesy Brussels Sprout Casserole

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with either butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. This preparation step is crucial to ensure a beautiful casserole that won’t cling to the sides as it bakes.

Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt your ¼ cup of unsalted butter. Once melted, add the finely diced yellow onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they turn translucent and fragrant. Add in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until the garlic is aromatic—this step builds a beautiful flavor foundation!

Mix in Flour and Liquids: Sprinkle the ¼ cup of all-purpose flour over the sautéed mixture and stir well to combine. Cook for about 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the one cup each of chicken broth and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens and bubbles around the edges, about 3-5 minutes—this will create a luxuriously creamy sauce.

Season the Sauce: Stir in the one teaspoon of kosher salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper into the sauce. At this point, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The goal is a well-balanced sauce that brings out the natural flavors of the Brussels sprouts.

Cheese It Up: Reduce the heat to low and fold in one cup each of shredded Gruyère and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. The cheese adds creaminess and richness to the dish, making it truly irresistible!

Combine with Brussels Sprouts: In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with the creamy sauce until thoroughly coated. Ensure every sprout gets deliciously slathered in that cheesy goodness—this is where the magic starts!

Transfer and Top: Pour the cheesy Brussels sprout mixture into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly. Now, sprinkle the crispy fried onions generously over the top, ensuring the entire surface is covered. This step adds the perfect crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sprouts.

Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on it in the last few minutes—if the onions get too dark, cover them with foil to prevent burning. The aroma wafting through your home will have your family eagerly anticipating this meal!

Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Allow it to cool for a few moments before serving—it makes for a more manageable serving size and helps the flavors meld even further.

Storing & Reheating

Once your Cheesy Brussels Sprout Casserole is cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 hours. For longer storage, refrigerate it where it will last up to 4 days. To freeze, place your casserole in a freezer-safe container for a maximum of 3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until heated through. Do note that the texture may soften slightly, so adding an extra sprinkle of fresh cheese before heating can help liven it back up!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking your Brussels sprouts during the sauté stage; they should be tender-crisp as they’ll cook further in the oven.
Ensure your ingredients, especially frozen ones, are at room temperature before mixing to prevent a lumpy sauce.
Timing is key—start your cooking while the oven preheats to streamline your cooking process.
For added depth, consider sprinkling some smoked paprika or nutmeg into the creamy sauce!
If you love a golden crust, broil the casserole for a few minutes at the end, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
This dish is perfect make-ahead food; simply assemble it a day before and bake it just before serving!

There’s something undeniably lovely about a dish that manages to be both comforting and indulgent, yet still wholesome. This Cheesy Brussels Sprout Casserole brings together the warmth of melted cheese and the distinctive flavor of Brussels sprouts, making it the perfect companion for chilly nights or festive gatherings. I encourage you to experiment with the ingredients and find your own delicious twist on this cheesy masterpiece. Enjoy every bite, and create fond memories alongside your loved ones!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! This casserole can be assembled a day ahead. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. You might need to add a few more minutes to the cooking time if you bake it straight from the fridge.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you want a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the texture will be less rich. For a dairy-free option, try using coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream substitute.

Can I add additional vegetables to this casserole?

Certainly! Feel free to toss in other vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or green beans for added nutrition and color. Just remember to adjust the cooking time according to the vegetables you choose.

How do I store leftovers?

Place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. To reheat, pop it back in the oven until warmed through, or microwave individual portions if you’re in a hurry!