Patrick Oconnell
Blue cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to burgers. It is made with the addition of cultures of edible molds, which create blue-green spots or veins throughout the cheese. Blue cheese can be crumbled or spread, and it can even be made into a dip. One way to make blue cheese spread is to combine softened cream cheese with crumbled blue cheese, walnuts, chives, and parsley. This spread can be served with crackers or vegetables, or used as a sandwich spread. Blue cheese spread can also be made into a dip by adding buttermilk and other ingredients.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Blue cheese | Made with the addition of cultures of edible molds, which create blue-green spots or veins through the cheese. |
| Blue cheese spread | Made with cream cheese and crumbled blue cheese. |
| Blue cheese | Can be used as a dip or spread. |
| Blue cheese spread | Can be served with crackers, cut-up veggies, chicken wings, and sandwiches. |
| Blue cheese | Has a distinctive smell, either from the mold or from various specially cultivated bacteria. |
| Blue cheese | Has a strong nature and acidity, allowing for sweeter pairings. |
| Blue cheese spread | Can be paired with smoked ham and fig preserve. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Blue cheese and blue cheese spread recipes
Blue cheese is a strong-flavoured cheese with a distinct aroma, making it a great option for pairing with sweeter foods such as fruit jams. Blue cheese spread is a versatile dip that can be served with chicken wings, sandwiches, vegetable dippers, or crackers.
Ingredients:
- 4 ounces of crumbled blue cheese
- Softened cream cheese
- Chopped walnuts
- Snipped chives
- Chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Preparation:
- Combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled blue cheese, walnuts, chives, and parsley in a bowl.
- Blend the ingredients well.
- Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning by adding salt and pepper as needed.
- Cover and refrigerate the dip until it is thoroughly chilled before serving.
This blue cheese spread can be served with crackers, celery sticks, baby carrots, or sandwiches. For a fancier option, try it with Olive-Oil Toasts or smoked ham and fig preserve.
If you're feeling adventurous, try the Wild Blueberry Maple Walnut Compote, Cranberry Orange Cognac Chutney, or Triple Ale Onion Jam Spread to pair with a creamy blue cheese like Cambozola. These pairings offer a balanced combination of sweetness and acidity, enhancing the unique characteristics of the blue cheese.
Blue Cheese: A Stinky Delight or Not?
You may want to see also
How to serve blue cheese spread
Blue cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from appetizers to main courses. One popular way to serve blue cheese is in the form of a spread or dip. This can be easily made at home by combining softened cream cheese with crumbled blue cheese, creating a base for a variety of flavour combinations.
A simple recipe for a blue cheese spread includes blending softened cream cheese with crumbled blue cheese, adding in chopped walnuts, snipped chives, and chopped parsley, and seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. This mixture can be served as a dip with crackers, crudités, or vegetable dippers such as celery sticks, baby carrots, or apple and pear slices. It can also be used as a spread on sandwiches, paired with cold, smoky meats such as smoked ham and fig preserve.
For those who enjoy a sweeter contrast to the sharpness of blue cheese, it can be paired with fruit jams, honey, or even a glass of Chardonnay. Some specific recommendations include wild blueberry maple walnut compote, cranberry orange cognac chutney, or triple ale onion jam spread. These pairings enhance the natural characteristics of the blue cheese without overwhelming it.
Blue cheese spreads can be served as appetizers or snacks, and their versatility makes them suitable for various occasions, from game nights to BBQs. They can also be used as a condiment for burgers or wraps, adding a tangy twist to otherwise ordinary meals.
Blue Cheese and Casein: What's the Connection?
You may want to see also
Blue cheese and blue cheese spread uses
Blue cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from appetizers and snacks to main courses and desserts. One popular way to use blue cheese is to make a spread or dip. This can be done by combining softened cream cheese with crumbled blue cheese, and adding in chopped walnuts, snipped chives, and chopped parsley. This mixture can then be seasoned with salt and pepper to taste and served as a dip with crackers, vegetables, or breadsticks. It can also be used as a spread on sandwiches or wraps, paired with cold cuts and fruit jams like fig preserves.
Blue cheese spreads can be made with different types of blue cheese, such as Gorgonzola, Roquefort, or Stilton, and can be customised with additional ingredients like sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, or honey. These spreads are perfect for game nights, BBQs, or as a quick and easy lunch option. They can also be served as an appetiser or snack, offering a tangy and sharp flavour that pairs well with sweeter accompaniments.
Blue cheese itself is a strong-flavoured cheese with a distinctive smell, created by the addition of cultures of edible moulds. It is believed to have been discovered by accident when cheeses were stored in caves, creating favourable conditions for the growth of harmless mould. The mould Penicillium roqueforti is responsible for the characteristic blue veins in the cheese, and gives blue cheese its unique aroma.
The bold flavour of blue cheese allows for sweeter pairings, such as fruit jams and compotes. Some popular combinations include wild blueberry maple walnut compote, cranberry orange cognac chutney, and triple ale onion jam spread. These pairings balance the strong nature and acidity of blue cheese with their own acidity and reduced sugar content, enhancing the natural characteristics of the cheese.
Blue cheese can also be enjoyed on its own, as part of a cheese board, or paired with wines that complement its strong flavour. Its versatility and unique flavour profile make blue cheese a popular ingredient for those seeking to add a tangy twist to their dishes.
Blue Cheese Dressing: Gluten-Free or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Blue cheese and blue cheese spread pairings
Blue cheese is a flavour powerhouse with a distinctive blue-green marbling and bold, spicy flavour profile. The world of blue cheese is incredibly diverse, ranging from sharp, hard, and crumbly to mellow, creamy, and salty. The intensity of the cheese, whether mild or robust, plays a crucial role in determining the ideal companion.
Blue cheese and blue cheese spreads can be paired with a variety of foods, including fruits, honey, crackers, and jams. The distinct profiles of sweet and savoury in blue cheese are perfectly complemented by raw honey, creating a harmonious blend of flavours. The contrasting textures of crumbly cheese and smooth honey add a delightful complexity to the tasting experience.
For those who enjoy the stronger varieties of blue cheese, sweeter pairings can be a delightful contrast. While some jams may be too sweet or heavy, reducing the natural characteristics of the cheese, chutneys, savory spreads, and fruit compotes can provide a balanced acidity that enhances the cheese's flavour. For instance, a Wild Blueberry Maple Walnut Compote with balsamic vinegar and rosemary can be a fantastic pairing, providing a blend of sweetness and acidity that complements the boldness of blue cheese.
Milder blue cheeses, such as Gorgonzola Dolce or Danablu, pair beautifully with green pears, creating a fusion of contrasting textures and complementary flavours. The creamy, gentle sweetness of these cheeses intertwines seamlessly with the crisp, succulent bite of pears.
Blue cheese spreads, made with cream cheese and crumbled blue cheese, can be a versatile addition to sandwiches, vegetable dippers, or crackers. They can also be used as a dip for chicken wings or cold cuts, providing a tangy, sharp flavour.
Some specific blue cheese and spread pairings to consider:
- Colston Bassett English Stilton (a buttery, fudgy, and slightly crumbly blue cheese) with Triple Ale Onion Jam Spread.
- Cambozola Classic (a triple cream brie-style blue cheese) with Wild Blueberry Maple Walnut Compote and Salted Rosemary Water Crackers.
- Roquefort or Bleu d’Auvergne with fig jam or fig preserves.
Removing Blue Mold from Aging Cheese
You may want to see also
Blue cheese and blue cheese spread taste
Blue cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to desserts. It is known for its distinctive flavour, which can range from mild to strong, slightly sweet to salty or sharp, and creamy to crumbly. Blue cheese gets its name from the blue-green veins that run through it, created by the addition of cultures of edible moulds such as Penicillium roqueforti.
Blue cheese spread, on the other hand, is a preparation made with blue cheese as a primary ingredient. It is often combined with other ingredients such as cream cheese, walnuts, chives, and parsley to create a smooth, spreadable consistency. The addition of these ingredients can mellow out the strong flavour of blue cheese, making it more palatable for those who find the cheese too intense on its own.
The taste of blue cheese spread will depend on the type of blue cheese used and the additional ingredients added. For example, a blue cheese spread made with a milder blue cheese, such as Cambozola Classic, will have a delicate blue cheese flavour and a softer, almost spreadable texture. On the other hand, a blue cheese spread made with a stronger, more pungent blue cheese, such as Stilton, will have a more intense flavour.
The versatility of blue cheese spread allows it to be used in a variety of dishes. It can be served as a dip with crackers and vegetables, spread on sandwiches or burgers, or even used as an ingredient in dishes such as pasta salad or grilled cheese.
When pairing blue cheese or blue cheese spread with other foods, it is important to consider the balance of flavours. Blue cheese is known for its strong, tangy, and savoury flavour, which can be complemented by sweeter pairings such as fruit jams or honey. However, the sweetness of the pairing should not be too overwhelming, as it may smother the natural characteristics of the blue cheese. A good option is to choose pairings with a balanced acidity, such as chutneys, savory spreads, or fruit compotes, which have less sugar and can enhance the flavour of the blue cheese.
Preparing Blacksticks Blue Cheese: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Blue cheese is any cheese made with the addition of cultures of edible moulds, which create blue-green spots or veins throughout the cheese.
Blue cheese spread is a mixture of softened cream cheese and crumbled blue cheese, along with other ingredients like walnuts, chives, and parsley. It can be served with chicken wings, sandwiches, vegetable dippers, or crackers.
No, they are not the same. Blue cheese is a type of cheese, whereas blue cheese spread is a mixture made using blue cheese.
To make blue cheese spread, combine softened cream cheese with crumbled blue cheese and other ingredients like walnuts, chives, and parsley. You can also add salt and pepper to taste.
