What are creamy Brussels sprouts?

Creamy Brussels sprouts are a dish where Brussels sprouts are cooked in a rich, creamy sauce rather than simply being roasted or steamed. The sprouts are typically blanched or sautéed until tender, then combined with ingredients like heavy cream, cheese sauce, or a creamy vinaigrette that coats them and balances their natural bitterness with a smooth, rich flavor profile.

How do you prepare creamy Brussels sprouts?

To prepare creamy Brussels sprouts, start by trimming and halving the sprouts. Blanch them in boiling water for 3-5 minutes until slightly tender. Drain well, then sauté in butter or oil until golden-brown in spots. Add your creamy sauce (such as a cheese sauce or cream reduction) and cook until the sprouts are fully coated and heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

What sauces work well for creamy Brussels sprouts?

Several sauces complement creamy Brussels sprouts beautifully. A cheese sauce made with Gruyère or cheddar adds sharp flavor, while a Parmesan cream sauce offers a nutty profile. For a lighter option, try a garlic cream sauce or a lemon-tahini dressing. Dairy-free alternatives include cashew cream or coconut milk-based sauces with nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor without the dairy.

Are creamy Brussels sprouts healthy?

Despite the indulgent name, creamy Brussels sprouts can be quite nutritious. Brussels sprouts are high in vitamins K and C, fiber, and antioxidants. When prepared with moderation in the creamy sauce, they retain these benefits. For a healthier version, use reduced-fat dairy or plant-based cream alternatives and control sodium content by making your sauce from scratch rather than using processed varieties.

What dishes pair well with creamy Brussels sprouts?

Creamy Brussels sprouts pair excellently with roasted meats like chicken, pork, or beef. They also complement grain dishes such as wild rice pilaf, quinoa, or mashed potatoes. For a vegetarian meal, serve alongside lentils or with a crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce. The dish also works well as part of a holiday spread alongside other vegetable sides like sweet potatoes or green beans.

Best Creamy Brussels Sprouts Recipe With Bacon Topping

Name: Creamy Brussels Sprouts
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 12 oz thick-cut bacon for providing the crispy, smoky base; – 2 lbs Brussels sprouts for tender bite with essential nutrients; – Salt and pepper to taste for enhancing the natural flavors; – 2 tsp minced garlic for adding a flavorful punch; – 2 tbsp butter for helping sauté the sprouts and forming the base of the sauce; – 2 tbsp all-purpose flour for acting as a thickener for the sauce; – 1 ½ cups heavy cream for creating the indulgent, creamy element; – ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese for bringing a nutty, savory note; – ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese for providing the gooey, stretchy melt

Ingredients

– 12 oz thick-cut bacon for providing the crispy, smoky base

– 2 lbs Brussels sprouts for tender bite with essential nutrients

– Salt and pepper to taste for enhancing the natural flavors

– 2 tsp minced garlic for adding a flavorful punch

– 2 tbsp butter for helping sauté the sprouts and forming the base of the sauce

– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour for acting as a thickener for the sauce

– 1 ½ cups heavy cream for creating the indulgent, creamy element

– ⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese for bringing a nutty, savory note

– ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese for providing the gooey, stretchy melt

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Instructions

First Step: Start by prepping your ingredients to set the stage for creamy success. Trim and halve the 2 lbs of Brussels sprouts, then cut the 12 oz of thick-cut bacon into pieces this mise-en-place keeps things organized and cuts down on cooking stress.

Second Step: Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s crisp and golden, which takes about 5-7 minutes don’t forget to reserve the grease for extra flavor in your creamy Brussels sprouts. This step builds that smoky base that makes the dish stand out.

Third Step: Sauté the halved Brussels sprouts in the reserved bacon grease over medium-high heat for 5-10 minutes until they start to brown and soften. For a dietary twist, use olive oil instead if you’re going low-fat, ensuring your creamy Brussels sprouts adapt easily.

Fourth Step: In the same pan, add 2 tsp of minced garlic and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant, then mix in 2 tbsp of butter and 2 tbsp of all-purpose flour to create a roux. If you’re making it gluten-free, swap the flour now to keep things inclusive for all eaters of creamy Brussels sprouts.

Fifth Step: Slowly pour in 1 ½ cups of heavy cream while stirring constantly, letting it simmer until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Add the shredded cheeses ⅓ cup parmesan and ¾ cup mozzarella and stir until melted and smooth, creating that rich, creamy coating for your Brussels sprouts.

Sixth Step: Combine the sautéed Brussels sprouts and crispy bacon back into the pan with the sauce, mixing everything together evenly. For a keto version, ensure your cream is full-fat to maintain that luxurious texture in creamy Brussels sprouts.

Seventh Step: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until it’s bubbly and the top is golden. This final bake brings it all together, making your creamy Brussels sprouts tender and flavorful aim for 30 minutes total cook time to serve up to 8 people.

Eighth Step: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to settle and making it easier to dish out. Pair this with something like our delicious candied yams recipe for a complete meal that highlights holiday sides.

Last Step:

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Notes

🥦 For the best texture, don’t overcrowd the Brussels sprouts when sautéing – give them space to cook evenly and get slightly crispy
🥓 Reserve the bacon grease separately to avoid making the dish too greasy while still getting that wonderful bacon flavor
🧀 Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking – this allows the cheese sauce to set slightly and makes serving much cleaner

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American
Diet: Regular

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 320
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 45mg