Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

Fresh sprouts are definitely preferred for the best texture and flavor. Frozen Brussels sprouts tend to release more moisture when roasting, which can make your casserole watery. If frozen is all you have, thaw and thoroughly pat them dry before roasting, and you may need to roast them a bit longer to evaporate excess moisture.

How do I prevent my cream sauce from curdling?

The key is gentle heat and patience. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking, and don't increase the temperature to speed up the cooking process. The cream sauce needs to heat gradually to prevent separation. Also, using heavy cream rather than a lighter alternative helps stabilize the sauce.

Can I make this ahead for a holiday meal?

Absolutely! You can roast the Brussels sprouts and prepare the cream mixture separately up to 24 hours ahead. Refrigerate both components, then combine and bake when ready to serve. You might need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if assembling with cold ingredients.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?

For a lighter option, you can replace half the heavy cream with chicken or vegetable broth, and reduce the cheese by about 1/3. It won't be quite as rich, but still delicious. You could also try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce won't be quite as thick.

Creamy Brussels Sprout Casserole Recipe

Name: Creamy Brussels Sprout Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 37 min
Total time: 47 min
Ingredients: 3 cups Brussels sprouts, bottoms removed and halved; 1 tablespoon oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 3/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese or asiago; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese or asiago; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

This Creamy Brussels Sprout Casserole transforms the often-overlooked vegetable into an irresistible dish that even skeptics will love. With a perfect balance of roasted Brussels sprouts, creamy sauce, and melty cheese, this casserole delivers comfort food at its finest. Ready in under an hour, it’s a fantastic side dish for weeknight dinners or holiday feasts when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Brussels Sprout Convert: This casserole will change minds about Brussels sprouts! The roasting process brings out their natural sweetness while the creamy cheese sauce masks any bitterness.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep components ahead of time, making your meal preparation much smoother when you’re juggling multiple dishes.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of three cheeses and aromatic garlic creates a dish that disappears quickly at potlucks and family gatherings.
Versatile Side Dish: Works beautifully alongside chicken, beef, pork, or as part of a vegetarian spread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Brussels Sprouts: The star of the show! Halving them creates more surface area for roasting and helps them absorb more of that delicious cream sauce.
Oil: Helps the Brussels sprouts roast to perfection, creating those deliciously caramelized edges.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the Brussels sprouts and balancing the richness of the cream.
Heavy Cream: Creates that luxurious, velvety sauce that makes this casserole irresistible. Don’t skimp here!
Garlic: Adds wonderful aromatic flavor that permeates the entire dish.
Italian Seasoning: A convenient blend of herbs that adds depth without overwhelming the Brussels sprouts.
Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp, salty element that cuts through the richness of the cream.
Mozzarella Cheese: Creates that gorgeous, stretchy cheese pull that makes casseroles so satisfying to serve.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Cheese Options

Swap the cheese combination for Gruyère and white cheddar for a more complex flavor profile.

Add Some Crunch

Top with buttered panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers mixed with a bit of melted butter for a delightful textural contrast.

Make It Meaty

Add cooked, crumbled bacon or pancetta for a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with Brussels sprouts.

Extra Vegetables

Mix in some caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms to add another dimension of flavor.

How to Make Creamy Brussels Sprout Casserole

Step 1: Roast the Brussels Sprouts

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss those halved Brussels sprouts with oil on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Season with half the salt and pepper, then roast for 12 minutes until they begin to caramelize at the edges. Let them cool slightly while you prepare the sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Sauce

In a large bowl, combine heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, most of the parmesan and mozzarella cheeses (reserving some for topping), and the remaining salt and pepper. This mixture will become your luscious cream sauce that transforms ordinary Brussels sprouts into something extraordinary.

Step 3: Combine and Assemble

Gently fold your roasted Brussels sprouts into the cream sauce mixture. The warm sprouts will begin to absorb some of the flavors immediately. Pour everything into your prepared baking dish or cast iron skillet, then sprinkle the remaining cheeses on top.

Step 4: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes until the edges are beautifully browned and the sauce is bubbling throughout. The top should have a gorgeous golden-brown cheese crust. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Roasting: Pre-roasting the Brussels sprouts is crucial for developing flavor and ensuring they’re perfectly tender in the final dish.
Cast Iron Advantage: If you have a cast iron skillet, use it! It creates beautiful crusty edges and can go straight from stovetop to oven.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your cream warm slightly at room temperature before mixing with other ingredients for the smoothest sauce.
Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Grating your own results in a silkier texture.
Perfect Placement: Arrange some Brussels sprouts face-down in the casserole dish for maximum caramelization on their flat surfaces.

How to Serve

This Creamy Brussels Sprout Casserole works beautifully as a side dish for almost any main course. Here are some ideal pairings:

Holiday Meals

Serve alongside roast turkey, ham, or prime rib for a show-stopping holiday spread.

Weeknight Dinners

Pair with a simple roasted chicken or grilled steak for an elevated weeknight meal.

Vegetarian Options

For a meatless meal, serve with wild rice pilaf and a crisp green salad for a satisfying dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen after a day, making this almost better as leftovers!

Freezing

While you can freeze this casserole, the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, do so before baking, and add an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time when cooking from frozen.

Reheating

The microwave works for quick individual portions, but for best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until bubbly again. Add a splash of cream if the sauce seems too thick after refrigeration.

FAQs

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts for this recipe?

Fresh sprouts are definitely preferred for the best texture and flavor. Frozen Brussels sprouts tend to release more moisture when roasting, which can make your casserole watery. If frozen is all you have, thaw and thoroughly pat them dry before roasting, and you may need to roast them a bit longer to evaporate excess moisture.
How do I prevent my cream sauce from curdling?

The key is gentle heat and patience. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking, and don’t increase the temperature to speed up the cooking process. The cream sauce needs to heat gradually to prevent separation. Also, using heavy cream rather than a lighter alternative helps stabilize the sauce.
Can I make this ahead for a holiday meal?

Absolutely! You can roast the Brussels sprouts and prepare the cream mixture separately up to 24 hours ahead. Refrigerate both components, then combine and bake when ready to serve. You might need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if assembling with cold ingredients.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe?

For a lighter option, you can replace half the heavy cream with chicken or vegetable broth, and reduce the cheese by about 1/3. It won’t be quite as rich, but still delicious. You could also try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be quite as thick.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Brussels Sprout Casserole might just be the dish that finally converts the Brussels sprout skeptics in your life. The combination of roasted sprouts with a decadent cheese sauce strikes that perfect balance between healthy vegetable and comforting indulgence. Whether it’s a Tuesday night side dish or part of your holiday spread, this casserole proves that Brussels sprouts deserve a place of honor at your table. Give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!