Cheesy Brussels Sprouts are ready in under 10 minutes with 5 ingredients! The quick, rich homemade cheese sauce is poured over freshly cooked Brussels sprouts. Perfect for the holidays.
If you’ve been on the fence about Brussels sprouts, or if you’re just looking for new ways to enjoy them, this cheesy Brussels sprouts recipe could be a game-changer.
Think tender Brussels sprouts draped in a velvety, homemade cheddar cheese sauce that’s both simple and satisfying. I love how quick it is to make – in less than 15 minutes, you can have a warm, savory side dish that’s rich without being heavy.
This dish has a mild, earthy flavor from the sprouts that perfectly balances the sharpness of cheddar.
The cheese sauce is creamy and slightly tangy, with just enough saltiness to make the dish feel decadent.
For those who think Brussels sprouts are tough or bitter, this recipe will change your mind.
Cooking them just enough softens them without turning them to mush, and the cheese sauce takes away any bitterness.
Whether you’re a Brussels sprouts fan or not, these cheesy Brussels sprouts can add that extra layer of comfort to your meal.
I'll admit that my kids don't love brussels sprouts as much as I do. I like them boiled, roasted, or even raw in salads (be sure to try Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts and Beer Battered Deep Fried Brussels Sprouts!). But my kids? Not so much.
However, I've found that if I cover them in an oozy, creamy cheese sauce, then they'll eat them up!
This is how we serve sprouts for a Christmas or Thanksgiving side dish and they're always a big hit.
We hope you love serving them this way too. Pair them with Easy Roasted Turkey Thighs For Two, Turkey Gravy Without Drippings, Arkansas Green Beans with Bacon, and Jiffy Corn Casserole and you've got an easy Thanksgiving meal!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Adding cheese sauce is a simple way to make Brussels sprouts taste incredible.
- A kid-friendly recipe.
- You can make this side dish ahead. Partially cook the sprouts, then cover and store in the fridge. Make the sauce and refrigerate it too. Then, heat them both together in the microwave for a few minutes and serve!
- Homemade cheese sauce is really easy to make. But you can cheat with store-bought sauce too!
- Use your favorite cheese. I love sharp cheddar or gruyere.
- It's a great way to use up Thanksgiving or Christmas leftovers.
Ingredients
- Brussels Sprouts: You can use fresh or frozen brussels sprouts for this recipe.
- Butter: Forms a rich base for the homemade cheese sauce. You can substitute olive oil.
- All-Purpose Flour: Flour helps to thicken the sauce.
- Milk: I use whole milk, but 2% will work too.
- Cheese: You can use sharp cheddar, but gruyere is great too.
See the recipe card for the full method and quantities.
Prepping Fresh Brussels Sprouts
- Wash your sprouts under running water.
- Peel off the loose outer leaves if wilted or browned.
- Trim the bases where they've probably browned a little.
- If some of your sprouts are much larger than others, cut them in half.
TIP: Scoring a cross in the base is not necessary. It will make them mushy and soggy.
Instructions
If you're wondering how to make this Cheesy Brussels Sprouts recipe, don't worry, it's easy!
Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.
TIP: If using frozen Brussels sprouts, you may need to cook them for an extra minute or two.
Prep the Brussels sprouts: Trim the ends of fresh Brussels sprouts, discard any wilting or browning outer leaves, and cut larger sprouts in half.
Cook the sprouts: Add the brussels sprouts to a large pot of boiling water and cook for 4 minutes or until just tender when pierced with a knife.
Meanwhile, make the sauce: While the sprouts are cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Add the flour: Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring.
Add the milk: Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly, until you have a smooth sauce.
Melt in the cheese: Whisk in the cheese for a minute or so until melted.
Serve: Pour the cheese sauce over the Brussels sprouts. Season with salt and pepper.
Variations
- Try making this dish with half sprouts and half broccoli.
- Swap the cheddar for gruyere, parmesan, gorgonzola, emmental, gouda, Velveeta, Monterey Jack, or blue cheese.
- Add a little mustard powder to your cheese sauce for more flavor. A small pinch of nutmeg works well too.
- Sauté some bacon bits and sprinkle on top for extra flavor.
- A little minced garlic in the butter step adds depth.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika for a bit of heat.
Recipe Tips
Don't overcook your Brussels sprouts. Check them with a knife during the cooking time - they should be tender but not mushy.
Season your cheesy Brussels sprouts with salt and pepper.
Use leftover Christmas cheese for your cheese sauce! You can even mix a few different types. Be sure to remove the rind on any cheeses that have it (like brie or camembert).
FAQ
Cheeses that melt well in cheese sauce include cheddar, gruyere, gouda, mozzarella, Havarti, Emmental, Swiss, Monterey Jack, and Colby.
📖 Recipe
Cheesy Brussels Sprouts
Equipment
- Pot
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pound brussels sprouts fresh or frozen
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- If using frozen Brussels sprouts, you may need to cook them for an extra minute or two.
- Trim the ends of fresh Brussels sprouts, discard any wilting outer leaves, and cut larger ones in half.
- Add the brussels sprouts to a large pot of boiling water and cook for 4 minutes or until just tender (not too soft) when pierced with a knife.
- While the sprouts are cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan over a medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly, until you have a smooth sauce.
- Whisk in the cheese for a minute or so until melted.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the Brussels sprouts and season with a little salt and pepper.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Charles
Hi I put cheese in the same category as bacon, they make food amazing. This is a great recipe and my family will love it!
Nikki
This creamy and delicious cheese sauce was the perfect accompaniment to the brussels sprouts.
Stephanie
I never ate a single brussels sprout until I was 45 years old. Turns out they're my favorite vegetable and I'm always looking for new ways to enjoy them. This cheese sauce was so delicious.
Carrie
Usually I like my Brussels sprouts roasted, but my whole family loved the cheesy goodness happening here! Yum. 🙂
Mirlene
Cheesy brussels sprouts were a great idea. I needed some type of veggies for my kids and having melty cheese helped and they loved it.