Alfredo Brussels Sprouts: A Delicious & Healthy Recipe

Alfredo Brussels Sprouts: Prepare to have your mind blown! If you think you don’t like Brussels sprouts, this recipe is about to change everything. We’re taking those often-maligned little cabbages and smothering them in a creamy, dreamy Alfredo sauce that will have you begging for more. Forget everything you thought you knew about Brussels sprouts; this is a game-changer.

While Alfredo sauce is a relatively modern invention, originating in Rome in the early 20th century, the concept of pairing vegetables with rich, creamy sauces has been around for centuries. This dish takes that classic combination and elevates it to new heights. The slight bitterness of the Brussels sprouts is perfectly balanced by the richness of the Alfredo, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

People adore this dish for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly delicious! The creamy Alfredo sauce transforms the Brussels sprouts into a decadent treat. Second, it’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fancy weekend brunch. Finally, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables without sacrificing flavor. So, are you ready to discover the magic of Alfredo Brussels Sprouts? Let’s get cooking!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved (or quartered if large)
• 4 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (if serving with pasta)
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Optional: Red pepper flakes, to taste

Preparing the Brussels Sprouts:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the Brussels sprouts will roast evenly and develop a nice caramelized exterior.
2. Prepare the Brussels sprouts. Wash the Brussels sprouts thoroughly. Trim off the ends and remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves. Halve or quarter the Brussels sprouts depending on their size. Smaller ones can be halved, while larger ones benefit from being quartered to ensure even cooking.
3. Toss with oil and seasoning. In a large bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Make sure the Brussels sprouts are evenly coated with the oil and seasoning. This will help them roast properly and develop a delicious flavor.
4. Arrange on a baking sheet. Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the Brussels sprouts instead of roasting them. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
5. Roast the Brussels sprouts. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the Brussels sprouts are tender and slightly browned. Halfway through, toss the Brussels sprouts to ensure even cooking. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Making the Alfredo Sauce:

1. Sauté the garlic. While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, prepare the Alfredo sauce. In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this will make the sauce bitter.
2. Add the cream. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the cream simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until it has slightly thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
3. Incorporate the cheeses. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and Pecorino Romano cheese until melted and smooth. The residual heat from the cream will help melt the cheese. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk or cream to thin it out.
4. Season to taste. Season the Alfredo sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Combining and Serving:

1. Combine Brussels sprouts and Alfredo sauce. Once the Brussels sprouts are roasted, add them to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Toss to coat the Brussels sprouts evenly with the sauce.
2. Serve immediately. Serve the Alfredo Brussels sprouts immediately. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Optional: Serving with Pasta

1. Cook the pasta. While the Brussels sprouts are roasting and the sauce is simmering, cook your favorite pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining.
2. Combine pasta with sauce. Add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce and Brussels sprouts. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
3. Add pasta water. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out and help the sauce cling to the pasta.
4. Serve immediately. Serve the Alfredo Brussels sprouts with pasta immediately. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips and Variations:

• Roasting Brussels Sprouts: For extra crispy Brussels sprouts, you can broil them for the last few minutes of cooking. Just be sure to watch them closely to prevent burning.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in the Alfredo sauce. Gruyere, Fontina, or Asiago would all be delicious additions.
• Adding Protein: For a heartier meal, add some cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage to the Alfredo Brussels sprouts.
• Vegetarian Option: This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can easily make it vegan by using plant-based cream and cheese alternatives.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce for a little heat. You can also add a dash of hot sauce to each serving.
• Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest can brighten up the flavor of the Alfredo sauce. Add about 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the sauce along with the cheese.
• Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg can add a warm, comforting flavor to the Alfredo sauce. Add a pinch of ground nutmeg to the sauce along with the cheese.
• Bacon or Pancetta: For a richer, more savory flavor, add some cooked and crumbled bacon or pancetta to the Alfredo Brussels sprouts.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the Alfredo sauce for a burst of flavor.
• Mushrooms: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the garlic for a delicious addition to the Alfredo sauce.
• Wine: Add a splash of dry white wine to the Alfredo sauce for a more complex flavor. Add the wine after sautéing the garlic and let it reduce slightly before adding the cream.
• Fresh Herbs: Experiment with different fresh herbs in the Alfredo sauce. Thyme, rosemary, or sage would all be delicious additions.
• Garlic Powder: If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder instead. Add about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder to the Alfredo sauce along with the cheese.
• Onion Powder: A pinch of onion powder can add a subtle savory flavor to the Alfredo sauce. Add about 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder to the sauce along with the cheese.
• Smoked Paprika: A pinch of smoked paprika can add a smoky flavor to the Alfredo sauce. Add about 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the sauce along with the cheese.
• Black Truffle Oil: For a luxurious touch, drizzle a little black truffle oil over the Alfredo Brussels sprouts before serving.
• White Truffle Oil: Alternatively, use white truffle oil for a more delicate truffle flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: Alfredo Brussels sprouts can be served as a side dish or as a main course. They are also delicious served over pasta, rice, or quinoa.
• Storage: Leftover Alfredo Brussels sprouts can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
• Freezing: Alfredo Brussels sprouts can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The sauce may separate slightly after freezing, but it will still be delicious.

Enjoy your delicious Alfredo Brussels Sprouts!

Conclusion:

This Alfredo Brussels Sprouts recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a revelation! The creamy, decadent Alfredo sauce transforms humble Brussels sprouts into something truly special, a dish that even the most ardent sprout-haters will find themselves craving. The slight bitterness of the sprouts is perfectly balanced by the richness of the sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone looking to elevate their vegetable game.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s unexpectedly delicious, surprisingly easy to make, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect way to introduce Brussels sprouts to picky eaters or to simply enjoy a sophisticated and satisfying side dish. Forget everything you thought you knew about Brussels sprouts – this recipe will change your mind!

But the fun doesn’t stop there! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Looking for serving suggestions? I love pairing these Alfredo Brussels Sprouts with grilled chicken or salmon for a complete and balanced meal. They also make a fantastic addition to a holiday spread, adding a touch of elegance and unexpected flavor to your table.

Variations to Explore:

* Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce for a little kick.
* Go cheesy: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese on top before serving for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
* Add some protein: Toss in some crispy bacon or pancetta for a smoky and savory twist.
* Make it vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth in the Alfredo sauce for a completely vegetarian option.
* Nutty crunch: Toast some slivered almonds or pine nuts and sprinkle them on top for added texture and flavor.
* Lemon zest: A little lemon zest brightens up the dish and adds a refreshing note.

I’ve personally experimented with all of these variations, and each one brings something unique to the table. Don’t be afraid to get creative and customize the recipe to your own liking! The beauty of this dish is that it’s a blank canvas for your culinary imagination.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe that I urge you to try it out as soon as possible. It’s the perfect way to impress your friends and family, or simply to treat yourself to a delicious and healthy meal. And remember, the key to truly amazing Alfredo Brussels Sprouts is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Once you’ve made this recipe, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you try any of the variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments on social media using #AlfredoBrusselsSprouts so I can see your creations. I’m always looking for new and exciting ways to improve my recipes, and your feedback is invaluable. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and let me know what you think! Happy cooking!