Creamy Baked Brussels Sprouts with Cottage Cheese and Garlic Recipe

Brussels sprouts often get a bad rap as a bitter or bland vegetable, but when prepared right, they transform into a delicious, comforting dish. This recipe combines tender Brussels sprouts with a creamy cottage cheese and garlic sauce, baked to golden perfection. It’s a simple way to enjoy a nutritious vegetable with a rich, satisfying flavor that appeals even to those who usually avoid Brussels sprouts.

Creamy baked Brussels sprouts with cottage cheese and garlic

Ingredients and Preparation

This recipe serves two and uses straightforward ingredients you likely have on hand:

• 2 tablespoons salted butter

• 1 1/2 cups whole milk cottage cheese (4% milkfat), large curd, not packed

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 medium onion (about 2 1/2 inches diameter), finely chopped

• 600 grams (about 21 ounces) Brussels sprouts, halved

• Salt and pepper to taste

  
  

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (about 400°F). Preparing the vegetables properly is key: halve the Brussels sprouts to ensure even cooking, finely chop the onion for a smooth sauce texture, and mince the garlic to release its full flavor.

Cooking the Brussels Sprouts

Place the halved Brussels sprouts in a pot and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt and cook them until just tender, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid overcooking to keep their texture firm and prevent them from becoming mushy. Drain the sprouts well and set them aside while you prepare the sauce.

Making the Creamy Cottage Cheese Sauce

In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until they become soft and translucent. This step builds the base flavor for the sauce, allowing the garlic to mellow and the onion to sweeten.

Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring continuously for about two minutes. This cooks out the raw flour taste and helps thicken the sauce.

Next, blend the cottage cheese until smooth. Adding it to the pan, stir continuously until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The cottage cheese adds a rich, tangy creaminess without the heaviness of traditional cream sauces.

Baking the Dish

Place the cooked Brussels sprouts in a baking dish and pour the creamy cottage cheese sauce evenly over them. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. The heat will meld the flavors and create a slightly golden top, adding a subtle crust to the creamy sauce.

Golden baked Brussels sprouts with creamy cottage cheese sauce

Tips for Serving and Variations

This dish works well as a side for roasted meats or as a vegetarian main when paired with crusty bread or a fresh salad. For extra flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or a pinch of smoked paprika on top before baking.

If you want to add some crunch, consider topping the dish with toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts after baking. For a dairy-free version, substitute the cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative, though the texture will differ.

Why This Recipe Works