Andy Montoya
Brussels sprouts are a divisive vegetable, but one way to make them more appealing is to add cheese. There are several ways to prepare Brussels sprouts with cheese, including boiling or pan-frying the sprouts and adding a cheese sauce, or coating them in cheese and baking them. Popular cheeses to pair with Brussels sprouts include Parmesan, cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, and manchego.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheese | Gruyere, Mozzarella, Cheddar, Parmesan, Provolone, Asiago, Manchego, Velveeta |
| Other Ingredients | Yellow onion, garlic, olive oil, vegetable oil, salt, black pepper, butter, flour, heavy cream, vegetable broth, milk, processed cheese, shallots, half-and-half, cayenne |
| Preparation Method | Boil, bake, roast, sauté, pan-fry, fry |
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What You'll Learn
How to make a cheese sauce for brussel sprouts
How to Make a Cheese Sauce for Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a divisive vegetable, but even the most ardent haters might be convinced by a delicious cheese sauce. Here's a recipe for a cheese sauce that pairs perfectly with Brussels sprouts, along with some cooking tips for the sprouts themselves.
Ingredients
- Brussels sprouts
- Butter
- Milk
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyere, or processed cheese)
- Minced garlic
- Flour
- Salt & pepper
- Vegetable broth (optional)
- Lemon (optional)
Method
First, prepare the Brussels sprouts by cutting off the ends and halving or quartering them, depending on their size. Boil the sprouts for around 10 minutes, or until tender, then drain and set aside.
Next, make the cheese sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and add minced garlic. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper, and cook until the mixture turns a light brown colour. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens.
Now, add your cheese. For a simple cheddar or mozzarella sauce, stir in shredded cheese until melted. If using processed cheese, such as Velveeta, simply add and stir until smooth. For a more complex flavour, you can add vegetable broth and half the cheese, stirring until melted, before adding the rest of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Finally, pour the warm cheese sauce over the Brussels sprouts and serve immediately.
Tips
This recipe can be customised to your taste. You can use different types of cheese, add extra ingredients like garlic or onion, or sprinkle a different cheese on top to create a crispy crust. You can also cook the sprouts in different ways, such as roasting or sautéing, to add a crispy texture.
If you're short on time, you can prepare the cheese sauce while the sprouts are cooking, so they're both ready at the same time. This dish can also be made ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Enjoy your cheesy Brussels sprouts!
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The best cheeses to use for a cheese sauce
There are several cheeses that can be used to make a cheese sauce for Brussel sprouts. Here are some of the best options:
Gruyere
Gruyere is a traditional Swiss cheese with a slightly sweet and nutty flavour. It has a strong, distinctive taste that pairs well with Brussel sprouts and melts easily. It is also a good choice for a cheese sauce because of its smooth and creamy texture. When baked, it forms a slightly crispy crust, adding an extra layer of texture to the dish.
Cheddar
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for a cheese sauce as it has a strong, sharp flavour and melts well. It is widely available and can be purchased pre-shredded, although shredding your own will yield better results. When making a cheese sauce, cheddar adds a rich and creamy texture that coats the Brussel sprouts nicely.
Mozzarella
Mozzarella is a mild and creamy cheese that melts easily, making it a good choice for a cheese sauce. It has a stretchy, stringy texture when melted, which can add a fun element to the dish. Mozzarella also has a more subtle flavour, so it won't overpower the taste of the Brussel sprouts.
Parmesan
Parmesan cheese has a strong, savoury, and salty flavour that can enhance the taste of Brussel sprouts. It is a hard cheese that can be grated or shaved, and it adds a nice texture to the dish. Parmesan also has a high-fat content, which helps create a rich and creamy sauce.
Provolone, Asiago, and Manchego
These cheeses are also good options for a Brussel sprout cheese sauce. They have distinct flavours and melt well, adding to the creaminess of the sauce.
When making a cheese sauce for Brussel sprouts, it is important to use a cheese with a strong flavour that will complement the vegetable. The cheese should also melt easily and have a creamy texture to create a smooth and indulgent sauce.
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How to prepare brussel sprouts for cheese
Preparing brussels sprouts for cheese can be done in a variety of ways. Here are some tips and instructions to help you get started:
Choosing the Right Cheese
Cheddar and Gruyère are excellent choices for their ability to melt into a smooth, creamy texture while providing a rich, deep flavor. Other cheeses like Parmesan, Fontina, Mozzarella, or Swiss can also work well, offering a delightful blend of savory notes to the sprouts.
Trimming and Preparing the Brussels Sprouts
When preparing brussels sprouts, you'll want to trim the hard stem at the base and remove any loose outer leaves. You can then halve or quarter the sprouts, depending on their size. If you're making a casserole, you may want to cut them into smaller pieces so they cook evenly.
Sautéing or Roasting the Brussels Sprouts
Before adding the cheese, you can enhance the flavor of the brussels sprouts by sautéing or roasting them. To sauté, heat some butter or oil in a pan over medium heat and add the sprouts, along with seasonings like salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook until slightly tender, about 8 minutes. If roasting, toss the sprouts in oil, spread them out on a baking sheet, and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F for 25-28 minutes.
Creating a Cheese Sauce
For a creamy dish, you can create a cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan and stirring in flour, salt, and pepper. Cook until it forms a paste, then slowly whisk in milk or heavy cream to create a roux. Add shredded cheese of your choice and stir until melted and smooth.
Baking the Cheesy Brussels Sprouts
Once you've prepared the brussels sprouts and cheese sauce, it's time to combine them and bake. Place the sprouts in a casserole dish, pour the cheese sauce over them, and top with additional cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F-425°F for about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Storage and Reheating
Let the cheesy brussels sprouts cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for 3-5 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or reheat individual portions in the microwave.
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How to store cheesy brussel sprouts
Brussels sprouts are a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including roasting, sautéing, shredding raw, and freezing. They are also a healthy side dish and can be made more palatable by adding cheese.
When storing cheesy Brussels sprouts, it is important to note that they will only last for about 3-5 days in the fridge, and they are best when prepared within 3-4 days. If you want to store them for longer, freezing is an option, but this can affect their texture and taste.
Storing Fresh Brussels Sprouts:
If you have freshly purchased Brussels sprouts, it is best to store them in a plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Remove any yellowed or wilted outer leaves first, as these can cause decay. Keep the sprouts unwashed and untrimmed until you are ready to cook them, as moisture can cause spoilage.
Storing Cut or Shredded Brussels Sprouts:
If you have already cut or shredded your Brussels sprouts, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 3-4 days but are best enjoyed within the first 2 days to maintain optimal quality and taste.
Storing Cooked Cheesy Brussels Sprouts:
Once you have cooked your cheesy Brussels sprouts, allow them to cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container or a sealed bag in the refrigerator. Consume within 2-3 days for the best taste and quality, as they can get soggy over time.
Freezing Cheesy Brussels Sprouts:
Freezing is an option if you want to store your cheesy Brussels sprouts for an extended period. However, it is important to note that freezing can affect the texture and taste. If you choose to freeze them, spread the sprouts on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for a few hours before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Frozen sprouts will last for about 3 months but may get soggy upon thawing.
By following these storage instructions, you can ensure that your cheesy Brussels sprouts remain fresh, tasty, and safe to consume.
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What to serve with cheesy brussel sprouts
Cheesy Brussels sprouts are a delicious side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas on what to serve with cheesy Brussels sprouts to make a complete and satisfying meal:
Meats
Brussels sprouts pair well with a variety of meats, such as:
- Bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts or Spicy Kimchi Brussels sprouts are excellent options for those who don't usually enjoy sprouts.
- Crockpot pork chops or Dijon and Honey-Crusted Pork Tenderloins.
- Chicken, such as lemon pepper chicken or apple and cranberry roasted chicken.
- Beef, such as Oven-Baked Beef Brisket or Perfectly Grilled Steak.
- Turkey, such as a classic roast turkey or a brown sugar-glazed ham.
Other Vegetables
You can also serve Brussels sprouts with other vegetables, either as a side dish or as part of a vegetarian main course:
- Roasted asparagus with garlic and feta.
- Mashed potatoes.
- Sweet potato casserole.
- Warm Brussels sprouts salad with anchovy vinaigrette.
- Roasted honey mustard Brussels sprouts.
- Pan-roasted Brussels sprouts with chorizo and toasted breadcrumbs.
Casseroles and Bakes
Brussels sprouts casseroles or bakes are a delicious option for a heartier meal:
- Brussels sprout casserole with bacon and a cheesy, creamy sauce.
- Cheesy Brussels sprout bake with a crispy topping.
- Brussels sprouts au gratin.
Other Sides
There are also several other side dishes that go well with cheesy Brussels sprouts:
- Scalloped potatoes with cheese.
- Crispy maple bacon Brussels sprouts.
- Green beans.
- Kale cranberry quinoa salad.
- Roasted lemon Brussels sprouts.
So, whether you're serving cheesy Brussels sprouts for a holiday meal or a weeknight dinner, there are plenty of options to choose from to create a delicious and well-rounded meal.
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Frequently asked questions
Good melting cheeses to use are mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, and Gouda.
Butter, cream, shallots, garlic, salt, and pepper are all ingredients that can be added to enhance the flavour of the dish.
One method is to first boil or pan-fry the sprouts, then cover them in cheese sauce, and finally bake them in the oven.
A simple cheese sauce can be made by melting butter in a saucepan, stirring in flour, salt, and pepper, adding milk, and then stirring in shredded cheese until the sauce is thick and smooth.
