Decadent Brussels Sprouts Gratin
Indulge in this Decadent Brussels Sprouts Gratin, a rich and comforting vegetable dish perfect for any occasion. This recipe harmoniously combines tender Brussels sprouts with a creamy mushroom and cheese sauce, topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust for that irresistible crunch. Whether you're serving it as a side dish for a holiday feast or as a cozy weeknight dinner, this gratin is sure to impress your family and friends. Share and enjoy the delightful flavors of Brussels sprouts with this elevated gratin that turns a simple vegetable into a gourmet experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Brussels sprouts
1 lb (frozen or fresh)
butter
1 tbsp (for sautéing onions)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
flour
1 tbsp (all-purpose)
mushrooms
1/2 cup (sliced)
half-and-half cream
1/2 cup (not prepared)
milk
1/2 cup (not prepared)
salt
1/4-1/2 tsp (to taste)
white pepper
1/4 tsp (not prepared)
thyme
1/4 tsp (dried)
paprika
1/4 tsp (not prepared)
Swiss cheese
1/3 cup (shredded)
Cheddar cheese
1/3 cup (shredded)
butter
1 tbsp (melted for topping)
soft breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
If using fresh Brussels sprouts, trim the ends and cut them in half lengthwise; if using frozen, cook them according to package instructions and drain thoroughly. Arrange the drained Brussels sprouts in a lightly greased shallow casserole dish.
3
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until it becomes translucent.
4
Stir in the flour, whisking until smooth, then incorporate the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they soften.
5
Gradually add the half-and-half cream and milk, whisking continuously until the mixture is heated through. Season the sauce with salt, white pepper, thyme, and paprika, allowing flavors to meld.
6
Reduce the heat to medium-low, and fold in the shredded Swiss and cheddar cheeses. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the mixture is creamy.
7
Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the Brussels sprouts in the casserole dish, ensuring they are well-coated.
8
In a separate small bowl, combine the melted butter with the soft breadcrumbs and mix well. Evenly sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture over the cheesy Brussels sprouts.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your savory gratin!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Brussels Sprouts Gratin?
It is a rich and comforting vegetable dish that combines tender Brussels sprouts with a creamy mushroom and cheese sauce, finished with a buttery breadcrumb crust.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the gratin.
How should I prepare fresh Brussels sprouts for this recipe?
Trim the ends of the fresh Brussels sprouts and cut them in half lengthwise before arranging them in the dish.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Yes, if using frozen Brussels sprouts, cook them according to the package instructions and drain them thoroughly before use.
What is the total baking time?
The gratin should bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
What types of cheese are used in the sauce?
This recipe uses a combination of shredded Swiss cheese and shredded Cheddar cheese.
How much onion is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
What kind of mushrooms are used?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms to be cooked into the sauce.
What liquid ingredients make up the creamy sauce?
The sauce is made using 1/2 cup of half-and-half cream and 1/2 cup of milk.
What spices provide flavor to the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with salt, white pepper, dried thyme, and paprika.
How do I prepare the breadcrumb topping?
In a separate small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of melted butter with 1/4 cup of soft breadcrumbs and mix well.
How do I know when the onions are ready while sautéing?
Sauté the onions in butter for about 2 minutes until they become translucent.
What type of flour is used in this gratin?
Use 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour to help thicken the sauce.
Is this recipe considered a side dish or a main course?
It is primarily described as a vegetable side dish, perfect for holiday feasts or cozy weeknight dinners.
How many pounds of Brussels sprouts are required?
You will need 1 pound of Brussels sprouts, either fresh or frozen.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should arrange the Brussels sprouts in a lightly greased shallow casserole dish.
How do I incorporate the flour and mushrooms?
Stir in the flour whisking until smooth, then add the mushrooms and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften.
When should I add the cheese to the mixture?
After the cream and milk mixture is heated through and seasoned, reduce the heat to medium-low and fold in the cheeses.
What is the texture of the finished topping?
The buttery breadcrumb topping provides an irresistible crunch to the dish.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, based on the ingredients and tags, this recipe is a vegetarian vegetable side dish.
Should the sauce be poured over the sprouts before or after baking?
The cheese sauce should be poured evenly over the Brussels sprouts in the casserole dish before baking.
Can I use black pepper instead of white pepper?
The recipe specifies 1/4 tsp of white pepper, which is traditional for light-colored sauces, but you can substitute to taste.
How much butter is used in total for the recipe?
A total of 2 tablespoons of butter is used: 1 for sautéing onions and 1 for the breadcrumb topping.
What kind of dish should I bake the gratin in?
A lightly greased shallow casserole dish is recommended for even baking.
Should the gratin be served immediately?
It is recommended to allow the gratin to cool slightly before serving to let the sauce set.
What heat level should I use to melt the cheeses?
Reduce the heat to medium-low when folding in the shredded Swiss and cheddar cheeses.
Does the recipe use dried or fresh herbs?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme.
Is the paprika for garnish or the sauce?
The 1/4 teaspoon of paprika is added directly to the sauce along with the other seasonings.
How much Swiss cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of shredded Swiss cheese.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It features a harmonious combination of tender sprouts, earthy mushrooms, and a savory, creamy cheese blend.