Creamy Smoked Gouda Brussels Sprouts Bake
Indulge in this delightful Creamy Smoked Gouda Brussels Sprouts Bake, a perfect combination of silky cheese sauce and tender Brussels sprouts, ideal as a side dish for any gathering or a comforting meal for a cozy night in. The rich smokiness of the Gouda cheese elevates this traditional vegetable dish to new heights, while the crunchy breadcrumb topping adds a satisfying texture that balances the creaminess below. This gratin is not only easy to prepare but also makes for a beautiful presentation that will impress your family and guests alike. Serve it alongside your favorite protein for a memorable feast.
6
Servings
109
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen or Fresh Brussels Sprouts
1 lb (Trimmed and halved if fresh)
Butter
2 tablespoons (Melted)
Shallot
1 large (Finely chopped)
Flour
1 tablespoon (All-purpose flour)
Heavy Cream
1 cup (Or half and half or a combination)
Sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons (Granulated)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Ground black pepper)
Paprika
1/8 teaspoon (Regular or smoked paprika)
Salt
to taste (As needed)
Shredded Smoked Gouda Cheese
1 cup (Or regular Gouda)
Butter
1 tablespoon (Melted, for breadcrumb topping)
Soft Breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (For topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
2
In a large saucepan, bring salted water to a boil and add the Brussels sprouts (if using fresh, trim the ends and halve them). Cook until they are crisp-tender, about 5-7 minutes for frozen sprouts or 8-10 minutes for fresh. Drain well and transfer them to the prepared casserole dish.
3
In a separate small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallots and sauté until they are soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
4
Reduce the heat to medium-low and whisk in the flour to create a roux, stirring constantly for about 1 minute until it becomes light golden in color.
5
Gradually add the heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
6
Stir in the sugar, pepper, paprika, and salt to taste. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture is heated through and slightly thickened.
7
Remove from heat and mix in the shredded smoked Gouda until it melts completely into the sauce. Pour this creamy cheese sauce evenly over the Brussels sprouts in the casserole dish.
8
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the soft breadcrumbs until evenly mixed. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of the cheese-covered sprouts.
9
Bake the gratin in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
6g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
0.7g
Fiber
1g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Smoked Gouda Brussels Sprouts Bake?
It is a vegetable gratin featuring tender Brussels sprouts enveloped in a rich, smoky Gouda cheese sauce and topped with buttery breadcrumbs.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 6 servings, making it an ideal side dish for family dinners or small gatherings.
Can I use fresh Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen Brussels sprouts. If using fresh, ensure you trim the ends and halve them before boiling.
How long should I boil fresh Brussels sprouts?
Fresh Brussels sprouts should be boiled for approximately 8 to 10 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
How long do frozen Brussels sprouts need to boil?
Frozen Brussels sprouts cook faster and should be boiled for about 5 to 7 minutes.
What temperature should the oven be for baking?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before placing the casserole dish inside.
Can I substitute the smoked Gouda cheese?
While smoked Gouda provides a unique flavor, you can use regular Gouda or even Gruyere as a substitute.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 109 calories.
How do I make the cheese sauce for the sprouts?
Create a roux by whisking flour into melted butter and shallots, then gradually stir in heavy cream and melted smoked Gouda.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or a combination of cream and milk if you prefer a slightly lighter sauce.
What type of breadcrumbs are best for the topping?
The recipe calls for soft breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter to create a golden, crunchy texture.
How long does the gratin need to bake?
Bake the dish for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
Is there a specific way to prepare the shallots?
The shallots should be finely chopped and sautéed in butter until soft and translucent before starting the sauce.
What spices are used in this dish?
The dish is seasoned with sugar, ground black pepper, paprika (regular or smoked), and salt to taste.
Is this recipe considered vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly side dish as it contains no meat products.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving has about 8g of fat.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Does the recipe contain any fiber?
Yes, each serving provides approximately 0.7g of fiber from the Brussels sprouts.
What is the protein content?
There are approximately 2.5g of protein per serving.
Can I add protein to this dish?
While designed as a side, you could add cooked bacon bits or diced ham to the casserole for extra flavor and protein.
What should I serve with this Brussels sprouts bake?
It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, steak, or a holiday ham.
Should the casserole dish be greased?
Yes, lightly grease the casserole dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Can I use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika?
Absolutely; using smoked paprika will enhance the smoky flavor provided by the Gouda cheese.
How much Gouda cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of shredded smoked Gouda cheese.
Is the sugar necessary in the recipe?
The 1 1/2 teaspoons of sugar help balance the bitterness of the Brussels sprouts and the richness of the cheese.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can boil the sprouts and prepare the sauce in advance, then assemble and bake just before serving.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What is the best way to reheat this gratin?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain the texture of the breadcrumb topping.
Can I freeze this bake?
Freezing is not recommended as the cream-based sauce may break or become grainy upon thawing.
Should I cover the dish while baking?
No, bake the gratin uncovered to ensure the breadcrumb topping becomes crispy and golden.