There’s something genuinely special about comfort food that invites you in and makes you feel at home, and Sausage and Brussels Sprouts Casserole does exactly that. Bursting with savory Italian sausage, perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts, and gooey layers of mozzarella and Parmesan, each forkful is a celebration of bold flavors and creamy textures. Finished with a golden panko topping, this hearty casserole brings together wholesome veggies and indulgent cheese, making it a crowd-pleaser for weeknights or festive gatherings. You’ll find this dish impossible to resist, whether you serve it as a main course or the ultimate potluck contribution.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a short but purposeful list of ingredients that work in harmony to deliver layers of flavor and comfort. Each element here brings something important to the table—whether it’s the punch of sausage, the earthy Brussels sprouts, or that luscious blanket of cheese—so don’t be tempted to skip a thing!
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps brown the sausage and vegetables for deeper flavor.
- Italian sausage (casings removed): The heart of the casserole—mild or spicy, your choice—brings savory depth and a little kick.
- Yellow onion (diced): Sweetens and softens as it cooks, perfectly complementing the heartier notes of sausage.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Unlocks an irresistible aroma and gives a punchy background flavor that ties everything together.
- Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved): Roasty, nutty, and vibrant—they’re the vegetable star here and absorb all those savory juices beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper: Don’t underestimate these two—they enhance every bite and balance the creaminess of the sauce.
- Smoked paprika: Offers earthy warmth and a hint of smokiness, bringing complexity to the finished dish.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a little fiery zing; add more or less to suit your heat preference.
- Chicken broth: Lends depth and helps create a flavorful sauce for the casserole to bubble in.
- Heavy cream: Brings that ultra-creamy, rich texture you crave in a baked casserole—pure comfort in every spoonful.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly into the casserole for dreamy, stretchy bites and cheesy goodness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty flair both inside and on top—its crisped, golden finish makes every serving irresistible.
- Panko breadcrumbs (optional for topping): Sprinkle these for a crave-worthy crunch that makes the golden top even more inviting.
How to Make Sausage and Brussels Sprouts Casserole
Step 1: Sauté the Sausage
Preheat your oven to 375°F first so it’s ready to go. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the Italian sausage. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks so you have plenty of browned, craggy bites. This step is crucial—let the sausage really get some color, because those little browned bits add tons of flavor to the casserole.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Once the sausage is nearly cooked through, toss in the diced onion. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the onion turns soft and translucent. At this point, add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for just 30 seconds. You’ll start to smell a magical aroma, which is your cue that things are about to get delicious.
Step 3: Brussels Sprouts Join the Party
Now, add the halved Brussels sprouts directly into the skillet, along with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and the optional red pepper flakes. Cook everything together for 5 to 7 minutes. You want the Brussels sprouts to begin browning and softening, soaking up all the sausage flavors. This is where the dish gets its beautiful golden color and toasty, nutty taste.
Step 4: Simmer With Broth and Cream
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine and scrape up any yummy browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes—just enough for the sauce to thicken slightly and coat everything with creamy goodness. Remove from the heat when it’s bubbling gently.
Step 5: Melt and Layer the Cheese
Off the heat, stir in the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese, mixing until everything is smooth and perfectly cheesy. Scoop the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, making sure it’s spread in an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and your optional panko breadcrumbs over the top. These create an irresistible crispy, golden topping.
Step 6: Bake It Up
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the casserole is gloriously bubbly and the top is a deep golden brown. Let your Sausage and Brussels Sprouts Casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving—this helps the flavors settle and makes slicing much easier.
How to Serve Sausage and Brussels Sprouts Casserole
Garnishes
Bring out the best in your Sausage and Brussels Sprouts Casserole with a flourish of fresh herbs. Chopped parsley or chives add a burst of color and a hint of freshness to every cheesy, savory bite. For even more flavor, try a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a quick grind of black pepper right before serving—it’s the little touches that make it sing.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a hearty main all by itself, but it truly shines alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some crusty bread to mop up the creamy sauce. Roasted carrots or garlic green beans also pair beautifully, adding even more color and balance to your plate without overpowering the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party twist, spoon the casserole into individual ramekins before baking for an elegant, single-serve presentation. Or scoop generous portions over a bed of warm farro or quinoa for an even heartier meal. The Sausage and Brussels Sprouts Casserole also makes a standout option for potlucks—just bake and bring it straight in the dish, and watch it disappear before your eyes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), let the Sausage and Brussels Sprouts Casserole cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it an easy grab-and-reheat lunch or speedy, satisfying dinner.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this casserole for future enjoyment. Once cooled, portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire dish tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It’ll stay delicious for up to three months. Just remember to label and date your package for easy reference.
Reheating
To reheat, simply bake leftovers (covered with foil to retain moisture) in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes. If you’re only heating a single serving, the microwave works perfectly—just use medium power and pause to stir halfway through, so everything gets evenly hot and melty.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While Italian sausage packs a ton of flavor, you can substitute turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even a spicy chorizo to put your own spin on this Sausage and Brussels Sprouts Casserole. Just pick your favorite and adjust seasonings as needed.
How can I make this Sausage and Brussels Sprouts Casserole gluten-free?
It’s easy to keep the casserole gluten-free—just swap traditional panko breadcrumbs for a gluten-free variety or omit them altogether. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the Sausage and Brussels Sprouts Casserole up to a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh just before serving, adding a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge for maximum cheesy, bubbly comfort.
What does the heavy cream do in this recipe?
Heavy cream transforms the base of this casserole into a velvety, ultra-rich sauce that hugs every bite. If you’d like a lighter option, try using half-and-half or even evaporated milk—the result will be a bit less decadent but still wonderfully creamy.
Are there any tips for getting my Brussels sprouts perfectly golden?
To guarantee beautiful, golden Brussels sprouts in your casserole, make sure you sauté them cut-side down in the skillet. Allow them to brown undisturbed for a couple of minutes before stirring, which unlocks their characteristic caramelized nuttiness before baking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dinner that’s every bit as comforting as it is flavorful, the Sausage and Brussels Sprouts Casserole is the recipe you need. Give it a try and let both the flavors and the easy prep bring joy to your kitchen—you just might discover your new weeknight favorite!
Print
Sausage and Brussels Sprouts Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Sausage and Brussels Sprouts Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines savory Italian sausage, tender Brussels sprouts, and gooey cheese. A delicious main course perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Cook Sausage Mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook sausage until browned. Add onion, garlic, Brussels sprouts, salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Cook until Brussels sprouts are tender.
- Add Creamy Mixture: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, simmer. Stir in mozzarella and half of Parmesan until melted.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to a baking dish, top with remaining Parmesan and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let rest before serving.
Notes
- You can use turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute half-and-half for the cream.
- Pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
