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Creamy Brussels Sprouts

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Creamy Brussels Sprouts

Creamy Brussels Sprouts are a rich, comforting side dish that transforms simple Brussels sprouts into a restaurant-quality favorite. Tender Brussels sprouts are simmered in a velvety garlic Parmesan cream sauce, creating the perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and buttery flavors. Every bite is packed with creamy goodness while still allowing the fresh, slightly nutty flavor of the Brussels sprouts to shine. This easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday feasts, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday family meals. Whether served alongside roasted chicken, steak, pork chops, turkey, or seafood, these creamy Brussels sprouts pair beautifully with almost any main course. Ready in under an hour with simple ingredients, this delicious side dish is guaranteed to impress even those who normally don’t enjoy Brussels sprouts.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds fresh Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

Optional Add-Ins

  • 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup cream cheese
  • Sautéed mushrooms
  • Toasted chopped pecans

For Garnish

  • Extra Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh chopped parsley
  • Cracked black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Brussels Sprouts

Trim the tough ends from the Brussels sprouts and remove any damaged outer leaves. Slice each sprout in half and rinse well under cold water. Drain thoroughly.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Brussels Sprouts

Add the Brussels sprouts to the skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to lightly brown. This step develops extra flavor before adding the sauce.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and Dijon mustard if using. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth.

Step 5: Simmer

Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Allow the Brussels sprouts to simmer for about 12–15 minutes, or until fork-tender while still holding their shape.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce

Remove the lid and stir gently. If you’d like an even richer sauce, add the cream cheese and stir until completely melted. Sprinkle in the mozzarella if using and allow it to melt into the sauce.

Step 7: Add Optional Toppings

Fold in the crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms if desired. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese.

Step 8: Serve

Transfer the creamy Brussels sprouts to a serving dish. Garnish generously with extra Parmesan, chopped parsley, and freshly cracked black pepper. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Tips & Notes

  • Fresh Brussels sprouts provide the best flavor and texture.
  • Avoid overcooking, as Brussels sprouts can become mushy.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan melts much better than pre-shredded cheese.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
  • Add crispy bacon for extra smoky flavor.
  • A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving brightens the rich cream sauce.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Yes. Thaw and pat them dry before cooking to remove excess moisture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare it a day in advance and gently reheat over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

What proteins pair well with Creamy Brussels Sprouts?
Roast chicken, grilled steak, pork chops, baked salmon, turkey, meatloaf, and roasted ham all pair wonderfully with this creamy side dish.

Can I freeze it?
Cream-based sauces may separate after freezing, so this recipe is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.

Servings & Nutrition

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 275
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg
  • Calcium: 20% DV
  • Vitamin C: 120% DV

Creamy Brussels Sprouts are the perfect combination of fresh vegetables and indulgent comfort food. Tender Brussels sprouts coated in a rich garlic Parmesan cream sauce create a side dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and impossible to resist. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite that everyone will request again and again.

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