Let me tell you, this easy Brussels sprouts casserole is like a warm hug on a chilly day! It’s the kind of dish that makes family dinners feel special without any fuss. I whip this up whenever I want to impress guests or just make a cozy weeknight meal. The combination of tender Brussels sprouts with creamy soup and cheesy goodness is absolutely irresistible. Plus, it’s so simple to prepare! You can have this delicious casserole in the oven in no time, allowing you to spend more moments with loved ones instead of slaving away in the kitchen. Trust me, everyone is going to love it!
Ingredients for Easy Brussels Sprouts Casserole
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this casserole a hit! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved – Make sure to choose fresh sprouts; they should be bright green and firm.
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup – This adds a lovely creaminess and flavor base to the dish.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – I love using sharp cheddar for that extra kick, but feel free to use mild if you prefer.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – These will give the casserole that delightful crunch on top!
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – A sprinkle of this adds a nice salty finish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – This helps to coat the Brussels sprouts and keep everything nice and moist.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t skip this! A little seasoning makes a huge difference.
Now that you have everything ready, let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Easy Brussels Sprouts Casserole
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of preparing this scrumptious casserole! It’s a straightforward process, and I promise you’ll have it in the oven in no time. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be all set!
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is so important because it ensures that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly. Trust me; there’s nothing worse than a soggy bottom! So, let that oven warm up while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Prepare the Brussels Sprouts Mixture
Now, grab a large bowl and toss in those beautifully trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts. Add in the cream of mushroom soup, olive oil, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until the Brussels sprouts are well-coated. You can use a spatula or your hands—just get in there! The goal is to make sure every sprout is covered in that creamy goodness.
Assemble the Casserole
Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to transfer it to a greased baking dish. I usually go for something around 9×13 inches. Spread the Brussels sprouts mixture evenly in the dish. Now comes the fun part—sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top! Don’t be shy; you want it nice and cheesy. In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese together, then sprinkle that crunchy mixture over the cheese layer. This will create a delicious, golden crust as it bakes!
Baking the Casserole
Now, it’s time for the magic to happen! Pop your casserole in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is a lovely golden brown and the edges are bubbling. If you want to make sure it’s perfectly cooked, you can poke a fork into the center; the Brussels sprouts should be tender but not mushy. Once it’s out of the oven, let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This will help it firm up a bit, making it easier to serve.
Tips for Success
Now, let’s talk about some little tweaks that can take your easy Brussels sprouts casserole from delicious to absolutely unforgettable! Trust me, these tips will make a big difference.
- Add cooked bacon: If you’re a bacon lover like me, crumbling some crispy bacon into the mixture brings a savory depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the Brussels sprouts. Yum!
- Alternative soups: Don’t have cream of mushroom soup on hand? No problem! You can substitute it with cream of chicken soup for a different twist, or even a homemade white sauce if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Herbs and spices: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate the flavor profile. Just sprinkle a bit into the mixture for that fresh taste. A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder can also add a nice kick!
- Cheese variety: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to mix it up! Gruyère or fontina cheese can add a rich, creamy texture that’s simply divine.
- Make it gluten-free: If you or your guests are gluten-sensitive, swap out the breadcrumbs for crushed gluten-free crackers or even crushed nuts for that same delightful crunch!
With these tips, you’re bound to impress everyone at the table. Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
Now that your easy Brussels sprouts casserole is all ready to shine, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it! This dish is so versatile and can complement a variety of meals, making it perfect for any occasion. Here are some of my favorite pairings:
- Roasted Chicken: A juicy, herb-marinated roasted chicken makes for a classic pairing. The savory flavors from the chicken really balance out the creaminess of the casserole.
- Grilled Salmon: If you’re in the mood for seafood, grilled salmon brings a lovely richness that harmonizes beautifully with the Brussels sprouts. Just a squeeze of lemon on top adds a fresh zing!
- Stuffed Peppers: For a vegetarian option, serve it alongside stuffed peppers filled with quinoa, black beans, and spices. It adds a fun twist and keeps the meal plant-based!
- Garlic Bread: Who doesn’t love garlic bread? A slice or two on the side is perfect for scooping up any cheesy goodness that might spill over. Plus, it adds a nice crunch!
- Simple Green Salad: A light, refreshing green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help cut through the richness of the casserole and adds a pop of color to your plate.
Each of these options brings something special to the table and makes for a well-rounded meal. So go ahead, mix and match to create your perfect dinner spread! Enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This easy Brussels sprouts casserole tastes just as delightful the next day, and storing it properly will help maintain all that creamy, cheesy goodness. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Storing: Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cover it well so it doesn’t absorb any other fridge smells!
- Freezing: If you want to save it for later, this casserole freezes beautifully! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Now, onto reheating! You want to bring back that nice texture and flavor:
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s heated through. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to get that top nice and bubbly again!
- Microwave Method: If you’re in a hurry, the microwave can work too! Just place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Just be careful not to overdo it; you want to avoid a rubbery texture!
With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your delicious casserole again without missing a beat. Happy eating!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s dive into the nutritional side of this easy Brussels sprouts casserole! It’s always good to know what you’re putting into your body, right? Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 8g
Keep in mind, these values are just estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose or any tweaks you make to the recipe. But overall, you can enjoy this casserole knowing it’s packed with nutrients from those lovely Brussels sprouts and the creamy goodness of cheese. Happy cooking and eating!
FAQ Section
Can I use fresh instead of frozen Brussels sprouts?
Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend using fresh Brussels sprouts for this casserole. Fresh sprouts have a much brighter flavor and a lovely crunch that really elevates the dish. Just make sure to trim and halve them before mixing, and you’ll be golden! Trust me, you’ll notice the difference in taste.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Oh, there are so many delicious ways to amp up the flavor! You can sprinkle in some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant touch. If you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder can add a nice depth. And if you really want to kick it up a notch, try adding a splash of hot sauce or some red pepper flakes for a little heat. Yum!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can totally prepare this casserole ahead of time! Just assemble it completely, cover it tightly with foil, and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just take it out and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be cold from the fridge. This way, you can enjoy a stress-free meal with all the flavor!
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Easy Brussels Sprouts Casserole Recipe: 5 Irresistible Tips
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy Brussels sprouts casserole is a comforting dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 4 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix Brussels sprouts, cream of mushroom soup, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.
- Mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Notes
- You can add cooked bacon for extra flavor.
- Substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken for a different taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: easy brussels sprouts casserole recipe
