Brussels Sprouts in Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Creamy Dream: Brussels Sprouts in Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Crispy and caramelized brussels sprouts swimming in a creamy alfredo sauce can turn even the most skeptical vegetable avoider into a fan.

Nutty roasted edges complement the rich, velvety white sauce perfectly.

Incredibly simple ingredients create magic on your plate.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore this unexpected combination.

Mediterranean olive oil helps intensify the vegetable’s natural sweetness during roasting.

Parmesan cheese adds a delightful salty depth that makes each bite irresistible.

You won’t believe how quickly this elegant side dish comes together.

Why Brussels Sprouts In Alfredo Sauce Stand Out

  • Roast and Caramelize: Unlock deep, rich flavors by creating a golden-brown exterior on brussels sprouts that transforms their natural taste into a delightful culinary experience.
  • Quick and Simple Technique: Master this recipe with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that make preparing a gourmet side dish feel like a breeze for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • Creamy Comfort Classic: Elevate humble brussels sprouts into a luxurious dish by bathing them in a velvety, homemade alfredo sauce that adds indulgent richness and irresistible texture.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Streamline your cooking process by using a single pan for roasting, creating the sauce, and combining ingredients, which means less cleanup and more enjoyment of your delicious meal.

What’s Inside Brussels Sprouts In Alfredo Sauce

Vegetables:
  • Brussels Sprouts: Fresh, nutrient-dense green vegetables that offer a delightful caramelized flavor when roasted.
Dairy Products:
  • Butter: Provides rich, smooth base for creating a creamy sauce.
  • Heavy Cream, Milk: Create a luxurious and silky texture for the alfredo sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce with its melting properties.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic: Brings a pungent and aromatic flavor that enhances the overall dish.
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Nutmeg: Provide depth and balance to the sauce's flavor profile.
Cooking Fat:
  • Olive Oil: Used for roasting brussels sprouts and creating a golden-brown exterior.

How To Make Brussels Sprouts In Alfredo Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Brussels Sprouts

Clean the brussels sprouts thoroughly. Slice off the tough stem ends and cut each sprout in half lengthwise, creating even pieces that will cook uniformly.

Step 2: Caramelize the Sprouts

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil to the pan. Carefully place brussels sprouts cut-side down, allowing them to develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving them to ensure perfect caramelization.

Step 3: Finish Roasting

Flip the sprouts and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes. They should become tender with slightly crispy edges. Transfer roasted sprouts to a separate plate.

Step 4: Create Alfredo Base

In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant and turns a light golden color, which takes about 1 minute.

Step 5: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour into the skillet:
  • Heavy cream
  • Whole milk

Stir continuously to prevent burning. Gradually whisk in parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes silky and smooth.

Step 6: Season the Sauce

Add seasonings to enhance the flavor:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Nutmeg

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 7: Combine and Finish

Return roasted brussels sprouts to the skillet. Gently coat them in the velvety alfredo sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sprouts to absorb the rich flavors and heat through completely.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the brussels sprouts to a serving dish. Sprinkle additional parmesan cheese on top if desired. Serve immediately while the dish is warm and the sauce is creamy.

Good Tips For Brussels Sprouts In Alfredo Sauce

  • Roast Sprouts Perfectly: Ensure brussels sprouts are cut-side down to achieve maximum caramelization and develop a delicious golden-brown crust.
  • Control Sauce Consistency: Whisk parmesan cheese gradually to prevent clumping and create a smooth, creamy alfredo sauce without lumps.
  • Balance Seasoning Subtly: Add nutmeg sparingly to enhance the sauce's depth without overpowering the delicate flavors of brussels sprouts.
  • Quick Serving Strategy: Serve immediately after coating sprouts in sauce to maintain optimal temperature and prevent sauce separation.
  • Enhance Texture Contrast: Use medium-high heat while roasting to create crispy exterior and tender interior of brussels sprouts.

New Styles Of Brussels Sprouts In Alfredo Sauce

  • Bacon-Infused Brussels Sprouts Alfredo: Crisp chopped bacon pieces and sprinkle over the roasted brussels sprouts before adding the creamy sauce, creating a savory and smoky flavor profile.
  • Spicy Chili Brussels Sprouts Alfredo: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for a zesty kick that complements the rich, creamy base.
  • Herb-Roasted Brussels Sprouts Alfredo: Incorporate fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil during the roasting process, enhancing the vegetable's natural earthy notes and adding aromatic depth to the dish.

Nice Matches For Brussels Sprouts In Alfredo Sauce

  • Complement Creamy Comfort: Classic white wine like Chardonnay perfectly balances the rich alfredo sauce, cutting through its heaviness with crisp acidity.
  • Enhance Protein Pairing: Grilled chicken breast or seared salmon provides a lean protein complement that matches the sauce's creamy texture and elevates the brussels sprouts' earthy notes.
  • Add Textural Contrast: Toasted pine nuts or crispy pancetta bits sprinkled on top create a delightful crunch against the smooth alfredo sauce, introducing an exciting textural dimension to the dish.
  • Create Herbal Brightness: Fresh chopped parsley or basil scattered over the final presentation adds a vibrant, fresh element that lifts the richness and provides a light, aromatic counterpoint.

Best Way To Store Brussels Sprouts In Alfredo Sauce

  • Store leftover Brussels sprouts in Alfredo sauce in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled Brussels sprouts and sauce to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sauce separation. Add a splash of milk or cream if sauce appears too thick. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain sauce consistency.
  • Keep raw Brussels sprouts in a perforated plastic bag in the refrigerator's vegetable drawer. Consume within 7-10 days for optimal flavor and texture.

Questions About Brussels Sprouts In Alfredo Sauce

  • Why should I roast brussels sprouts before adding them to the alfredo sauce?

Roasting caramelizes the sprouts, creating a golden-brown exterior that enhances their natural nutty flavor and provides a delightful crispy texture, making them more delicious and complex.

  • Can I use frozen brussels sprouts for this recipe?

Fresh brussels sprouts are recommended for the best results, as frozen sprouts contain more moisture and may become soggy, preventing proper caramelization and affecting the overall texture of the dish.

  • How do I know when the brussels sprouts are perfectly roasted?

Look for a golden-brown color on the cut side and a slight crispiness around the edges. They should be tender when pierced with a fork but not mushy, ensuring a perfect balance of caramelization and softness.

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Brussels Sprouts in Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Brussels Sprouts in Alfredo Sauce Recipe


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4.6 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy brussels sprouts alfredo brings Italian comfort to your kitchen with a vegetable twist. Cheesy, rich sauce envelops roasted sprouts, creating a luxurious side dish that delights you with unexpected flavor combinations.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb brussels sprouts
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Dairy and Fats:

  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup milk

Seasonings and Extras:

  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Trim the tough ends of brussels sprouts and slice them in half lengthwise, creating uniform pieces for even cooking.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, preparing for roasting the sprouts.
  3. Place brussels sprouts cut-side down in the hot skillet, allowing them to caramelize and develop a golden-brown exterior for approximately 4-5 minutes.
  4. Flip the sprouts and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until they become tender and slightly crisp.
  5. Remove sprouts from skillet and set aside on a plate.
  6. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1 minute.
  7. Pour heavy cream and milk into the skillet, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
  8. Gradually incorporate parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  9. Season the alfredo sauce with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg, adjusting flavors to taste.
  10. Return roasted brussels sprouts to the skillet, gently coating them with the rich, velvety alfredo sauce.
  11. Simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sprouts to absorb the sauce’s flavors and heat through completely.
  12. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with additional parmesan cheese if desired, serving immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Use firm, fresh brussels sprouts to ensure a crisp texture and prevent mushiness during cooking.
  • Caramelize sprouts cut-side down to develop a rich, nutty flavor and achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior.
  • Control heat carefully when making alfredo sauce to prevent cream from separating or burning.
  • Consider alternative cheese options like pecorino or gruyère for a different flavor profile and dietary adaptations.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 328
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 613 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 82 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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