This comforting Brussels sprouts gratin with a crispy, cheesy topping is a holiday favorite — and you can make it ahead of time!
This Brussels sprouts gratin is a family favorite, and it’s perfect for the holidays because it can be made mostly ahead of time. It’s easy, too: Unlike most vegetable gratins, which are made with a béchamel sauce, this one is made much more simply with heavy cream. If you’re preparing this dish in advance, note that it requires 10 to15 minutes in the oven to warm through and crisp the topping before serving, so plan accordingly.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE BRUSSELS SPROUTS GRATIN
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Begin by tossing the sprouts with two tablespoons of the butter, 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
Roast for about 30 minutes, until tender and browned in spots.
Pour the cream over the sprouts and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook for about 10 minutes more, or until the cream has thickened to a saucy consistency.
Meanwhile, combine the bread crumbs with one tablespoon of butter and the Gruyère.
Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the sprouts.
Broil until golden and crisp, 3-5 minutes.
Serve warm and enjoy.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, stem ends trimmed and cut in half through the stem end
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup coarse fresh bread crumbs, from about 3 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
- ¼ cup finely grated Gruyère
- 1¼ cups heavy cream, at room temperature
INSTRUCTIONS
- Heat the oven to 425°F. Put the Brussels sprouts in a 9x13-inch ceramic or metal baking dish, and toss with 2 tablespoons of the melted butter, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Spread the sprouts evenly in the dish and roast, tossing once halfway through, until tender and browned in spots, 25 to 30 minutes.
- While the sprouts roast, place the bread crumbs in a medium bowl. Pour the remaining tablespoon of melted butter over the crumbs and sprinkle with ⅛ teaspoon salt. Mix in the Gruyère. Set aside.
- When the sprouts are tender and browned, pour the cream evenly over the sprouts and sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt. Continue baking until the cream has thickened to a saucy consistency, about 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven. Set the oven to broil and position a rack to 6 inches below the broiler. Sprinkle on the bread crumb mixture. Broil the gratin until the crust is golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes (keep a close eye on it so it doesn't burn).
- Make ahead tip: This recipe can be prepared a day ahead of time. Reheat in a 350°F oven, uncovered, until warm throughout and crisp on top, 10 to 15 minutes.
