Cheesy Brussels Sprout Gratins Veggie Magic in Mini Form

Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Gratins Not Your Nans Recipe

By Emma PrescottSeptember 28, 2025

Table of Contents

**Recipe Introduction: Say Hello to Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Gratins!**

Ever had Brussels sprouts that actually made you excited ? I know, it sounds like a fairytale! These cheesy brussels sprouts gratins are about to become your new favorite side dish recipe .

They're bursting with flavour, and honestly, they might just convert even the staunchest sprout hater. These little gratins take humble Brussels sprouts and elevates them to something truly special.

From Brussels Gratin Skeptic to Believer

Originally, Brussels sprouts were cultivated in Brussels, Belgium. These Brussels sprouts gratin are easy to make. It only takes 45 minutes, including 20 minutes of prep time.

This recipe yields 4 individual servings. It is perfect to serve for a comforting vegetarian comfort food .

Why You'll Obsess Over These Gratins

Okay, so besides the fact that they taste amazing, Brussels sprouts are packed with nutrients! They're a great source of fiber and vitamins.

These gratins are special because of the combo of perfectly cooked sprouts and that rich, Gruyere cheese sauce . It's like a warm hug in a ramekin, a proper treat on a cold day.

Gather Your Bits and Bobs

To make these beauties, you'll need Brussels sprouts, olive oil, shallot, garlic, butter, flour, milk, nutmeg, Dijon mustard, Gruyère, cheddar, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs.

Don’t worry, I bet you've got half that already. Now that you know what you need for that scrummy creamy brussels sprouts recipe , let's get cooking!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!

Right, so before we dive headfirst into making these cheesy brussels sprouts gratins, let's make sure we have everything we need.

No one wants to be halfway through and realize they're out of cheese, do they? Trust me, been there, done that! This recipe is a spin on the classic brussels sprouts gratin .

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

Brussels Sprouts: 1 pound (450g) , trimmed and halved. Go for sprouts that are firm and bright green. Avoid the ones that are yellowing or have blemishes. Nobody likes bitter sprouts!
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . This is for sautéing. You can use vegetable oil too, but olive oil gives it a nice flavour.
Shallot: 1 medium , finely chopped. Adds a subtle oniony sweetness.
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Because garlic makes everything better, doesn't it?
Unsalted Butter: 3 tablespoons (45g) . Key for the creamy cheese sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: 3 tablespoons (25g) . Helps to thicken that lush sauce.
Whole Milk: 2 cups (475ml) . Makes the base of the sauce. If you don't have whole, 2% will do in a pinch.
Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon , freshly grated. Don’t skip this! It adds a real warmth.
Dijon Mustard: 1/2 teaspoon . Adds a subtle tang.
Gruyère Cheese: 1 cup (115g) , shredded. This gruyere cheese sauce gives it that amazing nutty flavour. If you can't find Gruyère, try Jarlsberg, it's proper lush.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 1/2 cup (55g) , shredded. Adds that classic cheesy bite.
Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (25g) , grated. For that golden, crispy top.
Breadcrumbs: 2 tablespoons (panko or homemade). Adds texture.

Seasoning Notes: A Little Bit of Magic

Salt and pepper are essential, obviously. But the real magic is the nutmeg and Dijon. Honestly, that combo elevates the whole dish.

Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. These are really easy brussels sprouts side dish .

This is also great as vegetarian comfort food .

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Large skillet or sauté pan. For cooking the sprouts.
Small saucepan. For the cheese sauce.
Whisk. To keep the cheese sauce smooth as silk.
4 individual oven safe ramekins or small baking dishes. Because everyone likes their own little cheesy vegetable bake .
Oven. To bake these bad boys!

Don't have ramekins? No worries. A small baking dish will work just fine. Just adjust the baking time slightly. Remember, this recipe is about comfort and easy cooking.

This is going to be the best Thanksgiving side dish vegetable you ever tasted.

Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Gratins: A Veggie Game Changer

Honestly, Brussels sprouts get a bad rap. Remember that time your mum forced you to eat them boiled to death? Yeah, let's erase that memory.

These cheesy brussels sprouts gratins are here to redeem them. Forget sad, soggy sprouts; we're talking creamy, cheesy vegetable bake goodness in individual portions.

Even your picky eaters will be begging for more!

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place is Key!

First things first: get organised. Trim and halve 1 pound of Brussels sprouts (quarter them if they're massive). Chop one medium shallot and mince two cloves of garlic.

For the cheese sauce, measure out 3 tablespoons of butter, 3 tablespoons of flour, 2 cups of milk, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of Dijon mustard.

Finally, shred 1 cup of Gruyère and 1/2 cup of cheddar. Having everything ready saves time and stress trust me on this.

Let's Get Cooking: step-by-step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet. Add the shallot and garlic. Cook until softened. About 3 minutes .
Cook the Sprouts: Add the Brussels sprouts to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until tender crisp and slightly browned. This will take around 8- 10 minutes .
Make the Roux: Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour. Cook for 1 minute .
Create the Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened.
Add Cheese: Remove from heat. Stir in nutmeg, Dijon mustard, Gruyère, and cheddar until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Gratins: Divide the cooked Brussels sprouts evenly among 4 ramekins. Pour cheese sauce over each one.
Top and Bake: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) until golden brown and bubbly, about 20- 25 minutes . Keep a close eye on them!
Cool and Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.

Pro Tips for Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Perfection

Don't overcook those sprouts! Tender crisp is the goal . Mushy sprouts are the enemy.
Grate your own cheese. Honestly, pre-shredded cheese doesn't melt as well.
You can assemble these brussels sprouts gratin in advance. Just bake them before serving. Think of it as your very own cheat code.

These cheesy brussels sprouts are perfect as a Thanksgiving side dish vegetable or even just a comforting side dish recipes .

They are also great as vegetarian comfort food . That gruyere cheese sauce gives a unique flavor to the dish and makes it simply irresistible! So, there you have it.

No more boring sprouts!

Recipe Notes for Your Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Masterpiece

So, you're about to make the best cheesy brussels sprouts of your life? Brilliant! Before you dive in, here are a few extra nuggets of wisdom to ensure your Brussels sprouts gratin is a roaring success.

Honestly, these tips can be the difference between "meh" and "OMG, these are amazing!"

Level Up Your Serving Game

Presentation is everything, innit? For that proper restaurant feel, try serving your gratins in individual ramekins. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a grind of black pepper just before serving adds a touch of elegance.

As for sides? These baked brussels sprouts pair beautifully with roasted chicken or a hearty sausage. Feeling fancy? A crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the cheesy goodness perfectly.

Or you can go old school and have a pint of bitter. Proper job.

Storage Secrets for Cheesy Goodness

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your cheesy vegetable bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

When reheating, pop them back in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through and bubbly. Freezing isn't ideal, as the cheese sauce can sometimes separate, but if you must, freeze them in individual portions.

Just be prepared for a slightly different texture upon reheating.

Twist It Up: Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Variations

Fancy a change? Swap out the Gruyère for Jarlsberg or Emmental for a slightly different flavour profile. For a vegetarian comfort food boost, add cooked, crumbled bacon, to the Brussels sprouts with cheese sauce because, well, bacon makes everything better, doesn't it? Got dietary needs?

Swap the dairy for plant based alternatives to make these creamy brussels sprouts recipe vegan friendly.

Adapt the ingredients with the seasons, swapping the brussels sprouts with cauliflower in summer.

The Skinny on Nutrition

Okay, so they're not exactly a health food, but these cheesy brussels sprouts still offer some nutritional benefits. Brussels sprouts are packed with vitamins and fibre.

The cheese provides a good dose of calcium and protein. Obviously, all that cheese means they're not exactly low in calories, but hey, everything in moderation, right? A perfect easy brussels sprouts side dish can be integrated into a balanced diet!

Right, there you have it. All the extra bits and bobs you need to create perfect cheesy brussels sprouts . Go forth and conquer! You got this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make cheesy brussels sprouts ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the cheesy brussels sprouts gratins in the ramekins ahead of time and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time when you're ready to cook them.

Think of it like prepping your Sunday roast on Saturday night less stress when it comes to cooking!

Help! My cheesy Brussels sprouts are watery. What did I do wrong?

Watery cheesy brussels sprouts usually mean the sprouts weren't cooked enough initially, or the cheese sauce wasn't thick enough. Ensure you sauté the Brussels sprouts until they're tender crisp and slightly browned to release some of their moisture.

When making the cheese sauce, be sure to cook the roux (butter and flour mixture) for a minute before adding the milk and simmer it until it's thickened to a nappe consistency it should coat the back of a spoon. Nobody wants a soggy bottom!

What are some variations I can try to spice up my cheesy brussels sprouts?

There are loads of ways to put your own spin on cheesy brussels sprouts. For a smoky kick, try adding some crispy bacon or pancetta. If you're after a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce does the trick.

And for a festive twist, a sprinkle of toasted almonds or walnuts on top adds a lovely crunch. It's like giving your sprouts a bit of a makeover, innit?

How should I store leftover cheesy brussels sprouts?

Leftover cheesy brussels sprouts can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I recommend using the oven to help prevent it from becoming too soggy. Pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. It's like giving them a second act!

Can I freeze cheesy brussels sprouts?

Freezing isn't ideal for cheesy Brussels sprouts as the cheese sauce can sometimes separate and become grainy upon thawing. However, if you must freeze them, allow the cooked gratins to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to a month.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven. Just manage your expectations - they won't be quite as good as fresh, but they'll still be edible!

Are cheesy brussels sprouts healthy?

While cheesy brussels sprouts aren't exactly a health food, they do offer some nutritional benefits. Brussels sprouts are a good source of fiber and vitamins, and the cheese provides calcium and protein. To make them a bit healthier, you could use reduced fat cheese, add more vegetables, or serve smaller portions.

Everything in moderation, eh?