Cheese And Brussels Sprouts: A Match Made In Heaven

Brussels sprouts are a divisive vegetable, but one way to make them more appealing is to add cheese. There are several ways to prepare sprouts with cheese, including baking, roasting, and sautéing. Some recipes call for the sprouts to be coated in a cheese sauce, while others involve sprinkling grated cheese over the top and broiling until melted. Common cheese choices include Parmesan, cheddar, Gruyere, and blue cheese.

Blue cheese and bacon

Ingredients:

• Brussels sprouts
• Olive oil
• Garlic salt
• Blue cheese
• Bacon
• Balsamic glaze

Method:

First, preheat your oven to 425°F. Wash, trim and halve your Brussels sprouts. Then, toss them with olive oil, garlic salt and pepper. Roast the sprouts for 15 minutes, give them a stir, and then roast for another 10-15 minutes until they are browned and crispy.

While the sprouts are roasting, cook your bacon. You can chop it into small pieces, or crumble it, depending on your preference.

Once the sprouts are ready, place them into an oven-safe dish and top with crumbled blue cheese. Place them under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the blue cheese melts.

Finally, remove the sprouts from the oven, top with bacon, and drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Tips:

If you're short on time, you can cook the bacon while the sprouts are roasting.

You can also add a red onion, thinly sliced, and a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sprouts while they are cooking.

Serving suggestions:

This recipe works well as a side dish, and pairs well with salmon, scallops, or cod.

Nutritional information:

This recipe is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K. However, the bacon and blue cheese are high in saturated fat and sodium, so use a small amount of each for flavor.

Parmesan

One option is to create a cheesy sauce to coat the sprouts. This can be done by melting butter in a saucepan, stirring in flour, salt, and pepper, and then whisking in milk to create a thick sauce. You can then stir in grated Parmesan cheese until it has melted and the sauce is smooth. This cheesy sauce can be poured over boiled or roasted sprouts.

Another option is to roast the sprouts with Parmesan. You can toss the sprouts in olive oil, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper, and then roast them in the oven. In the last few minutes of cooking, sprinkle grated Parmesan over the sprouts and return them to the oven to melt the cheese.

You can also try a combination of roasting and pan-frying. First, pan-fry the sprouts in hot oil until they are caramelized, then add butter and garlic and transfer them to the oven to roast. Once they are roasted, top them with grated Parmesan cheese.

When using Parmesan, it is best to use freshly grated or shaved Parmesan rather than pre-grated cheese. This will ensure the best flavor and texture.

Some recipes also suggest adding other ingredients to complement the Parmesan. For example, you could add crumbled goat cheese, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts for a unique and flavorful dish.

With its savory saltiness, Parmesan is a great choice to pair with Brussels sprouts, and you can experiment with different cooking methods to find your favorite way to enjoy this combination.

Mozzarella

Another way to incorporate mozzarella is through the popular method of smashing Brussels sprouts. This technique involves blanching the sprouts first, followed by smashing them into flat patties and roasting them with a generous topping of mozzarella. The result is a crispy, golden, and cheesy delight.

For a slightly different take on Brussels sprouts with mozzarella, you can try the oven-roasted method. This approach involves coating the sprouts in a mixture of olive oil, melted butter, garlic, salt, and pepper before roasting them. The mozzarella is then added towards the end of the cooking process, resulting in a warm blanket of melted cheese enveloping the sprouts.

Goat's cheese

When preparing roasted brussels sprouts with goat's cheese, it is recommended to trim and halve or quarter the sprouts before roasting. This ensures even cooking and helps to reduce the bitterness typically found in the centre of the sprouts. Roasting the sprouts at a high temperature creates the desired crispiness, while spreading them out on a pan prevents steaming and mushy sprouts.

To enhance the flavour of the dish, toppings such as dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and balsamic vinegar can be added. The sweetness of the dried cranberries and the crunch of the walnuts create a perfect contrast with the creamy goat's cheese and tender sprouts. A balsamic reduction can also be drizzled over the sprouts, adding a sweet and tangy element to the dish.

Roasted brussels sprouts with goat's cheese can be served warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile side dish. It is a healthy and low-effort option that is sure to impress. With its combination of flavours and textures, this dish is a delightful addition to any meal.

Gruyere

Cheesy Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

This recipe involves roasting Brussels sprouts in the oven and then topping them with melted mozzarella cheese. You can substitute the mozzarella for Gruyere.

Sauté Method:

First, heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the Brussels sprouts and season with salt and pepper. Let them cook until slightly charred and caramelized. Then, melt butter in the pan and stir it through the sprouts. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Transfer the sprouts to a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until fork-tender. Remove from the oven and top with Gruyere cheese. Return to the oven and broil until the cheese melts and becomes golden.

Oven-Only Method:

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet. Arrange the sprouts on the baking sheet and set aside. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, melted butter, garlic, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this mixture over the Brussels sprouts and toss to coat. Bake for 20-25 minutes until vibrant and fork-tender. Remove from the oven and top with Gruyere cheese. Return to the oven and broil until the cheese melts and becomes golden.

Brussels Sprouts Gratin

This recipe involves sautéing Brussels sprouts with shallots and garlic, drizzling them with cream, and smothering them in cheese. You can use a blend of shredded sharp white cheddar and Gruyere cheese. Simply sprinkle the cheeses over the Brussels sprouts and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Frequently asked questions