Brussels sprouts, a divisive yet traditional component of the Christmas dinner, can be transformed into a delicious dish with the right recipe.
But one TikTok foodie duo has shared an alternative. Known as TheModernProperWeeknightDinner (@themodernproper), the content creators revealed their Brussels sprouts au gratin recipe.
This unique dish debuted at the duo’s Thanksgiving dinner last year, and they claimed it to be “arguably the best side dish,” even questioning, “Maybe the best side dish ever?”
The recipe comprises a “decadent” mix of cream, leeks, Gruyère cheese, “tons of parmesan”, shredded Brussels sprouts, and a touch of seasoning.
It even has a crispy panko breadcrumb topping, but any breadcrumbs will work.
Brussels sprouts au gratin recipe
Ingredients
Olive oil
Three large, thinly sliced leeks
Four crushed garlic cloves
450g shredded Brussels sprouts
Two cups of double cream
120g Gruyère cheese
125g cup of parmesan (plus extra for the breadcrumb topping)
1/2 tsp of thyme
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Salt and pepper
Panko or regular breadcrumbs
Method
Preheat the oven to 200C, then find an ovenproof pan large enough to contain the gratin.
In the large pan, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat, add the thinly sliced leeks and cook for four minutes before adding the crushed garlic.
Cook the oil, leeks, and garlic for another minute, then remove them from the pan and put them in a bowl.
Now add the cream and both kinds of cheese to the pan, along with a generous helping of black pepper, salt, thyme and a little grated nutmeg.
Simmer the ingredients for around five minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
Now add the leeks and shaved Brussels sprouts before sprinkling the breadcrumbs. Transfer to the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
For those who enjoy a meaty twist, bacon or pancetta can be added to the mix or the breadcrumbs.
The video tutorial hit TikTok, and several viewers commented on how much they enjoyed the dish.
One TikTok user wrote: “Easy recipe! While I hate Brussels sprouts, this dish is the best! Thank you for sharing it. Have had it last two years now.” Another said: “[This is] One of our favourite sides”.
