Patrick Oconnell
Brussels sprouts are a divisive vegetable, but even sprout skeptics will find it hard to resist this versatile side dish when it's smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Whether boiled, steamed, roasted, or baked, there are many ways to cook Brussels sprouts with cheese sauce, and the addition of butter, garlic, salt, pepper, and other seasonings can help bring out the flavor of the sprouts and enhance the sauce. This dish is a great option for a holiday meal or a weeknight dinner, and it can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation time | 10-20 minutes |
| Cooking time | 10-25 minutes |
| Oven temperature | 375°F-425°F (190°C-220°C) |
| Ingredients | Brussels sprouts, butter, milk, shredded cheese, all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, olive oil, garlic |
| Equipment | Saucepan, ovenproof skillet, baking sheet |
| Variations | Use white cheddar or mozzarella for a white sauce, add bacon, shallots, or garlic |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days, freeze for longer storage |
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What You'll Learn
How to make the cheese sauce
First, decide on the cheese you would like to use. This can be shredded orange cheddar for a cream-coloured sauce, white cheddar or mozzarella for a white sauce, or Velveeta for extra creaminess. You can also use a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar, provolone, asiago, and manchego.
Next, prepare your Brussels sprouts by trimming off the ends and cutting them in half lengthwise. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the sprouts. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until tender. Drain the sprouts and set them aside.
Now, it's time to make the cheese sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt some butter. If you'd like to add some extra flavour, you can also add minced garlic to the butter at this stage and sauté it until fragrant. Then, stir in some all-purpose flour, as well as salt and pepper, and cook the mixture for about 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in milk and bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking constantly, until it thickens. This should take about 2-3 minutes. If you prefer a richer and creamier sauce, you can substitute the milk with half-and-half or heavy cream.
Finally, stir in your chosen shredded cheese and mix until it is completely melted and the sauce is thick and smooth. You can adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
Now, simply add your cooked Brussels sprouts to the cheese sauce and stir until they are fully coated. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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Preparing the sprouts
Next, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the Brussels sprouts. Reduce the heat to medium and continue boiling for 10-15 minutes, or until a fork can easily pierce the sprouts. Drain the sprouts and rinse them in cold water. If you prefer to roast the sprouts instead of boiling them, you can cut them in half lengthwise, drizzle them with oil, and roast them in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 6-8 minutes until slightly charred and caramelized.
Alternatively, you can steam the sprouts in the microwave by placing them in a microwave-safe dish with a little water and cooking until tender. Season the sprouts with salt to taste. Once the sprouts are prepared, you can move on to making the cheese sauce.
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Combining the sauce and sprouts
If you are making a stovetop dish, you will first need to melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. You can then add garlic and stir it through the butter. Next, add flour, salt, and pepper, and mix for about a minute. You can then add milk and whisk until smooth. Finally, add shredded cheese and mix until it is completely melted and creamy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. You can then add the Brussels sprouts into the cheese sauce saucepan and mix until they are fully coated.
If you are making a baked dish, you will need to cook the sprouts on the stovetop first. Heat butter in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat, then add shallots and Brussels sprouts. Season with salt and cayenne, and cook until tender, about 10 minutes. You can then add cream and scatter cheese over the top. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the dish is bubbly.
If you are making a roasted dish, you will need to preheat your oven and lightly grease a baking sheet with nonstick cooking oil spray. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add sprouts and season with salt and pepper. Once hot, shake the pan so the sprouts land cut side down in a single layer. Let them cook until slightly charred and caramelized (about 6-8 minutes). Melt butter in the pan and stir it through the sprouts, then add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Remove from the oven and top with cheese. Return to the oven and broil until the cheese melts and becomes golden (about 4-5 minutes).
You can also make a simple cheese sauce and pour it over boiled sprouts.
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Oven-baked options
If you're looking for an oven-baked option for Brussels sprouts with cheese sauce, you've got several delicious options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Casserole:
This is a perfect option for a holiday gathering or a weeknight dinner. Start by cooking some bacon in an oven-proof skillet. Once crispy, remove the bacon and discard the bacon fat. Add butter, shallots, and halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet and season with salt and cayenne. Cook until tender. Pour cream over the Brussels sprouts and sprinkle with shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheese. Finally, top with the crispy bacon and bake at 375°F until the cheese is melted and bubbling, about 12 to 15 minutes.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cheese:
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Trim and chop your Brussels sprouts, discarding any dry or woody stems. Toss the sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast until fork-tender, about 20-25 minutes. Remove from the oven and top with shredded mozzarella, Gruyère, or provolone cheese. Return to the oven and broil until the cheese is melted and golden, about 4-5 minutes.
Cheesy Garlic Brussels Sprouts:
For this recipe, you'll first want to sauté your Brussels sprouts. Heat oil in a pan and add the sprouts, cut side down. Season with salt and pepper and let them cook until slightly charred and caramelized. Add butter and garlic to the pan and stir. Preheat your oven to 425°F and transfer the sprouts to a greased baking sheet. Top with shredded mozzarella, provolone, or another melted cheese of your choice. Return the sprouts to the oven and broil until the cheese is melted and golden.
With any of these options, you can get creative and use your favourite cheeses or whatever you have on hand. Enjoy experimenting and indulging in these cheesy Brussels sprouts creations!
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Storing and reheating
When reheating, for best results, use an oven to maintain the casserole's texture and flavour. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the casserole (thawed if frozen) in an oven-safe dish. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat in a microwave or a saucepan on the stove. If you're reheating from frozen, defrost overnight in the fridge or quickly in the microwave.
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Frequently asked questions
Boil or steam the sprouts until tender, then coat them in a cheese sauce made from butter, milk, flour, and shredded cheese.
Cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, or any other sharp-tasting cheese will work well.
They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Yes, they can be frozen in freezer bags and defrosted overnight in the fridge or quickly in the microwave.
You can add bacon, garlic, shallots, or cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
