Indulgent Creamy Baked Brussel Sprouts Recipe

Creamy Baked Brussel Sprouts Recipe nights usually happen at my house when I want something cozy, a little indulgent, and still veggie focused. You know those evenings when you open the fridge and think, I should make a side dish but I want it to feel like comfort food? This is that recipe. It is creamy, garlicky, and topped with melted cheese that makes even Brussels sprouts skeptics take a second helping. I also love it because you can keep it simple for a weeknight or dress it up for the holidays. Let us get into it.

Ingredients for Creamy Brussels Sprouts Sauce (Heavy Cream, Parmesan, Garlic, Broth, Seasonings)

This is the heart of the whole dish. The sprouts get tender and a little roasty, but the sauce is what makes people ask for the recipe. I like a sauce that tastes rich but not heavy in a gluey way, so a little broth is my secret helper here.

What you will need for the sauce

• Heavy cream for that luxurious texture
• Parmesan for salty, nutty flavor
• Garlic, fresh minced if you can
• Broth (chicken or veggie) to loosen the sauce and keep it from feeling too thick
• Seasonings: salt, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if you like that classic creamy vibe

If you are already a Brussels sprouts fan, you might also like a punchier roasted version like honey garlic roasted Brussels sprouts on nights when you want sweet and savory instead of creamy.

Best Cheese Options for Brussels Sprouts Gratin (Parmesan, Mozzarella, Gruyère) + Flavor Boosters

Cheese is where you can really make this taste like a restaurant side dish. For this Creamy Baked Brussel Sprouts Recipe, I usually do a mix because one cheese alone can taste a little flat.

Cheese options

Parmesan adds salt and sharpness. Mozzarella gives you that stretchy, melty top. Gruyère is the fancy one, and it adds a slightly nutty, deep flavor that screams holiday dinner.

Flavor boosters I actually use

Try a tiny spoon of Dijon mustard in the sauce, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top before baking. Even a bit of lemon zest at the end can wake up all the rich flavors without making it taste lemony.

And if you want a different kind of bold, salty add on, check out bacon Brussels sprouts for inspiration. Bacon plus creamy sauce is honestly a very happy situation.

Brussels Sprouts Prep 101 (Trimming, Halving, Shredding) + Fresh vs Frozen Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts can be a little annoying if you do not prep them right, but it is quick once you get the rhythm. For this Creamy Baked Brussel Sprouts Recipe, I like them halved so they hold their shape and do not turn into mush.

Quick prep steps

Trim the dry end of the stem. Peel off any sad outer leaves. Then slice each sprout in half from top to bottom. If you have some big ones and some small ones, cut the big ones into quarters so everything cooks evenly.

Shredded option: If you want more of a casserole feel, you can shred them. The sauce coats every little piece and it eats more like a creamy veggie bake.

Fresh vs frozen: Fresh gives you the best texture and a slightly sweeter flavor after browning. Frozen is fine in a pinch, but thaw it and pat it dry first. If you skip drying, you can end up with watery sauce and softer sprouts.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Creamy Brussels Sprouts in a Skillet (Brown, Simmer, Thicken, Finish)

This is the part I love because you can taste and adjust as you go. Also, doing the sauce in the skillet means you do not need a separate pot. Less dishes is always a win in my kitchen.

Basic method

1) Brown the sprouts in a big skillet with a little butter or olive oil. Give them some time. You want those golden edges.

2) Add garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, just until it smells amazing.

3) Pour in broth and let it simmer a couple minutes to soften the sprouts slightly.

4) Lower the heat and add heavy cream. Keep it at a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil.

5) Stir in Parmesan and seasonings. Let it thicken for a few minutes until it coats a spoon.

6) Taste and adjust. More pepper? More salt? A pinch of nutmeg? This is your moment.

If you are making this as a side for chicken, I love pairing it with something simple like baked chicken thighs. That combo feels like a full cozy dinner without much effort.

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Optional Oven Finish: Broiled Creamy Brussels Sprouts for a Golden, Bubbly Top

If you want that golden top that makes people hover near the pan, do a quick broil. This is optional, but it adds that gratin style vibe without committing to a full bake time.

Just spoon the creamy sprouts into a baking dish, top with mozzarella or Gruyère, and broil for 2 to 4 minutes. Stay close. Broilers go from perfect to burnt in about ten seconds when you look away.

Brussels Sprouts Au Gratin Method (Creamy Cheese Sauce + Bake Time/Temp)

When I am serving this for guests, I usually go full au gratin. It feels special, and it holds warm well on the table.

How I bake it

Preheat the oven to 400 F. Pour the creamy sprouts into a buttered baking dish. Add an extra handful of cheese on top. Bake about 15 to 20 minutes until bubbly. Then broil 1 to 2 minutes if you want more color.

This version is basically the official holiday worthy Creamy Baked Brussel Sprouts Recipe in my house, because it is rich, cheesy, and looks impressive without being fussy.

Creamy Brussels Sprouts Casserole Version (One-Pan Holiday Side Dish)

If you want it to feel more like a casserole, you can add a little extra sauce and pack it into a deeper dish. Sometimes I do this when I need to feed more people, because it stretches easily.

My trick is to add a bit more broth and a touch more cream so it stays creamy after baking. Then I top it with cheese and maybe breadcrumbs if I am feeling it. It scoops like a dream and tastes even better the next day.

Add-Ins & Variations (Bacon, Breadcrumbs, Leeks/Onion, Mustard, Spice, Lemon Zest)

This is where you can make it your own. I have made this so many ways depending on what is in the fridge.

Easy add ins

Bacon makes it smoky and salty. Breadcrumbs add crunch, especially if you toast them in butter first. Leeks or onion bring sweetness and make the whole thing taste more rounded. Mustard adds zing without tasting like mustard, if you keep it small. For heat, use red pepper flakes. For brightness, finish with lemon zest right before serving.

If you love sweet and tangy flavors with sprouts, you might also like maple balsamic roasted Brussels sprouts as a totally different vibe from creamy.

Dietary Swaps (Gluten-Free, Keto/Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Dairy-Free/Vegan Options)

I get asked about swaps a lot, and good news, this dish is pretty flexible.

Simple swaps that still taste good

Gluten free: Skip breadcrumbs or use gluten free ones. The rest is naturally gluten free if your broth is safe.

Keto/low carb: This Creamy Baked Brussel Sprouts Recipe is already low carb. Just skip breadcrumbs and do extra cheese.

Vegetarian: Use veggie broth and skip bacon.

Dairy free or vegan: Use a creamy plant based cooking cream, add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor, and use vegan cheese on top. It will not be exactly the same, but it can still be really satisfying.

Pro Tips for the Best Cream Sauce (No Curdling, Right Thickness, Prevent Soggy Sprouts)

This is the stuff I learned the hard way, so you do not have to.

Keep the sauce smooth: Do not boil the cream hard. Gentle simmer is your friend. Also, add cheese off the highest heat so it melts instead of clumping.

Get the thickness right: If it is too thick, splash in a bit more broth. If it is too thin, let it simmer a few extra minutes before baking.

Avoid soggy sprouts: Brown them first. That little bit of golden color adds flavor and helps them stay less watery. And if you use frozen sprouts, dry them well.

Serving Suggestions (Thanksgiving/Christmas Sides + Pairings for Chicken, Steak, Salmon, Ham)

This is one of those sides that works with almost everything. It is especially good when the main dish is simple, because the sprouts bring the creamy wow factor.

• Holiday plates: Serve it next to ham, turkey, or roast beef. It fits right in with Thanksgiving and Christmas comfort food.
• Weeknight dinner: Pair with roasted chicken, pan seared steak, or salmon.
• Potluck move: Bake it in a dish with a lid so it stays hot on the drive.

When I want a super easy, crowd pleasing main, I will sometimes make cheesy baked chicken breast and peppers and let these creamy sprouts be the fancy side.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating (Fridge/Freezer, Reheat Without Separating)

This dish is a lifesaver when you want to get ahead, especially around the holidays.

Make ahead: You can prep the sprouts and make the sauce earlier in the day. Keep them separate, then combine and bake when you are ready. Or assemble the full dish, cover, refrigerate, and bake within 24 hours.

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: You can freeze it, but creamy sauces can change texture a little. If you do freeze, cool completely first and wrap well.

Reheating without separating: Reheat gently. Oven at 350 F covered with foil works best. If microwaving, use lower power and stir halfway through. If it looks thick, add a tiny splash of broth or cream and stir.

Common Questions

Can I make this Creamy Baked Brussel Sprouts Recipe without heavy cream?

Yes. Half and half works, but the sauce will be a bit thinner. You can simmer a little longer to thicken it up.

Why did my sauce turn grainy?

Usually the heat was too high when the cheese went in. Next time, lower the heat and add cheese slowly while stirring.

How do I keep Brussels sprouts from tasting bitter?

Browning helps a lot. Also, do not overcook them. A little salt and Parmesan also balance bitterness.

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this?

You can. Thaw and dry them first, then brown them in the skillet to cook off extra moisture.

What is the best dish to bake it in?

A shallow baking dish gives you more cheesy top coverage, which is never a bad thing.

A cozy little send off (and a nudge to try it)

If you have been trying to find a veggie side that people actually get excited about, this one is it. This Creamy Baked Brussel Sprouts Recipe is rich without being complicated, and you can customize it a bunch of ways depending on your mood. If you want another creamy take for comparison, you can peek at Creamy Brussels Sprouts Bake – A Pretty Life In The Suburbs and see how they do it. Now grab those sprouts, make it extra cheesy, and do not be surprised if someone asks you to bring it to every holiday from now on.

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