Kamil Perry
Blue cheese is a distinctive and flavourful cheese that is often positioned as the strongest selection on a cheeseboard. It is made by heating cow, sheep, goat, or non-dairy milk and adding cultures, including Penicillium roqueforti or glaucum, and rennet. The whey is then drained, and the curds are formed into wheels or other shapes and pierced with long needles to allow oxygen to circulate inside, facilitating the growth of the mould spores. Blue cheese is often described as pungent and crumbly, with a sharp, salty taste. Interestingly, some blue cheeses, such as Deer Creek Cheese's Blue Jay, are noted for their buttery quality. Additionally, blue cheese can be combined with butter to create a compound butter that enhances the flavour of dishes such as steak, corn, and vegetables. This compound butter can be made by mixing softened butter with blue cheese crumbles, lemon juice, and seasonings. The ratio of blue cheese to butter can be adjusted based on personal preference and the strength of the blue cheese.
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What You'll Learn
How to make blue cheese butter
Blue cheese butter is a simple yet delicious compound butter that can be used to elevate a variety of dishes. It is easy to make and is a great way to extend the life of blue cheese. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make blue cheese butter:
Ingredients:
- Butter (softened)
- Blue cheese (crumbled or at room temperature)
- Lemon juice (optional)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh herbs (optional): parsley, thyme, rosemary, chives, oregano, basil, or chervil
- Minced garlic (optional)
Instructions:
- Start by allowing the butter and blue cheese to come to room temperature. This will make them easier to work with and ensure a smooth, creamy texture. Aim for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
- Prepare your ingredients: crumble the blue cheese, chop any fresh herbs, and mince the garlic (if using).
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened butter and blue cheese, lemon juice (if using), salt, and pepper. You can also add your chosen fresh herbs and garlic at this stage for extra flavour.
- Using a whisk, a fork, or an electric mixer, mix all the ingredients until they are thoroughly combined. Be sure to leave some tiny chunks of blue cheese for added texture.
- Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, or add more blue cheese to your preference.
- Scoop the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface. Use the plastic wrap to shape the mixture into a log, pressing and forming it into a uniform shape.
- Chill the blue cheese butter log in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving. This will help it firm up and make it easier to slice.
- Store the blue cheese butter in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or slice and freeze for up to two months.
Serving Suggestions:
Blue cheese butter is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways:
- Melted over grilled steak, corn on the cob, or steamed vegetables
- As a spread on bread, crostini, or rye toast
- Mixed into mashed potatoes
- On top of popcorn
- As a dip for buffalo wings
Feel free to experiment and use your imagination! Blue cheese butter is a delicious and easy way to elevate your favourite dishes.
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The best types of blue cheese to use
Blue cheese is a polarising food—people either love it or hate it. If you fall into the former category, you'll want to use this compound blue cheese butter on everything!
When making blue cheese butter, you can use any blue cheese you prefer. The amount of blue cheese you use depends on its strength. The milder it is, the more you'll need, and the stronger it is, the less you'll need. Here are some blue cheese varieties you can use, along with tips on how to select the best cheese:
- Gorgonzola: This Italian cheese is known for its ultra-sharp, almost sour flavour and creamy texture. It's a popular choice for blue cheese butter, as it pairs well with steak, salads, and cheesecakes.
- Roquefort: A strong, salty, and pungent French cheese with a fruity, cheesy flavour. It's perfect for melting onto steak or mixing with milder cheeses for a cheese ball.
- Stilton: A rich, savoury, and creamy English cheese with a tangy flavour. It's a versatile choice that can be enjoyed on its own or used in cooking.
- Danish Blue: This cheese is rich, creamy, and extremely earthy, with a more mellow and savoury flavour than other blue cheeses. It's an excellent choice for adding to salads with fruits, such as grapes, celery, and walnuts.
- Cambozola: A crazy-creamy blend of Gorgonzola and Camembert, this German cheese is a favourite among blue cheese lovers.
- Rogue River Blue: This award-winning American cheese from Oregon is wrapped in grape leaves soaked in pear liquor. It's a great choice for those seeking a unique and creamy option.
When selecting blue cheese, avoid any with mould that is different colours or with a rind that has white mould. Soft cheese should smell almost like meat, while firmer cheese will have a nuttier aroma. If the cheese smells gamey or like ammonia, it's best to avoid it.
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How to store blue cheese butter
Blue cheese butter is a simple yet versatile recipe that can be used to top a variety of dishes, from grilled steak to steamed vegetables and corn on the cob. It is easy to make and can be stored in a few different ways, depending on your preference. Here is a guide on how to store blue cheese butter:
Preparing the Blue Cheese Butter for Storage:
Firstly, it is important to note that blue cheese butter should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. The container can be made of glass or plastic, but it must be sealed tightly to prevent air exposure and maintain freshness.
Before placing the blue cheese butter in the container, there are a few preparation steps to ensure optimal storage:
- Allow the blue cheese butter to come to room temperature if it has been stored in the refrigerator or freezer. This will make it easier to work with and prevent mess.
- Using a knife or spatula, spread the blue cheese butter evenly onto a piece of parchment paper, ensuring a thickness of approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch.
- Place the parchment paper with the butter onto a flat surface, such as a baking sheet or tray, that will fit in your freezer.
- Place the tray with the butter in the freezer until it is completely frozen solid. This step is crucial as it ensures the butter will be easy to portion and store without melting or becoming too soft.
- Once frozen, remove the butter from the freezer and cut it into desired portions using a sharp knife. You can cut it into cubes, sticks, or slices, depending on how you plan to use it.
Storing in the Refrigerator:
If you plan on using the blue cheese butter within a week, storing it in the refrigerator is a good option. Here's how to do it:
- Place the portioned butter into an airtight container, ensuring that the container is clean and dry.
- Seal the container tightly and label it with the date and contents.
- Store the container in the refrigerator, preferably at the back, where the temperature is more consistent.
- Consume the blue cheese butter within 5-7 days for the best quality and flavour.
Storing in the Freezer:
If you want to store the blue cheese butter for longer than a week, freezing is a great option. Here's how to do it:
- After portioning the butter, place the individual pieces into a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring they are well-wrapped or covered to prevent air exposure.
- Seal the container or bag tightly, removing as much air as possible, and label it with the date and contents.
- Store the blue cheese butter in the freezer for up to 2 months for the best quality. It can be stored for up to 6 months, but the flavour and texture may start to deteriorate.
- When ready to use, thaw the butter in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before use.
Tips for Storing Blue Cheese Butter:
- You can also store the blue cheese butter in pre-portioned sizes, such as in an ice cube tray, for easy use. Simply pop out a cube or two when needed and thaw them as required.
- If you plan to use the butter within a few days, you can store it in a wax paper wrapper in the refrigerator. This allows the butter to breathe while still providing some protection from air exposure.
- Always use clean utensils when handling the blue cheese butter, as contamination can affect its shelf life and quality.
- Blue cheese butter can also be used as a spread on crackers or bread, so you may want to consider storing it in a container that is easy to access for quick snacks or appetizers.
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Foods to serve with blue cheese butter
Blue cheese butter is a versatile condiment that can be served with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for foods to serve with blue cheese butter:
Steak
Blue cheese butter is a perfect pairing for a grilled steak. The sharpness of the blue cheese and the richness of the butter complement the juicy, savoury flavours of the steak. It can be melted on top of the steak or served as a generous pat on the side.
Vegetables
Blue cheese butter can also be used to enhance the flavour of vegetables. Try it melted on grilled corn on the cob, steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, or even mashed potatoes. The creamy, salty butter will add a new dimension to your veggies.
Pasta
Blue cheese butter can be a great addition to pasta dishes. Its strong flavour means a little goes a long way, so you can use it sparingly to add a punch of flavour to your pasta. Try it with walnuts, spinach and leeks for a tasty combination.
Salads
For a light option, blue cheese butter can be used as a dressing for salads. Its strong flavour will complement the freshness of the vegetables, especially when paired with bitter leaves like kale or chard. You can also add some sweetness to the salad with fruits like figs, apples or grapes.
Appetizers and Snacks
Blue cheese butter can be used as a delicious spread or dip for appetizers and snacks. Try it with toasted pecans, crackers, or even melted over freshly popped popcorn. It also goes well with buffalo wings, especially when served with extra butter for dipping!
With its unique flavour, blue cheese butter is a versatile ingredient that can be used to enhance a variety of dishes. So get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite pairings!
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Other ingredients to add to blue cheese butter
Blue cheese butter is a versatile compound butter that can be used on anything from roasted vegetables to pasta to steak. It can be made with just two ingredients: butter and blue cheese. However, you can add several other ingredients to enhance the flavour and make it even more delicious. Here are some ideas for other ingredients to add to your blue cheese butter:
Herbs
Fresh herbs can add a lot of flavour to your blue cheese butter. Some great options include parsley, thyme, rosemary, chives, oregano, basil, dill, tarragon, or sage. You can experiment with different combinations of herbs to find your favourite flavour profile.
Garlic
Finely minced or crushed garlic is another popular addition to blue cheese butter. It adds a pungent, savoury kick that pairs well with the sharpness of the blue cheese. If you're a garlic lover, don't hold back!
Spices and Seasonings
Onion salt and mustard are just the beginning when it comes to spices and seasonings you can add to your blue cheese butter. You could also try smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, or even a pinch of nutmeg for a subtle sweet and spicy flavour.
Meat
For an extra indulgent treat, try adding some crispy bacon bits to your blue cheese butter. This combination is perfect for topping a juicy steak or a baked potato. If you're feeling adventurous, you could also experiment with other types of cured meats or sausages.
Cheese
While blue cheese is the star of this compound butter, you can also mix in other types of cheese to create unique flavour profiles. Try sharp cheddar, creamy mozzarella, or tangy feta for a truly decadent treat.
Citrus
A squeeze of lemon juice can add a bright, tangy note to your blue cheese butter. It helps to balance the richness of the butter and the sharpness of the cheese. You could also experiment with other citrus juices or zests, such as orange or lime.
Remember, the beauty of compound butter is that you can make it your own. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and combinations to find your perfect flavour profile. Happy cooking!
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Frequently asked questions
Blue cheese butter is a compound butter made by mixing blue cheese with butter. It is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be used on anything from grilled steak to steamed vegetables.
To make blue cheese butter, you will need butter, blue cheese, and optionally, some fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, rosemary, or chives, and garlic. You can also add some lemon juice to enhance the flavour. The butter and blue cheese should be at room temperature so they are soft. Combine them in a bowl with a fork or whisk, and add the other ingredients. You can then roll the mixture into a log using plastic wrap and chill it for a couple of hours before serving.
The amount of blue cheese you need depends on its strength and your personal preference. The milder the blue cheese, the more you will need, and vice versa.
Blue cheese butter will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or up to 6 months in the freezer.
