Frederic Melton
Blue cheese and basil are a popular combination, with some people saying that there's nothing else needed for flavour. The two ingredients are combined in a variety of dishes, including burgers, salads, and sauces. Blue cheese is a strong-flavoured cheese, so it is best to pair it with an herb that can stand up to its pungency, like basil, which has a fresh and woodsy flavour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common pairings | Basil and blue cheese stuffed chicken, basil blue cheese sauce, blue cheese vinaigrette with basil |
| Taste | Strong flavours |
| Other foods | Black pepper, balsamic vinegar, cream, milk, steak, salad, veggies, filet mignon, burgers |
| Other herbs | Thyme, dill, chives, oregano, rosemary, sage |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Basil and blue cheese stuffed chicken
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Blue cheese
- Fresh basil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
- Toothpicks
Optional ingredients:
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Black olives
- Bacon
- Green onions
- Egg
- Panko crumbs
- Butter
- Mushrooms
- Wine
- Stock
Method:
First, cut a slit in the thickest part of the chicken breast. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Mix together blue cheese, basil, and any optional ingredients. Stuff the mixture into the chicken breasts, then use a toothpick to hold the chicken together. Wrap two uncooked bacon strips around the stuffed chicken breast and secure them with another toothpick or string.
Fry the chicken in olive oil for about 20 minutes on each side until cooked through and no longer pink. You can also bake the chicken in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the chicken for about 20 minutes.
Serving:
Serve the basil and blue cheese stuffed chicken with a green salad or your favourite low-carb side dish. You can also add a sauce to the chicken when you are ready to eat. To make the sauce, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms, wine, and stock, and boil until the liquid is reduced by half. Finish by swirling in cold butter and seasoning with salt and pepper.
Enjoy the delicious and impressive basil and blue cheese stuffed chicken!
Chicken Cordon Bleu: Blue Cheese or Not?
You may want to see also
Basil blue cheese sauce
Basil and blue cheese are a great combination, and you can make a delicious sauce by combining the two. This sauce can be used to top a variety of dishes, such as burgers, steak, salad, or vegetables. Here is a recipe for a basil blue cheese sauce that you can make at home.
Ingredients:
- Basil
- Blue cheese
- Balsamic vinegar
- Cream or milk
- Salt and pepper (optional)
Instructions:
Place the basil, blue cheese, and balsamic vinegar in a food processor and process until finely chopped and combined. Then, add a couple of tablespoons of cream or milk and continue to process until you reach your desired consistency. You can add more cream or milk as needed to thin out the sauce. Season with salt and pepper, if desired, and process again to combine.
This sauce can be served immediately or stored in the fridge for later use. It is best when fresh but can be stored covered in the fridge for up to three to five days. If it becomes too thick when stored, simply add a little more cream or milk to thin it out.
The combination of basil and blue cheese provides a strong and unique flavour. The basil adds a fresh, woody taste to the bold, salty, and creamy blue cheese. This sauce is a great way to elevate a variety of dishes and is sure to impress.
The Savory Debate: Shrimp and Blue Cheese's Complex Chemistry
You may want to see also
Basil blue cheese vinaigrette
Basil and blue cheese are a great combination, with the strong flavours of each complementing the other. A blue cheese vinaigrette is a popular salad dressing, and the addition of basil to this can add a further depth of flavour.
This recipe is a great way to combine the flavours of basil and blue cheese in a dressing that can be used on a variety of dishes. It is a simple recipe that can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator, ready to be used when needed.
Ingredients
- Blue cheese
- Olive oil
- White wine vinegar
- Water
- Sugar
- Hot pepper sauce
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic
- Basil
Method
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
- Add the garlic and sauté for one minute until golden.
- Transfer the garlic to a blender or food processor.
- Add the remaining ingredients, except the basil, to the blender and blend until combined.
- Add the basil and pulse the blender until the basil is chopped and combined with the dressing.
- Transfer the vinaigrette to a bowl and serve, or cover and refrigerate for up to two days.
This recipe can be adapted to personal preference, with some choosing to omit the salt, or substitute the sugar for honey, or a sugar alternative. The amount of sugar can also be adjusted to taste, and some choose to add other ingredients such as buttermilk or dijon mustard to increase the tanginess of the dressing.
The basil blue cheese vinaigrette can be served over a simple green salad, or with fresh baby spinach, sliced tomatoes, or bacon. It can also be drizzled over a baked potato.
Blue Cheese: Probiotic Superfood or Just Cheese?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Other herbs that go with blue cheese
Basil is a great herb to pair with blue cheese, especially when stuffed in a chicken breast. However, there are several other herbs that can be paired with blue cheese to create a delicious dish.
Rosemary, for example, is a herb that is commonly used with blue cheese. It is a strong herb that can dominate the flavour of the cheese if used too liberally. However, when mixed with other herbs and toasted nuts, it can be used to top a steak with a blue cheese sauce. Similarly, thyme is a strong herb that can overpower the flavour of blue cheese. It should be used sparingly to flavour blue cheese in a sauce or topping. Oregano is another herb that pairs well with blue cheese, as its sweet flavour takes the edge off the tanginess of the cheese.
Chives are also a good option when it comes to blue cheese. They are commonly used in blue cheese sauces, such as in a blue cheese and chive sauce for herb-roasted potatoes. Parsley is another herb that can be used with blue cheese, especially when served with beef. Its earthy, green taste and texture complement the creaminess of the blue cheese.
Other herbs that can be used with blue cheese include dill, which can be used in a sauce, and sage, which can be mixed with other herbs to create a seasoning for a steak with a blue cheese topping.
Blue Cheese: Why Does It Taste So Bad?
You may want to see also
Other cheeses that go with basil
Basil is a versatile herb that pairs well with many cheeses. Here are some cheeses that are commonly paired with basil:
Feta
Feta is a strong and briny cheese that pairs well with the woodsy and fresh flavour of basil. This combination is a perfect addition to a variety of dishes, such as salads or pasta.
Mozzarella
Mozzarella and basil are one of the most iconic cheese and herb pairings. They complement each other perfectly in dishes like Caprese salad, which typically includes tomatoes and olive oil. This combination is also delicious on pizza or in grilled cheese sandwiches.
Ricotta
Ricotta is a mild and creamy cheese that goes well with herbs like basil. This pairing is excellent for stuffed pasta, such as ravioli or tortellini, or even in a bread roll. It can also be used as a base for a herb-infused cheese spread.
Gouda
Gouda is a creamy and nutty cheese that pairs well with fragrant herbs. While it is commonly paired with sage, rosemary, or thyme, basil can also be a good match. This combination can enhance the flavour of soups, sauces, or even grilled cheese sandwiches.
Monterey Jack
Monterey Jack is a strong-flavoured cheese that goes well with herbs like oregano or dill. Basil, with its fresh flavour, can also be a good pairing. This combination is versatile and can be used in dishes like macaroni and cheese or grilled cheese sandwiches.
Other Cheeses
Basil can also be paired with other cheeses such as Swiss, American, or cottage cheese. The sweet and savoury nature of Swiss cheese complements the basil, while American cheese benefits from the herb's refreshing flavour. Cottage cheese, with its creamy texture, is enhanced by the unique herb-like flavour of caraway.
In addition to these specific cheeses, basil can be a wonderful addition to any cheese dish, providing a fresh and fragrant essence. It can be used in a variety of recipes, such as stuffed chicken, pasta, pizza, or even infused in olive oil for a unique flavour.
Blue Cheese and White Cheese: What's the Difference?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, basil and blue cheese are a great combination. The woodsy and fresh flavour of basil complements the strong, briny flavour of blue cheese.
Basil and blue cheese can be combined in a sauce, dressing, or vinaigrette. They can also be used as toppings for burgers, steak, salad, or vegetables. Additionally, they can be used as a stuffing for chicken.
Other herbs that pair well with blue cheese include thyme, dill, chives, rosemary, and sage.
There are several varieties of blue cheese that can be paired with basil, such as Danish blue cheese (Danablu), Gorgonzola, Cambazola, and Blue Stilton.
