Creamy Garlic Brussels Sprouts Recipe: Crispy, Tender & Irresistibly Flavorful Side Dish

Prepare to fall in love with Brussels sprouts all over again! This recipe for Creamy Garlic Brussels Sprouts transforms humble Brussels sprouts into a sensational side dish that’s rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying. Featuring tender, charred sprouts enveloped in a luscious, garlicky, and cheesy cream sauce, this dish promises a symphony of textures and flavors with every bite. The exterior boasts a delightful crispness, while the inside remains perfectly juicy and tender – never mushy. It’s no wonder this quickly becomes a go-to favorite for family dinners and special occasions alike.

The exquisite flavor and luxurious texture of these creamy Brussels sprouts are truly outstanding. They are super creamy, intensely garlicky, and possess a wonderfully meaty bite. This versatile side pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses, enhancing any meal with its vibrant taste. I highly recommend serving them alongside hearty garlic butter steak tips, perfectly cooked baked chicken tenders, or a succulent pan-seared ribeye steak. They also make a fantastic addition to holiday menus or simply as a comforting weeknight treat.

Achieving Perfection: How Long Do I Cook Brussels Sprouts For?

One of the best aspects of this recipe is how quickly it comes together, delivering incredible results in a short amount of time. These Brussels sprouts cook in under 12 minutes, making them an ideal choice for busy evenings. The key to their perfect texture lies in a two-step cooking process: first, pan-searing them in olive oil for 4-5 minutes to develop a beautiful char and crisp exterior. This initial searing is crucial for achieving that desired slightly nutty flavor and tender-crisp texture. Following this, they are simmered in the creamy garlic sauce for an additional 5-6 minutes. This gentle simmering allows the sprouts to fully absorb the rich flavors of the sauce while becoming tender, yet still firm enough to hold their shape – absolutely not mushy! This meticulous timing results in Brussels sprouts that are cooked to absolute perfection, offering a delightful bite without being overly soft.

Essential Ingredient Notes for Optimal Flavor and Texture

While this recipe boasts simplicity, the quality of your ingredients makes a significant difference in the final outcome. Choosing fresh, high-quality components ensures the best possible flavor and texture for your creamy garlic Brussels sprouts. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some crucial tips:

Brussels Sprouts – Fresh is always best! I genuinely believe fresh Brussels sprouts offer a superior flavor and texture that’s hard to beat. They crisp up beautifully when pan-seared and maintain their integrity in the sauce. While I highly recommend using fresh, if convenience is paramount, feel free to use frozen Brussels sprouts, though they may require slight adjustments in cooking time and might not achieve the same crispness. If using frozen, ensure they are thawed and thoroughly patted dry to remove excess moisture before cooking.
Garlic – This is a “garlic” recipe, so the quality of your garlic is paramount. For the most robust and authentic flavor, always use fresh garlic. Avoid jarred minced garlic, as it often has a duller, sometimes metallic taste that won’t give you the vibrant, pungent flavor this dish deserves. Freshly minced garlic releases its aromatic oils as it cooks, infusing the cream sauce with irresistible depth.
Olive Oil – A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely undertone to the pan-seared sprouts. It helps achieve that golden-brown char. While olive oil is my preference, any neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil, will work just as well for searing.
Heavy Cream – This is the foundation of our luxurious sauce, providing richness and body. For best results, use full-fat heavy cream. This allows the sauce to thicken naturally and coat the Brussels sprouts beautifully without needing additional thickeners like flour or cornstarch.
Parmesan Cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is a game-changer! Avoid using the powdered or pre-grated variety that comes in a shaker bottle, as these often contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy or clumpy. Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly into the heavy cream, creating a silky, flavorful sauce that clings perfectly to the sprouts.
Red Crushed Pepper Flakes – These are completely optional, but I highly recommend them if you enjoy a subtle kick of heat. They add a wonderful layer of complexity and a touch of warmth that beautifully complements the richness of the cream and garlic. Adjust the amount to your personal preference.
Salt and Pepper – Don’t underestimate the power of proper seasoning! Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are essential to bring out the best flavors in both the sprouts and the sauce. We’ll discuss generous seasoning in the tips below.

Expert Tips for the Most Delicious Creamy Garlic Brussels Sprouts!

To ensure your creamy garlic Brussels sprouts turn out perfectly every time, keep these important tips in mind. They’re designed to elevate the flavors and textures, making this dish truly unforgettable:

Prioritize Fresh Ingredients: As mentioned, using fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese is non-negotiable for the best results. This recipe uses minimal ingredients, which means each component’s quality truly shines through. The vibrant flavor of fresh garlic and the smooth, nutty taste of freshly grated Parmesan will undoubtedly elevate your dish from good to absolutely amazing.
Natural Sauce Thickening: Resist the urge to add flour or cornstarch to thicken your cream sauce. Heavy cream, when simmered gently, will naturally reduce and thicken on its own to a perfect consistency. Adding thickeners can sometimes lead to a pasty texture and dilute the rich flavor. Patience is key here; let the sauce do its magic over low heat.
Season Generously and Taste as You Go: Proper seasoning is vital for unlocking the full potential of this dish. Season both the Brussels sprouts during searing and the cream sauce generously with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste the sauce as it thickens and adjust seasoning as needed. Remember, Brussels sprouts can be a bit bitter, and salt helps to balance that bitterness, while pepper adds a subtle warmth.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When pan-searing the Brussels sprouts, make sure not to overcrowd your skillet. Give the sprouts enough space to make contact with the hot pan, allowing them to char and crisp up properly. If you put too many in at once, they will steam instead of sear, resulting in a softer texture rather than the desired crispy exterior. Cook in batches if necessary.
Proper Brussels Sprout Prep: Before cooking, wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly under cold water. Trim off the tough woody ends and remove any discolored or loose outer leaves. Cutting them in half exposes more surface area to the pan, encouraging better caramelization and faster, more even cooking. For larger sprouts, you might even quarter them.
Consider Flavorful Additions: While delicious on their own, these creamy Brussels sprouts are fantastic with added mix-ins. Feel free to include crispy bits of cooked bacon, savory pancetta, or even browned sausage. Cook these additions first, remove them from the pan, then cook the Brussels sprouts in the rendered fat for an extra layer of flavor. Stir them back in just before serving.

Storage and Reheating Best Practices

Leftovers of these creamy garlic Brussels sprouts are a rare occurrence, but if you happen to have any, proper storage and reheating will ensure they remain delicious. Here’s what you need to know:

Refrigeration: To store any leftover Brussels sprouts, place them in an airtight container immediately after cooling to room temperature. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Beyond that, the texture and flavor may start to diminish.
Reheating: For best results, reheat leftovers gently. You can warm them in the microwave, though this method might make them slightly softer. A better approach is to reheat them in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly warmed through. Adding a splash of milk or extra heavy cream during reheating can help revive the sauce if it has thickened too much.
Freezing: I do not recommend freezing these creamy Brussels sprouts. This is primarily because the heavy cream, which is a core component of the sauce, does not freeze and thaw well. When frozen and then thawed, dairy-based sauces tend to separate, resulting in a grainy, watery, or curdled texture that is far less appealing than the original creamy consistency. The Brussels sprouts themselves might also become much softer and mushy after freezing and thawing. For optimal enjoyment, it’s best to consume this dish fresh or within the recommended refrigeration period.

More Delicious Side Dishes You Might Enjoy…

If you loved these creamy garlic Brussels sprouts, you’re in for a treat with these other fantastic recipes. Explore more delightful side dishes that are perfect for complementing any meal:

Honey Roasted Carrots: Sweet, tender carrots with a beautiful glaze.
Vegetable Soup: A hearty and comforting bowl packed with fresh veggies.
Roasted Parmesan Brussels Sprouts: For a different take on sprouts, crispy and cheesy.
Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables: Quick and easy way to cook your favorite vegetables.

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5 from 1 vote

Creamy Garlic Brussels Sprouts

By

Julie Maestre

These creamy garlic Brussels sprouts are charred and crispy on the outside and wonderfully juicy and tender on the inside. They are truly one of the most delightful and versatile side dishes you can make!

Prep:

5 minutes

Cook:

8 minutes

Total:

13 minutes

Servings:
4

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Ingredients

▢

1
lb
brussels sprouts ,
trim bottoms and slice in half
▢

1
cup
heavy cream
▢

¼
cup
parmesan cheese
▢

3
garlic cloves,
finely minced
▢

2
tablespoons
olive oil
▢

¼
teaspoon
red crushed pepper flakes,
optional
▢

salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode

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Instructions

Wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly under cold water, removing any dirt and discarding any damaged or loose outer leaves. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel – this is crucial for getting a good sear! Trim off the woody bottoms and then slice each sprout in half lengthwise.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet (cast iron or heavy-bottomed pan works best) over medium heat until shimmering.
Carefully add the halved Brussels sprouts to the hot skillet, cut-side down, in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes, allowing them to char and crisp up on one side. Season generously with salt and pepper during this time. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
Stir in the finely minced garlic and red crushed pepper flakes (if using) and cook for just 20-30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add a touch more olive oil if the pan seems too dry.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce visibly thickens and coats the Brussels sprouts beautifully.
Taste the creamy sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately and enjoy warm!

Notes

For the best flavor and a smooth sauce, I highly recommend using fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The quality of these key ingredients truly shines in this simple recipe.
There’s no need for flour or cornstarch! The heavy cream will naturally thicken to a perfect consistency as it simmers and reduces. Trust the process for a silky, rich sauce.
Don’t be shy with your seasoning. Generously season both the Brussels sprouts and the creamy sauce with Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance all the flavors.
Want to elevate this dish further? Feel free to incorporate cooked and crumbled bacon, crispy pancetta, or savory sausage for an extra layer of flavor and texture!
Ensure your Brussels sprouts are completely dry before pan-searing to achieve the best caramelization and crisp exterior.
Avoid overcrowding the pan during searing; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:

Julie Maestre

Prep Time:

5 minutes

Cook Time:

8 minutes

Total Time:

13 minutes

Course:
sides

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
4

Calories:
341

Keyword:
creamy brussels sprouts, creamy garlic brussels sprouts, creamy parmesan brussels sprouts, easy brussels sprouts recipe, pan-seared brussels sprouts, savory side dish

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