Cheesy Brussels Sprouts Bake

Description: A turkey or prime rib dinner just can't go without this! This can be doubled if desired. To save some time cook the sprouts hours in advance or a day ahead.

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 lbs Brussels sprouts
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (rub between fingers to release flavor)
• 1 -2 tablespoon fresh minced garlic (optional or to taste)
• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups half-and-half cream (I use 1-3/4 cups half and half and 1/4 cup whipping cream, unwhipped)
• 1 1/2-2 cups gruyere cheese (or similar cheese like Swiss or Gouda, but it is better using the gruyere cheese)
• seasoning salt (can use regular salt)
• pepper
• 2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup gruyere cheese, shredded (can use Gouda also)
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted

Steps:

1. Set oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease a baking dish large enough to hold the mixture (about an 8-cup).
3. To make the topping: stir together the bread crumbs and melted butter, add in the cheese, mix well until combined; set aside.
4. Wash and trim the sprouts and cut an "X" in the bottom.
5. Cook the sprouts in boiling water for about 7-8 minutes, or until fairly tender.
6. Drain and plunge into ice water or very cold water (squeeze out any excess water with hands).
7. Place into prepared baking dish.
8. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
9. Add in the thyme, fresh garlic (if using) and chopped onion; saute for 3-5 minutes until soft.
10. Add/whisk in flour, cook whisking for 5 minutes.
11. Add in half and half cream, seasoning salt and pepper; bring to a very light boil, and whisk continuously for about 6-7 minutes until mixture is smooth and thick.
12. Remove from the heat.
13. Add in the gruyere cheese; stir until melted.
14. Pour the creamed mixture over the sprouts in the dish.
15. Sprinkle with the topping mixture.
16. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
17. Delicious!