Bushra Griffith
Blue cheese sauce is a versatile dish that can be used as a dip, dressing, or sauce. It is a rich and indulgent treat that can be made at home in under 15 minutes. The sauce is easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients, such as blue cheese, cream, and seasoning. The type of blue cheese used can be varied depending on personal preference, and the sauce can be made thicker or thinner by adjusting the amount of liquid added.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to make | 5-13 minutes |
| Ingredients | Blue cheese, cream, milk, buttermilk, water, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic, mayonnaise, sour cream, Greek yoghurt, parmesan, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, ground mustard, and salt |
| Consistency | Thick, creamy, chunky, smooth, thin, pourable, or dressing |
| Taste | Bold, tangy, strong, pungent, creamy, or mild |
| Serving suggestions | Steak, chicken, pork, pasta, burgers, sandwiches, salads, potato wedges, chicken wings, grilled vegetables, or dips |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-7 days |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right blue cheese
When it comes to choosing the right blue cheese for your sauce, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to select a sturdy variety of blue cheese that will hold up in the sauce and not become too runny. Secondly, consider the flavour profile you want to achieve. Blue cheese can range from mild to very pungent, so choosing the right one will depend on your personal taste preferences and what you're serving it with.
If you're a fan of strong blue cheese, you might opt for a Roquefort or Maytag, both of which have a bold flavour that can stand up to other strong ingredients. These cheeses would be well-suited for a hearty cut of steak, as the robust flavour of the cheese won't be overwhelmed by the meat.
For those who prefer a milder flavour, Gorgonzola is an excellent choice as it has a very creamy texture and is not as pungent as some other blue cheeses. It's widely available in most grocery stores and is a versatile option that can be used in a variety of dishes. Danish Blue is another good option for those who want a milder flavour, and it pairs well with ingredients like garlic, buttermilk, and sour cream in a dip.
If you're looking for a blue cheese with a classic, tangy flavour, Stilton is a great option. It melts beautifully into a sauce and adds a rich, indulgent quality. This variety also works well with steak, chicken, or pork.
Ultimately, the "best" blue cheese for your sauce will depend on your personal taste and the specific dish you're preparing. Don't be afraid to experiment with different varieties to find the one that suits your palate and culinary needs.
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Adding cream
When adding cream to your blue cheese sauce, it's important to use double cream (heavy cream) instead of single or light cream. This will ensure that your sauce is luscious and creamy and won't split. Warm the cream in a saucepan over a medium-low flame, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning or curdling. You can also add a small amount of blue cheese to the cream, mashing and stirring it with a fork until a few lumps are visible. This will create a thick and creamy base for your sauce.
If you prefer a smoother blue cheese sauce, you can use an immersion blender or food processor to blend the ingredients until you reach the desired consistency. For a thinner sauce, such as a dressing, you can add a dash of milk, buttermilk, or water after mixing all the ingredients together. On the other hand, for a thicker sauce, you can simply reduce the amount of cream or sour cream used. You can also add a few crumbles of blue cheese to thicken the sauce if it becomes too runny.
The type of blue cheese you use will also affect the consistency of your sauce. For a sturdy sauce that won't make your dish runny, choose a strong, sturdy variety of blue cheese. If you're looking for a milder flavour, Gorgonzola or Danish Blue are good options. However, any variety of blue cheese will work, so you can adjust the flavour and consistency to your taste.
Finally, don't forget that the sauce will thicken as it cools, so it's best served immediately while still warm. If you do make it in advance, you can always gently warm it over low heat before serving. By following these tips, you can create a delicious, creamy blue cheese sauce with your desired consistency.
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Heating and stirring
To begin the heating and stirring process, start by warming the cream in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Bring it to a gentle simmer, being careful not to burn or curdle the cream. This usually takes around 3 to 5 minutes, and constant stirring is essential during this step. The cream will begin to thicken, providing a base for the sauce.
Once the cream has thickened, it's time to gradually incorporate the blue cheese. Add about half of the total amount of blue cheese you plan to use. Using a fork, mash and stir the cheese into the warm cream until it melts and a few lumps remain. This step ensures the cheese blends smoothly with the cream, creating a rich and indulgent texture.
After the initial addition of blue cheese, you can add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. Keep the heat low and stir constantly to prevent burning. The Worcestershire sauce adds a savoury depth of flavour to the sauce. At this stage, you can also add other seasonings like pepper or ground mustard powder to enhance the flavour profile.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, continue to simmer the mixture on low heat for a few more minutes, stirring frequently. The sauce will thicken as it cooks, but be careful not to overcook it, as this can cause the sauce to become too runny. The ideal consistency is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Finally, slowly stir in the remaining blue cheese. This step is crucial as you want the cheese to incorporate into the sauce without melting completely. Overmelting the cheese can make the sauce too runny. Once the sauce reaches your desired consistency, turn off the heat and remove the pan from the stove.
The heating and stirring process in making blue cheese sauce involves warming cream, gradually adding blue cheese, incorporating seasonings, adjusting the thickness, and finishing with additional cheese to create a rich, indulgent, and well-combined sauce.
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Adjusting consistency
The consistency of blue cheese sauce can be adjusted to suit your preferences and its intended use. For example, a thinner sauce is better suited for a dressing, while a thicker sauce is ideal for a dip.
To make a thinner sauce, add a dash of milk, buttermilk, or water. You can also thin the sauce with mayonnaise or Greek yoghurt. If you're making a salad dressing, stir in a tablespoon or two of your chosen liquid until you achieve the desired consistency.
For a thicker sauce, simmer the sauce over low heat for a few extra minutes, stirring constantly, until it reaches your desired thickness. You can also add a few more crumbles of blue cheese to help thicken it. If your sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
If you prefer a chunkier sauce, crumble the blue cheese and mash it with a fork instead of using a food processor. This will create a more textured sauce with visible lumps of cheese.
The type of blue cheese you use will also impact the consistency of your sauce. For a creamier texture, choose a sturdy variety of cheese, such as Gorgonzola or Danish Blue. These cheeses have a softer, creamier texture that melts smoothly into the sauce. On the other hand, if you're looking for a stronger flavour and a thicker sauce, opt for a stronger variety like Roquefort or Maytag.
Additionally, the sauce's consistency will change as it cools, so be sure to consider this when adjusting its thickness. The sauce will thicken as it cools and further thickens when chilled in the fridge. If you're making the sauce ahead of time, you may need to add a bit of milk or water to thin it out before serving.
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Serving suggestions
Blue cheese sauce is a versatile condiment that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
With Meat
Blue cheese sauce is often paired with steak, adding a bold, creamy, and tangy flavour to the dish. It can be served on the side or spooned over the meat, allowing the sauce to seep into the steak for an explosion of flavours. For a more indulgent option, try serving it with a burger. The sauce's strong personality will complement the burger patty, and if you're feeling adventurous, add some bacon jam to the mix. Chicken wings are another popular choice for this sauce, and if you're a fan of buffalo-flavoured dishes, blue cheese sauce is a must-have condiment.
Salads
For a lighter option, blue cheese sauce can be used as a dressing for salads. Add a dash of milk to the sauce to thin it out and drizzle it over your favourite salad combination. Salads with pears, grapes, or even a classic wedge salad with iceberg lettuce and crispy bacon are perfect matches for the sauce. If you're feeling creative, make your own balsamic glaze to drizzle over a caprese salad, and don't forget to add a generous spoonful of blue cheese sauce for an extra kick.
Vegetables
Veggie sticks such as celery, cucumber, carrot, and bell pepper go well with blue cheese sauce. The sauce adds a punch of flavour to the crisp, fresh vegetables. If you're looking for a more indulgent option, try serving the sauce with buffalo cauliflower, whether it's buffalo cauliflower pizza, tacos, or simply roasted buffalo cauliflower.
Sandwiches and Pizzas
Blue cheese sauce can also be used as a spread on sandwiches, adding a tangy twist to your lunch. It pairs well with grilled or cold sandwiches, offering a unique flavour boost. If you're in the mood for something more indulgent, try using the sauce as a base for a short rib pizza, combining it with morel mushrooms, red onions, and other complementary toppings.
Pasta
Blue cheese sauce and pasta are a match made in heaven. The sauce melts quickly and completely over hot pasta, creating a creamy and indulgent dish. Experiment with different types of pasta and add-ins to find your perfect blue cheese pasta creation.
Remember, blue cheese sauce is quite rich, so a little goes a long way. Play around with different types of blue cheese, adjust the consistency to your liking, and don't be afraid to experiment with different serving suggestions to find your favourite combinations.
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Frequently asked questions
Blue cheese sauce is made by melting blue cheese into cream, resulting in a rich, indulgent sauce. For a thinner sauce, add a dash of milk, buttermilk, or water. For a thicker sauce, use less sour cream. The sauce can be made by hand or in a food processor, and it can be served warm or cold.
The ingredients used in blue cheese sauce are blue cheese, cream, buttermilk, sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, ground mustard powder, and salt.
Blue cheese sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. It is best the day it is made, but it can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
