Andy Montoya
Blue cheese is known for its crumbly texture and bold, salty flavour. When heated, it softens and becomes creamy, making it a great addition to cooked dishes. It can be melted into a sauce or used in grilled cheese sandwiches, and it pairs particularly well with steak. Blue cheese can also be used in desserts, adding depth to sweet dishes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meltability | Blue cheese does not melt as easily as other types of cheese due to its moisture content. However, when heated, it can soften and become creamy. |
| Texture | Blue cheese has a crumbly texture, but it can become soft and creamy when melted. |
| Flavour | Blue cheese has a distinct, bold, and salty flavour that can add depth to dishes. |
| Uses | Blue cheese can be melted and used in grilled cheese sandwiches, sauces for steak or pasta, desserts, and salads. |
| Varieties | Gorgonzola, Cashel blue, Buttermilk blue, and Maytag blue are some popular varieties. Gorgonzola is especially creamy and not as pungent as other blue cheeses. |
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What You'll Learn
Melting blue cheese on steak
Blue cheese is known for its crumbly texture and distinctive flavour. When heated, it softens and becomes slightly creamy, making it a great addition to cooked dishes. Melting blue cheese on steak is a popular way to add an extra shot of flavour to your meat.
To make the perfect blue cheese steak, start by seasoning your steak generously with salt and pepper. If you're using a bone-in rib-eye, you can also try salting the meat and leaving it uncovered in the refrigerator for 24 hours before cooking. Let it sit at room temperature for an hour, then re-season with salt and pepper before placing it on the grill.
Get your grill as hot as possible. If you're using charcoal, use a "chimney"-type device to light it. Line the bottom of half of the grill with one layer of briquettes, fill the chimney to the top, and wait for the coals to be ready before dumping them on the unlit briquettes. Wait 10 minutes, then place your steaks on the hottest part of the grill. For a thick steak, you may want to use a combination of direct and indirect heat to prevent burning while keeping the inside juicy.
Cook the steaks for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Then, move them to indirect heat and sprinkle crumbled blue cheese over the top. Cover and continue cooking for another 2-5 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness. For a rare steak, pull the meat at 125 degrees Fahrenheit.
Let the steaks rest on a cutting board, loosely covered with foil, for about 10 minutes. While they rest, stir together some butter, chives, and hot sauce, and pour this mixture over the steaks before serving. You can also serve extra blue cheese on the side or a blue cheese salad dressing.
Your blue cheese steak will be mouth-wateringly delicious and is best enjoyed with a glass of robust red wine, such as a California cabernet sauvignon or a sturdy sangiovese like Brunello di Montalcino.
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Blue cheese sauce for pasta
Blue cheese is a great ingredient to add a distinct flavour and creaminess to your pasta. Here is a simple blue cheese sauce recipe that can be made in 30 minutes and used for a variety of pasta dishes.
Ingredients:
- Blue Cheese
- Butter
- Parsley
- Salt
- Pasta
- Walnuts (optional)
- Cream (optional)
- Cornstarch (optional)
- Onion (optional)
- Garlic (optional)
Method:
Start by boiling a pot of salted water and cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, but make sure to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. In a separate pan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the cooked pasta to the pan and stir to coat the noodles. Slowly add the blue cheese, stirring continuously so that the cheese melts. You can also add a little pasta water to thin out the sauce and prevent the noodles from clumping together. Once the cheese has melted, stir in the parsley and salt to taste.
Variations:
You can add walnuts to the sauce for a crunchy texture and earthy flavour. For a thicker, richer sauce, add some cream and, if you have the time, let the sauce thicken. If you are short on time, you can add cornstarch to thicken the sauce. For added flavour, cook some onions and garlic before adding the cream and blue cheese.
Serving Suggestions:
This blue cheese sauce can be used for a variety of pasta dishes. It goes well with long pasta, such as fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti, but it can also be used with penne or fusilli. You can serve it with chicken, salmon, bacon, or tomatoes. For a vegetarian option, add some grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach.
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Blue cheese in a grilled cheese sandwich
Blue cheese is a great addition to grilled cheese sandwiches. While blue cheese is known for its crumbly texture and doesn't melt as easily as some other cheeses, it can still be melted and used in grilled cheese sandwiches. In fact, mild blue cheese can add a sophisticated depth of flavour to the sandwich.
There are a few tips to keep in mind when making a grilled cheese sandwich with blue cheese. Firstly, it is recommended to shred the cheese into delicate strips, as this allows the cheese to melt more evenly and thoroughly. Freezing soft blue cheeses for about 15 minutes before grating them can make the grating process easier and help achieve a better melt.
One recipe for a grilled cheese sandwich with blue cheese suggests using sharp Vermont white cheddar, Parmesan Reggiano, and blue cheese. To make this sandwich, start by melting butter in a skillet. Place two slices of bread in the butter and top with white cheddar, followed by Parmesan, and then crumble blue cheese over the top. Add more white cheddar and place the second slice of bread on top. Cover and cook until the bottom slice is golden brown, then flip, cover, and cook the other side. Serve with kettle chips, soup, or by itself.
Another recipe idea for a blue cheese grilled cheese sandwich is to pair it with apple. This sandwich can be cooked in a similar way to the one described above, grilling both sides until golden brown before serving.
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Blue cheese as a dessert ingredient
Blue cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in both savoury and sweet dishes. While it is commonly used in salads, sandwiches, burgers, and pizzas, blue cheese can also be a delicious dessert ingredient. Its tangy and savoury flavour adds depth to a variety of sweet dishes.
One unique way to incorporate blue cheese into a dessert is by making blue cheese ice cream. This dessert option may sound unconventional, but it is a tasty treat, especially for those who enjoy the distinct flavour of blue cheese. The salty and sweet combination of blue cheese ice cream pairs well with various accompaniments, such as tannic red wines, sherry, apples, poached pears, or blackberries. For a creative twist, consider serving it with a slice of cheesecake to embrace the two-cheese approach to dessert. The unexpected chunks of blue cheese floating in the ice cream provide a textural contrast and a flavour kick that elevates the dessert experience.
Blue cheese can also be used to create sweet appetizers or desserts such as Blue Cheese, Bacon, and Candied Pecan Puff Pastry Bites. The combination of salty, sweet, and tangy flavours in these bite-sized treats makes for an intriguing and satisfying dessert option. Additionally, a savoury walnut bread filled with bacon bits and blue cheese dressing, served with honey-flavoured butter, offers a delightful contrast of sweet and savoury flavours that can be enjoyed as a dessert or appetizer.
For those who enjoy the classic pairing of pears and blue cheese, a simple pear and blue cheese focaccia is a delightful option. The sweetness of caramelized onions and the tanginess of the blue cheese create a harmonious flavour combination. Another creative dessert idea is grilled apples with blue cheese, walnuts, and a balsamic dressing. This dessert combines the sweetness of grilled apples with the salty, savoury notes of blue cheese and walnuts, resulting in a unique and indulgent treat.
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Melting blue cheese on vegetables
Blue cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, including those with vegetables. While it is known for its crumbly texture, blue cheese can be melted and added to vegetables in several ways to create delicious and creamy dishes.
One way to incorporate melted blue cheese into a vegetable dish is to use it as a sauce or cream. Start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped vegetables such as onions or shallots and cook until softened. Then, stir in crumbled blue cheese, mashing it with a fork to create a paste. Mix in heavy cream and heat the mixture until just before it boils. Season with freshly ground black pepper and serve immediately. This creamy sauce can be poured over steamed vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower, enhancing their flavour with the sharp and pungent taste of blue cheese.
Another way to enjoy melted blue cheese with vegetables is to create a grilled cheese dish. For a unique twist on the classic comfort food, layer sliced vegetables like zucchini, tomatoes, or eggplant with crumbled blue cheese between slices of bread. Grill the sandwich in a panini press or on a griddle until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. The warm, oozing blue cheese will blend beautifully with the vegetables, creating a satisfying and flavourful meal.
Melted blue cheese can also be used as a topping or dip for vegetables. Simply melt the blue cheese in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it becomes a smooth and creamy consistency. Drizzle the melted cheese over roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or potatoes for an indulgent side dish. Alternatively, serve the melted blue cheese as a dip for raw vegetables like celery, carrots, or bell peppers. The tanginess of the blue cheese will complement the crispness of the raw vegetables, making for a tasty and nutritious snack.
When melting blue cheese, it's important to note that it may not melt as easily as other cheeses due to its moisture content. However, with gentle heat and some patience, it will soften and become slightly creamy. The distinct flavour and creaminess of melted blue cheese can enhance the taste of vegetables, making it a worthwhile addition to your culinary repertoire.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, blue cheese can be melted. Blue cheese has a soft texture and melts quickly and completely, especially when served over hot pasta.
Melted blue cheese can be used in a variety of ways, including grilled cheese, as a topping for steak, or as a sauce for pasta.
When melting blue cheese, it is important to use a sturdy variety of cheese and to heat it gently over low heat. Additionally, adding a few more crumbles of blue cheese can help thicken the sauce if it becomes too runny.
