Over-the-Top Creamed Brussels Sprout Gratin Recipe (2024)

Why It Works

  • Browning our bacon with butter adds plenty of sweet, smoky flavor to our finished casserole.
  • Bacon combined with reduced heavy cream and cheese creates an incredibly decadent and rich background for the sprouts.

There are times for subtlety and restraint. Talking to your wife about those used cups you keep finding in the sink. Telling a PR person who has pitched you the same stupid Thanksgiving story for the umpteenth time that it's not them, it's you, but please go away. Adding vermouth to your dry martini.

Thanksgiving is not one of these times. If there's ever been a time to gussy up your excess with a hint of self-indulgence and hedonism this is it. It's an excuse to cook a recipe that contains not just bacon, but bacon cooked in butter with some heavy cream and a cheesy crust thrown into the mix.

Brussels sprouts have come a long way in the days since they were boiled to a stinky, cabbage-y death or, worse, popped out of a can onto the Thanksgiving table. Though they'll never replace stuffing as my favorite Thanksgiving side dish, they still manage to completely disappear from my family's table before anything else even comes close. I blame this phenomenon in large part on the better ways in which we've taken to cooking them.

Rapid, high-heat cooking has been a game-changer for me—it's a technique that consistently delivers those nutty, sweet, charred edges. It's a technique I've used for everything fromplain, roasted sproutstoroasted Brussels with shallots and balsamic vinegar, not to mentiondeep-fried Brussels sprouts(my personal favorite) andsprouts seared with bacon or chorizo.

But what if I told you that there's an evenbetterway to cook Brussels sprouts? One that forgoes that quick cooking in lieu of extra-richness and flavor? A method that not only delivers decadently delicious results, but can be made 100% ahead of time with just a short stay in the oven prior to serving?

This year, I'm planning on braising my Brussels sprouts in a creamy, cheesy gratin. I hope you'll consider doing the same. Here's how.

The Porcine Pleasures: Pork and Brussels Sprouts, a Perfect Match

Over-the-Top Creamed Brussels Sprout Gratin Recipe (1)

Like Bert and Ernie, or homemade pickles and dudes with mustaches, Brussels sprouts and cured pork are a combo so classic that it's tough to even imagine a world in which they don't come hand in hand. I like to start this recipe with bacon—about a half pound for every two and a half pounds of sprouts—but other cured pork like salami, chorizo, pancetta, or kielbasa would do nicely as well.

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I told you we were frying that bacon in butter, didn't I? I wasn't kidding. Cook the bacon down in butter until it starts to deposit nice browned bits onto the bottom of the pan.

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That's just about what you're looking for. Unlike quick-cooking Brussels sprouts recipes, where you brown the sprouts deeply and rapidly, this recipe requires a slower layering approach, adding flavor at each step before letting it all simmer together.

About Sprouts: Choosing and Cooking the Sprouts

With the bacon browned, it's time to add the sprouts. Look for sprouts with really tight, dense heads, the smaller the better. If you manage to find really pint-sized guys (think: the size of a dime or less), then you can leave them whole. Otherwise, you'll want to split them in half or into quarters.

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There's no real deep browning going on here, but don't worry about the extra sweetness and smokiness that usually brings. Your sprouts should still pick up plenty of those flavors as you stir them around the pan and dislodge some of the browned bacon bits from the bottom.

The only other major flavoring they need is a little bit of minced shallot, which I add at the very end and stir around until it's just softened and aromatic.

Cream Dreams: Simmering the Cream

Now's where things start to get extra-decadent. Butter and bacon fat not good enough for you? Then oh, how about a couple cups of cream?

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Into the pot it goes. For the record, if you want to keep things ultra simple, simmering Brussels sprouts in plain cream is about as easy as it gets and will lead you to similarly licentious end results. Thought notquiteas licentious.

Once the cream hits the pan and you scrape up all remaining browned bits, It's time for a slow simmer.

As the cream slowly reduces, the Brussels sprouts should soften and the whole thing should transform from a loose soup with distinct elements into a creamy sauce that binds everything together. It's time for salt and pepper.

Getting Cheesy: The Final Touch, a Bit of Cheese

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Once again, wecouldcall it a day right here and serve these bad boys as-is, but what is decadence without a bit of intemperance thrown on top?

For the record, I like my intemperance in the form of cheese. Gooey, melty, bubbly, browned cheese.

A nice layer of a good melting cheese like Fontina, Gruyère, or Comté is where it's at. If you've gotten this far, you can feel free to take a break. Cover up the casserole, refrigerate it, and it'll be ready to bake when you are.

A short stay in the oven—just until it becomes irresistibly browned and bubbly—and we're ready to eat, and what fine eating it is.

Recipe Details

Over-the-Top Creamed Brussels Sprout Gratin Recipe

Active35 mins

Total60 mins

Serves8to 10 servings

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound bacon, cut into 1/2-inch lardons

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 2 1/2 poundsBrussels sprouts, split in half

  • 1 medium shallot, finely minced (about 1/4 cup)

  • 2 cups heavy cream

  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 6 ounces shredded Gruyère, Comté, or Fontina cheese

Directions

  1. Heat butter and bacon over medium-high heat in a large straight-sided sauté pan or Dutch oven. Cook, stirring frequently, until well browned, about 8 minutes. Add Brussels sprouts and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 4 minutes. Add shallots and cook, stirring, until softened and fragrant, about 1 minute. Add heavy cream and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

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  2. Adjust heat to maintain a bare simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, until cream has reduced by about half and has a consistency that coats each sprout, about 20 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer mixture to a casserole pan and cover with shredded cheese (for make-ahead instructions, see note).

    Over-the-Top Creamed Brussels Sprout Gratin Recipe (10)

  3. Adjust oven rack to center position and preheat oven to 425°F. Transfer casserole to oven and bake uncovered until bubbly around the edges and cheese is melted and spotted brown, about 20 minutes. Serve immediately.

    Over-the-Top Creamed Brussels Sprout Gratin Recipe (11)

Special Equipment

2 quart oval casserole dish

Make-Ahead and Storage

This recipe can be prepared through the end of step 2 and stored covered in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days before proceeding with step 3 and serving.

  • Vegetable Sides
  • Savory
  • Bacon
  • Brussels Sprouts
  • Thanksgiving Side Dishes
Over-the-Top Creamed Brussels Sprout Gratin Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is over the top brussel sprouts? ›

The over the top Brussels sprouts. are made by adding Fresno chili oil, parsley, bacon, and lemon aioli to roasted Brussels sprouts. But these chaotic ingredients come together to make a. delectable and unique side dish.

Why do you soak brussel sprouts before cooking? ›

The soak time tenderizes the sprouts so the middles are softer. Don't worry, they won't be soggy! I would never do that to you. If, like me, you don't mind some chew to your sprouts, you don't need to soak the Brussels sprouts prior to cooking.

Is it better to parboil brussel sprouts before roasting? ›

Unlike other vegetables, Brussels sprouts can be parboiled (even a day ahead) to reduce the roasting time without hurting their texture. That means the sprouts can be popped in the oven while the meat is resting before carving. Of course, if the main course is grilled or pan-cooked, the oven will be free for roasting.

Why won't my brussel sprouts get crispy? ›

Roast the Brussels Sprouts at high heat

If you don't hear them crisping up in the oven, add a little more oil and roast them for a few more minutes until your desire crispiness is achieved!

What is Outback Steakhouse over the top Brussels sprouts? ›

In addition, Outback's Over-the-Top Brussels Sprouts is a brand new freshly prepared side dish consisting of roasted Brussels sprouts. Parsley, Fresno chili, and lemon aioli are added as finishing touches to the dish.

What gives brussel sprouts a better taste? ›

In the late 1990s scientists identified specific chemicals, called glucosinolates, that made Brussels sprouts taste bitter. Plant breeders started growing old seeds, previously discarded for producing paltry harvests, to identify tastier versions with lower levels of these compounds.

Should you cut Brussels sprouts in half before cooking? ›

Welcome to brussel sprout roasting 101! Step right up, we've got all the secrets. To create a crunchy exterior and allow water to escape from the brussels, they should be cut in half before roasting (and sometimes, if large, into quarters as well).

What happens if you don't wash brussel sprouts? ›

It's important to wash Brussels sprouts before you eat them to get rid of dirt, bugs, pesticide residue, and bacteria. Luckily, it's easy to wash these delicious vegetables.

How do you get the bitterness out of brussel sprouts? ›

A bit of brown sugar will also work. Acid can be useful as well. A splash of lemon juice, or even apple cider vinegar, works wonders on bitter sprouts.

Why are my Brussels sprouts soggy in the oven? ›

Not using enough oil.

The other secret to ridiculously crispy Brussels sprouts is tossing them in plenty of oil. We like to use olive oil, but plain vegetable oil is great too. If the sprouts are well-coated, they'll caramelize and char instead of simply softening in the oven.

Do you cook brussel sprouts face up or down? ›

Place the sprouts cut-side down: Trim and halve the sprouts and roast them with their cut side against the baking sheet. The cut side will caramelize beautifully while the outer leaves crisp.

Why are my roasted brussels sprouts chewy? ›

Like soggy steamed Brussels, Brussels sprouts that are dry and chewy are no good either. This could be caused by using too little oil for roasting. You need a nice coating of oil—enough to make the heads shiny or if they're cut, enough oil to get inside the folds of some of the leaves.

Is it better to roast Brussels sprouts whole or halved? ›

While you can make roasted Brussels sprouts whole or halved, I recommend trimming and halving them for this easy recipe. To trim: Using a knife, trim off the bottom of the tough stem end of each Brussels sprout. Then, remove any yellow or damaged leaves, and cut each Brussels sprout in half lengthwise.

Why do you soak Brussels sprouts in salt water? ›

For best results, soak your Brussels sprouts in salt water. Not only does salt act to tenderize the dense sprouts, but it will also help to season them all the way through. It won't take a lot -- just add 1 tablespoon of salt per 1 quart of water and toss in trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts.

What season is best for brussel sprouts? ›

A slow-growing, long-bearing crop, Brussels sprouts should be planted in early spring, or mid- to late summer for a crop that matures in the fall. The small heads mature best in cool and even in light frosty weather. Spring planting is also fine in cooler climates.

What is topping brussel sprouts? ›

This includes Brussels sprout, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, as well as some leafy vegetables like kale, spinach and garden cress. Marketable yield: Amount of sellable fruit produced by a crop. “Topping”: Process of trimming the shoot apical meristem from a plant, with the goal of producing fuller, bushier growth.

Are the tops of brussel sprouts edible? ›

The top leaves and the stem are both edible and easy to prep. Brussels sprout leaves are very nutritious. Trim them from the top of the stalk, rinse, and dry. Toss the leaves into a healthy salad, or sauté them as a tasty side dish with bacon, onions and garlic.

Should I cut the top off my brussel sprouts? ›

Two or three additional leaves can be removed each week, but several of the largest, healthiest, fully expanded upper leaves should always be left intact on top to continue feeding the plant. Another practice is topping, or cuttiing off the growing tip of the plant when the sprouts are present but immature.

What is the edible part of Brussels sprouts called? ›

Brussels sprouts is a cultivated Brassica in which the marketable parts of the plant are the swollen axillary buds known as “sprouts” or “buttons.”

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