The Perfect Cheese Pairing For Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a divisive vegetable, but one thing that might help their cause is cheese. There are several recipes for cheesy Brussels sprouts, including those that are roasted, baked, or boiled, and then covered in cheese. The best cheeses to use are arguably mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, or cheddar.

How to make a cheese sauce for brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts are a divisive vegetable, but one way to make them more appealing is to serve them with a cheese sauce. This guide will take you through the steps to make a delicious cheese sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

To make a cheese sauce for Brussels sprouts, you will need the following ingredients:

• Brussels sprouts
• Butter
• Milk
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Velveeta)
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Pepper
• Minced garlic (optional)
• Lemon juice (optional)

Preparing the Brussels Sprouts

Start by cutting the ends off the Brussels sprouts. This is the most time-consuming part of the process. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the Brussels sprouts. Cook them for about 10 minutes, or until a fork can easily pierce them. Drain the Brussels sprouts and set them aside.

Making the Cheese Sauce

To make the cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic to the melted butter, if desired. Then, stir in flour, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture until it turns a light brown colour, whisk in the milk, and bring it to a simmer. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, which should take about 2 minutes.

Adding the Cheese

Once the sauce has thickened, it's time to add the cheese. Stir in the shredded cheese and mix until it is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. If you're using processed cheese like Velveeta, it may take a little longer to melt. You can adjust the cheese quantity to your preference, but be careful not to add too much, as it can overpower the other flavours.

Combining the Brussels Sprouts and Cheese Sauce

Finally, add the cooked Brussels sprouts to the cheese sauce and stir until they are completely coated. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

You can also roast the Brussels sprouts instead of boiling them. This gives them a crispier texture and brings out their natural sweetness. Simply toss the sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven at 400°F for 25-28 minutes. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and return them to the oven until the cheese melts.

For a tangy twist, you can also add lemon juice to your cheese sauce. Simply squeeze in the juice of half a lemon, or adjust the quantity to your taste.

The best cheeses to use

Brussels sprouts are a versatile vegetable that can be paired with a variety of cheeses to enhance their flavour. Here are some of the best cheeses to use when cooking Brussels sprouts:

Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan cheese is a great option for adding a savoury, salty flavour to Brussels sprouts. It has a strong, distinctive taste that can help to round out the dish. When using Parmesan cheese, it is best to use freshly grated or shaved cheese rather than the pre-grated variety, as this will result in a better melt and a more intense flavour.

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for those who want a sharp, tangy flavour. It pairs well with Brussels sprouts and can be used to create a creamy sauce or melted on top of roasted sprouts. For a white sauce, a white cheddar can be used, while orange cheddar will result in an orange cream sauce.

Mozzarella Cheese

Mozzarella cheese is a mild, creamy cheese that can be used to top off Brussels sprouts. It melts easily and has a stretchy, stringy texture that is perfect for creating a cheesy dish. When paired with Brussels sprouts, mozzarella can help to balance out the bitterness of the vegetable.

Provolone, Asiago, and Manchego Cheese

These cheeses are also excellent options for adding flavour to Brussels sprouts. Provolone has a slightly sweet and nutty taste, while Asiago is known for its sharp, pungent flavour. Manchego, a Spanish sheep's milk cheese, has a buttery texture and a nutty, tangy flavour that can complement the sprouts nicely.

Cream Cheese or Processed Cheese

For an extra creamy and indulgent dish, cream cheese or processed cheese can be used to create a rich sauce to coat the Brussels sprouts. This results in a decadent and comforting side dish that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

When choosing the best cheese to use with Brussels sprouts, it is important to consider the desired flavour profile and texture of the final dish. Whether you prefer a sharp, tangy flavour or a more mild and creamy taste, there is a cheese that can elevate your Brussels sprouts to the next level.

How to prepare the sprouts

To prepare the sprouts, start by trimming the ends off the sprouts and removing any loose outer leaves. If the sprouts are large, you can quarter them, but for smaller sprouts, halves should be fine.

Next, you'll want to cook the sprouts. You can boil them in salted water for 10-15 minutes, or until tender, or you can sauté them in a pan with some butter, shallots, and garlic for about 5-8 minutes. If you're making a cheese sauce to go with the sprouts, you can also add a small amount of cream or half-and-half to the pan with the sprouts.

If you're boiling the sprouts, drain them once they're tender, then add them to your cheese sauce. If you're making a gratin, you can transfer the sprouts to a baking dish and top them with cheese before baking.

For a simple cheese sauce, melt some butter in a saucepan, then add flour, milk or cream, and shredded cheese. You can also add garlic and seasonings to taste. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth, then combine with the sprouts.

If you're making a gratin, you can bake the sprouts in the oven at 375 degrees F for about 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For boiled sprouts with cheese sauce, you can simply pour the sauce over the sprouts and serve.

Cooking methods

There are several ways to cook Brussels sprouts with cheese, and the method you choose will depend on the type of cheese you are using and the desired texture of your Brussels sprouts. Here are some common cooking methods:

• Boiling and Cheese Sauce: This method involves boiling the Brussels sprouts to soften them and then coating them in a cheese sauce. The cheese sauce can be made with various types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or processed cheese like Velveeta. The sauce is typically made by creating a roux with butter and flour, adding milk, and then stirring in the shredded or processed cheese until melted. The boiled Brussels sprouts are then added to the sauce and stirred to coat.
• Roasting and Broiling: This method involves roasting the Brussels sprouts in the oven and then adding cheese towards the end of cooking. First, trim and halve the Brussels sprouts and toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet, cut side down, and roast until tender. Then, sprinkle shredded cheese over the roasted sprouts and return them to the oven under the broiler until the cheese melts and becomes golden brown. This method works well with a variety of cheeses, including mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, and Parmesan.
• Sautéing and Roasting: This method combines sautéing and roasting for an irresistible fried and nutty flavour. First, the Brussels sprouts are pan-fried in hot oil until slightly charred and caramelized. Butter and garlic are added before transferring the sprouts to a baking sheet and roasting them in the oven until fork-tender. Finally, the sprouts are topped with shredded cheese and returned to the oven to melt the cheese. This method works well with mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, and other shredded cheeses.
• Baking: This method involves baking the Brussels sprouts in the oven with cheese. First, sauté the Brussels sprouts on the stovetop with a small amount of cream or half-and-half until they start to brown. Then, add shredded cheese and stir until melted. Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish and bake until bubbly and browned on top. This method works well with a combination of cheeses, such as Parmesan and cheddar, or other sharp grated cheeses like provolone, Asiago, or Manchego.

Best dishes to serve with cheesy brussels sprouts

Cheesy Brussels sprouts are a delicious side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas for dishes that would pair well with cheesy Brussels sprouts:

Pork

Pork tenderloin, pork chops, or pork tenderloins with a Dijon and honey crust are all good options to serve with cheesy Brussels sprouts. The savoury saltiness of the Parmesan cheese in the Brussels sprouts will complement the pork dishes well.

Chicken

Lemon pepper chicken is a good choice to serve with cheesy Brussels sprouts, as the citrus will cut through the richness of the cheese. Sheetpan marinated chicken is another option that would pair well with the sprouts.

Beef

Beef brisket or pulled pork carnitas tacos could also be served with cheesy Brussels sprouts. The savoury, salty cheese will balance out the beef dishes.

Other Options

Cheesy Brussels sprouts could also be served as part of a vegetarian meal, with the sprouts as the main focus of the dish. They could also be served as a side dish with other roasted vegetables, such as asparagus with garlic and feta, or mashed potatoes.

Frequently asked questions