Copycat Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts

Alright, imagine this: crispy, perfectly roasted Brussels sprouts drenched in a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s just to die for. You know the ones—those addictive Brussels sprouts at Red Lobster that have you reaching for more, even when you’re full. Well, get ready, because I’m about to show you how to recreate that magic right at home! Trust me, this recipe is a total game-changer, and you’re going to be obsessed. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish or indulging in a snack on your own, these Brussels sprouts are the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and cheesy goodness.

Why You’ll Love Copycat Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts

This recipe is all about turning a simple veggie into something irresistibly delicious. Let’s break down why it’s such a winner:

• Versatile: These Brussels sprouts are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a cozy gathering with friends, or even as a dish for a fancy holiday dinner, they’re guaranteed to impress.
• Budget-Friendly: You don’t need to splurge on fancy ingredients to make something mouthwatering. This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. It’s perfect for when you want a little indulgence without the hefty price tag.
• Quick and Easy: No need to be a kitchen pro for this one! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have crispy, cheesy Brussels sprouts in no time. It’s all about roasting and saucing—easy peasy.
• Customizable: You can tweak the flavor however you like. Want a little more kick? Toss in some red pepper flakes. Prefer something milder? Keep it classic with just the creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Crowd-Pleasing: These Brussels sprouts are the kind of side dish that gets all the “oohs” and “aahs.” Whether you’re serving them to kids or adults, everyone will be asking for the recipe!

Ingredients in Copycat Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful dish:

• Brussels Sprouts: These little guys are the star of the show! When roasted, they get perfectly crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside. It’s pure magic.
• Olive Oil: Helps to crisp up those Brussels sprouts to perfection. It also adds a subtle richness that makes every bite so satisfying.
• Parmesan Cheese: For that cheesy, savory kick. It gets all melty and golden, adding a delicious layer of flavor.
• Cream Cheese: The key to the creamy sauce that gives these sprouts that irresistible texture. It blends beautifully with the other ingredients, making every bite so rich and comforting.
• Heavy Cream: To thin out the cream cheese and make that sauce extra luscious. This is what takes these Brussels sprouts from good to great!
• Garlic: Adds a punch of flavor that makes everything come together beautifully. Garlic and Brussels sprouts? Yes, please!
• Lemon Juice: A touch of lemon juice to cut through the richness and add brightness to the dish. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
• Butter: For that extra richness and to help create the smooth, velvety sauce. It’s a small touch that makes a big impact.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s walk through how to bring this dish to life, step by step:

1. Roast the Brussels Sprouts

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts, then toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy on the edges. The smell is going to make you so excited!

2. Prepare the Creamy Sauce

While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Next, stir in the cream cheese and heavy cream. Let it all melt together, stirring occasionally, until smooth and creamy. Add in the Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of lemon juice, then stir until everything is well combined.

3. Combine and Coat

Once the Brussels sprouts are perfectly roasted and crispy, transfer them to a serving dish. Pour the creamy cheese sauce all over them, making sure each sprout gets a nice coating. Don’t be shy with that sauce—it’s what makes this dish!

4. Garnish & Serve

Top with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you’ve got some on hand. Serve warm and watch everyone devour them!

How to Serve Copycat Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts

These Brussels sprouts are so flavorful, they can easily be the star of the show! But here are a few ways to make your meal even more special:

• Pair with Grilled Meat: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp for a well-rounded, indulgent meal. The creamy sprouts will be the perfect complement to the smoky, savory flavors of grilled meats.
• Fresh Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the Brussels sprouts. Try a simple arugula salad with lemon and olive oil!
• Garlic Bread: A warm loaf of garlic bread to soak up that creamy sauce is always a hit. Plus, who can resist crispy, buttery bread on the side?
• Rice or Quinoa: Serve the Brussels sprouts over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to make it a complete dish. The grains will absorb the sauce, and every bite will be so satisfying.

Additional Tips

• Prep Ahead: You can roast the Brussels sprouts ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Then, just heat them up and top with the creamy sauce when you’re ready to serve.
• Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce. It’ll give the dish a nice, spicy kick!
• Make It Lighter: To lighten up the dish, you can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream. It’ll still be creamy, just a little less rich.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
A1: Fresh Brussels sprouts work best, but if you’re using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain them well before roasting to avoid excess moisture.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can roast the Brussels sprouts and make the creamy sauce ahead of time. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat up the sauce and toss with the roasted sprouts.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid losing that creamy texture.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: I don’t recommend freezing the Brussels sprouts themselves, as they can get soggy. However, you can freeze the creamy sauce and then toss it with freshly roasted sprouts when you’re ready to eat.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Definitely! If you’re feeding a crowd, just roast the Brussels sprouts in batches and make extra sauce. You can easily double or even triple the recipe.

Q6: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A6: Reheat the Brussels sprouts and sauce gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking.

Q7: What side dishes go well with this recipe?
A7: Try pairing them with mashed potatoes, grilled meats, or a simple salad. You can’t go wrong with any of those!

Q8: Can I make this dish healthier?
A8: To make it a bit lighter, use less butter or substitute with olive oil, and swap heavy cream for a lighter option like half-and-half or milk.

Q9: Can I make this dish vegan?
A9: Yes! Use vegan cream cheese, dairy-free cream, and nutritional yeast in place of the Parmesan for a vegan-friendly version.

Q10: Can I make this dish spicier?
A10: Absolutely! Add some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce to kick things up a notch.

Conclusion

These Copycat Red Lobster Brussels Sprouts are everything you’ve been craving and more—crispy, creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. They’re the perfect side dish to elevate any meal, and trust me, once you try them, they’ll become your new go-to. So, go ahead, grab those Brussels sprouts and start roasting. You’re in for a treat!

Print