I served this Brussels Sprout and Caramelized Shallot Gratin at Thanksgiving last year and let me tell you, it was definitely the main attraction. Earthy green brussels sprouts are baked with creamy Gruyère cheese and sweet, caramelized shallots. Topped with fresh, seasoned breadcrumbs, this gratin has both amazing flavor and texture. Having already converted several brussels sprouts haters, I can guarantee that you will enjoy this dish even if brussels sprouts are “not your thing”. Continue reading for the recipe.
Brussels Sprout and Caramelized Shallot Gratin
Adapted from Williams-Sonoma.
For the Caramelized Shallots:
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
6 – 8 shallots (depending on size), thinly sliced lengthwise
1 teaspoon sugar
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
For the Gratin:
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Kosher salt
2 pounds brussels sprouts, tough ends trimmed and halved lengthwise
2 tablespoons flour
8 oz. Gruyère cheese, grated
½ oz. Parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon lemon zest
¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup caramelized shallots
For the Topping:
3 cups coarse fresh bread crumbs (I used a baguette)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 ½ teaspoons lemon zest
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons minced fresh flat leaf parsley
For the Caramelized Shallots:
Warm butter in a medium, heavy bottom saucepan over medium-low heat. Add sliced shallots and season with sugar, a pinch of salt and a few turns of freshly ground black pepper. Cook shallots until caramelized (light brown and soft), stirring frequently. This should take 15 – 20 minutes.
Reserve 1 cup of caramelized shallots for the gratin. Refrigerate any leftovers.
For the Gratin & Topping:
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Grease a 9 x 13 baking dish with 1 tablespoon of butter. Set aside. Prepare an ice bath (a large bowl of cold water and ice cubes). Also set aside.
Fill a large pot ¾ of the way with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Once the water has come to a boil, add a handful of salt. Drop in the brussels sprouts and cook until just tender (about 5 minutes). You can test for doneness by piercing one of the sprouts with a fork. The fork should go in with some ease, but there should still be a little resistance left. Using a large slotted spoon, transfer brussels sprouts to the ice bath. Drain and gentle dry with paper towels.
In a large bowl, stir together the flour, Gruyère, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, 2 teaspoons of kosher salt and the freshly ground pepper. Add the cream, brussels sprouts and caramelized shallots, stirring to combine. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top.
To make the topping, add bread crumbs, melted butter, lemon zest, salt, pepper and parsley to a medium bowl, stirring to combine. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the gratin.
Bake until the bread crumbs are golden brown (30 – 35 minutes). Let the gratin rest for 10 – 15 minutes before serving.
Serves 8.
Just love the sound of this. I’m off to buy some sprouts right now. As a vegetarian this will do for tonights supper.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Nicole Dula, Brandon Matzek. Brandon Matzek said: Brussels Sprouts & Caramelized Shallot Gratin http://bit.ly/bPxs16 A must-have for your Thanksgiving dinner! [...]
While I adore Brussels sprouts, I can imagine that this is a definite way to ease a newbie into eating these sprouts! This looks great!
This looks fantastic! I’m definitely making this for Thanksgiving this year. Thanks for sharing
This side recipe looks fantastic! I’m always looking for a new way to serve veggies with my famous baked dinner. My aunt does a brussels sprouts side with bacon, but I think this would be better – It’s on my MUST TRY list.
Wow, that looks good. I love sprouts, but have never had them in a gratin–will definitely give this a try.
Yum yum yum yum yum yum yum…and that’s all I have to say about that!
You wouldn’t have to convert me, I adore brussels sprouts!
I usually don’t like Brussels sprouts, but this recipe could convert me, and I’m looking for different vegetable recipe for Thanksgiving.. Thanks, Brandon!
I made a similar dish like this called “screaming Heads” — I loved the name; always love Brussels sprouts, but not before I was 20! Love the cheesiness of this. I’m sure it’s a Thanksgiving hit.
@Becky Definitely give it a try – let me know what you think afterwards!
Lordy, those look delicious! I love brussels sprouts, and this recipe looks like a winner. Will definitely be trying this one!
[...] Brussels Sprouts and Caramelized Shallot Gratin [...]
[...] already shown you how to prepare one of my favorite brussels sprouts side dishes. Here is another favorite. Made with only a few ingredients, this side dish is easy, healthy [...]
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