Best Cheeses To Pair With Brats: A Tasty Guide

There are many types of cheese that go well with brats, and the best option may depend on the specific brat and its toppings. For example, a brat with beer-caramelized onions, bacon, and chives might be best served on a pretzel bun with a beer cheese sauce made from cheddar cheese, horseradish, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Other cheese options include Swiss, blue cheese, pepper jack, smoked cheddar, gouda, American, and provolone.

Cheese sauce for brats

There are many types of cheese that go well with brats, and even more ways to prepare them. Here are some ideas for cheese sauces to serve with your brats.

Cheddar Cheese Sauce

Cheddar is a popular choice for brats, and can be used to make a creamy cheese sauce to top your grilled bratwurst. This sauce can be made in a saucepan by melting butter, adding flour and garlic powder, and then slowly whisking in milk. Once the mixture has thickened, stir in the cheddar and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a little spicy brown mustard to the sauce for extra flavour.

Beer Cheese Sauce

If you're looking for a cheese sauce with a little kick, you could try a beer cheese sauce. This sauce is made with shredded cheddar cheese, horseradish, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Simply melt butter in a saucepan, add flour and the seasonings, and then slowly whisk in milk and beer. Remove from the heat and stir in the cheese and horseradish. This sauce is a great way to add some extra flavour to your brats, and can also be used on other dishes.

Provolone and White American Cheese Sauce

For a smoky, creamy cheese sauce to go with your brats, you can combine smoked provolone and white American cheese. Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, and then slowly add milk. Once the mixture has thickened, add cream cheese and then the shredded provolone and American cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce is the perfect topping for Philly Cheese Brats, a fun twist on the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich.

Other Cheese Ideas

If you're feeling adventurous, there are many other types of cheese that can be used in a sauce for brats. Some options include Swiss cheese, blue cheese, pepper jack, smoked cheddar, gouda, or even a beer-caramelized onion sauce. You could also get creative and make a mac and cheese with bratwurst, using a combination of Queso Mahon-Menorca, Colby, and cream cheese.

Beer cheese sauce

Ingredients:

• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Beer (your choice, but preferably light-colored)
• Milk or half-and-half
• Dijon mustard
• Worcestershire sauce
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Cheese (sharp cheddar, gruyere, or a combination)

Instructions:

• Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
• Add flour and whisk until combined. Cook for about 30 seconds to a minute, whisking occasionally.
• Pour in the beer, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
• Slowly add milk, whisking as you pour.
• Continue cooking over medium heat, whisking often, until the mixture thickens.
• Stir in mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you prefer.
• Add the cheese a little at a time, stirring until completely melted.
• Simmer for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens.
• Serve warm as a dip or topping.

Choosing the Right Beer:

The type of beer you use will impact the flavor of the sauce. Lighter beers like ales, lagers, and IPAs will result in a milder flavor, while darker beers like stouts and malts will produce a deeper, bitter flavor. Non-alcoholic beers can also be used. Choose a beer that you enjoy drinking, as its flavor will be intensified in the sauce.

Selecting the Perfect Cheese:

A combination of sharp cheddar and gruyere is a popular choice for beer cheese sauce, but you can also use Swiss cheese, smoked cheddar, or other varieties. Keep in mind that milder cheeses will have a milder flavor and may not pair well with bold, dark beers. For the best melting texture, shred your own cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese, which often contains additives.

Cheese-stuffed brats

Ingredients:

• Bratwurst
• Cheese (cheddar, smoked cheddar, gouda, pepper jack, swiss, blue cheese, American, provolone, etc.)
• Bacon
• Beer
• Optional: mushrooms, onions, peppers, chives, horseradish, mustard, etc.

Method:

The beauty of brats is that they are so versatile and can be cooked in a variety of ways. You can grill them, fry them, boil them, or even bake them. For cheese-stuffed brats, here are some general steps to follow:

• Choose your cheese: As mentioned earlier, there are many types of cheese that go well with brats. You can choose a single type of cheese or mix and match to create your own unique blend.
• Prepare the bratwurst: Carefully slice open the bratwurst and stuff it with the cheese of your choice. You can also add other ingredients like chopped onions or peppers for extra flavor.
• Cooking: Cook the bratwurst according to your preferred method. If grilling, frying, or boiling, cook until the bratwurst is browned and cooked through. If baking, place the bratwurst in a baking dish and cook in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until the bratwurst is cooked to your desired doneness.
• Toppings and sides: While the bratwurst is cooking, prepare any toppings or sides you desire. Caramelized onions, sauteed mushrooms, and peppers are classic choices. You can also serve the bratwurst with a side of bacon, crispy potatoes, or a refreshing salad.
• Assembly: Once the bratwurst is cooked, carefully remove it from the heat source and place it in a bun. Top with your chosen toppings and sides, and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• Beer brats: For an extra kick of flavor, try soaking the bratwurst in beer before cooking. Simply place the bratwurst in a bowl or container, cover with your favorite beer, and let it soak for a few hours or even overnight. This will infuse the bratwurst with a delicious beer flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
• Bacon-wrapped brats: For an even heartier dish, wrap the cheese-stuffed brats with bacon before cooking. The bacon will add a savory, smoky flavor to the bratwurst and help keep the cheese from melting out.
• Creative buns: Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of buns. Pretzel buns, hoagie rolls, and even baguettes can take your cheese-stuffed brats to the next level.
• Spicy kick: If you like your food with a little heat, try using a spicy cheese like pepper jack or adding some cayenne pepper to your cheese mixture.
• Dipping sauces: Create a special dipping sauce for your brats by mixing different types of cheese, beer, and spices. This can add an extra layer of flavor and make your brats even more indulgent.

Mac and cheese with brats

A delicious and hearty meal, this mac and cheese with brats recipe is perfect for a comforting dinner or a potluck with friends. This recipe combines three kinds of cheese, craft beer, and juicy bratwurst sausages, resulting in a flavourful and indulgent dish.

Ingredients:

• Butter
• Flour
• Beer
• Milk
• Dried mustard
• Garlic salt
• Elbow macaroni
• Bratwurst sausages
• Queso Mahon-Menorca Cured – Hard cheese
• Colby cheese
• Cream cheese

Optional Ingredients:

• Breadcrumbs or croutons
• Spices
• Herbs
• Vegetables (onions, peppers, etc.)

Instructions:

• Start by heating butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
• Once melted, add flour and cook until lightly browned, stirring constantly.
• Slowly whisk in the beer and milk, followed by dried mustard and garlic salt. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens.
• Add the cream cheese and stir until melted.
• Remove from heat and stir in your choice of shredded cheeses. Keep stirring until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
• In a separate pan, cook the bratwurst sausages according to the package instructions or your preferred method (grilling, pan-frying, etc.).
• Slice the cooked sausages and fold them into the macaroni and cheese.
• If desired, top the dish with breadcrumbs or croutons for added texture.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan, to find your favourite combination.
• For an extra kick of flavour, try adding spices or herbs to the sauce, like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.
• If you're serving a crowd with varying tastes, keep the toppings separate so everyone can customise their dish.
• To make it a complete meal, consider adding some vegetables like grilled onions, peppers, or mushrooms.

This mac and cheese with brats recipe is a delicious and fun way to elevate your standard mac and cheese, perfect for a comforting meal or a potluck with friends and family.

Brats with bacon

There are endless possibilities when it comes to choosing a cheese to pair with brats, and even more options when bacon is added to the mix. In this guide, we will explore some mouth-watering combinations of brats with bacon, and the cheeses that will complement them perfectly.

The Classic Combination: Cheddar, Bacon, and Bratwurst

A classic choice for a cheese to pair with bratwurst is cheddar, and when you add bacon into the mix, this combination only gets better. The sharpness of cheddar cheese pairs perfectly with the smokiness of bacon and the savoury notes of bratwurst. To take this pairing to the next level, you can try using a smoked cheddar, which will add an extra depth of flavour that will marry beautifully with the other ingredients.

For a Milder Option: Butterkäse, Bacon, and Bratwurst

If you're looking for a more mellow flavour profile, Butterkäse cheese is an excellent choice to pair with bacon and bratwurst. This cheese has a pretty mild flavour and is not overly salty, so it won't overwhelm the dish. Its creamy texture and subtle taste will complement the stronger flavours of the bacon and bratwurst, creating a well-rounded and satisfying bite.

The Adventurous Choice: Swiss Cheese, Bacon, and Bratwurst

If you're feeling adventurous, try something a little different with Swiss cheese, bacon, and bratwurst. Top it all off with a mushroom steak sauce, and you've got yourself a gourmet creation. The slightly sweet and nutty flavour of Swiss cheese will provide a unique contrast to the smokiness of the bacon and the richness of the bratwurst. It's a combination that's sure to impress.

The Spicy Option: Pepper Jack, Bacon, and Bratwurst

For those who like a little kick, Pepper Jack cheese is an excellent choice to pair with bacon and bratwurst. The mild spice of the cheese will enhance the savoury flavours of the bacon and bratwurst without overwhelming them. This combination is perfect for those who want to add a little extra flavour without going overboard on the heat.

The Perfect Bun: Pretzel Buns for Brats with Bacon

When it comes to choosing the perfect bun for your brats with bacon, a pretzel bun is an excellent choice. The slightly salty and chewy texture of the pretzel bun will complement the juicy bratwurst, crispy bacon, and melted cheese beautifully. It's a combination that's sure to satisfy any craving.

Creative Toppings: Chives, Onions, and More

To take your brats with bacon to the next level, don't be afraid to get creative with your toppings. In addition to the cheese, bacon, and bratwurst, try adding some caramelised onions for a touch of sweetness. Freshly minced chives will also add a bright, onion-like flavour that complements the other ingredients perfectly. You can also experiment with other toppings like sauerkraut, mustard, or even a beer cheese sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

In conclusion, when it comes to choosing a cheese to pair with brats and bacon, the possibilities are endless. From the classic sharpness of cheddar to the creamy mildness of Butterkäse, and even the adventurous choice of Swiss cheese, each option will bring its unique flavour profile to the dish. So, feel free to experiment, get creative with your toppings, and most importantly, enjoy every bite of your brats with bacon!

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