Are you a fan of brussels sprouts? If not, I’m about to change your mind with this fabulous creamy, gooey brussels sprouts mac and cheese.
Because let’s be honest, everything’s better when it involves mac and cheese.
When I was growing up I ate a lot of Kraft Mac and Cheese. Specifically the spiral white cheddar mac and cheese with lots of black pepper and peas. It was kinda my jam. These days, I’m much more into cooking nutritious meals at home that Tony and I both enjoy.
Tony’s not a huge brussels sprouts fan, but when I was crashing my cart around at the grocery store, I found beautiful brussels sprouts on sale and decided to throw them in and force him to try them out. The real question was how could I make sure he actually enjoyed them?
CHEESE IS THE ANSWER.
I decided I would make a vegetarian one pan brussels sprouts mac and cheese with a lightened up creamy cheese sauce.
What makes this brussels sprouts mac and cheese lighter?
You’re probably wondering how this is lightened up mac and cheese and here’s the answer: less butter, less cheese, dairy free milk and LOTS of brussels instead of a ton of pasta.
Instead of making a butter heavy sauce, I made a slurry of sorts, which helps the mac and cheese stay creamy and coat every bit of brussels and noodle. I was in love and guess what? So was Tony. He went back for seconds. And then thirds. And then he legitimately polished off the entire pan (with my help, of course.)
Suggestions for this brussels sprouts mac and cheese:
- Feel free to add in any of the following: 1-2 cups diced cooked chicken breast, 1/2 cup chopped bacon, 1 can tuna or 1 cup white beans. The possibilities are endless.
- Switch up the cheese you use for a fun alternative. gouda, gruyere, sharp cheddar, manchego, parmesan, monterey jack.
- Switch up the veggies. I suggest peas or steamed or sauteed broccoli and carrots.
I know you’re going to love this cheesy easy brussels sprouts mac and cheese. The best part is that it’s made in one pan so you don’t have to get a bunch of dishes dirty.
More mac and cheese recipes:
Broccoli and White Cheddar Quinoa Mac and Cheese
More brussels sprouts recipes:
6 Delicious Brussels Sprouts Recipes to Try
If you make this recipe, please be sure to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! It makes a difference and I love hearing from you! You can also show me your creations by tagging #ambitiouskitchen on Instagram.
Brussels Sprouts Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- For the pasta:
- 8 ounces (2 cups) gemelli pasta* (or any pasta of choice)
- For the brussels sprouts:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound brussels sprouts, halved and any outer yellow leaves removed
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Freshly ground salt and pepper
- For the cheddar cheese sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
- ¼ cup whole wheat pastry flour* (or regular flour or all purpose GF flour)
- 1 3/4 cups unsweetened almond or cashew milk (can also use regular milk)
- 6 oz sharp cheddar cheese (about 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese)**
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
- For topping:
- 2 oz cheddar cheese (about ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese)
- Parsley, for garnishing
Instructions
-
First boil the noodles until al dente, according to the directions on the package. Once done cooking, drain and set aside.
-
While the noodles are boiling, cook the brussels sprouts: In a large oven safe skillet or pot, add in olive oil. Once hot, add in brussels sprouts and sprinkle garlic powder on top, then season with salt and pepper. Stir frequently and cook until brussels begin to turn slightly golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. Once nice and golden, transfer to a large bowl and set aside.
-
In the same skillet or pot, make a slurry: add butter and garlic. Once butter is melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 30 seconds until a paste forms. Slowly add in cashew/almondmilk (or regular milk), whisking away any lumps. Increase heat and bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes stirring every so often, until the sauce thickens up similar to a gravy.
-
Next add in 6 ounce cheese and stir until cheese is completely melted. Finally, fold in cooked noodles and brussels sprouts. Taste and add additional salt and pepper, if it needs it. Top with additional 2 ounces shredded cheddar. At this point you can either serve the mac and cheese and just fold in the extra cheddar you just added, or remove from heat and place under the oven broiler for 1-2 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Serves 6. Top with a little freshly ground black pepper, and parsley if you’d like.
Recipe Notes
To make gluten free: Feel free to use a gluten free pasta. My favorite is Banza.
32 comments
O…M…G
You have too many amazing things I can make!!! I was going to make your Puerto Rican inspired chickpea and rice tonight but NOW THIS! Im going to have to start eating 2 dinners lol
This one is a must too! So delicious. Lunch and dinner covered!
Yummmm. What size skillet is yours? Trying to decide if I need to halve the recipe to fit it in mine. 🙂
I use a 9inch skillet 🙂
Looks delicious! I love both brussels and mac and cheese!!!! http://www.themilestraveled.com
Best combo!
Oh this looks delicious! I really want to make this, I just need to make some time this weekend for this recipe, thank you!
Hope you love it!!
I saw this and immediately made it. I must say, it’s a terrific base recipe. I would like to find a way to really punch up the flavor (I used a medium cheddar but maybe a sharp or a blend would be great). I also sauteed smoked sausage and folded it in at the end. Love the texture and creaminess (used whole milk).
Delicious! This one’s perfect for customizing. Glad you liked it!
This was delicious! I also added cauliflower.
Perfect! Love that idea.
Love this !!! Make it for dinner tonight . For leftovers, should they be reheated or is cold okay??
I would reheat the leftovers 🙂
Would dairy free cheese work for this or you wouldn’t recommend?
Made this tonight for the Super Bowl and it was excellent! Added a little bit of kale and cayenne pepper. Thanks!
Sounds amazing!!
Hi Erica! It would work, but i don’t love the taste of dairy free cheese. I would suggest using my cashew cheese sauce instead and folding it in: https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/how-to-make-vegan-cashew-cheese-sauce/ so good!
In your directions, it says to add garlic in with the butter, and then again with the cheese. I’m confused, insight would be appreciated! So far it looks delicious though!!
Updated! Sorry for any confusion 🙂
I love how quick this recipe is! Between roasting the sprouts, grating the cheese, and making the roux, the whole recipe only took me 30 minutes. I folded in a can of tuna at the end with the Brussels Sprouts for a bit of extra protein. This is great for weeknights!
Yes! The perfect weeknight dinner. Love the addition of tuna – you’ll have to give this one a try next 🙂
Absolutely delish! I love being able to have my favorite food with a healthier mix
Yes! Love that. The extra veggies are the best!
Certainly a keeper. It was my first time to make mac and cheese and this certainly did not disappoint!
So happy to hear that!
I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out so bad… my whole family agreed. We threw it away and had something else for dinner. Very disappointed!
Sorry to hear that, Sydney! I wish I could troubleshoot for you but I’m not sure where you could’ve gone wrong with a regular mac and cheese + brussels sprouts.
This recipe was a pretty quick and easy dinner option- not to mention tasty! I added in chicken as well as some peppers that needed to be used up. Whenever I try to make cheese sauces, they usual all don’t turn out that great- but this one ended up creamy and delicious! This will for sure be added to the dinner rotation.
We really liked this! Cheese and brussels sprouts go so well together. I packed in more protein by using red lentil pasta and then used a mix of sharp cheddar and gouda. in case anyone’s wondering, olive oil works in place of the butter too. Great recipe!