A rich, indulgent vegetable side dish perfect for the holiday table, this Ultra Creamy Brussels Sprouts Gratin with Butternut Squash blends tender roasted veggies in a velvety, cheesy sauce. It’s a flavorful, comforting favorite that pairs beautifully with roasted meats or as a standout vegetarian main.
FULL RECIPE
Ingredients
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 cups butternut squash, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss Brussels sprouts and butternut squash with olive oil. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes until tender and golden.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
- Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir in Gruyère cheese until melted.
- Combine roasted vegetables with cheese sauce in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 9g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
The Perfect Holiday Side Dish
Ultra Creamy Brussels Sprouts Gratin with Butternut Squash is a stunning side dish that brings together two beloved vegetables in a rich, creamy sauce. This recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors, texture, and color, making it a great addition to any holiday table. The Brussels sprouts are roasted to tender perfection, while the butternut squash adds a touch of sweetness that complements the savory, cheesy sauce. With its indulgent texture and beautiful presentation, it’s sure to become a family favorite during festive occasions.
A Comforting, Cheesy Delight
What makes this gratin so irresistible is its creamy base. The combination of whole milk, heavy cream, and Gruyère cheese creates a velvety sauce that envelops the vegetables, giving each bite a luxurious richness. The cheese adds a nutty flavor, while the heavy cream helps to create the ultimate comforting texture. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, offering warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful.
Roasting Vegetables for Optimal Flavor
Roasting Brussels sprouts and butternut squash is a key step in developing their deep, caramelized flavors. The roasting process allows the natural sugars in the vegetables to caramelize, giving them a slightly sweet, smoky taste that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce. The Brussels sprouts become crisp on the edges, adding a delightful contrast to the smoothness of the sauce, while the butternut squash becomes tender and slightly sweet, balancing the savory richness of the dish.
Customizing the Gratin
One of the best aspects of this gratin recipe is its versatility. While Brussels sprouts and butternut squash are the star ingredients, you can easily customize the dish to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. If you prefer a different vegetable, you could substitute the Brussels sprouts with cauliflower, broccoli, or even kale for a different flavor profile. Similarly, other types of squash, such as acorn or delicata, can be swapped in for the butternut squash.
Adding Crunch with Panko Breadcrumbs
The panko breadcrumbs on top of the gratin provide an essential textural contrast. As the dish bakes, the breadcrumbs become golden and crispy, adding a delightful crunch that balances the richness of the creamy sauce. The Parmesan cheese mixed into the breadcrumbs enhances the savory flavor and adds an extra layer of umami, making each bite even more satisfying. This crunchy topping is what elevates the gratin from good to great.
Why Gruyère Cheese is Key
Gruyère cheese plays a starring role in this recipe. Known for its nutty, slightly sweet flavor and meltability, Gruyère adds depth and richness to the cheese sauce. It blends beautifully with the cream and milk, creating a smooth and flavorful base. If you can’t find Gruyère, you can substitute with other Swiss cheeses, such as Emmental or Jarlsberg, but Gruyère’s distinctive taste is hard to match.
The Role of Garlic in Enhancing Flavor
Garlic is a simple ingredient that makes a big impact in this gratin. When sautéed in butter, garlic releases its aromatic oils, infusing the sauce with a deep, savory flavor. This adds a layer of complexity to the dish without overwhelming the other ingredients. The garlic’s natural sweetness also complements the roasted Brussels sprouts and butternut squash, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
The Importance of Timing and Temperature
Achieving the perfect texture in your Brussels sprouts and butternut squash is crucial. The vegetables need to be roasted until they’re tender but not mushy, and the cheese sauce should be thick and creamy without being too heavy. It’s important to keep an eye on the vegetables while roasting to ensure they’re cooked to perfection. The baking time for the gratin should be long enough to allow the breadcrumbs to crisp up, but not so long that the sauce becomes overly thick or starts to separate.
Perfect Pairings for the Gratin
Ultra Creamy Brussels Sprouts Gratin with Butternut Squash is a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. It complements rich, roasted meats like turkey, ham, or prime rib, adding a creamy, vegetable-forward balance to the meal. For a vegetarian option, this gratin can stand alone as the main dish, especially when served with a fresh green salad or a hearty grain, such as quinoa or farro.
Making It Ahead of Time
One of the great things about this gratin is that it can be prepared in advance. You can assemble the dish a day or two before your event and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop it into the oven to bake and crisp up the top. This makes it an ideal dish for busy holiday meals or gatherings, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the company of your guests instead of cooking.
Serving Suggestions for a Festive Table
When serving this gratin at your holiday gathering, consider garnishing it with fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for an added pop of color and a hint of freshness. A sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan or a dash of freshly cracked black pepper just before serving can elevate the flavor profile. The creamy texture and beautiful golden crust of the gratin make it a showstopper on any dinner table.
Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash
Both Brussels sprouts and butternut squash are packed with nutritional benefits. Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of vitamins K and C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a great addition to any balanced diet. Butternut squash is rich in beta-carotene, which supports eye health and boosts the immune system. Together, these vegetables provide a wholesome, nutritious base for this indulgent dish, offering a way to enjoy comfort food while benefiting from the vitamins and minerals these vegetables provide.
Reducing Fat for a Lighter Version
While this gratin is a rich, indulgent dish, there are ways to reduce the fat content if you’re looking for a lighter version. You can substitute the heavy cream with a lower-fat alternative, such as half-and-half or a plant-based cream. Additionally, using less butter or opting for a plant-based butter substitute can help reduce the overall fat content without sacrificing flavor. These small adjustments allow you to enjoy the gratin with fewer calories while still maintaining its creamy texture and delicious taste.
Making It Vegan-Friendly
To make this gratin vegan-friendly, you can replace the dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives. Swap the butter for a vegan butter substitute, the milk and cream for unsweetened almond or soy milk, and the cheeses for dairy-free options. Many vegan cheeses, such as those made from cashews or soy, melt similarly to traditional cheese and will provide the creamy texture you desire. This version can still deliver the same comforting flavors, making it accessible to a wider range of dietary needs.
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, this gratin stores well for a couple of days in the refrigerator. Simply cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. To reheat, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes, or until heated through. If the top has lost its crunch, you can sprinkle a few extra breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese before reheating for that crispy texture once again.
The Science of Roasting Vegetables
Roasting vegetables like Brussels sprouts and butternut squash brings out their natural sweetness and enhances their flavor through the Maillard reaction, a process where sugars and amino acids react under heat to create complex flavors and a golden-brown color. This technique not only adds depth to the taste of the vegetables but also helps to concentrate their flavors, which makes them an excellent match for the creamy, cheesy sauce in this gratin.
Why This Gratin is a Crowd-Pleaser
Ultra Creamy Brussels Sprouts Gratin with Butternut Squash is a dish that appeals to a wide range of palates. Its combination of creamy, cheesy sauce with tender roasted vegetables offers a comforting, familiar taste that people love. Whether you’re serving it to a group of family members who are new to Brussels sprouts or to a crowd of longtime fans, this gratin is sure to please. The beautiful colors and textures make it a visually appealing dish as well, which is always a bonus when preparing food for a special occasion.
Perfect for Any Occasion
While this gratin is an ideal holiday dish, it can also be served at any special occasion or gathering. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a family meal, or simply craving a comforting side dish, this gratin delivers. Its luxurious texture and flavor make it a dish that feels special without requiring complex techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
Conclusion
Ultra Creamy Brussels Sprouts Gratin with Butternut Squash is more than just a side dish—it’s a celebration of the best flavors of the season. From the sweetness of roasted butternut squash to the savory richness of the creamy cheese sauce, this gratin is a comforting, indulgent choice that will elevate any meal. With its easy-to-make nature and the ability to adapt to various dietary preferences, it’s a perfect dish to share with loved ones during any special occasion. Whether it’s part of a holiday feast or a regular weeknight dinner, this gratin is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.