Cheese And Roasted Cabbage: The Perfect Pairing

what cheese goes well with roasted cabbage

Roasted cabbage is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or side. While it is tasty on its own, adding cheese takes it to the next level! There are several types of cheese that pair well with roasted cabbage, including Parmesan, Cheddar, Gruyère, Fontina, and Swiss. For a more intense flavour, you could try Stilton or Blue Cheese. The key to success is to roast the cabbage at a high temperature to bring out its natural sweetness and enhance its flavour.

Characteristics Values
Cheese Parmesan, Asiago, Cheddar, Fontina, Swiss, Gruyère, Romano, Blue Cheese, Stilton, Mozzarella, Cream Cheese
Other ingredients Olive oil, paprika, carrots, onions, celery, mushrooms, tomatoes, hazelnuts, parsley, garlic, lemon zest, mustard, pepper, salt, thyme, oregano, bacon, breadcrumbs, butter, milk, flour, black pepper, Italian seasoning

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Parmesan, Gruyère, and Asiago cheese

Parmesan, Gruyère, and Asiago are excellent choices for roasted cabbage, each bringing a distinct flavour profile and texture that can elevate this simple dish.

Parmesan

Parmesan is a popular choice for roasted cabbage due to its salty, nutty flavour and its ability to crisp up in the oven, creating a delicious, crunchy texture. The high melting point of Parmesan means it can withstand the heat of the oven without burning, making it ideal for creating a golden, crispy crust on the cabbage.

Gruyère

Gruyère is a Swiss cheese with a slightly sweet, nutty flavour and a creamy, smooth texture. When melted, it becomes rich and slightly stringy, adding a decadent, indulgent element to the dish. Its unique flavour adds depth and complexity, making it a perfect pairing with the savoy or green cabbage.

Asiago

Asiago is an Italian cheese with a sharp, tangy flavour that can range from mild to strong, depending on its age. It has a firm texture similar to Parmesan, and it melts beautifully, creating a creamy, gooey coating for the cabbage. Asiago adds a punch of flavour and a delightful, chewy texture to the dish.

Combining the Cheeses

Combining these three cheeses creates a complex and indulgent flavour profile. The saltiness of the Parmesan, the sweetness of the Gruyère, and the tanginess of the Asiago complement each other, resulting in a well-rounded and satisfying taste experience. The varying textures of the melted and crispy cheeses also add interest and depth to the dish.

Recipe Ideas

When combining these cheeses with roasted cabbage, consider the following ideas:

  • Create a cheese sauce with a combination of Gruyère and Asiago, and coat the cabbage wedges before roasting. Sprinkle Parmesan on top before baking to create a crispy, golden crust.
  • For a simpler approach, drizzle olive oil and sprinkle a generous amount of Parmesan over the cabbage wedges, then bake until the cheese is melted and slightly browned. Serve the roasted cabbage with a side of creamy, indulgent Gruyère and Asiago sauce for dipping.
  • For an even more indulgent option, try layering the roasted cabbage, cheese sauce, and additional grated Parmesan and Asiago in a baking dish, then baking until bubbly and golden.

These combinations will result in a delicious, cheesy roasted cabbage dish that is sure to impress!

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Keto-friendly cheese sauce

A keto-friendly cheese sauce is a great way to add flavour and texture to roasted cabbage. Here is a recipe for a keto cheese sauce that can be used as a dip or poured over roasted cabbage.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or American)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Spices of choice (nutmeg, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika)

Method:

First, chop the butter into smaller pieces. Then, add it to a saucepan along with the almond milk and heavy cream. Place the saucepan over low heat and gently whisk the mixture until smooth.

Next, add the shredded cheese, salt, and pepper to the saucepan. Continue whisking until all the cheese has melted. For a nacho cheese sauce, use American cheese and add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.

Once the cheese sauce is ready, it can be served immediately or allowed to cool and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. It can also be frozen for up to 6 months.

Tips:

  • Keep the heat low and stir regularly to ensure all the ingredients melt completely.
  • When left unstirred, the sauce may form a thin layer of film on top. Simply mix it a few times to restore its smooth texture.
  • For a thicker sauce, add more shredded cheese. For a thinner sauce, add a little more cream or milk.

Variations:

This basic keto cheese sauce recipe can be modified in multiple ways:

  • Use different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or Parmesan.
  • Add fresh herbs like thyme or oregano.
  • Include garlic or garlic powder for a stronger flavour.

Serving Suggestions:

This keto cheese sauce is versatile and can be used in multiple ways:

  • Drizzle it over roasted cabbage.
  • Use it as a dip for fresh broccoli or other low-carb vegetables.
  • Make keto nachos by pouring the cheese sauce over low-carb tortilla chips.
  • Create a keto mac and cheese by combining the sauce with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Enjoy experimenting with this keto-friendly cheese sauce and finding your favourite combinations!

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Romano cheese and cream sauce

Romano cheese is a popular choice for roasted cabbage, and for good reason! The salty, sharp flavour of the cheese pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the roasted cabbage.

A simple way to prepare this dish is to make a basic cream sauce, using butter, flour, and milk, seasoned with salt and pepper. You can then layer this sauce with steamed cabbage and grated Romano cheese in a small baking dish. Bake it in the oven until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted, and you've got a delicious side dish or vegetarian main course.

If you want to get a little more creative, you can try making a Pecorino-Romano cheese sauce. This sauce includes garlic, onion, chicken broth, heavy cream, and various seasonings, creating a salty, bright flavour that pairs well with roasted cabbage. You can also add other ingredients to your cream sauce, such as garlic, paprika, or even roasted red peppers for a light and creamy sauce.

For an extra cheesy dish, you can brush the cabbage with a cheese sauce and sprinkle with grated Romano cheese before baking. This will create a crispy, golden coating on the cabbage that's simply irresistible.

So, whether you keep it simple or get creative with your sauce, Romano cheese and cream sauce are a perfect match for roasted cabbage.

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Vegan cheese alternatives

While roasted cabbage is delicious on its own, adding cheese takes it to another level. If you're vegan, you don't have to miss out on this mouth-watering combination. Here are some vegan cheese alternatives that will pair well with roasted cabbage:

Vegan Cheese Slices

Ilchester Melting Mature Slices is a great option for sandwiches and toasties. These slices are generously sized, melt well, and taste delicious. They have the same meltability as dairy cheese, without becoming claggy or sticky. The taste is smooth and creamy with a tangy edge.

Vegan Parmesan

Mozzarisella Granrì is a new vegan parmesan that has yet to hit the market but is worth mentioning due to its superb quality. It has a pungent parmesan aroma and comes in both pre-grated and block forms. The block variety grates into perfect curls, just like traditional parmesan. The taste is robust and fruity, making it a perfect addition to pasta dishes.

Vegan Cream Cheese

For a vegan cream cheese spread that delivers on both taste and texture, try Nush Almond Chive Cream Cheese. This almond milk-based cheese is high in protein and contains live cultures, making it good for your gut. It has a tangy, sharp aroma and a super light and airy texture with no hint of graininess. It works well as a spread on toast or in creamy pasta sauces.

Vegan Cheddar

Cathedral City Plant-Based Cheese is a fantastic option if you're looking for a vegan cheddar that resembles the real thing. It has a fruity, cheesy smell, a soft and crumbly texture, and a rich, tangy, and salty flavour. It melts well, especially the shredded variety, making it perfect for pasta bakes or vegan mac and cheese.

Vegan Mozzarella

MozzaRisella Classic is a great choice if you want a vegan mozzarella that melts beautifully on pizzas. It has a mild, creamy flavour with a hint of oregano, giving it an herby Italian taste. The texture is slightly rubbery when cold and becomes stringy and creamy when cooked. It melts evenly and takes a little longer than traditional mozzarella, so slicing it thinly will help it melt faster.

Vegan Feta

For a vegan feta that captures the salty flavour and crumbly texture of its dairy counterpart, try Nurishh Plant-Based Cubes Greek Style. This cheese has a heavenly briny scent, a firm yet soft texture, and a creamy, nutty, tangy, and salty taste. It holds its shape well when added to dishes like Greek salads.

So, there you have it! These vegan cheese alternatives will surely satisfy your cravings and pair wonderfully with roasted cabbage. Enjoy experimenting with these options and exploring the world of plant-based culinary delights.

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Spices and herbs

  • Salt and Pepper — These basic seasonings are essential for bringing out the flavours of the dish.
  • Paprika — This spice adds a subtle heat and a beautiful red colour to the dish.
  • Garlic Powder — Garlic powder can be used to add a savoury, garlicky flavour to the roasted cabbage.
  • Italian Seasoning — A blend of herbs and spices typically used in Italian cuisine, Italian seasoning can add a depth of flavour to the dish. It often includes basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
  • Onion Powder — Onion powder can add a savoury, sweet onion flavour to the dish without the texture of fresh onions.
  • Parsley — Fresh parsley can be used as a garnish, adding a bright, fresh flavour to the dish.
  • Thyme and Oregano — These herbs can be added to the cheese sauce or sprinkled on top of the dish before serving. They provide an earthy, slightly pungent flavour.
  • Red Pepper Flakes — If you want to add a spicy kick to your roasted cabbage, red pepper flakes are a great option.
  • Curry Powder — For an Indian-inspired twist, try adding some curry powder to the spice blend.

When combining spices and herbs, it's important to taste as you go and adjust the quantities to your preference. Experimenting with different combinations can lead to delicious results!

Frequently asked questions

Parmesan, cheddar, fontina, Swiss, Gruyère, and Asiago are all great options. You could also try something stronger like blue cheese or Stilton.

You can simply leave the cheese off or use a non-dairy vegan parmesan.

Yes, you can add spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. You can also add other vegetables like carrots, onions, celery, and mushrooms.

Roasting it in the oven is a great option, but you can also try boiling, steaming, or sautéing it first.

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