Though brussel sprouts may seem like a polarizing vegetable, almost everyone can agree they are a bit of an acquired taste. But if you’re ready to give brussel sprouts another chance, you’ll be delighted to learn that they go great with many different foods.
When it comes to pairing brussel sprouts with cheese, however, the list of possibilities is a little more limited. At their best when fresh, brussel sprouts are slightly bitter and oily.
Pairing them with cheese that has a fairly neutral taste, like cheddar, also helps balance the brussel sprout’s strong flavor.
Here’s everything you need to know about pairing brussel sprouts with cheese. . .
What cheese goes with brussel sprouts?
Brussel sprouts are best when they’re fresh, but if you don’t plan on eating them the same day you buy them, you can still enjoy them by cooking them. They’re great mixed into salads, stir frys, or on top of pizza.
They’re also a great match for many types of cheese.
Here are some of the best cheeses for pairing with brussel sprouts.
Parmesan cheese goes rather well with brussels sprouts. Check out the video above for inspiration.
Gruyere – This nutty and earthy Swiss cheese pairs well with brussel sprouts because both are rich and umami-laden.
Cheddar – This mellow and mild British cheese is a great match for brussel sprouts, especially if you can find a version with a higher moisture content.
Feta – This salty Greek cheese is great for adding a little crunch to a dish.
Brie – This creamy and milky French cheese is nice and mild, so it doesn’t overwhelm the brussel sprout’s strong flavor.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the above list and see why these cheeses pairs well with Brussel sprouts.
Gruyere
Gruyere is a hard cheese that comes in a wide variety of flavors. The nutty and earthiness of gruyere pairs well with brussel sprouts, which are similar in both flavor and texture. Both gruyere and brussel sprouts are rich and umami-laden.
Gruyere also has a long aging process that allows it to develop a nutty and earthy flavor, making it a great match for many dishes. Pairing it with brussel sprouts, which are similar in both flavor and texture, is a great way to get the best of both cheeses.
Cheddar
Cheddar is a fairly straightforward cheese that has a mild, mellow flavor and is fairly easy to pair with most foods. It’s also fairly common, and many grocery stores sell it in a variety of different types and flavors.
The mildness of cheddar makes it a good match for a variety of foods, particularly richer ones like brussel sprouts and muffins. This cheese has a high moisture content, which makes it a good match for foods that are high in oil, like brussel sprouts.
Feta
Feta is a salty, tangy Greek cheese with a strong flavor. It’s great for adding a little crunch to a dish.
Brussel sprouts are a slightly bitter, oily vegetable that stands up well to the salt in feta. Feta is a great match for the strong flavor of brussel sprouts and can help balance their strong taste.
Brie
Brie is a creamy and milky French cheese that pairs particularly well with sweet flavors. This makes it a perfect match for brussel sprouts, which are slightly sweet and oily.
Brie is a great choice for many occasions, from casual lunches to more formal meals. It also has a long aging process that allows it to develop a pleasant, slightly sweet flavor.
Conclusion
The best thing to do is experiment with different cheeses above and see what pairs best with brussel sprouts for your specific taste buds. Once you’ve got the perfect combination, you’ll have a great new side dish that goes well with almost anything!