Andy Montoya
Blue cheese is a beloved ingredient for many, with its distinct look and flavour. It is often used in salads, dressings, and dips, but can also be added to sandwiches. Blue cheese dip is a popular side dish for wings and onion rings in American restaurants, and it is also served as an appetizer with celery, carrots, and bread. The dip is typically made with sour cream, mayonnaise, buttermilk, lemon juice, green onions, garlic, and pepper, and of course, blue cheese. While blue cheese is commonly used in dips and dressings, some may find it unusual to have it on a sandwich. This could be due to its strong flavour, texture, or simply because it is not as commonly associated with sandwiches as other condiments. So, is it weird to put blue cheese dip on a sandwich? The answer may depend on individual preferences, cultural norms, and the specific sandwich in question.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Blue cheese dip on sandwiches | Common and versatile |
| Blue cheese dip recipes | Varied, including mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, garlic, green onions, lemon juice, pepper, poppy seeds, sugar, vinegar, chives, Greek yoghurt, sherry vinegar, horseradish, cream cheese, honey, oil, and Worcestershire sauce |
| Blue cheese | Expensive, made with cow, goat, or sheep's milk, and aged with cultures of the Penicillium mold |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese dip recipes
Blue cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to sandwiches. It is a type of aged cheese that is produced mainly in France, Great Britain, Italy, and Germany. While it can be expensive, you can find locally made alternatives that are more affordable and still pack a punch of flavour.
Basic Blue Cheese Dip
This recipe is a good base that can be adjusted to your taste. It uses a combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, and blue cheese as its base. You can add in garlic, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds to enhance the flavour. If you want a thinner consistency, you can add milk. This dip is best served after being chilled in the refrigerator.
Creamy Blue Cheese Dip
For a creamier version, you can use Greek yoghurt or sour cream as the base. Add in crumbled blue cheese, chives or green onion, fresh garlic, and season with salt and pepper. This dip is perfect for those who want a lighter option and can be served immediately or after a brief rest to enhance the flavours.
Spicy Blue Cheese Dip
If you like a kick to your dip, you can add some hot sauce, such as Tabasco, or horseradish to the basic recipe. A dash of vinegar and sugar can also add a nice tang. For a thicker consistency, omit the milk and use Greek yoghurt instead of sour cream.
Blue Cheese and Feta Dip
For a different flavour profile, you can substitute half of the blue cheese with feta cheese. This creates a dip that is still savoury but with a milder cheese flavour. Serve this dip with raw vegetables like celery, carrot, and bell pepper.
These recipes are versatile and can be adjusted to your taste preferences. Blue cheese dip is a great addition to sandwiches, wraps, or as a side with raw vegetables or chicken wings.
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Blue cheese dip food pairings
Blue cheese dip is a versatile condiment that can be paired with a variety of foods, including sandwiches, wraps, burgers, and crackers. Here are some specific food pairings to consider:
Vegetables
Blue cheese dip is often served with raw or lightly cooked vegetables, such as celery, carrot, bell pepper, and cauliflower. It can also be paired with green onions, garlic, and lemon juice to add a subtle oniony flavour. For a healthier option, serve the dip with raw vegetables like celery, carrot, and bell pepper sticks.
Fruits
The strong flavour of blue cheese dip can be balanced by the sweetness of fruits. Try pairing the dip with apple and pear slices, or even peach and avocado in a salad.
Proteins
Blue cheese dip goes well with proteins such as chicken and beef. It can be used as a dipping sauce for chicken wings or strips, or served as a sauce with fried chicken. It also pairs well with toasted pecans.
Carbohydrates
In addition to sandwiches, blue cheese dip can be paired with crackers or breadsticks. For a heartier option, try it on a burger or a wrap.
Cheese
Blue cheese dip can be served as part of a cheese board, offering a tangy contrast to other cheeses.
Sandwiches
For an innovative sandwich combination, try pairing blue cheese dip with cold, smoky cold cuts and fruit jams, such as smoked ham and fig preserve.
The key to successful pairings with blue cheese dip is to balance the strong, tangy flavour of the blue cheese with complementary flavours and textures. Experiment with different ingredients and recipes to find the combinations you enjoy the most.
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Blue cheese cost
Blue cheese is one of the most expensive types of cheese per pound. The cost of blue cheese varies depending on the brand and the retailer. For example, the price of blue cheese sold by Fairway Market ranges from $1.00 per ounce to $22.99 per pound. The price of blue cheese can also depend on where it is produced, as the United States is not a leading producer of blue cheese, so imported varieties may be more expensive.
Blue cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep's milk and is aged with cultures of the Penicillium mold. The distinct look and flavour of blue cheese are favoured by cheese lovers around the world, with the best blue cheeses typically coming from Europe. France, Great Britain, Italy, and Germany are the top producers of this type of cheese.
The price of blue cheese can also depend on the type of milk used, the aging process, and the brand or manufacturer. Some varieties of blue cheese, such as the Cashel Blue Irish Farmhouse Cheese, tend to be more expensive due to their specific production methods or region of origin.
When purchasing blue cheese, it is important to consider the purpose for which it will be used. For example, if blue cheese is a key ingredient in a recipe, it may be worth investing in a higher-quality variety to enhance the flavour of the dish. On the other hand, if blue cheese is being used as a topping or garnish, a less expensive option may be more cost-effective.
It is also worth noting that the price of blue cheese can vary depending on the retailer and the availability of the product. Some stores may offer discounts or promotions on blue cheese, especially around holidays or special occasions. Additionally, buying blue cheese in bulk or from specialty cheese shops may result in a more cost-effective option for those who regularly consume or use blue cheese in their cooking.
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Blue cheese taste
Blue cheese is made with blue mould, which gives it its distinctive taste and appearance. The mould is usually Penicillium, which is intentionally introduced during the cheese-making process. The blue or green veins that run through the cheese are created by this mould. The texture and taste of blue cheese vary depending on the type of cheese and the ageing process. In general, blue cheese has a sharp, salty taste with a noticeable "blue" or "mouldy" character. Some varieties can be slightly sweet, while others are more savoury or earthy.
The most popular types of blue cheese include Gorgonzola from Italy, Stilton from England, Roquefort from France, Danish Blue Cheese, and Bleuchâtel from Switzerland. The texture of blue cheese can range from firm to soft and creamy. Gorgonzola Dolce, for example, has a soft texture and a slightly salty taste, while Picante has a harder texture and a spicier flavour due to its longer maturation period.
Roquefort is considered the most prestigious blue cheese. It is the oldest type of blue cheese and is made from sheep's milk, which gives it a unique sweet taste. It has a rich, creamy, and crumbly texture with a robust and complex flavour, combining salty, tangy, and slightly sweet notes.
Blue cheese dips or spreads are often made with a combination of blue cheese, sour cream or Greek yoghurt, mayonnaise, milk, garlic, onion or chives, and various seasonings. These dips can be served with raw vegetables, crackers, breadsticks, or sandwiches. Some people also use blue cheese dip as a sauce for meats, such as buffalo wings, or as a salad dressing.
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Blue cheese health benefits
Blue cheese is a popular cheese variety with a strong, pungent smell and a sour taste. It is produced using a type of mould called Penicillium roqueforti, which is mixed with milk to initiate the fermentation process. Despite being mouldy, blue cheese is non-toxic and safe for human consumption.
Blue cheese is rich in nutrients and offers a variety of health benefits. Here are some of the health benefits of blue cheese:
Bone Health
Blue cheese is an excellent source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining healthy bones. Calcium helps to increase bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. It also plays a crucial role in forming tooth enamel, the hard outer surface of the teeth, which protects them from extreme temperatures and helps maintain dental health.
Cardiovascular Health
Blue cheese contains a compound called spermidine, which has been linked to potential anti-ageing properties and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Spermidine is believed to positively affect cardiac muscle cells and other components of the cardiovascular system. Additionally, blue cheese has been found to lower cholesterol levels and prevent blood clotting and arterial inflammation.
Immune System
Blue cheese is rich in vitamins and minerals that support the immune system. It may also help reduce inflammation and ease arthritis symptoms.
Cognitive Functioning
Consuming blue cheese may offer benefits for cognitive health.
Gut Health
Studies suggest that blue cheese may help manage levels of visceral fat around the abdominal area and promote gut health.
While blue cheese offers these health benefits, it should be consumed in moderation due to its high-fat content, particularly saturated fats, high sodium levels, and calories. It can increase the risk of high cholesterol and is not suitable for those with lactose intolerance or allergies to penicillin or mould.
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Frequently asked questions
Not at all! Blue cheese dip is a versatile condiment that can be used on sandwiches, burgers, wraps, and even as a dip for chicken wings.
Blue cheese dip is known for its tangy, sharp, and salty flavor. The dip is often described as creamy and irresistible.
There are many ways to make blue cheese dip, and you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. A simple recipe includes blue cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, buttermilk, lemon juice, green onions, garlic, and pepper. Some variations include adding poppy seeds, sugar, vinegar, or honey.
Blue cheese dip is a great condiment to have with vegetables like celery, carrot, and bell pepper sticks. It also goes well with crackers, breadsticks, or chips. For a heartier option, serve it with chicken wings, burgers, or sandwiches.
