Filet Mignon And Cheese: The Perfect Pairing

Filet mignon is a cut of beef that is known for its tenderness. It is usually 2-3 inches thick and has a mild flavour. When it comes to deciding what cheese to pair with filet mignon, blue cheese is a classic choice. The rich and decadent steak is complemented by the tang and creaminess of the blue cheese. For a truly indulgent experience, try seared filet mignon with blue cheese butter. Other cheese options to consider when serving filet mignon include sharp white cheddar, aged Swiss cheese, smoked provolone, and Gruyere.

Blue cheese butter

Blue cheese is a classic pairing with filet mignon. The rich and decadent steak is perfectly complemented by the tang and creaminess of the blue cheese butter. This combination is a foolproof way to make your dinner feel extra fancy.

To make blue cheese butter, you will need: 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1/3 cup of crumbled blue cheese, and 2 tablespoons of chopped herbs such as parsley, thyme, basil, or chives. Simply mash and stir all the ingredients together until they are combined and creamy. You can make this ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few days.

When cooking your filet mignon, it is recommended to use a cast-iron skillet. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, and heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Season your steaks with salt and pepper, and then add butter to the skillet. Sear each side of the steak for about 2 minutes, until deeply golden brown.

Once seared, place the skillet in the oven and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes for medium doneness. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak, so it is best to use a meat thermometer to determine the internal temperature. For a rare steak, you want an internal temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit, while medium-rare is 125 to 130 degrees, medium is 135 to 140 degrees, and medium-well is 145 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit.

Let the steak rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Top your filet mignon with a scoop of blue cheese butter about 2 minutes before serving, so the butter has a chance to melt slightly.

This combination of seared filet mignon and blue cheese butter is truly divine and is sure to impress!

Sharp white cheddar

Filet Mignon and Sharp White Cheddar: A Match Made in Heaven

Filet mignon is a luxurious cut of meat, known for its tenderness and flavour. To elevate this dish, a sharp white cheddar is the perfect pairing.

The Cheese

Cheddar cheese, named after the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England, is a hard, natural cheese with a sharp, pungent flavour. The "sharpness" of cheddar is associated with higher levels of bitter peptides, creating a more intense, mature taste. White cheddar, also known as Vermont cheddar, is a variety that does not contain annatto, a colouring agent that gives cheddar its distinctive yellow-orange hue.

The Dish

When it comes to filet mignon, a seared steak is a classic preparation. The steak is seasoned with salt and pepper and cooked to perfection, with a rare to medium-rare centre. For an extra indulgent touch, top the steak with a pat of blue cheese butter, which will melt into a creamy, tangy sauce.

To incorporate the sharp white cheddar, try a recipe that suggests wrapping the filet mignon in thin slices of bacon and stuffing it with cheese. This creates a mouthwatering combination of juicy steak, smoky bacon, and gooey, sharp cheddar. The bacon and cheese also help keep the meat moist and tender.

Alternatively, serve your filet mignon with a side of fried onions and sharp cheddar. Simply fry onion rings in a batter until golden and crispy, and melt sliced cheddar on top of the cooked steaks.

A Perfect Pairing

The sharpness of the white cheddar beautifully complements the rich, juicy filet mignon. The cheese adds a savoury, pungent note to the dish, enhancing the overall flavour profile. This pairing is a delightful way to indulge in a special meal, impressing your guests or treating yourself to a decadent dining experience.

So, the next time you're planning a special occasion meal, remember the magic combination of filet mignon and sharp white cheddar!

Creamy blue cheese

A popular way to serve filet mignon with blue cheese is to create a blue cheese butter, which can be melted on top of the steak or served on the side as a topping. To make blue cheese butter, simply mix crumbled blue cheese with softened butter, and add in some herbs such as parsley, thyme, basil or chives. This can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge.

For a full meal, serve your filet mignon with blue cheese and a side of roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli or roasted red peppers. If you want to go the extra mile, you could even make a steak charcuterie board, with the filet mignon, blue cheese, bread, crackers, vegetables and condiments.

For a special occasion, or a date night, filet mignon with creamy blue cheese is a great choice, as it is a decadent and luxurious meal that is sure to impress.

Steak charcuterie board

A steak charcuterie board is a great way to elevate date night or a dinner party. It combines the best of a steak dinner and a cheese board, all on one plate! Here's a guide to help you create an epic steak charcuterie board:

Ingredients:

• Steak: Choose your favourite steak or go with a budget-friendly option. Some popular choices include Tomahawk Steak, Filet Mignon, Ribeye, New York Strip, and Top Sirloin.
• Cheese: Select 2-3 different types of cheese with a variety of textures. Go for a combination of soft, semi-soft, semi-hard, and hard cheeses. Some recommended options are Blue Cheese, Smoked Gouda, Jarlsberg, Manchego, Provolone, Comte, Asiago, Aged Cheddar, Irish Cheddar, and Parmesan.
• Cured Meat: Include one type of cured meat such as salami, prosciutto, peppered salami, serrano ham, or pancetta.
• Fruits & Nuts: Use fruits and nuts to fill in any empty spaces on the board. For a savoury board, dried fruits or fresh figs, grapes, pomegranates, dried cherries, or cranberries are good options. As for nuts, try cashews, candied pecans, raw almonds, pistachios, or pecans.
• Condiments: Choose 3-5 condiments to add flavour to your board. Stone-ground mustard, honey, fig jam, truffle salt, pesto, olive tapenades, and chimichurri sauce are all great choices.
• Bread & Crackers: Toasted baguettes, multigrain crackers, water crackers, breadsticks, or baked crispy pita chips will provide a crunchy element to your board.
• Vegetables: You don't need many vegetables, but some classics like olives, marinated artichokes, roasted red peppers, grilled mushrooms, or roasted Brussels sprouts are always a good addition.

Assembly:

• Place your condiments and vegetables in ramekins and arrange them on the board.
• After cooking your steak, let it rest, then slice it and place the slices in groupings on the board.
• Assemble your cheese (both cut and uncut) in between the steak slices and ramekins.
• Add your bread and crackers to the board. Don't worry about making it perfect or overly organised.
• Unwrap your cured meat and place it in various spots on the board, adding a pop of colour where needed.
• Finally, fill in any open spots on the board with the fruit and nuts. There's no particular order to this step; just make the board look full and bountiful!

Wine Pairing:

To complete your steak charcuterie board experience, pair it with a nice glass of wine. Some recommended options include Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, or a full-bodied red wine to complement the richness of the steak and cheese.

Grilled cheese sandwich

A classic grilled cheese sandwich is a warm and gooey treat that is beloved by kids and adults alike. When paired with filet mignon, it becomes an indulgent and luxurious meal. Here is a step-by-step guide to creating the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich to accompany your filet mignon.

Ingredients:

• Bread: Choose a loaf of white bread from the deli section or select your favourite type of bread.
• Cheese: Opt for a sharp, flavourful cheese like sharp white cheddar, aged Swiss cheese, smoked Provolone, or Gruyere.
• Steak: Use leftover filet mignon or grill a fresh one. The steak should be cooked to medium-rare or medium and thinly sliced.
• Butter: Use salted butter and spread it on the outside of each slice of bread.

Marinating the Steak:

If you are grilling a fresh steak, marinating it beforehand will add extra flavour. Combine ingredients such as vegetable or canola oil, Worcestershire sauce, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, orange juice, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in a large zip-top bag. Add the steak, seal the bag, and refrigerate for about 4 hours.

Grilling the Steak:

Prepare your grill to a two-temperature zone, with the hot zone set to a high temperature of around 425°-450°F. Remove the steaks from the marinade and place them over direct heat. Sear for about 4 minutes on each side to get a nice crust. Then, move the steaks to the cool side of the grill and cook them to your desired doneness. For the best results, cook tougher steaks no more than medium. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.

Assembling the Sandwich:

Spread butter on the outside of each slice of bread. Place the slices butter-side down on a flat grill basket or pan. Evenly distribute the sliced cheese over each slice of bread. Spread the steak slices on half of the bread slices. If desired, you can also add some sliced vegetables, such as grilled mushrooms or roasted red peppers. Place the grill basket or pan on the cooler side of the grill, avoiding direct fire. Cover with a lid and let the cheese melt. Once the cheese is melted, place the slice of bread without steak on top of the other slice, gently pressing them together. Continue cooking until the outside is golden brown and all the cheese is melted.

Serving Suggestions:

These grilled cheese sandwiches pair well with a variety of sides. Try grilled zucchini, mushrooms, broccoli, or buttery grilled potatoes. A simple side salad or a bowl of soup can also complement the sandwich nicely. If you're looking for a sauce, classic BBQ sauce, Whiskey BBQ Sauce, or tangy White BBQ Sauce will add a tasty kick.

Frequently asked questions