Cheese And Brussels Sprouts: The Perfect Pairing

Brussels sprouts are a versatile vegetable that can be paired with a variety of ingredients to enhance their flavour. One popular combination is Brussels sprouts and cheese. For instance, a recipe for Brussels sprouts gratin includes sharp white cheddar and Gruyère, while another recipe for cheesy garlic roasted Brussels sprouts uses mozzarella. Parmesan, provolone, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, and Gouda are also mentioned as cheeses that pair well with Brussels sprouts.

Mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, Monterey Jack, Gruyere or Gouda

Mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, and Gouda are all cheeses that go well with Brussels sprouts. Brussels sprouts are a versatile vegetable that can be paired with many different types of cheese.

Mozzarella is a popular choice for Brussels sprouts recipes, as its mild and creamy flavour melts well and combines nicely with the sprouts. Provolone is another mild, creamy cheese that can be used in place of mozzarella, offering a slightly sharper flavour.

Parmesan is a harder, more pungent cheese that adds a salty, nutty flavour to Brussels sprouts. It can be sprinkled generously over roasted or steamed sprouts, or used in a gratin or casserole.

Monterey Jack is a semi-hard cheese with a mild flavour that melts well, making it a good choice for Brussels sprouts recipes.

Gruyere is a popular choice for Brussels sprouts gratins and casseroles, as it has a strong, slightly sweet flavour that combines well with the vegetables.

Gouda is a mild, buttery cheese that can also be used in Brussels sprouts recipes. It has a slightly sweeter flavour than some of the other cheeses mentioned and can add a nice, creamy texture when melted.

These cheeses can be used in a variety of recipes, such as roasted Brussels sprouts, gratins, casseroles, or sautéed dishes. They can be combined with other ingredients like garlic, bacon, shallots, or herbs to create a range of flavours and textures that complement the Brussels sprouts.

Cheddar and Gruyere

Brussels Sprout Casserole

A cheesy Brussels sprout bake is a great way to get sprout-averse people to enjoy the vegetable. This is a one-skillet dish that can be made in 30 minutes. Start by cooking some bacon in a large ovenproof skillet. Once crispy, drain the bacon on paper towels, chop it up, and set it aside. Next, melt some butter in the same skillet and cook some shallots until they are softened. Add the halved sprouts and cayenne and cook until the sprouts are firm-tender. This should take about 10 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and pour in the cream. Scatter the cheddar and Gruyere over the sprouts, then top with the chopped bacon. Bake the casserole at 375°F until bubbling and the cheese is melted and browned in spots, which should take 12 to 15 minutes.

Cheesy Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts can also be roasted with cheese. First, trim and halve the sprouts. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the sprouts, seasoning with salt and pepper, and let them cook until slightly charred and caramelized. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Melt some 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 at 425°F for 8-10 minutes, or until fork-tender. Remove from the oven and top with cheese. Return to the oven and broil until the cheese melts and becomes golden.

Brussels Sprouts Gratin

This recipe involves sautéing the sprouts with shallots and garlic, drizzling them with cream, and smothering them in cheese. To make this dish, heat butter in a large oven-safe pan or skillet. Add the sprouts, shallots, garlic, and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sauté for about 5-8 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheese over the sprouts. Top with crumbled bacon and bake at 375°F for about 12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic

For a sweeter option, trim and halve the sprouts. Reduce balsamic vinegar over medium-high heat until it is thick and syrupy. Stir in brown sugar before pouring the reduction over the sprouts. This can be served with a variety of cheeses, including cheddar and Gruyere.

Parmesan, pecorino, blue cheese, Cheddar, goat cheese, ricotta or Brie

Cheeses to Pair with Brussels Sprouts

Parmesan

Brussels sprouts can be cooked with butter and garlic, and topped with Parmesan cheese. The Parmesan can be shredded or grated, and sprinkled generously over the sprouts.

Pecorino

Pecorino is another cheese that can be grated and generously sprinkled over Brussels sprouts.

Blue Cheese

Blue cheese is a strong-flavoured cheese that can be crumbled and added to sprouts as a finishing touch.

Cheddar

Cheddar is a well-melting cheese that can be shredded and baked with Brussels sprouts. It pairs well with Gruyere, and can be used in a Brussels sprouts gratin.

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese, or chèvre, is a creamy, tangy cheese that can be stirred into hot Brussels sprouts.

Ricotta

Ricotta is a soft, creamy cheese that can be stirred into sprouts as a finishing touch.

Brie

Brie is a soft, creamy cheese with an edible rind. Small chunks of Brie can be added to sprouts as a finishing touch.

Bacon, pancetta or prosciutto

Brussels sprouts are a versatile side dish that can be paired with a variety of ingredients. Here are some ideas for combining bacon, pancetta, or prosciutto with cheese to create a delicious sprout dish:

Bacon

Bacon is a classic combination with Brussels sprouts and can be easily incorporated into a variety of recipes. For a simple option, try roasting Brussels sprouts with thick-cut bacon chunks on a sheet pan. The bacon will impart a smoky richness to the sprouts. You can also try a bacon-wrapped sprout dish, where the bacon is wrapped around the sprouts and roasted or grilled until crispy.

For a heartier meal, make a bacon Brussels sprouts gratin. Sauté sprouts with shallots and garlic, then drizzle with cream and smother in shredded sharp white cheddar and Gruyere cheese. Top with crumbled bacon and bake until bubbly. This dish is perfect for holidays or family dinners and can be made ahead of time.

Pancetta

Pancetta is another type of cured meat that pairs well with Brussels sprouts. For a simple dish, try roasting or sautéing Brussels sprouts with pancetta and garlic. The rendered pancetta will add a savory flavor to the sprouts, and the cut sides of the sprouts will develop a rich caramelization. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to finish the dish.

For a more complex dish, try a pancetta-wrapped Brussels sprouts recipe. Wrap the sprouts in pancetta and roast or grill them until the pancetta is crispy. This dish can be served as a side or appetizer and is sure to impress.

Prosciutto

Prosciutto is a dry-cured ham that can add a savory, salty flavor to Brussels sprouts. Try wrapping individual sprouts in prosciutto and roasting them until the prosciutto is crispy. You can also try dicing prosciutto and adding it to a sprout sauté or gratin for a unique flavor combination.

Cheese Recommendations

When it comes to cheese, there are a variety of options that pair well with Brussels sprouts and cured meats. Shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese is a popular choice, adding a creamy, nutty flavor to the dish. Other options include Parmesan, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or Gouda. For a stronger flavor, you can use buffalo mozzarella or try a blend of multiple cheeses.

So, get creative and experiment with different combinations of bacon, pancetta, prosciutto, and cheese to find your favorite Brussels sprouts recipe!

Basil, chives, dill, flat-leaf parsley or thyme

Basil, chives, dill, flat-leaf parsley, and thyme are all excellent choices to pair with Brussels sprouts. These herbs bring a punch of freshness to the dish. You can either roast or steam the sprouts and then sprinkle them generously with your choice of herb.

For a more elaborate dish, you can also incorporate cheese and other ingredients. For instance, you can make a gratin by sautéing the Brussels sprouts with shallots and garlic, drizzling them with cream, and smothering them in cheese. You can use a blend of cheeses such as Parmesan, Swiss, Gruyere, or sharp white cheddar. If you want to add a crunchy element, you can top the dish with breadcrumbs.

Another option is to make a casserole by cooking the Brussels sprouts with shallots, cayenne, and cream, and then baking them in the oven with cheese and bacon. You can use a variety of cheeses such as shredded sharp white cheddar, Gruyère, or any other well-melting cheese.

Additionally, you can experiment with different combinations of ingredients to create unique flavors. For example, you could try Brussels sprouts with basil, Parmesan, and olive oil, or Brussels sprouts with pancetta, balsamic vinegar reduction, and basil.

Frequently asked questions